Question 1

Who can attend pole classes?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely anyone can attend pole classes regardless of age, gender, size, or fitness level. Our only restriction at Icarus is our regular timetable is R18. We have a Junior Pole timetable tailored to suit students between 13-17 years old.

The skills and strengths required for pole dancing are taught during class, so no experience is necessary for any of our beginner classes. If you’re concerned about your starting position - the Beginner Block Course is going to be perfect for you.

Question 2

Do I need to be fit or flexible to start?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! Pole fitness will help you build your strength, fitness, and flexibility. We welcome students from all backgrounds, even those with no prior sports experience.

Pole fitness incorporates a diverse range of skills and you may take easily to some aspects of pole, which may not be the same aspects as your classmates. We all learn in different ways and at different rates. Pole is a sport you can make entirely your own based on your personal preferences and what you hope to gain from attending classes. At Icarus Pole Fitness we strive to provide an atmosphere where you can learn and develop your own style.

Question 3

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

First and foremost, we want students to be comfortable. Training in active wear such as a singlet and short bike shorts (or ones that can comfortably be rolled up without cutting off circulation) is an ideal starting point. Otherwise, whatever you have in your wardrobe that you could wear to the gym.

To effectively train pole, a certain level of skin is required to be exposed for grip. Key points for beginners are your shins, backs of your knees, upper thighs, and armpits. For those wanting to stay more clothed there is "grippy" clothing designed for pole that can keep you covered from ankle to wrist, though we note this can be expensive and people usually want to make sure they're enjoying pole before investing in items such as these. Level 1 classes can accommodate some more clothing coverage until you are comfortable.

Question 4

How do I book a class?

Accepted Answer

You can book your classes through our website. First, create an account and choose a pricing plan that suits you. Once you’ve purchased a plan, you can book a class using your account. For courses, book directly through the course page after creating an account.

Question 5

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Studio Location: We are located in a basement unit underneath the street-front shops at B2/65-67 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. There is no access from the street-front and there is no student parking down the driveway. Please walk down the driveway between The Good Home and The Gelato Workshop (83 Birkenhead Ave), at the very bottom of the driveway turn right and we are the first unit on the right.
 
Public Transport: There are bus stops at the top of our driveway. The stops are “Highbury Shops”, stop numbers 3901 and 4030.

Question 6

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

The studio does not have any allocated student parking. There are many free parks on the street, as well as the shopping center across the road. Please take note of any parking restrictions. The parking down the driveway is for local businesses and you will be fined by an external company if you stay longer than 10 minutes.

Question 7

I'm running late!

Accepted Answer

We ask that all students aim to arrive five minutes before the start of class. If you are more than ten minutes late you will have missed the warmup and it is not safe for you to train, or fair on the other students for the instructor to split their time. Arriving more than ten minutes late will forfeit the class and our cancellation policy will apply.

Question 8

What's your booking and cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

You can book into evening classes up until 4hrs before the class start time. Saturday morning classes cut off at 8pm the night before and require minimum numbers to run. You can amend or cancel your booking up until the booking cut-off time.If you would like to book a class after the cut-off, have difficulty with your booking, or need to cancel after this time, please contact the studio directly. We are understanding of emergent situations.

Question 9

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Please bring what you would normally bring to a gym. Essential items are a water bottle, a sweat towel, and on colder days - comfortable layers of clothing to keep you warm to and from the studio, and during warm up and cool down.

Question 10

How should I prepare before class?

Accepted Answer

Make sure you have stayed well nourished and hydrated throughout the day. We recommend not consuming too many sugary products right before class. Please do not apply moisturiser or similar lotions to your body the day of class (face is fine). As residue transfers from your skin to the pole, or as you start to sweat through the lotion, it can become too slippery to effectively train and/or provide spotting, and can be dangerous for both you and your instructor.

Question 11

What does my first class look like?

Accepted Answer

If you are going straight into a levelled class you might be a bit nervous about what you’re going to encounter.

So here’s a quick rundown:

Arrive 5-10 minutes before class to find parking (see “How do I get there?”). Head down to the Studio - walk down the driveway between The Good Home and The Gelato Workshop, at the very bottom of the driveway, turn right and we are the first unit on the right. Please be at the studio at least 5 minutes before class starts.

Enter through the main door or through the roller door if it is up. You will enter the reception area where there are chairs, bathroom/shower if you need to get changed, and our main desk where you can also pay by bank transfer or exact cash if needed. If there is a class currently underway please wait in the reception area until the instructor invites you in.

Head into the main studio and choose a pole. Keep your towel and water at the edge of the room near your pole and put your bag away in the cubby-holes to the side of the room. If you are wearing layers because of the weather, keep these on until you warm up.

Your instructor will introduce themselves and ask for a quick background on any previous experience and any injuries.

The instructor will follow a typical class structure consisting of a guided warm-up, pole training and conditioning, and then a cool-down. Various skills will be explored through the class, each time starting with a demonstration of the skill being taught, a verbal breakdown, and a run through together as you make your first attempts.

Students will be helped one on one by the instructor as needed. Don’t forget to practice both sides!

Water and bathrooms are available at any time. If you need a rest feel free to pause as needed. Depending on what moves you are doing you may be asked to get mats from the back of the class to put around the pole. You are also more than welcome to  grab a mat at any point during the lesson if you want one.

Towards the end of the lesson the instructor may ask existing students if there’s anything in particular they would like to work on. Don’t worry if you’re new! You will continue to be given instruction.

At the end of the class we clean the equipment - mats are wiped down and poles are cleaned with meths. The instructor will lead you in a cool down. This is also a good time to put layers back on.

Congratulations, you’ve just completed your first lesson!

Question 12

What is the structure of your classes?

Accepted Answer

Our classes are designed to be flexible and cater to individual progress. We focus on specific moves at each level with logical progression, but we don’t hold you back if you excel in certain areas. Some students are stronger, while others are more flexible, and you’ll achieve different moves at different times. We take your guidance on what you want to focus on and can help build a program if you’re working towards a specific goal. Level 1 classes are more instructor-driven to introduce you to pole fitness.

Question 13

Social Media

Accepted Answer

We love it when you share your Icarus Pole Fitness experience on social media! Please remember that not everyone in class will be comfortable doing so, so please get permission before posting anything with other students in the background or blur out your classmates. Tag us into everything!

Question 14

How do I download the app?

Accepted Answer

Download the "Fit by Wix" app to manage your account and bookings on the go. Use our invite code DIBDJQ if prompted.

Question 15

Is the Beginner Block Course compulsory?

Accepted Answer

The Beginner Block Course is not compulsory for new students. It is designed as an introduction to the basics and is an ideal starting point for those with no experience. If the course times / commitment isn't suitable, new students are more than welcome to join any of the Level 1 classes. We recommend purchasing the Intro Offer for those brand new to Icarus.