Since recreational pole dancing is relatively new, pole dance does not have standard levels across the whole industry. Instead, class levels are slightly different at every pole studio. At Pole + Dance, we let you choose what level classes to take, rather than making you take specific classes or take a test to “graduate” to the next level. We’ve tried to make this easy by listing prerequisites for each level in class descriptions.

Prerequisites just mean "skills we expect you to know when you come to class". They're not rules, they're guidelines. Your instructor uses them to keep you safe and help everyone learn at the same pace.

Prerequisites usually look like a short list of skills. For example: 

• Ability to climb to the top of the pole

• Pole sit

• Supine inversion to leg hang

If you're not familiar with a prerequisite skill for a class you want to take, just ask an instructor to show it to you! You can always request skills that you want to learn in class, too. If you're not sure if you can safely perform a prerequisite skill, ask an instructor to help you try.

If you come to studio pole from the strip club, you might need to ask an instructor to show you the prerequisite skills for each level. It's possible that you can already do them, but you don't know their "studio names.

You can always take multiple levels of classes at one time. It’s a great idea to continue working on foundational skills, even if you’re also taking more advanced classes. Refining the foundations will make the advanced skills feel easier and look smoother.