There’s no better way to test your flexibility and core strength than a pole dance class.
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Ataley Yoga and Aerial was opened five years ago by Julz Chua, as she wanted her own space to train and work on her pole skills.
Julz has spent the last nine years training in pole and teaches yoga classes at the studio, and she said learning pole has made her feel more confident.
“I just really like that you always felt supported and you feel more comfortable in your own skin,” Julz said.
“You have to strip down to sportswear and shorts, so you need to feel comfortable.”
Her studio was designed to be a welcoming, safe space where people of all skill levels feel supported.
The Titanic
Photo by
Megan Fisher
The studio works in eight-week terms with six terms running a year, with classes available for all skill levels.
The studio has eight instructors, including Laura Coyne, who was originally a student at the studio but has now been teaching her own classes these last two years.
“I’ve been here for probably four years,” she said.
“My sister was taking classes, and I thought it looked like fun.
“Then Julz asked me to become an instructor two years ago.”
For beginners, they recommend you turn up in shorts and a T-shirt; the more exposed skin, the better.
“A lot of people come in leggings,” Julz said.
“You’ve got to use your skin to grip the pole, and I feel like no-one ever considers this when they first start,” Laura said.
The Libellula
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Beginner classes will go over all the basics to get you used to the pole and how to safely do the tricks. Laura and Julz said you don’t need any strength or flexibility capabilities beforehand, as you will work on that in class.
“You’ll be sore afterwards,” Julz said.
“But it’s a lot of fun.”
“Yeah, I’m not naturally very flexible,” Laura said.
“I’m not very motivated to work on it outside of when I’m here in the classroom, but since being here, my flexibility has definitely improved, my balance too.”
The Martini
Photo by
Megan Fisher
As the term goes on, you’ll learn new tricks on the pole and build and develop your core strength, muscles and flexibility. Laura said she loved seeing her students progress from beginners to higher levels of pole dance.
“It’s exciting to see them grow,” Laura said.
“One of my students always said she has a very low pain threshold and said, ‘I’m never going to be able to take my hands off. I’m never going to be able to sit in these grip points,’ and I just kept pushing, just a little bit.
“But now she’s a term and a half in, and she’s doing all this stuff like inverting and holding her tricks hands free, it’s exciting.
“It’s nice just working with people and seeing them progress.”
Ataley Yoga and Aerial are open every weeknight from 5pm to 9pm.
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