Berkeley Pole + Dance

I'm Amab and use he/they pronouns. My trans man friend and I weren't certain we would be welcome in a space that I assumed would be mostly a safe space for women. We'd both understand if that were the case! I was wrong. They are very inclusive and make it a safe space for everyone. Lots of genders, sexualities, skin colors, and body types here. Everyone seems to feel safe and sexy in the space! It's challenging but fun!

The most fun I've had in a minute!! I took the Pole Foundations (intro) class and got in a nice little workout. Really just being comfortable around the pole, engaging ALL the muscles and having a good time is what it's all about.The time to look stupid and learn new skills is now! Pole + Dance Studios is definitely the perfect environment for letting lose and feeling empowered by what your body can do. Even if you don't have the upper or lower body strength to get all the way up yet, just trying it out is half the fun!Small class, only four of us plus the teacher (we had Krista Smithers as a sub and she was excellent). Everyone's required to wear a mask AND show proof of vaccination at the door. Hot tip: create an account and sign up online. Much faster, you can see how many spots are left in a class and I doubt anyone wants to handle cash right now. Only $40 for drop in classes. Newbie to a studio deal is $80 for 3 classes taken within a month. Highly loved this location and recommend this class! Taking a few more Intro classes and definitely looking into the Active Flexibility classes (all levels) next!

Such a beautiful and creative way to step out of my comfort zone. I took my first ever pole class here with Fifi and she was amazing! You get amazing people that walk in n out these doors and also amazing people who run the place.Fifi made me feel super comfortable and reminded me that I could do it. My experience here overall was so positive that I am convinced I need to take more classes here. Please be aware of parking! This place is located in downtown Berkeley and Berkeley parking is super strict. There is timed and metered parking throughout the area - and this area is located on a busy street. If you're looking for a reason to learn pole dancing, this is your sign to get off ya ass and onto a pole! It's so much fun and challenging. Worth it!!

I've started pole dancing in 2017 and I've attended many different studios, but Berkeley Pole + Dance studio is definitely the best. The space is big and has great lighting. The community at the studio is great as well :) I usually attend Yoko's classes on Monday. She is really great at breaking down the moves and is super supportive of your progress. She is also always ready to spot you, which makes me feel really safe. It's nice to see familiar faces every week and getting to see each other's progress.They also have great specialty classes like Mae Mae's Thirsty Thursday class, which I would love to see more than just once a month. She is so sweet and supportive and brings sexiness to another level. Can't wait to attend more classes!

I attend classes at all of the Pole & Dance studios in the bay area, but Berkeley has a special vibe. Its a safe, open space with great lighting where you can really let it all go and have fun.I take Heels Choreography and Active Flexibility classes with Mae Mae and she is such a patient teacher. She takes the time to explain everything and make sure you're comfortable before moving on to the next thing (and if you cant do something, she will adapt for your ability).I have also made some great friends that I look forward to seeing weekly!

Cela is so amazing. I was gifted 3 classes for pole and dance and attended without expectation. The class was wonderfully paced and an incredible workout. Best of all though I felt so welcomed in the environment. I cannot say enough how comfortable Cela made me feel and how helpful she was. By the end I was excited for what's to come and truly can't wait to go back!

Went in for a private class on 2/25 and really didn't know what to expect. It was my first time and I was very reserved and nervous. I'm not a small woman so it was not an event I was looking forward too. That quickly changed when I met the instructor Ray. Ray was very welcoming and assuring. She was helpful when some of the moves were challenging and provided alternative ways of doing them so regardless of your level you could still have fun. She made you very comfortable and I ended up really enjoying myself. I still can't quit my day job and take this on full time but I'd definitely go back and learn some more tricks. The studio is very clean and cute inside which is always a plus. Lastly, it is a great work out !

This is a cool space but I have to say that the instructors really make great. Specifically, Fifi and Sahra are absolute favorites. Fifi will push you in all the best ways. Sahra creates the safest space for free expression. They're both amazing and silly.

Done 5 classes so far and wow it has been such an amazing experience!! All the instructors have their own style of teaching, but each one of them have been so wonderful, helping through the process of gaining confidence in myself. Sahra was amazing with introducing me into pole helping me get comfortable with it, Fifi was so funny and engaging with the class teaching us how to climb, Celia was so lovely and encouraging helping me with my invert, and Autumn has brought the life back in me with her heels choreography making me feel so sexy! Come here for an amazing workout with these amazing ladies!!

I had to leave a review for Ray. She is awesome!! I showed up a little late to class, I caught traffic from livermore. I jumped right in and with her help and joined in the struggle lol! I was a first timer but she made me feel completely comfortable. No one was left out. She goes around the room to gives u a little encouragement and to help u perfect your moves. I'm hoping to get better on my second visit. One day I'll get up that pole lol!