S Factor Encino Pole Dancing

S Factor is simply AMAZING. First, it’s a great workout for your whole body. But beyond that, it’s a life changing journey.
I highly recommend taking their intro class, so you can experience what it’s like. Given the pressure that women feel to have an ideal body, it’s such a gift to dance in these classrooms with dimmed lights and no mirrors. That experience forces you to go inward and experience it from the inside out, turning off the critical mind, and letting your body have adventure through the movement. And there are all body shapes and sizes in the classes!
The pole is great! The hip circles are great! The sisterhood is great! And it’s not just about pole dancing, although that’s a super fun part of it. There’s so much other sexy, hot, beautiful movement you learn in class.
Finding a way to access and express your inner sensuality and sexuality in a safe place with other women is simply a miracle. And some people don’t even use the pole. I relate to my body differently now because of S Factor. It’s totally worth it… sign up for the adventure and stay for the journey. You’ll be amazed.

We threw a surprise birthday party for one of our friends here and we had a blast. The dance instructor was awesome, she taught us some super sexy moves, overall a great experience. The place is so welcoming and clean, you feel like home plus some striptease bars and sexy music on the background!

I started at the Encino studio 3 years ago and am now teaching. I’m not sure what’s more telling than that.
It is inspiring, exciting, professional, innovative and beautiful in more ways than I can count. It has improved my life in every way.
It is so fun!!!
I’m am honored to be working with the incredible women here and teaching the most inspiring, courageous, gorgeous women I’ve ever met.

First off, let me say that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, S Factor. It is amazing, all the teachers are incredible and I thought of it as my second home. The price became an issue for me. I was spent a exorbitant amount of money there for nearly 2 years. I would go back in a second if I could afford it!!!

S factor is great for any woman out there. I signed up thinking it’d be a fun thing to try, but what I got out of it was an increased sense of self, more self confidence, and an appreciation for simple movements. Cheesy, right? Except it’s totally true.
The instructors there are amazing in their own ways, but honestly, you may find that not all instructors are right for you. They’re still incredible, but they definitely all have different styles. I would recommend trying classes with different instructors to find whose style works the best for you.
My experience at S factor was very positive, I learned some fun tricks, and it truly was an empowering 2 hours of my week.
The downside: the cost of these classes are pretty steep. This is the reason I stopped going.

A workout for the body, mind, and mood, S Factor provides women with a safe place to learn to appreciate our curves and bodies while developing strength from the pole workout and movements. As one of the instructors recently shared, it’s not about entertaining boyfriends or husbands but learning to embrace the shapes of our own bodies. S Factor classes follow a step by step curriculum to that builds upon prior classes and takes you through different levels. The studio also offers a monthly campfire chat where women can gather to discuss different issues. I can’t wait to get back!

oh, and it might be an important detail to say that my very first tattoo was of the S for S Factor on the nape of my neck. does that say it all? it changed my life.

one of the things on my bucket list — visit as many pole studios as i can & gain more knowledge in how ppl teach differently, starting w/​SOCAL. i work for a popular online media site w/​n the pole community worldwide, so i have the advantage of seeing our very detailed studio directory listings (which we have yet to debut). i’m sorry i can’t disclose where i work)
PROS:
–FREE (week coupon pass i printed from their site)
-& FREE spacious parking
–JILL, one of the girls @ reception, was the ONLY friendly one
CONS:
–sadly, i didn’t get to utilize my FREE week pass since i never got a response back.
–there were 2 other girls there @ reception, SUJATA & the other girl, i forgot her name. i asked JILL all sorts of pole-​related questions, e.g.: what kind of poles do you have, what kind of finish, what size are they (45 or 50 mm)?, etc. & her response, «you’re askin a lot of good questions; how long have you been poling?!» in my mind, i was like, «wow, really? & you work in a pole studio? you should know the basics anyone would ask!»
then we proceed outside while JILL asked SUJATA if i could take the advance classes since i have prior experience, & SUJATA said, «yeah, you have to take our intro class ’cause we do things differently» (w/​a snobby ass look on her face). i didn’t mind that. SUJATA also claimed to work in the pole industry for «a gazillion yrs» but has never heard of of the POLE MEDIA SITE i work for! wtf?! wow…
prior, i had spoken to OLIVIA over the phone asking if i could take the level ²⁄₃ or ¾ 8 pm class w/​RONDA but she said i couldn’t; that i had to take class w/​ALEX. when i got there, i was told my instructor was gna be TRACY. i went there w/​a friend & we both ended up taking TRACY’s Pure Dance class, & this is s’posed to be their intro class. she didn’t even really teach us anything. what this class was, was just straight-​up FREESTYLE dancing for 45 mins :/​i mean, we did that & got a wrk out from it, but really, we were bored & unimpressed. TRACY was talking about «SMACK UR ASS, PEEK-​a-​BOO!» look, if i wanted to do that, i could on my own time. i couldn’t stop laughing. there was a time during floor work, that i swore, TRACY was somewhat masterbating –_​– i’m just glad i didn’t pay for this class (which i heard $ 30 – 40 for a drop-​in & ~240 or 300 for a monthly membership)
–no actual bathroom doors, but rather, curtains… think dressing rooms @ forever 21. (some ppl may like this concept, but for me, i don’t. i like the security knowing that if there were actual bathroom doors w/​locks & some hooks to hang up your personal belongings from, it’s safer & cleaner. i’m pretty OCD esp. when it comes to public restrooms; i don’t like leaving my stuff on the floor, no matter how clean it may appear to be.)
–no mirrors & their reasoning behind it; «we want our students to feel comfy in their own skin & find their erotic creature…» ummm right. okay, i get it. i mean, when i first started poling (which was over 2 ½ yrs ago), i knew that intimidating feeling one first encounters when starting out; it can be scary. but the more practice you put in & you progress, i think it’s safer w/​mirrors to see what you’re doing, esp. w/​advanced moves, despite having crash mats for addt’l safety. i’ve been to MANY studios & this is the 1ST that i’ve been to that don’t have any. (granted, i also heard goddess fitness dance & polistic have no mirrors either but i have yet to visit)
OVERALL REVIEW:
in my opinion, this studio’s really for beginners. some ppl i know have even said, «this is more for women who have low self-​esteem.» i’m just saying, if you’re gna work in the pole industry, pls educate yourself on how to answer basic questions & familiarize yourself w/​what’s going on in the pole community. sadly, i wasn’t able to actually take any pole class since they wouldn’t let me, & even if they did, i’d have to start from the very beginning –_​– i think if you wna work on tryin to get ur «sexy» on, then go for it, but REAL TALK, S FACTOR women seem to only focus on the sexy aspect of pole. don’t be mad, just stating my experience.
MY QUESTION to S FACTOR STAFF: so, you mean to tell me that if living legends such as BOBBI, FELIX CANE, or JENYNE BUTTERFLY, came to your studio & wanted to start their membership as your STUDENTS, you’d have them start off @ level 1??? that’s just crazy!
SIDE COMMENT: SUJATA, i think you need an attitude adjustment & watch what you say & who you say it to. speaking negatively of other studios isn’t cool & it’s an unbecoming trait. i’ve heard you say to a group of newbies this past weekend, when my friend took your class regarding Polistic that, «i’m not talking shit, but really, i am. Polistic & other studios are blatant copies of what we do, & we do it better.» really?! you’re gna lose clients that way

First, a big THANKS to my hubby for surprising me with a LivingSocial adventure for two to S Factor!
This was my second pole dancing class; the other was hosted at a tiny studio in Palm Springs. Although S Factor was undoubtedly more aesthetically pleasing, I definitely enjoyed the class at the other studio more.
S Factor has a few very disctinct philosophies — first, the entire studio is mirrorless. Sounds fabulous for the feminist in all of us, but I actually saw it as a HUGE drawback. Being a dancer for many moons, I appreciate the ability to see my movements and improve where I deem necessary. It also helps when watching the instructor; when being able to see them from every angle, it’s easier to emulate the physical movement they present. Without the mirrors, those who had absolutely no dance training were lucky. But, those who were pursuing becoming GOOD at the execution of the movements were S.O.L.
Secondly, the classes they offer also feature a lap dance section AND a great deal of «walking» practice (they call it «The S Walk»). As much as this is implemented for a reason — a quick boost to their participants’ self-​confidence — I felt it really just detracted from the fun. Our teacher spent almost an entire three minutes of class walking with us. No one even used the walk when we got to the poles. Pointless.
The yoga offered at the beginning was somewhat difficult yet engaging. Nonetheless, this too was a drawback to me. After my first pole dancing class at the other studio, I could barely move for an entire week. I knew I had had an excellent workout. After S Factor? I felt sore for only a day.
In other words, if you’re looking for a light workout that serves to boost your confidence, go for it. If you’re looking to become a pole enthusiast and receive a hardcore workout, try elsewhere.

I LOVE this place.
This was the first experience I had w/​pole dancing, and the instructors/​staff & ambiance really made me feel comfortable. Everyone was so supportive and helpful. I amazed myself with the things I was able to do & I felt more secure in my own skin.
The only minus is that classes are so expensive. They do have payment plans, but I just can’t afford it on a regular basis. I’ve tried finding places that are cheaper, but they can never compare to S Factor.

The positive:
If you are looking for an empowering, inspirational, personal journey to find your inner erotic creature, then this is ABSOLUTELY the place for you. I wasn’t a dancer when I started but there is definitely something beautiful about moving with your feelings instead of the judgment of mirrors. The teachers and «classmates» are very supportive and its just an overall rewarding experience. You will learn pole tricks, floor tricks, lap dances and some modified yoga. I was a member for about 8 months. I would say if this is what you are looking for but you also want personal strength/​endurance training then do this and crossfit synapse. You will get the best of both worlds and a body that shows it.
The negative:
If you are looking to quickly learn pole tricks, build strength fast, or loose a lot of weight fast, this is NOT for you. The classes are set up in a very structured way where you are on this «journey» with your class from level 1 thru level 6. You can only attend once a week (which is nowhere near enough to produce any sort of substantial body change in a short period of time) If you are more fit and the rest of your class isn’t you are stuck still doing the same tricks over and over until they «allow» you to learn new tricks.
The price is ridiculous. For one time a week you are paying an arm and a leg, but yes there are ways to subsidize some of that cost by working at the studio if you don’t already have a day job, which you need in order to afford this class in the first place. soooo ??? on that one.
The management is terrible. I’m sorry but just because you are good at flipping around a pole do not make you good at business. I have talked with numerous people who have great, intelligent ideas of ways to make the studio accessible to women who don’t have so much money, want a different type of workout, structuring of classes, knowing how to use computers, etc. but your opinions fall on deaf ears here.
I give it four stars (really 3.5) because of the positive and it’s addicting but the negatives were the reason I changed studios although I do come back every now and again to release my erotic creature.

I love bootcamp!

You guys are incredible! After taking the two hour intro class I immediately signed up for the 8 week one. Absolutely zero hesitation. This was the most empowering and personally significant class I’ve taken in many years. I even blogged about it. Jenny is amazing… skilled, professional, and adorable! You were right girl, I was definitely sore in those tiny little muscles.
Can’t wait to see you all again on Sunday! Woohoo!
I gave 5 stars bc it was clean, very warm people work here, the skill level is exceptional, they make you feel so comfortable, and there are reasonable prices and plans. This place has got it going on. Run… Don’t walk!

Meh… not for me.
I came here six months ago for two reasons: 1) Accompanied a friend who wanted to try pole for the first time and her friend suggested this place. 2) I haven’t taken a pole class for two and a half years and I missed it.
Don’t get me wrong. This place is certainly qualified in their instruction. I think most people would walk away from here and feel like they received a good workout, learned lots of cool pole tricks and a bunch of sexy moves. Also, the staff and instructors are friendly and the studio space is nice.
But you know how S Factor has those workout DVD’s that you can do at home? Our instructor did our warm up pretty much exactly the same way Sheila Kelley does on the DVD. It’s like finally getting a chance to see your favorite band perform live in concert and finding out that they sound the same exact way as they do on their CD. Where’s the «in the moment» energy? Where’s the interaction with the crowd? Where’s the guitar solo or spontaneous 10 minute jam?
Granted this class was only the beginner «one time workshop» designed to introduce you to pole dancing and intrigue you to sign up for a full session. However, I’ve taken intro workshops with two other pole studios and S Factor just didn’t have that factor to hook me. What factor? Well, the other two studios intro workshops felt very «this is what we can teach you.» Whereas S Factor felt like «check out what we can do!» Maybe I’m self centered but I like it when my instructors keep me in their best interest.
To be fair, after the workshop my immediate reaction was satisfactory. But six months later I look back and can’t picture myself wanting to take classes here. I’m simply not impressed.
OMG, I’m a pole snob! lol
Btw, what’s the deal with the bathrooms? The stalls don’t have doors but curtains. Kinda like a dressing room but a dressing room where you do your business. Isn’t that weird!?!

Okay so far I’ve only taken the intro class so I don’t have the full feel of this place yet. What I can say is that it has to be a good work out because not only were each and every one of my muscles trembeling durring the workout but i’ve been sore for three days now. Everyone was so nice and helpfull. I like the fact that they dont have mirrors around so you don’t criticize yourself but I hate the fact that we have to be each others mirrors. Although my intro classmates were supportive I still felt a little judged. Of coarse the fact that one of my classmates was a dancer and the other two had experience in S Factor or similar classes didn’t help. So In my opinion all in all this place is great and the only reason they don’t get the fifth star is they are very expencive. At $ 400 for level one classes your basically paying $ 25 an hour

I’m an S woman. Love taking classes.

I’m an S woman! …and I love it! I recommend it to all women! I always say, If I can do it, so can you! When I first started, I was shy and limited. now I can do so many things I never thought I would be able to do. These classes have taught me to appreciate and love my body. I love everything from the workouts to the dances to the instructors and other students. Everyone just brings out positive vibes.

The workout? Major, especially for beginners. In more advanced levels, you’ll need to add strength training and extra ab work in on your own time (which, really, we should all be doing anyway, no?).
The movement? Gorgeous. The things you can do with your body after a few months of this will astound you (unless you’re already an advanced dancer or a professional stripper), and delight any bf/​hubby/​gf lucky enough to be treated to a little show.
Who can do it? Anyone. Seriously. If you’re out of shape, it’ll take a bit more effort, but I’ve taken classes with ladies ranging in age from 20 – 60, ranging in size from 0 – 24, and ranging in fitness level from hardcore sofa surfer to pro athlete. Don’t feel intimidated.
The cost? Expensive. Not for the light of wallet. Which doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the money.
The teachers? Largely awesome, but a few that aren’t great. Sue, Teri and Tracy are my personal faves.
The management? Terrible. Seriously, a band of kids looking for a Junior Achievement project could run this place better. The one negative, and it’s a biggie.
Parking? At the Encino studio: super. At the LA studio: pretty bad.

Seriously, coolest class I’ve ever taken. I started taking it not long after I had my youngest son. You know, at that time when your body doesn’t feel like your own anymore and you’re trying to remember how it feels to be a woman. It’s not like any exercise class you’ve ever taken before. It’s more feminine and female-​driven than you can imagine. Velvet couches, candle light. This is NOT your mother’s exercise studio! And it’s safe. It’s a safe place to play. Not only that, but the year I did S Factor I was in the best shape of my life, even AFTER turning 35 and birthing (and breast-​feeding) two children.
The ONLY reason I’m not doing it right this minute is that it is pricey and we’ve had to take a little break from it. But I’m planning to go back. I miss those fierce, strong, awesome instructors. I miss the reminder of invincibility once a week.
And, let’s face it, I miss hanging upside down by my knees!

S Factor has changed my life! I went in for a fun workout. I came out with a new appreciation of myself and other women. S Factor offers a sensual workout that will get you to LOVE your body NOW regardless of size or shape. The teachers are gifted at what they do and the studio setting is ideal with no mirrors and low lighting.
Put it on your list of MUST TRY!