Pole Pressure

Due to my beloved TSNY moving from their tent to a more permanent location (and being closed for at least a few weeks), I sought alternative methods to keep my aerial conditioning and hoped to learn some new skills.
After my first class, I was… underwhelmed.
The location is great, the front desk staff was excellent, and the teacher was very, VERY nice. I just found her method of instruction to be not helpful, and I am by no means an idiot, but I sure as hell felt like one.
We spent a minimum of 20 minutes warming up, which cut into instruction time. What would have been better– modify the warm up to incorporate instruction as it’s only an hour long class.
I was told multiple times to turn my hands when doing certain tricks. What would have been better– tell me which way my pinky or thumb should have been pointing.
We would do a step then a spin, and I’m still not sure I did it right. What would have been better– use a 4 count or an 8 count, or better, yet, use more descriptive language on when my feet actually wrapped around the pole.
I’m still on the fence as to whether or not I’ll be back– but since my friend wants to try it, I probably will. Let’s hope I’m less of a moron.

I booked a private party for a friend’s bachelorette party, and we had a great time. We wanted to focus on sexy dance/​chair dance, and our class was designed to fit our desires. There was a variety of music. We had a great time, and would recommend this studio to anyone looking to have private party.

Is it a good workout? Absolutely! Are all of the instructors friendly/​personable? No (Zurry and one other I can’t remember the name of were the only ones I actually enjoyed taking classes with).I waited months to post this and am deducting a star for something über important… I stopped attending in March but in June discovered not only were they still charging me for every month after March… but they were charging me the monthly fee TWICE a month. The fact I didn’t notice is sad on my part (I hate reviewing statements, but guess who changed that bad habit?), but the fact that their accounting was so off with my account is even sadder. Hopefully I was just the random person this happened to and billing issues aren’t the norm with PP.

Pole Pressure is awesome!!! I booked their private chair class/​strip pole class for my sister’s bachelorette party and we had soooo much fun! They were extremely accommodating when we arrived a few minutes late due to our dinner running over. The room was set up perfectly and our instructor and the receptionist at the front desk were awesome. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. If you are looking to book a party here, you definitely should!!! You will not regret it. Thanks Pole Pressure :)

One class and you’re Vegas ready. Strap on your stilettos and get to werk.
Pole Pressure is HILARIOUS. And so much fun. The most fun bachelorette party of which I was a part decided that pole dancing MUST be part of our fun weekend. And at first, I was a skeptic. I don’t know how to pop lock and drop it. Twerking is definitely out of my league. Pole dancing was going to be a travesty.
But wait! We were prudently informed by Pole Prossure associates that the first half hour of the class is for «socializing.» Aka, drink up. And so I imbibed, generously. Not doing so was simply not an option.
We took to the pole. We straddled an innocent looking folding chair. We sashayed and twirled and booty popped. Our instructor had endless energy and encouraged entire party that we had what it took to be a pole dancer, for our entire hour class.
Then came the pole dance off. Naturally, I forgot all my choreographed moves and ended up flaunting only the most rudimentary moves. The other team, conversely, had killer moves fit for a Fast and the Furious movie. They owned the poles.
For our party, it was $ 18 plus tip. TOTALLY worth it. However, leave the feather boas at home. Apparently they shed too much for Pole Pressure’s liking.

I went to the open house in the middle of March since I’ve been looking for a studio. I absolutely loved it so I signed up for a Limited Membership where I can take classes Monday-​Saturday. I’m considering an Unlimited Membership, but I’m going to wait until I get better (currently in Pole 1).
The things I love: The instructors are encouraging and very fun to work with. This is a judge free zone, which is incredibly important when you’re half naked and trying to look somewhat coordinated. There’s a lot of review in Pole 1, which is nice for someone who tends to forget the names of moves or just forget the moves in its entirety. Lots of laughs and fun times.
Things that could be improved: The lessons in Pole 1 vary quite a lot from instructor to instructor. Some like more choreography while others have a different focus; however, there are basics that are taught and reviewed almost every class. It feels like a lot of review, but I think it’s important to get the very basics down.
I only joined a month ago and am in Pole 1 and I went to an All Levels pole class recently. While this was rather intimidating, the instructor was really accommodating. While others were doing inverses and tricks on the pole, he worked with my friend and I to understand how to get into an inverse and how they feel. It was really great and I learned a lot in that class. It was also really amazing to see how advanced some of students are – I can’t wait to get to that point! They’re so graceful. I’m still trying to not tip over after a Catch spin.
It’s a really wonderful studio :)

First time for the free intro to pole class with a girl friend. I loved how comfortable it felt to be there with a mix of girls and guys. There were a lot of people in the class so two per pole. But it was nice having a friend for support, I don’t know if it was weird sharing with a stranger. It’s the day after and my arms, abs and thighs are tight and all she did was show is a few basic moves. I can only aims gone what a full out class would do. I’m exited to visit them again! A cozy location too.

I have only tried the 14^th street Pole Pressure location so I can’t speak to the other studios, but this one is clean and appealing. Most of the instructors are good though some are much friendlier than others (and I think friendliness is really important here since it’s an uncommon form of movement for most people.) But here are my main complaints:
1) unevenness across instructors. All instructors have different personalities and tastes, and that’s a good thing, but all should be able to clearly teach the moves and not just demonstrate them. It doesn’t help me to look at a classically trained dancer do a spin I’ve never done before unless I get some really concrete details on how to execute that with my own level of flexibility. (And I am in shape! But I still need help to acquire new skills – in other words, I need real teaching.)
2) the dominance of experienced pole-​ers in pretty much every class. I’ve taken the lowest level, level 2, level 1 + 2, all levels, etc., and I don’t blame the more experienced dancers for wanting to come all the time, and for showing up in classes they’re probably too advanced for. But as someone who is still learning, it’s daunting and frustrating when more advanced students set the pace beyond something newer ones should keep up with. Ok, you’ve been doing this religiously for two years – the teacher can show you something once or twice and you can pick it up. I need more explanation and a little more practice time!
I have never felt unsafe here though I do think there’s a lot of focus on shoulderstands and headstands, even in lower level classes, and I find that confusing. I’m fine with inversions because of lots of yoga classes, but I imagine not everyone is. I guess my primary complaint is that I wish they had a «no student left behind» policy for their more basic classes so that those of us who are still new have a chance to catch up to those who are veterans.

I was looking forward to reporting back good news that Pole Pressure has done a 180 degree turnaround but unfortunately that is not the case. As I referenced in my first review I always received an awesome workout here and after 3 years I was going to give them the benefit of the doubt that they have worked out the kinks with scheduling and policy issues. On 01/​05/​2015 I came into the studio to ask questions and find the correct class pack for me. I selected an unlimited membership and the receptionist was polite, helpful and explained to me that I would be able to take any class Monday– Saturday. I signed up for class on 01/​06/​2015 to take a pole/​yoga class online for Wednesday 01/​07/​2015 at 6:30. About 5:30pm on the day of I received an email informing me that I wasn’t allowed to take that class with the Membership I had chosen. I then called the studio and spoke with Selena who was very helpful as well. I explained to her that when I signed up for my unlimited membership I was told I would be able to take ANY class between Mon– Sat and now when I’m on my way to class I find out that’s not the case. I further explained this was part of the reason I left before and I want to work this out. She tried to schedule me for different classes but the first available class wasn’t until the 16^th, I declined and she asked me if I just wanted to start in February when the classes open up for the month. I agreed and she told me she would reach out to me later. Later that evening I received the following email.
Hi Nicole,
Selena, front desk rep, who you spoke with this evening informed me of the displeasure you were feeling when you could not get into tonight’s ‘Yoga For Pole Dancers’ class and you also expressed that you couldn’t get into any other classes this month. Unfortunately, the ‘Yoga For Pole Dancers’ class is a premier membership class as stated in the title in the Mindbody reservation system. You requested a refund for your membership and would like it to restart in February 2015.
We refunded the money you paid for January 2015 this evening. We are terminating your membership at Pole Pressure Downtown DC as of January 7^th, 2015 and we will not be reinstating your membership at any time. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the refund, please feel free to contact me via email or phone.
Thank you,
Jessalynn Medairy
CEO, Pole Pressure
Pole Pressure Headquarters
1322 14^th Street, NW
Second Floor
Washington, DC 20 005
202−667-POLE (7653)
jessalynn@polepressure.
I called this morning and told Jessalynn about my issue of being misinformed when purchasing my membership and specifically the portion of her email stating «we will not be reinstating your membership at any time.» She stated to me she didn’t want anymore «problems» and when I asked her what she meant she stated «I left her a negative Unilocal review.» «You’re the only one who ever left a bad review.» «If there’s another issue how do I know you won’t blast me on the internet.» REALLY??? I offered my honest opinion regarding the what I have experienced at your business. As a consumer I have the RIGHT to do that without being questioned. Furthermore she never addressed the issues I described in my review. And obviously if I purchased another membership I was giving Pole Pressure another try. What I got from the conversation is she doesn’t want to look bad, whether or not there are legitimate issues a customer has expressed.
At the end of the conversation I expressed how offended I was and she did offer to re-​instate my membership for Feb and I agreed but the more I thought about it the more it didn’t sit right with me that because of my truthful Unilocal review (3 years ago) and being misinformed by your staff I receive an email telling me I’m not welcome. I cannot support a business that instead of trying to fix the issue blames the customer for poor training of staff.

Love this place so much. Every instructor is amazing and brigs something different to the table, but they are all very skilled polers with great technique and excellent teaching skills. Most instructors focus a lot on strengthening and technique rather than being sexy and rolling on the floor (which I why I left another studio in the area). Expect a great workout and to get hooked immediately!
Additionally, the staff is so friendly. The receptionists will learn your name within a few days and the instructors always try to connect with new students to get to know their abilities. It’s very much like a family at PP!

I attended this location previously had a great time in one of the classes figured that I would come back.
Signed up a month ago for a twerking class, spoke to the owner by email and paid for it right away. My uncle died unexpectedly and the funeral was the same day as the class. The owner would not allow me a credit for a $ 15 twerking class at all. I didn’t even want a refund just a credit, she just took my money based on me missing the class for my uncles death. Very disappointed in the poor professional communication with customers. I will no longer be supporting this business.
Tip: Don’t book the class if you for sure can’t attend they won’t provide you with a credit. Just hope no one passes away in your family.
*four thumbs down*

I tried the Logan Circle location for their free intro class on a Saturday afternoon.
This place is easy to miss and you have to look for it because their isn’t a number on the building or sign to notify you that this is Pole Pressure. However, it’s right next to a restaurant and located on the second floor.
Receptionist was fairly friendly and polite. The entire facility is very clean!
Now for the intro session, it started a few minutes late and ended a few minutes early because our instructor wanted to practice her own routines. Ok. The session started off with a good nice full body stretching and there are yoga mats for you to use. The first thing we worked on was handstands. Ok. With it being a small class of maybe about 6 of us, I was expecting some 1 on 1 attention because most of us had never done pole or headstands. I would recommend wearing shorts and no socks to get a good grip and feel of the pole. After headstands a dance routine, and and our instructor informing us of the membership plans, class was over
If Pole Pressure had an upcoming groupon or Unilocal coupon I would probably take another spin at this place.

I wish this place wasn’t so expensive, otherwise I would be here every day. This is one of the best pole studios I’ve found in DC! It has a wide variety of classes with some incredible teachers and also has aerial hoop/​lyra, which is an amazing and fun workout. They keep classes small, so you never have to share a pole with another student (In Lyra you share hoops, but trust me, when you first start out, you don’t want your own hoop for a full hour).
If you’re new to pole they offer a free into class (Saturdays at noon, I think, but check their website to be sure). So there’s no reason not to check it out! If you want a great full body workout that’s so fun you’ll (mostly) forget how painful it is, definitely check out pole.
Keep your eyes out for Groupons/​daily deals because they’re usually a great deal at pole studios, where the memberships are otherwise quite pricey.

We went to pole pressure for a private (bachelorette) party, and it was AWESOME! The price was very reasonable for a group/​per person and our personal teacher (Crystal) was the BEST. She was so patient and went out of her way to make sure we had fun and that everyone was comfortable.
I would recommend the private party for any fun occasion and will definitely be returning!

I took 2 classes at the Cleveland Park location and 3 at Logan Circle and had very different experiences at each. Sara at Cleveland Park is awesome and I would give her class 5 stars. She gets to know each student, makes them feel welcome, and each class covers a great diversity of moves. This location has only a few poles, making for a more intimate experience.
My experience at the Logan main location was not as positive. The instructors were not nearly as encouraging and supportive of beginners, and in each class I took (Pole 1, Pole 2, chair play), a good portion of the class was devoted to headstands, which was literally over the head of a number of students, including myself. Given that the instructors are not necessarily certified or well-​trained, I actually find it quite dangerous that they are teaching headstands to a large group of people. Also, a lot of people at this location attend with friends, so the atmosphere wasn’t exactly friendly if you go solo.

I started with Pole Pressure a few months ago after taking one of the free introductory classes with a friend. After the intro class I was curious, but after my first full class I was hooked and now have the unlimited monthly membership!
Pole is a great workout. After a few classes a week for two months I feel MUCH stronger (I flex my arms to feel my biceps now) and the biggest (and most important) change is in my confidence. I try to explain my confidence change to friends in workout fashion terms. My first few pole classes I was in loose fitting yoga pants and a t-​shirt. My current pole classes I am in underwear (pole booty shorts) and a tight tank or sports bra. That is a huge shift in confidence for me as my old workouts had been about hiding, not about showing off! The classes make you feel comfortable and are filled with mostly women, of all ages, shapes, sizes, etc. Part of the confidence boost is that the Pole Pressure atmosphere, to me, isn’t one of judgement, but one of encouragement. You quickly learn to clap for others when they learn/​master a new skill and the applause is returned to you.
All the instructors have different strengths and each one is worth trying. Jessalyn is great for technique, Sarah is great for confidence, Khristena is great for strength, Crystal for encouraging you to figure things out.
They offer all levels at Pole Pressure and the great thing is you can try classes at your own pace. Some weeks I feel more like a levels ½ and others a ²⁄₃. You are never locked into a certain level and you can grow at your pace (or retreat at your pace, which I did after a week of work travel and unhealthy eating).
Highly recommend. Future long term member here.

Came here with a friend because we bought 5 pole dancing sessions on Groupon. We had NO idea what to expect but it was definitely a fun experience I don’t regret.
The instructor was hot, my friend and I both agreed on this during our first class. She was also encouraging and kept the class going with an upbeat attitude.
The class gave us a work-​out, definitely broke out a sweat.
I’d go back if it wasn’t so far… going to DC on a Saturday morning/​afternoon is KIND OF a hassle sometimes.