Article: Is Becoming a Pole Instructor the Right Thing for You?
Is Becoming a Pole Instructor the Right Thing for You?
So, you’re thinking about stepping off the student side of the studio and into the spotlight as a teacher. The idea sounds amazing. Sharing your passion for pole, inspiring others, and spending even more time in a space you love.
But here’s the truth: becoming a pole instructor isn’t just about knowing your tricks inside-out. It’s about stepping into a role that requires patience, empathy, resilience, and a whole lot of energy — both physically and emotionally.
Let’s break down what it really takes.
1. You Live and Breathe Pole
If your heart skips a beat every time you walk into the studio, and you can’t stop talking about pole outside of class (sorry, non-pole friends), you already have the number one ingredient: passion.
That passion will fuel you through the long evenings, last-minute cover requests, and the inevitable challenges of teaching.
Related read: How to Progress as a Beginner Pole Dancer
2. You Love Helping Others Grow
Being a great instructor isn’t about showing off your best tricks — it’s about watching your students nail their best tricks.
You’ll need to enjoy breaking skills down into achievable steps, celebrating small wins, and supporting students when they’re frustrated (because yes, those “I can’t do this” moments happen to everyone).
3. You’re Ready to Be a Role Model
When you teach, students look up to you for guidance — not just in movement, but in mindset. This means modeling safe training habits, a positive attitude, and resilience when things get tough. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to walk the talk.
4. Patience Is Your Secret Weapon
Some students will get it in 10 seconds. Others will need 10 weeks. And some, even longer.
Your job? To meet them where they are and keep the vibe positive, even when progress feels slow. Patience isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.
Related read: Signs of a Great Pole Instructor
5. You’re Committed to Lifelong Learning
Pole is always evolving. There’s always a new spin, grip, or conditioning drill making the rounds. The best instructors stay curious — taking classes, attending workshops, and keeping their own skills sharp so they can bring fresh knowledge to their students and keep things exciting.
6. You Understand the Emotional Side of Teaching
Pole is personal. Students often bring their insecurities, fears, and frustrations into class along with their heels and grip aid.
Being personable, empathetic, and a great listener can turn you from just a teacher into someone who truly changes their students’ relationship with themselves.
7. You’ll Need to Protect Your Own Pole Time
Here’s the part nobody tells you: when pole becomes your job, it can change how you feel about your own training.
If you’re not careful, teaching can eat into your personal pole time, creativity, and motivation. Burnout is real. Setting boundaries and scheduling your own jam sessions is just as important as prepping for class.
So… Is It the Right Path for You?
Becoming a pole instructor can be one of the most rewarding moves you’ll ever make.
You’ll celebrate wins that aren’t yours, build a community, and help people discover what they’re capable of.
But it also demands time, patience, energy, and the ability to keep your own pole fire burning.
If you’re ready for the challenge — and the joy, go for it. And when you do, remember that your students won’t just remember the tricks you taught them, but how you made them feel every time they stepped into your class.
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