Class Descriptions

Here you can find the class descriptions for all of our classes both live and remote. We prioritize live classes at the Association Room where we have 5 poles you can spin on. In times of Corona restrictions, the live classes are substituted with remote classes.

If you are not sure about which class to join, please contact us . We are happy to help you to find the right class for you. A good rule of thumb is that everyone is welcome to our beginner technique classes independent of prior background.

Please note that you will need to bring a small towel for cleaning the pole and a water bottle with you to the live classes. Please, wear shorts and a top that allow easy movement. In some of our classes, knee pads are also highly recommended – if this is the case, it reads in the class description.

TECHNIQUE CLASSES

Technique classes are the classes where we teach basic pole moves. They are the backbone of our curriculum as these skills are needed in whatever else you want to do with the pole. We require everyone taking up pole as a new hobby at Otanko to learn the basics in our Beginner TCs before coming to other classes. We also strongly recommend everyone to attend TCs side by side with the other pole classes they are taking at least until they reach the Intermediate 2 level. Training the basic techniques up to this level makes it a lot easier to learn other things with the pole. Taking time to focus on learning the techniques correctly is also a very important part of injury prevention. To see which TC suits your level best, read the prerequisites from each class’ own description.

Beginner TC

This is our most basic class suitable for beginners. You will get used to the pole and learn thebasic spins and easiest poses. No prior experience needed! We strongly recommend attending the TC Beginner when you first start out.

Intermediate 1 TC

In the intermediate 1 technique class we start moving towards more complex spins and the reverse grab. You’ll learn more poses upside down and get used to short combos. Prior requirements are basic spins, inverting to crucifix and layout. If you aren’t sure whether you have the skills needed, don’t hesitate to ask our instructor.

Intermediate 2 TC

In intermediate 2 technique classes, we prep our body control and pole skills towards the advanced level with handstands, flexibility drills and gain strength by combining pole techniques learnt in easier classes. Before attending the lesson, you should be able to do a stable V-invert, scorpio, gemini and butterfly with comfort and have good control of your body.

Advanced TC

This is our most advanced technique class and suitable for people who have attended intermediate 2 lessons for some time. Here we train moves on our hands that require strength, and complex transitions needing good body control. In addition to the intermediate 2 requirements, prerequisites for this class are the reverse grab spin, shoulder mount and reiko split. You should also be comfortable with basic pole handstands. You might want to chat with our instructor before attending!

OTHER POLE CLASSES

Our other pole classes are there to spice up your training once you know the basic techniques. Compared to technique classes, these are suitable for a variety of levels of polers. The themes of these classes are around topics and most people find challenging at first regardless of their technique level. However, everyone should learn the basics in our beginner technique classes before attending these classes, as our instructors will assume everyone knows at least the basics when coming to these classes. Read more about the prerequisites of each class from its description!

Pole Hour

The pole hour class is here to mix up your pole training. Every week the theme of this class changes and allows you to discover other sides of pole dancing. These classes can be about Spin Pole, Double Pole, Floorwork, etc. –  You can jump in at any time to discover something new. Our calendar shows the theme going for that class. The class is suitable for all levels, although we recommend you to be comfortable with the very basic spins and static holds before attending.

Spin Pole

Most of the training in TCs happens with a static pole where the human moves around the pole that does not move. Dancing with a spinning pole is a whole other ballgame that requires speed control and a little more strength than the static pole. Attendants should be taking at least Intermediate 1 level classes before attending this class. The classes are designed to be fun and challenging for all levels after that!

Contemporary Pole

Bring your knee pads and existential crises to this class to dance low BPM and expression-loaded choreos. We will mostly stay low and close to the floor. Layers covering the shoulders are recommended for the shoulder rolls and shoulder presses we will most definitely engage in, in addition for your regular pole wear. The class is suitable for all levels, although we recommend you to be comfortable with the very basic spins and static holds before attending.

Pole Choreography

The choreo class takes you to the dancing side of pole dancing. We teach new choreography pieces each month within a variety of styles. These classes might also include some more sensual moves! Each choreo is taught throughout two to four consecutive classes. You can jump in at any time to learn it, or attend all classes to really train the piece to perfection. The more deliberate events in our calendar show which choreo is going for that class. The class is suitable for all levels, although we recommend you to be comfortable with the very basic spins and static holds before attending.

OPEN TRAININGS

Open trainings are times when people can come in and train whatever they want with our poles. This can mean, for example, recapping learnings from other classes or creating one’s own choreography. We have two types of open trainings: ones that are open for all our members and others that are only for our volunteers.

Open Training

A class where you can train what you wish at your own pace. There’s an instructor present to answer potential questions or spot you if needed, but you are mainly responsible for yourself, your warm up and training. If you’re feeling uncertain what to train in these classes, a good tip is to video yourself in instructed classes and then revisiting what you learnt there on your own. All level polers are warmly welcome benefit from open trainings.

Volunteer Open

These slots are reserved in our calendar for our volunteers’ own training – especially our instructors’ class preparation work and performers practise for our shows. There’s no instructor and the attendants are responsible for themselves and their poles since all our volunteers get taught how to use Otanko’s equipment. Want to join these classes? Become a volunteer!

SUPPORT CLASSES

The classes are designed to complement development on the pole by focusing on developing specific skills or capabilities that are important for pole. If you feel too weak or stiff to master your pole goal, these classes might be the answer for you. All levels of pole dancers can benefit and are welcome to join. No poles are used in support classes.

Floorwork

Many floorwork tricks require training separately before they can be added to a pole routine with ease. In our floorwork class, you will get to focus on floorwork specifically as we introduce basic moves and combos on the floor. These moves are chosen to specifically to complement your pole dancing! No prior experience of floorwork needed, the class is open for all levels. We strongly recommend wearing knee pads to protect your knees. At the moment, the floorwork classes are off the pole and held in Tatami Hall, unlike our pole classes.

Handstands

Our handstand class is designed to support any level pole dancer (and handstander) who wants to get stronger handstands that they can later take to their pole training. Naturally, each class includes training handstands themselves with different drills. We also do strengthening exercises for the core and arms, and mobility exercises for the shoulders as these are crucial areas to develop in order to master handstands. At the moment, the handstand classes are off the pole and held in Tatami Hall, unlike our pole classes.

Stretching

Improving your mobility is essential to becoming a good pole dancer. We help you with that in our instructed stretching session. There are some yoga mats and blocks at the association room, but we suggest you bring your own.

Strength Training

Our strength classes are more training than dancing or technique. We do exercises to get stronger and increase our active mobility so that we can both prevent injuries and develop our capabilities for pole training. All levels are welcome to join! At the moment, the strength classes are off the pole and held in Tatami Hall, unlike our pole classes.

REMOTE CLASSES

During recent times, corona restrictions have made us put our regular classes on hold during a couple of different time periods. To support our members quarantine life and home training, we have added five remote classes that are held in times when physical live classes are not safe to have. Only one of the classes requires you to have your own pole at home, read more from the descriptions!

Polished Pole Basics (Remote)

This class is for our peeps at home with their own pole! If you are a beginner, this is your opportunity to continue learning the pole basics while Corona doesn’t allow us to train together live. For more experienced students, this is a great way to push yourself and focus on perfection from head to toe and learn different hand or leg variations to spice up the basics.

Choreo off the Pole (Remote)

Our off the pole choreo class is designed to support your pole choreography work when you get back to the pole. We learn movement patterns that can be easily combined to be a part of a pole choreography, and keeping this in mind is the reason we call this off the pole choreo rather than a dance class. We strongly recommend wearing knee pads to protect your knees. If you want, you can also spice up your training with a pair of heels!

Floorwork (Remote)

No pole at home, no problem! In the floorwork class you will be introduced basic moves and combos on the floor that complement your pole dancing and can be easily trained at home. No prior experience of floorwork needed, the class is beginner-friendly! We strongly recommend wearing knee pads to protect your knees. If you want, you can also spice up your training with a pair of heels!

Stretching (Remote)

Improving your mobility is essential to becoming a good pole dancer. We help you with that in our instructed stretching sessions. Your home stretching session will be much more comfortable if you have a mat or anything slightly softer than a floor to stretch on. Yoga blocks or something similar to lean on can also be useful, but you’ll do just fine without as well.

Strength for Handstands (Remote)

In the remote strength classes, we’ll be training together to improve crucial strength areas needed both for pole dance and handstands. The classes include both strength exercises and some handstands practice. The strength class is for any level! The only thing you need is some room and a free wall, door or something else to do a handstand against.

OTHER EVENTS

In addition to regular classes, we host other events on a more irregular or one time basis. Workshops are classes where one specific theme or topic is taught. In addition, we have events that are not related to training such as social hangouts under our ‘Extra’-category.

Workshop

We organize various single workshops from time to time. The themes might be anything from ballet to street workout or yoga to Zumba. You can find more information by clicking on the specific workshop!
See upcoming classes!

Extra

The events in this category can be almost anything. Yet the most probable alternatives could be an association meeting, a photoshoot or a hangout event for our volunteers. See the unique event to find out what’s going on!