6 Pole Dancing Classes in London Near You: Get Fit, Flexible

Pole dancing originates from a medley of entertainers and continues to evolve, influenced by many worldwide performers. In the 12th Century, Chinese circus artists would use 9-metre poles to perform acrobatic tricks. The Mallakhamba, meaning wrestling pole, is from India, where gymnasts used poles for gymnastic postures. In various African tribes, women would dance around a pole in front of men to whom they were engaged.

In the 1920s, lots of hip movements and suggestive dancing became the norm in pole dancing. Dancers became known as the ‘Hoochi Coochi’ dancers. Today, there is a strong movement to seek recognition for pole dancing as a sport and to be included in the Olympics. The pole fitness industry has hit London’s workout scene, and it is possible to find pole dancing classes in London for all levels of experience.

The Best Pole Dancing Classes in London Near You: Map

If you are looking to up your fitness and achieve impressively toned abs, pole dancing could give you the burn you desire. For a full-body workout, check out these six top-rated pole dancing classes in London that are sure to get your heart pumping.

1. Pole People – Dance and Fitness

For pole dancing classes in Central London, Pole People come with high praise from the press and have appeared on TV. They offer classes for everyone and are a fantastic place to have fun and get fit. Their instructors are Fully Qualified Dance and Fitness Professionals and The UK’s governing body for the fitness industry, SkillsActive, accredits Pole People’s instructor courses. 

In addition to classes for all shapes, sizes, and fitness Pole People hold workshops with some of the world’s best pole artists and athletes.

Classes take place in the dance studio in Central London, which is bright and airy, with 15 floor-to-ceiling poles over two studios. 

• A 60-minute pole dancing taster class is £16.00.
• Block bookings of six weeks for beginners and intermediates are either £115.00 or £140.00, depending on the time booked.

The classes above are group classes, and you are guaranteed sole use of a pole for the hour.

Pole People also offer a range of classes for learning tricks, flexibility, and choreography. It is possible to arrange private lessons and small group bookings of three.

For a unique and entertaining way to celebrate your Hen Party or other special occasions, Pole People can arrange Pole Dancing, Burlesque, Can Can, Belly Dancing, or bespoke classes. A perfect opportunity for lots of girlie fun and to let your hair down. Depending on the class type, prices can range from £190.00 for 1.5 hours and five to ten people to £290.00 for 11 or more people.

Pole People is one of the best pole dancing classes in London. There is no need to feel shy about going. The instructors are incredibly patient, supportive, kind, and talented.

Address: Templeton House, 33 – 34 Chiswell Street, London, EC1Y 4SF

Telephone: 0207 247 6693

2. AYA Pole Dance & Fitness – The Power of Movement

Located in South London, AYA Pole encourages a community that believes in the power of movement. It welcomes people of any gender, weight, fitness level, and age, provided they are over 16 years.

There is a range of classes. Pole-Fitness beginners are ideal for those who have never tried pole before. You will learn new techniques and feel inspired by warm, friendly, supportive instructors who take plenty of time to guide you through the movements. 

Intermediate classes master skills from the beginner’s course and learn new ones whilst developing strength. 

As the courses become more advanced, so does the complexity of the movements, and you begin to learn combos and dynamic and flexible tricks.

AYA provide several payment options.

Pay as you go where classes are £18.00.

Membership options:

• Bronze: 5 classes £70.00
• Silver: 10 lessons £130.00
• Gold: 15 classes £180.00
• Platinum: 20 sessions £220.00

AYA is a fantastic studio for pole dancing classes in London, where the atmosphere is relaxed, and no matter how scared you feel, you will quickly feel at ease. If you have any questions, email them, and they will be happy to help.

Address: Norwood Junction, The Shoestring Theatre, Oakley Road, SE25 4XG

Email: [email protected]

3. Pole Academy LDN – Pole Fitness and Aerial Hoop

Founder Lia, a professional pole dancer with ten years of training and competing experience, wanted to establish a place where others could learn and appreciate the incredible sport. The Pole Academy LDN is a safe environment where everyone is welcome, for whatever reason, to have fun, lose weight, gain strength or fitness, or boost self-esteem.

When you book a lesson at Pole Academy, you feel confident that the instructors are teaching and keeping a keen eye out for safety.

There are drop-in sessions for £20.00.

Block bookings include a choice of:

• Four class-pack: £55.00
• Eight classes: £90.00
• Twelve classes: £120.00 

The studio also provides Aerial Hoop classes where you learn techniques and poses on the hoop. A great way to build incredible core strength and flexibility.

Pole Academy is an amazing place for pole dancing classes in North London. You receive excellent value for money for a pole dancing experience and full-body workout. The instructors are fun and enthusiastic and teach in a friendly and encouraging environment. 

Address: St Andrew’s Church Hall, Southgate, London, N14 5HA

Telephone: 07850 351775

4. The Ealing Pole Studio – Four-Week Courses

The Ealing Pole Studio offers pole dancing courses in West London. All their courses run for four weeks. The classes are for an hour and over consecutive weeks. Up to two people can share each of the nine poles.

They provide four types of lessons, Total Beginners, Improvers, Intermediates, and Advanced. The pricing structure is simple as all courses are £70.00.

To begin your pole dancing journey, the Total Beginners is perfect. You do not require experience or any fitness level.

Ealing Pole has many long-term customers. So beware, once your start pole dancing, you could be hooked. Lessons take place in a nurturing environment, with supporting and encouraging instructors, and you quickly learn various moves.

So, if you are looking for a new hobby or are tired of the gym, give Ealing Pole Studio a go. You will have enormous fun and rapidly notice an improvement in your body strength.

Address: 11 Spring Bridge Mews, Ealing, London, W5 2AA

Telephone: 07944 490854

5. Essex Pole and Tone – Pole and Aerial Fitness Training

Essex Pole and Tone founder Susan Hastings opened her studio in 2008. She has extensive experience as a performer, dance and aerial teacher for more than 20 years. Her goal is to help others improve their fitness, flexibility, and confidence. Her reviews show she is doing a fantastic job achieving her and her clients’ aims.

Classes are for all levels, sex, age, and size. 

Group classes are paid for as a course of four and priced at £50.00.

One-to-one classes are £30.00. It is possible to share the session with a friend or family member.

Group bookings are available for celebrating special occasions, such as Hen or Stag parties, Birthdays, Divorce parties, or fun get-togethers. 

Essex Pole and Tone host entertaining workshops. For example, a Sexy Heels routine for Valentine’s Day. Feel confident and sexy for £15.00 and enjoy a complimentary glass of Prosecco afterwards.

For pole dancing classes in East London, Essex Pole Studio is a welcoming and supportive place. You are encouraged to work at your own pace to grow confident in your ability. You will soon see a massive difference in your fitness and flexibility.

Address: 4 The Parade, A127, Romford, RM3 0EX

Telephone: 07840 424427

6. Iris Pole Dance Studio – Ladies Only

A Sport England Study stated that many women preferred to work out in a female-only environment. Iris Pole provides that comfortable environment with pole dancing classes in North West London. 

Marina Pole, the founder and a pole dancer since 2011, has successfully competed in numerous pole dancing competitions. All the instructors at Iris Pole are certified pole dance instructors.

There are several types of classes, starting with beginners and advancing to pole tricks and flexibility.

The prices of pole dancing classes are:

• £22.00 for a single class 
• £80.00 for a package of four
• £155.00 for a package of eight.

Iris Pole Dance offers an incredibly comfortable atmosphere, where the classes are lifting, and the instructors are highly talented and treat you and other polers as one big happy family. So if you want to get fit and feel the need to gather in sisterhood, head straight to Iris Pole for some pole dancing classes in London.

Address: Ground Floor, Unit 4, 16 Spurstowe Terrace, Hackney, London, E8 1LT

Telephone: 07848 359985

Tips for Visiting Pole Dancing Classes

• Do not wear moisturiser or oil on the day of your class. It will make your hands too slippery and dangerous.
• Bring a small towel to wipe the pole and your hands, as you might get sweaty.
• Wear a sports bra. It is a workout, after all.
• Wear shorts, as it is better if bare skin grips the pole.