In the spirit of injecting some fun into my exercise routine, I decided to try out a pole dance class from my list of fun fitness classes. After some research on where to try such a class in Singapore, I came across The Brass Barre.
The Brass Barre
Founded by Elena, Jamie, Anita and Janet, The Brass Barre takes pride in building a community of strong and confident women through pole dancing. The studio is located at orchardgateway and sees about 600 – 700 students coming in for class every week!
You can attend a trial class for $15. Trials booked thereafter are $45 per lesson. There are 18 instructors at the studio, and each specialise in different genres of dance. I attended a Beginner Pole Dance Class with my friend Tres and here’s what went down.
Tall Order
The Brass Barre is located on level two of orchardgateway. Walking into the reception area, you’ll notice The Brass Barre’s collection of platform heels, each with a height of at least six inches. That’s literally the length of a Subway sandwich.
There’s a considerable number of options for dancers to choose from, like chrome platform heels and Lady Gaga-esque boots. Remember ladies, the higher the heels, the closer to heaven.
Confidence Is Key
The studio was big, with floor-to-ceiling windows, and plenty of poles to go around.
Before the class, I was told to wear a crop top and tight yoga shorts. Following the set attire is important so that you don’t end up wearing anything that will affect your grip. On top of that, I was told to not put on any lotion or moisturiser – or else I would just slide down the pole.
We started off with basic stretching and had Jamie as our instructor, who’s also one of the founders of The Brass Barre. She then taught us two basic tricks: the fireman spin and the front hook spin. My friend Tres executed the fireman spin with so much ease and grace. Meanwhile, I was struggling and wondering how on earth she was able to do it.
For some reason, I could do the second trick (front hook spin) and it was way easier for me compared to the fireman spin. Interestingly, this was the trick that Tres struggled with. Hehe.
Jamie taught us polegraphy, which is basically pole dance tricks with a little bit of choreography. As I have a background in dance, the choreo was easy for me to follow. Tres, on the other hand, is new to dance and fumbled a little at first. But in the end I noticed that she managed to keep up with the steps!
Jamie emphasised the importance of confidence throughout the class. I guess I struggled with that at the start because after all, this was a new experience for me. Trying something that’s out of your comfort zone can be tricky. Clearly.
Jamie was super sweet throughout the class and gave us tips on how simple changes in our body language can help us exude confidence, even if we aren’t feeling it.
The Pole Dance Life Is For Everyone
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I definitely had a few doubts before my class. I was afraid I wasn’t going to be strong or flexible enough but our instructor Jamie reassured me that you don’t need to be hella fit or flexible to take part in the class. Yes, you may struggle a little at first (trust me, I know) but at the end of the day, you’ll have a lot of fun!
Our instructor was so great at making us feel more comfortable by making us laugh too! The next day my arms were a little sore and understandably so, but I felt like I got a good workout out of it.
Overall, I had a lot of fun at The Brass Barre. Although I struggled in the beginning, pole dancing really isn’t as difficult as it seems.
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I now have so much more respect for pole dancers because of how they manage to do all these crazy tricks in eight-inch heels. Pole dancers are athletes too!
This is definitely a fun new fitness class that you and your friend can try out together. Trust me, you’ll make some great memories laughing and watching each other trying new tricks (and failing)!
Click here to check out The Brass Barre’s August-October promotions.
The Brass Barre: #02-24 orchardgateway, 277 Orchard Rd Singapore 238858 | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
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