How to Improve Stage Presence and Performance Confidence on a Stripper Pole

Look, stage presence isn't just about nailing your inverts or having the cleanest lines. I had a student last week who could hit every move perfectly but looked like she was solving a math problem up there. Nobody wants to watch that.

SAFETY FIRST – I can't teach you presence if you're injured. Your core needs to be engaged BEFORE you even think about adding flourishes. Just yesterday I had to stop a whole class because someone decided to copy some ridiculous TikTok transition without any foundation. Nearly face-planted. That's not presence, that's an ER visit waiting to happen.

Real presence comes from knowing your basics so well they're automatic. I watched too many dancers at Sapphire rush into advanced moves without mastering their walk around the pole. Guess what? Audience sees right through that nervousness.

Here's what actually matters:

• Control your space. If you're wobbling between moves, you're not ready to perform them
• Stop looking at the pole like it's going to bite you
• Breathe, for crying out loud. Half of you are holding your breath through entire combinations
• Know your transitions cold. I mean COLD. Not this hesitating, what-comes-next nonsense

Floor work isn't optional, by the way. I don't care if you're "just here for fitness" – you need to understand how to move at every level. Had a client refuse floor work for months, then couldn't figure out why her routines looked choppy.

And please, stop death-gripping the pole. Your knuckles shouldn't be white. That tension shows in your face, your shoulders, everywhere. Practice proper grip strength or you'll never develop the control you need for real presence.

Remember – confidence comes from competence. Not from copying what some Instagram "pole star" posted without understanding the technique behind it. I've seen too many injuries from that garbage.

When you're ready to actually work on presence, we can talk about musicality and eye contact. But first, master your fundamentals or nothing else matters.

Key Takeaways

*Sighs while adjusting grip on practice pole*

Look, I'm gonna be real – half of you are trying to rush into those Instagram-worthy moves before you can even do a proper pole walk. SLOW. IT. DOWN. I had a student last week face-plant trying a Gemini because she wouldn't master the basic invert first. Eight years in Vegas taught me one thing – rushing gets you hurt.

Eye contact? Sure, but not if you're wobbling up there like a newbie who skipped shoulder mount prep. Focus on your grip points and transitions first. I'm tired of seeing people trying to be "sexy" while their form is completely off. Had three different students last month drop from inverts because they were too busy trying to make eyes with the mirror.

Breathing – this isn't yoga, but for God's sake, BREATHE. Nothing worse than watching someone turn purple trying to hold a basic climb because they're holding their breath. Your movements look forced and jerky when you're oxygen-deprived. Just ask Maria from Tuesday's advanced class – nearly passed out in her Ayesha because she forgot to breathe.

Recording yourself? Actually useful, but stop trying to get the perfect TikTok angle. I need you to see your hip alignment in that sit, not how cute your new pole shorts look. Set up multiple angles so you can check your lines and engagement points.

Space work… *rolls eyes at memory of yesterday's beginner class* Look, the pole isn't just for spinning pretty. Ground work, transitions, levels – it's all part of it. But I swear, if one more person tries to death drop before learning proper floor work basics, I'm gonna lose it. Had someone at my old club tear their hamstring doing exactly that.

Your body, your safety, my liability insurance. Let's do this right.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Stage Presence

Look, stage presence isn't some magical fairy dust you sprinkle on a performance. I'd a student last week who nailed every move technically but looked like she was solving a math problem. Made me think of my early Vegas days – you can't fake engagement, and audiences smell that from a mile away.

Safety first though – I can't stress this enough. You need to be so solid on your basic moves that they're second nature before you even think about "performing." Had three people last month try to jump straight to dramatic layouts because they saw it on Instagram. Guess what? Two of them slipped, and one nearly cracked her head on the base plate.

Here's what actually matters for stage presence:

Spatial awareness isn't just fancy talk – it's knowing exactly where your body is so you don't slam into the pole or other dancers. I'm tired of seeing people who can't even walk properly between moves because they're so focused on looking "ethereal" or whatever.

Emotional projection? Sure, but first master your basics. Your face can be gorgeous all day long, but if your shoulders are up to your ears from tension, that's all anyone's going to notice. Just had a student who kept forcing this huge smile while her knuckles were white from death-gripping the pole. That's not presence – that's panic.

For audience connection – and I see this constantly in my advanced classes – stop staring at yourself in the mirror. The audience isn't up there. When you're ready to actually perform, pick specific points in the room. Not talking about awkward eye-contact that makes everyone uncomfortable, but you need to project outward.

And for god's sake, KNOW YOUR ROUTINE. Nothing kills presence faster than that deer-in-headlights look when you forget what comes next. If you're still counting steps in your head, you're not ready to worry about presence. Had a student last Tuesday who…actually, that's a story for another time. Just practice until you could do it in your sleep.

Developing Your Unique Performance Style

Look, finding your style isn't about copying what's trending on Instagram or TikTok – I see that way too much in my classes. Just yesterday, had a student trying to jump straight into a Janeiro split before mastering basic inverts. That's not how this works.

Let's break this down real quick:

I've watched too many people rush into their "signature style" before they can even do a proper climb. Your style will develop naturally IF you put in the work. And I mean actual work – not just filming yourself doing the same three moves over and over.

WARNING: If you're focusing on "looking unique" before mastering proper shoulder engagement and basic grip strength, you're asking for injury. Had a student last week who ignored this, tried to force an advanced combo, and nearly dropped straight on her head. Not on my watch.

Build from your strengths, sure, but respect the progression. If you're naturally athletic, great – but that doesn't mean skipping fundamentals. If you're more fluid, fantastic – but you still need the strength basics. Back in Vegas, I learned this the hard way watching performers rush their development. Some of those injuries still make me cringe.

Your "authentic voice" will come. But first, master the basics. No shortcuts. Period.

Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication

Look, your body language matters way more than most people realize. I'd a student last week who nailed her inverts technically but looked terrified the whole time – that's not gonna work if you want anyone to believe you know what you're doing.

Here's what actually matters: Make eye contact when you're teaching or performing, but don't do that fake pageant smile thing. Can't tell you how many times I've seen people try to cover up their nerves with these weird plastered-on expressions. It just makes you look uncomfortable.

Your movements need to be intentional. If you're wobbly between transitions or look unsure, it doesn't matter how perfect your jade split is – nobody's gonna trust you. And for god's sake, stop checking yourself out in the mirror every two seconds. I'd this girl in yesterday's advanced class who kept breaking form to see how "pretty" she looked. Ended up face-planting during a simple spin.

FOCUS ON CONTROL FIRST.

And please, stand like you mean it. I'm not talking about that exaggerated "power pose" garbage people post on Instagram. Just basic, solid posture that shows you actually know what you're doing.

I learned this stuff the hard way during my Vegas years – if you don't look confident, nobody's buying what you're selling. Same applies whether you're teaching or performing.

Bottom line: Your non-verbals tell me everything about your skill level before you even touch the pole. That's just reality.

Confident Eye Contact Techniques

Let me clear something up about eye contact because I keep seeing people doing this wrong and it's driving me nuts. Last week I'd a student nearly crash because she was so focused on "connecting with the audience" that she forgot about her grip points.

SAFETY FIRST: Your eyes need to be on your contact points during ANY inverted move or spin. I don't care what some Instagram "pole artist" told you about maintaining sultry eye contact – you can't be sultry if you're in the emergency room.

Now, for floor work and basic spins where you've got your grip solid, here's what actually works:

Power Sweep: Good for your opening. Quick scan, establish your space. Don't overdo it trying to look dramatic.

Direct Lock: Keep it under 2 seconds. I learned this one the hard way at Sapphire – any longer and it gets weird for everyone.

Upward Gaze: Only when you're fully stable and locked in. Had a girl try this during a butterfly last month – almost dropped straight on her head.

Coy Glance: Fine for basic spins. Just don't sacrifice your neck alignment.

Distant Focus: Honestly? This is just where you look when you're concentrating on not falling. Nothing mysterious about it.

Your eye contact should match your skill level. If you're still working on basic inverts, I don't want to see you trying to serve looks. Focus on your form. The performance aspect comes AFTER you've got your fundamentals locked down.

And please, for the love of god, stop copying those TikTok tutorials where they're staring at the camera the whole time. They've edited out all their practice attempts and falls. Real pole work isn't about looking pretty – it's about being strong AND safe.

Bottom line: If you're not sure where to look, look at your points of contact. Everything else is extra.

Slow Deliberate Movement Control

Look, controlled movement isn't just some fancy add-on – it's literally what keeps you from looking like a hot mess on the pole. I'd a student last week who thought she could just wing it between moves, and nearly face-planted trying to transition from a basic climb to a sit. This isn't Instagram where you can edit out the awkward parts.

Your core needs to be ENGAGED at all times. I'm not talking about just sucking in your stomach – I mean actually activating those muscles. Had three different people in Tuesday's beginner class who couldn't figure out why they kept sliding down during holds. Surprise: dead fish core = zero control.

When I tell you to practice at half-speed, I mean it. Yesterday I watched someone try to rush through a basic inversion sequence they clearly weren't ready for. That's how people get hurt. I've seen enough shoulder injuries from people thinking they can muscle through without proper control.

Quick reality check on resistance training – it's not optional if you want actual control. Those smooth, controlled descents you see? They require serious strength. Can't tell you how many times I've had to spot someone who thought they could just naturally slide down gracefully without building up their negatives first.

And for god's sake, BREATHE. Nothing drives me crazier than watching someone hold their breath through an entire combo. Saw it constantly when I was performing at Sapphire – newer girls would get so focused on hitting moves they'd forget to breathe, then wonder why they were shaky and unstable.

Your audience doesn't want to watch you rush through moves like you're running from the cops. Slow it down. Control it. Master the basics before you try to copy whatever trending combo you saw on TikTok.

Power Poses Between Tricks

Look, between tricks isn't just dead space – it's where you show if you actually know what you're doing or if you're just copying TikTok. Had a student last week who'd nail a move then immediately slouch and look at the floor. Drove me nuts.

Your transitions matter as much as your tricks. I spent eight years at Sapphire learning this the hard way – you can't just throw moves together and expect it to work. Stand like you mean it. Shoulder-width stance, chin up, chest open. Not because it looks pretty, but because it keeps you ready for your next move and prevents those awkward fumbles I keep seeing in beginner classes.

That whole "power pose" psychology stuff? Sure, whatever. What matters is that proper positioning between moves keeps you safe and in control. Can't tell you how many times I've seen someone rush through their transition, lose their form, and end up hurting themselves because they were too focused on getting to the next Instagram-worthy trick.

And for God's sake, stop staring at the floor. Had a client yesterday who kept doing this – great technical skills but zero presence. If you're going to do this, commit to it. Keep your eyes up, maintain your alignment. Not because it looks confident, but because you need spatial awareness to stay safe and controlled.

This isn't about looking sexy or powerful – it's about maintaining control through your entire routine. Your body needs to stay engaged between moves. Seen too many shoulder injuries from people who just… let go between tricks. That's not how this works. That's not how any of this works.

Basic body awareness. Can't believe I still have to explain this stuff, but here we are.

Mastering Eye Contact and Facial Expressions

Alright, let's talk about faces and eye contact, because I'm tired of seeing dead-eyed stares or that fake "pageant smile" that makes everyone uncomfortable.

STOP STARING AT THE FLOOR. Had a student last week who kept looking down during her entire routine – might as well have been doing accounting. Your eyes lead your movement. When you're planning to climb, look up. When you're about to spin, glance where you're going. Basic stuff that makes a huge difference.

Making actual eye contact with your audience isn't about being seductive or whatever Instagram nonsense you've seen. It's about confidence and control. Quick story – back at Sapphire, I watched a new girl try to do that "smoldering look" thing she probably saw in a movie. Looked like she was having a medical emergency. Don't force it.

Here's what actually works:

• Pick 3-4 spots in the room (above people's heads is fine if you're nervous) and rotate between them.
• Match your expression to what you're doing – if you're doing strength moves, you don't need to grin like you're at Disney World.
• Let your concentration show when you need it – especially during technical sequences.

And for god's sake, breathe normally. Can't tell you how many people hold their breath during routines because they're so focused on their "performance face." You'll pass out, and I'm not catching you.

Practice in the mirror if you want, but focus more on looking natural than "pretty." Your face will do what it needs to do when you're actually dancing – just stop overthinking it.

And if you're genuinely enjoying yourself, that'll show through way better than any practiced expression.

Bottom line: Your face is part of your safety system. Use it to spot your moves, check your positioning, and stay aware of your space. The performance aspect will develop naturally once you've got the basics down.

Creating an Emotional Connection With Your Audience

Look, eye contact isn't just some cute performance trick – it's literally how you keep people from zoning out and hurting themselves. Had a student last week who kept staring at her feet during spins, nearly crashed right into the pole. Your eyes control your balance and direction. Period.

And about "commanding space" – this isn't about looking pretty or whatever. It's about spatial awareness so you don't smack someone in the face during group classes (saw that happen twice last month) or slam yourself into the wall because you didn't check your spin radius.

I get that everyone wants to look confident and connect with their audience, fine. But I've watched too many Instagram-inspired disasters where people are so focused on making "emotional connections" that they forget basic safety.

Had this girl come in yesterday who kept trying to make bedroom eyes at the mirror instead of spotting her turns properly. Guess what? Face-planted during a basic step-around.

Real confidence comes from knowing exactly where your body is in space and having complete control of your movements. The rest – the performance aspect, the eye contact, all that – it builds naturally once you've got your fundamentals locked down.

Stop worrying about looking good and start focusing on being good. Your audience will connect with solid technique way more than forced emotion anyway.

Make Eye Contact Count

Let me tell you something about eye contact that most Instagram "performers" get completely wrong. This isn't about giving bedroom eyes or trying to seduce your audience – it's about control and intentional connection.

Back in Vegas, I learned real quick that unfocused eye contact makes you look scared or amateur. And you know what? Same thing happens in showcase performances. Had a student last week who kept staring at the ceiling during her routine – told her straight up that she's leaving money on the table in terms of audience engagement.

Here's what ACTUALLY works:

During slow sections, pick specific spots or people to focus on. Not creepy-long, but enough to show you're in command. When you're hitting those power moves, your eyes should be tracking with purpose. None of this random wandering garbage I keep seeing in beginner showcases.

WARNING: Don't get so caught up in eye contact that you lose form. Had a student dislocate her shoulder because she was more focused on "serving face" than proper shoulder engagement. Your SAFETY comes first – always.

Look, I get it. Eye contact can feel awkward during practice. But you need to drill it just like any other technique. I make my students practice their eye patterns during rehearsal because you can't fake that confidence when you're actually performing.

And please – for the love of god – stop copying those TikTok "tutorials" where they tell you to just smile and make sexy eyes the whole time. That's not how this works. Your eyes should match whatever story you're telling. Sometimes that's fierce, sometimes that's vulnerable, but it's never just one note the whole way through.

Practice this stuff in front of a mirror. Film yourself. Watch it back. Be honest about how it looks. Because trust me, the audience will be.

Own Your Space Naturally

Look, I see this all the time – people thinking they can just bounce between three spots on stage like they're playing connect-the-dots. Had a student last week who kept hiding in the back corner by the mirrors. You're wasting half your damn stage.

When you're working the space, you need to actually WORK it. And I don't mean those weird, floaty "contemporary" walks I keep seeing on Instagram. Had enough of that in my Vegas days – it looks artificial as hell. Move like you mean it.

Here's the thing about pole work – your transitions matter just as much as your tricks. I've seen too many shoulder injuries from people rushing to get back to the pole because they don't know what to do with floor space. Stop treating the floor like lava.

When you're on the pole, commit to your lines. None of this half-bent arm stuff I keep seeing. Your extensions should be FULL extensions. Mix up your levels – and no, spinning at shoulder height for your entire routine doesn't count as "mixing levels."

Between pole sequences? Stop speed-walking to your next spot like you're late for a bus. I'd this client – fantastic climber, but moved like a robot between sequences. Took three months to break that habit. Movement should flow naturally, whether you're inverting or just crossing the stage.

And for god's sake, learn to be still. Not every second needs movement. Standing with purpose is a skill – and most of you need to work on it. Just because you can do a handspring doesn't mean you should be moving constantly.

The space is yours – but you have to earn it. Can't tell you how many times I've watched someone nail a complicated combo but completely lose their presence the moment they step away from the pole.

Building Mental Strength and Overcoming Stage Fright

Look, mental prep isn't some cute little add-on – it's literally make-or-break in pole. I'd a student last week completely freeze on an invert she's done hundreds of times, just because she got in her head about performing. This isn't about "positive vibes" or whatever Instagram garbage you're seeing.

You WILL get nervous. Accept it. What matters is how you handle it. I've seen too many injuries from people trying to force themselves through panic. Had someone in Tuesday's advanced class attempt a Janeiro without proper prep because she was rushing to "push through the fear." Ended up with a nasty shoulder strain.

Real talk about audience connection:

• Eye contact works, but don't fake it. If you're focused on a technical move, prioritize that. Safety first.
• Your face will show fear if you're scared. Better to acknowledge it than paste on some fake smile.
• Breathing matters more than you think. Can't tell you how many times I've had to stop class because someone's holding their breath through combos.

Want a pre-show ritual? Fine. But don't expect meditation to fix poor preparation. Nothing builds confidence like solid training. Period. Those TikTok "confidence hacks" won't save you when you're upside down at full extension.

I still get nervous before demonstrations, even after teaching hundreds of classes. But I know my progressions are solid, my grip is tested, and my body mechanics are correct. That's what gets you through, not some playlist or breathing exercise.

Bottom line: Mental strength comes from knowing you've put in the actual work. Everything else is just managing the natural stress that comes with performing. Deal with it professionally, train properly, and respect the process.

Incorporating Music and Rhythm Into Your Performance

*Sigh* Let me tell you something about music that drives me absolutely crazy. Had a student yesterday trying to nail an inverted crucifix while completely ignoring the beat. Just… doing whatever. Look, I don't care if you've got 10K followers doing random splits to Taylor Swift – if you're not moving with the music, you look sloppy.

Back at Sapphire, I learned real quick that musicality isn't optional. It's not just about looking pretty – it's about control. When you're hanging upside down by your thigh grip, you better know exactly when that next beat is dropping.

SAFETY NOTE: Rushing moves because you're trying to catch up with the music is how people get hurt. I've seen it. Recently had to ice down a student's shoulder because she panicked mid-transition trying to hit a chorus.

Pick music that actually matches your skill level. If you're still working on basic climbs and spins, don't pick some fast-paced EDM track just because it's trending. Start with something slow, clear beats, predictable patterns. Yes, it might feel "boring" – good. Boring keeps you safe while you build muscle memory.

Here's what works:

• Count your beats OUT LOUD during practice
• Record yourself (and actually watch it)
• Practice transitions on the floor first
• If you can't hit the move on beat three times in a row, it's not performance ready

I'm not trying to be harsh, but I'm tired of seeing people throw themselves into advanced combinations without understanding basic rhythm. Your body needs to know where it's going before the music even hits that note.

That's not Instagram-friendly advice, but it's what's going to keep you progressing safely.

And please, for the love of god, stop trying to choreograph to songs you've never actually practiced with. Had someone try that in last week's showcase prep. Didn't end well. Just… don't.

Practicing Performance Techniques Through Video Analysis

Recording yourself isn't optional anymore – I don't care how awkward it makes you feel. Can't tell you how many students swear they're nailing a move until I show them video proof they're not. Just yesterday, had a level 2 absolutely convinced her jade split was perfect. Spoiler: her hips were completely misaligned and she was compensating with her lower back. Could have gotten seriously hurt.

DO NOT just prop your phone against the wall and hope for the best. Get multiple angles – front, side, and 45-degree minimum. Back when I was training at Sapphire, we'd use three cameras minimum for move breakdowns. Overkill? Maybe. But I've never had a serious injury, and that's not an accident.

When you review (and yes, you WILL review every practice):

• Check your alignment during holds. I'm talking shoulders stacked, hips square, core engaged. Not that Instagram nonsense where they're arching for likes.
• Your face matters. Stop making that concentrated death grimace. Had a student pass out mid-invert because she was literally holding her breath trying to look "fierce."
• Transitions need to be intentional. Saw too many rushed combos last week that could've ended badly.

Break everything down piece by piece. Don't just watch the full run-through and think "yeah, looks fine." Write down exactly what needs work.

And for god's sake, don't get defensive when you see mistakes. Everyone looks worse on video than they think – even me after 15 years. The point isn't to look perfect; it's to not end up in the ER because you thought your shoulder mount was competition-ready.

Trust me, I've seen enough shoulder injuries from people who "felt fine" to last a lifetime. Video doesn't lie. Your ego might, but video won't.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Shoes Are Best for Grip and Stability?

Look, I see WAY too many beginners showing up in those trendy 8-inch pleasers they bought after watching some Instagram video. DO NOT START IN 8-INCH HEELS. Had a student last week face-plant trying this – complete waste of a class and could've been seriously hurt.

For actual beginners: Start with 6-inch platforms MAX. And I mean proper dance heels with ankle straps that actually lock your foot in, not those cheap Amazon knockoffs that'll snap during your first chair spin. The grip needs to be legit rubber – not that plastic crap that gets slick the second you start sweating.

Real talk? I've seen more injuries from bad shoes in my studio than anything else. Had someone try to climb in regular stilettos last month because "they're basically the same thing." They're not. You need shoes specifically built for pole work, with proper traction patterns and weight distribution.

I still remember my first pair from back at Sapphire – complete garbage, but we didn't know better then. These days there's no excuse. Spend the money on proper gear or don't bother showing up. Your ankles and face will thank you.

Get proper dance heels, break them in BEFORE class, and for god's sake, wipe the bottoms before you get on my pole. Nothing worse than someone tracking floor crud onto equipment because they couldn't be bothered to prep their shoes properly.

How Do I Prevent Bruising During Intense Pole Moves?

Look, knee pads aren't gonna save you from everything – I had a student last week thinking she could just pad up and jump into a Gemini. NO. You're gonna bruise. It's part of the process. But there's a difference between normal progression bruises and straight-up damaging yourself.

First, get your grip aids right. I'm sick of seeing people try to muscle through with dry hands thinking it's somehow more "authentic." Had someone slip last month and nearly crack their head because they wanted to "build calluses naturally." That's not how this works.

The real key? Build. Your. Damn. Strength. Not by throwing yourself at advanced moves – I swear if I see one more person trying to copy some TikTok routine… Build it methodically. Your body needs to learn the right engagement patterns before anything else.

And for god's sake, practice proper form. Just yesterday I had to stop someone mid-invert because their shoulder placement was a disaster waiting to happen. I've seen what bad form does at my old club in Vegas – those injuries don't heal right.

Bottom line: I'd rather have you mad at me for holding you back than watch you get hurt. When you're ready for the advanced stuff, your body will tell you. Until then, stick to the progressions I give you. The bruises will come anyway, but at least they'll be worth it.

Should I Remove Jewelry Before Performing on the Pole?

*heavy sigh*

Take off your jewelry. ALL of it. Just had a student last week who thought her "secure" necklace would be fine – spoiler alert: it wasn't. Wrapped around the pole during an invert and nearly choked her. And don't even get me started on rings… saw a nasty degloving injury back in 2015 that still makes me cringe.

REMOVE:

• Necklaces (yes, even that "special" one)
• Bracelets
• Rings
• Dangly earrings
• Belly button jewelry
• Anklets

Studs are fine IF they're actually secured properly. Had three students lose earrings just this month because they thought "it feels tight enough." Guess what? It wasn't.

Look, I get it. Your jewelry's cute. You want those perfect Instagram shots. But I've been doing this long enough – including eight years at Sapphire where I learned the hard way – to know exactly how this ends. Either you take it off voluntarily before class, or that pole's gonna remove it for you. Your choice, but only one of those options doesn't end with you bleeding or breaking something expensive.

And please, for the love of god, stop showing up with those cheap magnetic nose rings. They're coming off mid-spin whether you like it or not, and I'm tired of finding them on my studio floor.

What Emergency Techniques Help Recover From Wardrobe Malfunctions Mid-Performance?

*sigh* Wardrobe malfunctions happen to everyone – I've seen it all after 8 years at Sapphire. Here's the real deal: ALWAYS keep fashion tape in your bag. Not the cheap stuff – get the professional grade that actually holds through sweat. Regular tape will fail you mid-invert, trust me.

Look, when something starts slipping, don't freeze up like a deer in headlights. That's how you fall. Keep moving, but SAFELY transition to a lower-impact sequence while you sort yourself out. I had a student last week try to keep doing shoulder mounts with a loose top – absolutely not. Ground work exists for a reason.

And for god's sake, test your outfit BEFORE class. I'm tired of seeing people show up in these flimsy Instagram-worthy sets that fall apart the second they attempt a basic climb. Do some jumping jacks, try an invert at home, make sure everything stays put.

Quick fixes behind props? Sure, if you're performing. But in class? Just step off the pole and fix it properly. Your safety matters more than looking "graceful" through a malfunction. I've seen too many unnecessary bruises and scrapes from people trying to "dance it off" instead of just taking care of the problem.

Remember: This isn't about looking cute. It's about not flashing the whole class or getting your clothes caught in the pole – which yes, I've seen happen, and yes, it ended exactly as badly as you're imagining.

How Long Should a Single Pole Routine Typically Last?

Look, here's the reality about routine length – 3-4 minutes is your sweet spot, and I'm honestly tired of seeing people try to stretch it longer. Just had a student last week collapse halfway through her 6-minute routine because she thought "more = better." Spoiler: it doesn't.

DO NOT exceed 4 minutes unless you're specifically training for competition or a specialized performance. I've seen too many injuries from people who burned out trying to maintain intensity too long. Back in Vegas, even our feature sets were carefully timed because energy management is crucial.

You need to structure your routine with actual recovery moments – and I don't mean just hanging there looking pretty. I'm talking about intentional transitions and slower sequences that let you catch your breath while still performing. Those Instagram pole dancers posting 8-minute routines? They're editing multiple takes together. Real life doesn't work that way.

For beginners especially – stick to 2-3 minutes until you build proper endurance. Had a student yesterday try to power through a 5-minute routine because she "felt strong enough." Ended up having to spot her off the pole because her grip gave out. Your muscles will fail before your ego does, trust me on this one.

Bottom line: Quality over quantity. I'd rather see a tight 3-minute routine with solid technique than watch someone flail around for 6 minutes trying to prove something. Your body will tell you when you're ready for longer sets – just learn to listen to it instead of your pride.

Conclusion

Look, stage presence isn't something you can fake – and I'm tired of seeing students try. Just yesterday I had to stop a class because someone was attempting a Russian Split without ANY of the foundational shoulder work. That's how you end up in the ER.

Here's the reality: your stage presence will be garbage if you're terrified of falling. MASTER YOUR BASICS. I don't care how many Instagram tutorials you've watched. When I ran shows in Vegas, the dancers who lasted were the ones who drilled their fundamentals until they could do them half-asleep.

And please, for the love of god, stop with the death-grip on the pole. I can literally see your knuckles turning white. That tension shows in every movement and screams "beginner" to anyone watching. You need controlled contact points, not desperation holds.

Eye contact? Sure, but first make sure you're not about to face-plant because you're too focused on "performing." I had a student last week who was so busy trying to work the room, she completely forgot her exit strategy from an invert. Safety comes before sass, every single time.

Your confidence will build naturally when you actually know what you're doing. I've seen it hundreds of times – students go from mechanical to magnetic once they stop overthinking every move. But it takes time. Real time. Not two weeks of classes before you try to film your "tutorial."

Want my honest advice? Focus on clean, controlled movement patterns. Film yourself practicing (yes, it's awkward – do it anyway). And stop comparing yourself to those 15-second clips online. Half those "tutorials" make me want to throw my phone across the room.

Real stage presence comes from knowing your stuff so well that you can actually focus on performing instead of surviving. Everything else is just pretending.