Pole Dance Community Blog
The History:
For those of you who don't know me my name is Sam Remmer and I have been pole dancing since March 2004. I also run my own pole school called The Art of Dance where I employee 6 other pole dancing instructors and 2 Burlesque instructors. Having been involved in the pole dancing industry for over 5 years I have seen many changes and have been pleasantly surprised at how popular pole dancing has become. However, that popularity seems to have come with a price: As the number of pole schools has been increasing, I have become aware that not all of them seem to be passionate about pole dancing and many seem interested purely in cashing in on a growing trend.
My first real concern arose when I found out about a local university that was teaching classes with 8 people per pole! The instructor did have a massive amount of knowledge physiology and anatomy - but had no real knowledge of pole dancing. I met up with some of her students and found them inverting in a very dangerous fashion and with 8 per pole they are rarely supervised. My next concern came about when I heard that someone was teaching pole dancing from their bedroom. They were charging £10 per hour and apparently there was barely enough room to swing a cat. One student explained to me that on her first lesson she paid £10 and then spent the first 10 minutes watching a YouTube video before being told she could then go into another room containing a pole and practice what she had just watched. The student was then left on her own, unsupervised for most of the remainder of the hour.
In 2006 I entered my first national pole dancing competition - Miss Pole Dance UK - where I qualified for the finals. Entering such a competition gave me the opportunity to meet up with other dancers from across the UK so we could chat and share ideas. In 2007 and 2008 I again entered the Miss Pole Dance UK competitions and Pole Divas championships and qualified for the finals, on each occasion meeting more respected dancers and establishing close friendships too.
In 2007 I attended the International Pole Federation (IPF) meeting which was an attempt to form a governing body. I was selected to be on the board but unfortunately the IPF never got established. Despite the failure of the IPF, those who attended the meetings continued to fight for what they believed in and we were determined to push things forward Subsequent attempts have been made but it has proved difficult to unify the pole dance industry.
My concern was that no one actually wanted a governing body that would dictate how they should teach or what qualifications they should have - yet everyone was agreed that they wanted better standards. Achieving this was not going to be easy and as with any industry, divisions were already occurring.
My idea was to establish an advisory body rather than a governing body. That way individuals could have some freedom to make their own decisions. The Pole Dance Community idea was not only to set standards and give advice but to be a portal and networking area so that anyone could use the site for free advice, promotion or fun. I also wanted to use my existing contacts within the industry to make democratic choices about how the site is run and what the codes of conduct contain otherwise it would just me me dictating to the rest of the industry and that was unlikely to succeed.
It is as a result of these (my history and my passion for pole dancing) that I started to work with people such as Genevieve Moody from The Flying Studio and Dana Mayer from Rock n Roll Pole who are responsible for setting set up the Equity Pole Dancers Working Party. The Equity group has been a brilliant opportunity for pole people from across the UK to meet up and share ideas and set actions into place. The Equity group were responsible for the first official UK Pole Dance Day which happened on 1st May 2009.
Working with the Equity group further highlighted the need for an advisory body as well as allowing us to share ideas and discuss how we could make the pole dancing industry better for those who are passionate about it.
So in May 2009 the Pole Dance Community (PDC) site was launched. It will continue to be a work in progress and will continue to rely on the support of it's members and the input of groups such as the Equity working group.
My hopes for the future are that the PDC site will continue to grow and gain support and will prove increasingly valuable to those involved in modern pole dancing. I also hope that through sites like the PDC and through the hard work of many pole dancers across the globe we will help to educate the public about our art so that pole dancing can be recognised for the amazing gymnastic dance form it really is.
Sam Remmer x
The Pole Dance Community (PDC) is an advisory body for the UK and international pole dancing industry. We offer advice to pole dance schools and individuals who choose to pole dance for fitness and recreation. Pole dancing is a modern day phenomenon undertaken by both men and women of all ages, shapes and sizes.
The Pole Dance Community consists of a group of independent pole dance schools, pole dancing instructors, pole dance competition promoters and pole dancing photographers who democratically follow a code of conduct and who work together to provide best practice.
The Pole Dance Community site is administered by Sid and Sam Remmer.
The Pole Dance Community (PDC) provides a series of codes of conduct promoting good practice within the pole dancing industry.
Compliance with these codes allows industry professionals to proudly display the PDC Approved logo.
How do I become a PDC approved school?
I live outside the UK, can I buy items from the PDC shop?
I want to register to join the site but live outside the UK, can I still join?
I run a school outside the UK and would like PDC approval, is this possible?
No the PDC is not a governing body, it is an advisory body. The PDC aims to set standards within the industry and to encourage a safe working environment for all pole dancers. Check out our Code of Conduct for full details.
Can anyone join the PDC website?
Yes, anyone who has an interest in pole dancing can join the site as an interested individual. The PDC will remove any members who do not follow the PDC Code of Conduct or who upload inappropriate content.
If you are a school / teacher then the PDC can provide help and support as well as guiding you towards cheaper insurances, free promotion and marketing, acces to the Advancment and Accreditation Programme, free on-line syllabus, the latest news and updates and so much more.
If you are a promoter then the PDC can promote your event on the newsflash sections of the site and can link directly to your website.
If you are a student then you can get advice on choosing a school, and you can report any bad experiences you have had as a student. You can check out the fabulous PDC approved videos rather than spending hours trawling through YouTube. You can also view our free on-line pole dancing syllabus and use our Pole Dance Shop to buy tried and tested pole dancing products.
How do I become a PDC approved school?
To become a PDC approved school you simply click the 'Register Your School' link and follow the onscreen instructions. You may apply online or by post. There is a one-off £10 application fee which covers the PDC's time taken to review your application. Please note that this is a non-refundable fee, regardless of the outcome of your application.
Once your application has been approved, you will be able to use the PDC logos and will have access to the Approved Schools only forum. You will also qualify for the PDC instructors insurance. As an Approved school, you may integrate the AAP syllabus and conduct gradings if you wish.
The PDC shop only features products that are tried and tested by established pole dancers. All PDC products are genuine so you will not find fake x-poles or fake consumables.
I live outside the UK, can I buy items from the PDC shop?
Yes, we can ship to almost any destination, just e-mail us to let us know what items you are interested in, we give you a free quote and then if you want to proceed with an order we can send you a payment request. On receipt of payment we can ship your items straight out to you.
I want to register to join the site but live outside the UK, can I still join?
Yes, anyone can register. The site was originally set up for the UK market only but we soon realised that the site was of interest to the international market.
I run a school outside the UK and would like PDC approval, is this possible?
Yes, as long as you are abiding by the PDC code of conduct for approved dance schools then you can register with the PDC, we have already approved schools in the United States and Singapore as they have demonstrated compliance with our codes.
If you can't find an answer to a question you have about the site just e-mail us and we will be happy to help you.
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PDC Instructors
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Our approved Instructors
All PDC Approved instructors have agreed to our Code of Conduct and have provided proof of insurance and first aid training.
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PDC Approved 4 Star Instructors
PDC Approved (4 Star) Pole Dancing Instructors.
PDC Approval (4 star) is achieved by providing a suitable pole dancing CV to the PDC. In addition, the applicant must provide two references from PDC Approved Instructors and must hold an AAP membership.
As a minimum, PDC Approved (4 star) Instructors should exemplify excellence in teaching quality and have extensive pole fitness industry experience. They must be able to display a pro-active community involvement. This may include, but is not restricted to; running competitions, organising master classes, training champions, providing teacher training courses, having local and preferably national media recognition.
In these ways, a PDC Approved (4 star) Instructor is recognised for making a positive contribution to the pole fitness industry.
Alice Milner is the proprietor and principal instructor at Pole Dancing Bath. Alice is an accomplished fitness professional, pole dance teacher and pole dance performer.Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Alice Milner.
Alina Schmidt-Buttke is a PDC Approved 4 star pole dancing instructor who teaches at Crazy Pole in Bautzen Germany. Alina is an accomplished pole dance performer and teacher with significant industry experience.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Alina Schmidt-Buttke.
Ally Franklin is the proprietor and principal instructor of Polelatis in Bridport, Devon, UK. Ally received references for her 4 star status from fellow PDC Approved Instructors Karen Currie from Princess K and Jenni Gooch from South Pole AKademy.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Ally Franklin.
Amy Butterworth owns and teaches at Candy & Chrome pole dancing school in Chester. Amy started her pole career in early 2006 and has been addicted ever since. Amy is also a pole dance journalist and has received several business awards for her successful pole dance school.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Amy Butterworth.
Andi Ariseanu i
s the principal instructor at Active Cherry Pole Dance Fitness. Andi is an accomplished pole dancer performer. teacher and judge. In addition to pole Andi is known for her other aerial arts including her spiral and prism work.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instuctor Andi Ariseanu.
Angel F is one of our Approved Teacher Trainers, she runs Discoveries Dance in Maryland, USA. Angel is a respected pole dancing instructor and she is active at promoting pole dancing in a positive light and removing the negative stereotypes that surround modern pole dance.Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Angel F.
Cindy Cooijmans is a well known pole dancing instructor and pole dance judge. Cindy is the creator of the Pole Move Box and is a member of the Pole Dance Community Syllabus Steering group. Cindy teaches in the Netherlands but has trained across the globe.Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Cindy Cooijmans.
Emily Smith is the Principal Instructor and Proprietor of Emily's Pole Fitness. Emily is an accomplished pole dancing instructor and performer. Emily Smith has an impressive pole dancing CV detailing her ongoing professional development and her commitment to both her students and the wider pole dancing world..Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Emily Smith.
Emma Nicholson is the proprietor and principal instructor at Studio Boutique in Hull. Emma has extensive industry experience including performing, judging and teaching. Emma's extensive pole CV shows both her professionalism and dedication to the pole dancing industry.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Emma Nicholson.
Holly Gibbons is the principal instructor and proprietor of Pole Performance. Holly has pole dancing since 2004 and is an avid promoter of pole fitness.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Holly Gibbons.
Holly Munson is the principal instructor at Firefly poles in Norwich, UK. Holly has extensive pole industry experience as well as a impressive fitness CV.
Read more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Holly Munson.
Jamie Alexah-Taylor is the principal instructor and proprietor at Defy Gravity in Wales. Jamie is an accomplished teacher and pole dance performer. Jamie was the All Wales Pole Champion 2011 and she was a finalist in the elite section of the UK Professional Pole Championships 2011.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Jamie Alexah-Taylor.
Jane Cole is the owner and principal instructor at Pole Perfect Fitness in Kings Lynn, Norfolk. Jane has been an avid promoter of pole and has had numerous occasions of media coverage.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Jane Cole.
Jolene Whiting is the principal Instructor and proprietor of Purity Pole. Jolene has been pole dancing since 2003 and is well known within the industry as a teacher, performer and judge. Jolene received her 2 references from fellow 4 star instructors Kate Johnstone from Spin City and Sam Remmer from The Art of Dance.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Jolene Whiting.
Justine McLucas is the founder of Ecole De Pole. Justine is also a PDC Approved course provider. Justine has extensive pole industry experience both in performing and competing.
Find out more about 4 star Pole Dancing Instructor Justine McLucas.
Kara Bulpitt is the principal instructor and proprietor of Opal Pole Dance in Wigan, UK. Kara is an authentic pole dancer with considerable industry experience. Kara is also the orgnaiser of the Authentic Pole Dance Competition.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Kara Bulpitt.
Karrie Hammersley is the principal instructor at is the principal instructor and owner of Karrie's Pole Fit in Ripley Matlock and Belper, UK. Karrie is also the orgnaiser of the Kick Ass Curves Pole Competition.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Karrie Hammersley.
Kate Edwards nee Johnstone is the principal instructor and owner of Spin City Pole Fitness studios and she is also the original teacher of Bendy Kate. Kate is an active member of both the Pole Dance Community and the Equity Pole Dancers working party. Kate is an accomplished pole dancing performer, choreographer and judge.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Kate Edwards nee Johnstone.
Ley Jackson teaches at Pole Guns in Newcastle, UK. Ley has also been part of a Guiness World Record in Pole dancing as well as organising the first ever UK instructors networking event.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Ley Jackson.
Lisa Henderson is the joint owner of Studio 11 Pole Fitness in Bristol, UK. Lisa has raised tens of thousnads of pounds for charity via her poe dancing events.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Lisa Henderson.
Lucille Marshall started dancing at the age of 3. Lucille is the principal instructor at Body Synergy in Birminghom UK.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Lucille Marshall.
Maxine Devis is the principal instructor and proprietor of Pole Fitness Windsor. Maxine is an accomplished dancer who specialises in choreography. Maxine has extensive pole dance teaching and performance experience as well as great sports and fitness knowledge and qualifications.Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Maxine Devis.
Nadine Rebel teaches at CrazySports Augsburg in Germany. She is also a master trainer for PDC Approved Course CrazySports. Nadine has extensive industry experience and a passion for pole.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Nadine Rebel.
Nathalie Barron, owner and principal instructor of London's Pole School, achieves PDC Approved 4 star status. Nathalie has an impressive dance and pole dancing CV and has been dancing since she the age of 4 years old.
Fnd out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Nathalie Barron.
Penny Howarth teaches at pole dance school BodyBarre in Manchester and she is also part of the pole dance troupe the BodyBarre bombshells. Penny has been dancing all her life and is an accomplished pole dance teacher and performer.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Penny Howarth.
Robyn Rooke has been pole dancing since 2005. Her flair for pole dancing and instruction was recognised, and she was invited to complete the teacher-training course by her instructors at PoleCats. Robyn developed a love of performing after entering her first pole dancing competition in 2006. Robyn is the founder of 360° Pole Dancing in Bristol where she teaches pole dancing and tricks to beginners right up to super advanced level.Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Robyn Rooke.
Sam Remmer started pole dancing in 2001 before setting up her pole dancing school in Plymouth in 2004.Sam is now a judge many competitions both national and international.Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Sam Remmer.
Sandra Schlichting is the principal instructor at Studio Aria Arte she is also the editor of Pole Art Magazine.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Sandra Schlichting.
Sarah Brown is the founder of The Pole Studio, international pole judge and President of The PoleSafe Federation. Sarah is also a PDC Approved Course provider offering pole dance instructor training. Sarah is an accomplished instructor who is well respected within the pole dancing industry.
Find out more abour 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Sarah Brown
Stefania Roberto is the principal instructor at Polercise Tenerife. Stefania has extensive industry experience and contribution including being the author of "So, I hear you're a pole dancer".
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Stefania Roberto.
Tracy Hancock started life as a pole dancing instructor in 2007. In 2008 Tracy decided to undertake some continuing professional development so she successfully completed an Exercise to Music (ETM) course to further her fitness knowledge. After completing her ETM Tracy felt ready to set up her own pole dancing school and Pagan's Pole was born. Tracy is also the promoter of PDC approved All Wales Pole Championships.Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Tracy Hancock.
Tracey Simmonds is one of the master trainers for PDC Approved course, The Pole Studio Training. Tracey is also an accomplished performer with many titles to her name.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Tracey Simmonds.
Vivien Feld is the principal instructor at Tanzstudio VI-Dance. Vivien is also a qualified international judge with significant pole industry experience.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Vivien Feld.
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PDC Approved 3 Star Instructors
All PDC Approved (3 star) Instructors have provided the PDC with copies of their industry recognised qualifications, professional indemnity and public liability insurance as well as an up to date first aid certificate.All PDC approved instructors have agreed to abide by the PDC code of conduct.
View the PDC three star instructors.
PDC Dancers
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Our Graded Dancers
Internationally recognised Pole Dance Core Moves Syllabus. Track your progress and compare your amazing skills here.
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How to Grade
Pole Dance Gradings with the Pole Dance Community - Get Recognition.
How many of you work hard to learn new pole dancing moves but then fail to get the recognition you deserve? Do friends and family respect your chosen dance/fitness genre or do they chuckle and make snide comments? How many people know about your pole dancing instructor and how much they have taught you?
To be taken seriously in any sport you want recognition for your hard work and the PDC Pole Dance Gradings are the perfect way to chart your pole dancing progression, create new goals and promote pole dancing to your friends and family.
PDC Pole Dance Gradings not only recognise your hard work but they also help to acknowledge the efforts of your instructorGradings are also perfect for those of you who can't find a pole dance school near you and who learn in the comfort of your own home spending hours watching Youtube and checking out the pole dancing pictures of those you admire. You can shine just the same.
Submitting a grading is easy just follow these simple steps:Buy your AAP Membership.
Your £20 annual AAP membership allows you to partake in gradings and gives you one free on-line grading. AAP members also receive special members discounts. Succesfullly graded dancers may order an official certificate of achievement and receive stars in their web profile
Plan your grading. Decide which level of the PDC Syllabus is the most appropriate for you. Don't rush to achieve higher gradings, work through the lower levels and learn safely at your own pace. If you train with a PDC Approved instructor then they can help you with this process. If you train at home on your own then take a look at the grading sheets used by PDC grading assessors to mark the gradings. Pick your 10 chosen moves from your preferred level.
Please make sure you have read the following documents carefully. Before submitting your grading so you can ensure the best chance of grading succcess.
PDC Grading Sheet.
PDC Grading FAQ's.
PDC Grading Preparation Sheet.
Submit your grading. There are four parts to your grading:1. You need to demonstrate a warm up that is suitable for your moves and level.
2. Execute your 10 moves in isolation.
3. Demonstrate the same 10 moves contained within a routine.
4. Finally you need to demonstrate a cool down element that reflects the moves you have performed in your grading.There are several ways to submit your on-line grading:
1. Youtube - Upload your videos to youtube and then send us the link for each video. You can set your videos as unlisted so that we can view them but no one else can see them unless you send them the links.
2. File Sharing Program - Using a program such as dropbox you can send us a shareable link. When you look at your shareable folder there will be an option to create a shareable link, copy the shareable link then send it to us so we can pass it to one of our grading assessors. Please don't just make the folder viewable to the PDC e-mail address as we are then unable to forward it to a grading assessor.
So what else do you need to to know?
Pole Dance Grading Costs.To submit your grading you will need an up to date AAP membership. Each membership includes one free online grading. Subsequent on-line gradings cost £15 each.
Ask your PDC Approved Instructor what they charge to grade you in-house.
Certificates can be bought after your successful gradings at a cost of £5 plus postage (some PDC Approved instructors include this in the price of your grading).
Grading Scoring:
Your exam will be marked out of 130 and you need to score a minimum of 60 points to pass. If you reach 90 points you earn a merit pass and 115 points will earn you a distinction.
To see some examples of video gradings just pop into Youtube and search for PDC pole dance grading.
"When you undertake a grading you get detailed personal feedback on your performance from some of the worlds top pole judges - this will help you to develop your own personal skills and become a better pole dancer."
So how do you rate and do you think you could make the grade?
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Member Discounts
Member Discounts
The dancer membership includes 1 free online grading as well as the following amazing concessions:
Discounts
10% off Hoodlum Fang Pole Dance Clothing
10% off Instructor Training with Elena Gibson.
15% off IPDFA Pro Pole Instructor Training
20% off Xpert Instructor Training10% off Spin City Anatomy and Physiology for Aerial And Pole Instructors
10% off Discoveries Dance Instructor Certification Programme
10% off ETEDance Instructor Certification Programme.10% off Spin City Pole and Hoop Instructor Training Programme.
10% off Accessories at Pole Motion
Just mail us with your username or e-mail address and we will arrange your discounts :-) -
Dancer Logos
Proof of Progress
Once you have graded, you may proudly display your logo on your websites and social media pages. You also receive stars on your website profile and can purchase an official certificate marking your progress.
