Opening a Pole Dance Studio has never been more exciting. Pole dance continues to grow rapidly worldwide, especially in the United States and Canada, and demand for classes is stronger than ever. We’re living in a true boom of the modality, and with that comes incredible opportunities for new studio owners.
One of the very first steps when deciding to open your own pole dancing studio is choosing the right space. This decision directly impacts safety, comfort, and the overall experience you’ll offer your students. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential points you need to consider to turn your dream Pole Dance Studio into reality.
Is There an Ideal Size for a Pole Dance Studio?
The short answer is: no.
A Pole Dance Studio can start small or large, both models work.
You might begin with just one room and one or two poles, or you may choose to invest in a spacious pole dance gym with multiple rooms and a full class schedule. The size of your pole studio will depend on your budget, business goals, and local demand.
Some studio owners launch with a solid business plan and a high initial investment, while others start modestly and grow gradually. Both paths are valid.
That said, researching your target audience and the size of your city is essential to define your initial investment and space requirements. Regardless of size, one thing is non-negotiable: your Pole Dance Studio must be equipped with high-quality, safe equipment that you and your students can trust.
Does the Floor and Ceiling Structure Matter?
Absolutely! Both play a crucial role in safety and performance inside a pole dancing studio.
Flooring
Cold floors like porcelain or ceramic tiles are not ideal for pole classes. We recommend vinyl flooring, which is designed for dance: it allows better foot grip, smooth transitions, and is comfortable for barefoot movement.
Gaia Tip: If you’re working with a smaller budget, low-traffic vinyl flooring works perfectly well and is a great cost-effective solution.
It’s also essential that the floor is completely level. Any unevenness can negatively affect pole spin and overall stability.
Ceiling & Structural Support
If your space has a rigid ceiling (concrete or structural slab), that’s usually sufficient. If not, don’t worry, structural solutions exist.
At Gaia Pole, we develop customized structural systems that adapt to different environments, including spaces with drywall ceilings or walls. A great example is Vertical Studio in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, where both walls and ceiling were drywall, and a fully safe solution was engineered specifically for the space.
Ceiling Height and Distance Between Poles
The higher the ceiling, the more versatility your Pole Dance Studio will offer. However, a ceiling height of 2.6 meters (8.5 ft) is already enough for most pole classes.
For spacing:
- 2 meters (6.5 ft) between poles
- 1.5 meters (5 ft) from walls or mirrors
This setup ensures comfort and safety during movement. Many pole studios operate in smaller spaces and still function very well.
Gaia Tip: In compact spaces, always guide students clearly. Some movements, like entering an Aysha from a handstand, require spatial awareness. Clear instructions help prevent accidents near walls or mirrors.
Remember: safety always comes first.
What Is the Best Pole to Start With?
There’s only one answer: Gaia Pole 😉
That said, there are several pole models available, and choosing the right one depends on how your Pole Dance Studio will operate. Our team of specialists is available via WhatsApp and email to understand your studio’s concept and recommend the ideal solution.
Examples:
- If your space is dedicated exclusively to pole classes, a fixed (screw-mounted) pole works perfectly.
- If your studio has a multi-purpose pole dance room, offering other activities like flexibility or aerial classes, articulated poles or rail-mounted systems are ideal for freeing up space.
FM Studio, in Piracaia (Brazil), for example, uses seven rail-mounted poles, allowing the room to be easily transformed for different activities.
Your Pole Dance Studio, Your Identity
Opening a Pole Dance Studio is about more than equipment, it’s about creating an experience. A safe, well-structured space allows your students to grow confidently and connect deeply with movement.
If you’re planning to open a pole dance gym, we’d love to support you every step of the way. Our specialists are ready to help you choose the best equipment and offer exclusive conditions for studios.
