How My Pole Journey Shaped the Way I Teach Beginners

One question I sometimes get from beginners is: “Can we just focus on tricks?” And I get it—tricks are exciting. They feel like progress you can see and show. But in my beginner classes, I intentionally include a short piece of choreography that blends a few foundational tricks together. Here’s why.

I also teach this way because it’s how I started.

I came into pole with no background in dance or fitness. I signed up for a beginner 8-week series, and at the end of it, we performed in front of our family and friends. During those weeks, we learned a beginner-friendly choreography that included a few tricks. I honestly don’t remember much about my very first performance, but I do remember the structure—and it stayed consistent as I progressed.

Each term, we learned a full routine that incorporated tricks appropriate for our level, and then we performed it. I repeated this process for years, all the way to advanced level. Looking back, I can clearly see how much that approach shaped my growth. It wasn’t just about learning tricks—it was about learning how to move, how to connect skills, and how to build confidence over time.

That experience is a big part of why I teach the way I do now.

Choreography helps connect the dots. Learning tricks one by one can feel like collecting puzzle pieces without seeing the full picture. When we put them into a short sequence, students begin to understand how movements flow together—how to transition in and out of shapes, how to control momentum, and how to move with purpose and continuity instead of stopping and starting between positions.

It also builds stamina in a very real way. When you practice tricks on their own, you get natural breaks in between. But in choreography, you’re linking movements together, staying engaged for longer periods of time, and learning how to manage your energy. Over time, this builds endurance so that you can execute tricks not just once, but consistently throughout a full routine without burning out.

Choreography also develops body awareness and control. You’re not just thinking about what you’re doing, but how you’re doing it. Where is your weight? Are you rushing? Are you holding your lines? This awareness is what makes tricks look clean, strong, and eventually effortless.

And just as importantly, it introduces musicality and expression early on. Pole isn’t just about strength—it’s also an art form. Even a simple routine gives students a chance to explore rhythm, timing, and personal style in a low-pressure way. You don’t have to “perform”—you just have to move with the music.

I keep choreography short and beginner-friendly on purpose. The goal isn’t to overwhelm, but to give just enough structure to help everything click. For students who prefer tricks, this approach actually supports their progress—because better transitions, control, and endurance make every trick stronger.

At the end of the day, you don’t have to love choreography to benefit from it. Think of it as a tool—one that helps turn individual skills into confident, fluid movement.

And for me, it’s also a way of passing on what helped me grow from the very beginning.