No! No prior experience is necessary! Pole dance is for everyone of all shapes, sizes, ages, fitness levels and various abilities. You won’t learn to pole dance by doing pull ups in the gym (the mechanics are just different)! Our intro classes include conditioning, and you can also take flexibility classes and recovery classes to support your overall journey

We recommend starting with a beginner class if its your first time!

For Intro classes: Dress to your comfort level, whether that means lingerie, or fitness attire, as long as your private bits are covered, and your clothing is comfortable and free of metal it will work!

Hint: More skin makes it easier to stick to the pole!

For Level 1 Pole classes: Pole dance requires skin contact, so you’ll want to wear shorts with little to no inseam (think bikini bottoms). A bra and/or tank tops that keeps everything in place is perfectly suitable for Pole classes. We have a wide assortment of Pole and Dance clothes in our boutique available for purchase as well.

For Off the Pole Classes: Workout clothes are appropriate for Sensual, Lap, and our dance workout classes, but we always encourage you to wear something that makes you feel good, that you can move in, and always dress to your comfort level. If additional items are needed for a specific class (like layers to peel off in striptease classes) you will be notified.

Please note: No nudity is allowed. No Lotion is allowed on any body parts that will make contact with the pole. No rings, bracelets, or anklets are allowed.

A variety of all of our Pole classes utilize platform ($kripp3r) heels. They are not mandatory, but we highly encourage all of our students to try them. They’re an apparatus on their own and take practice! Our fast-paced classes and higher-level tricks classes off the pole dance classes are bare foot. Check your class description for recommended attire.

Bringing socks as an option is recommended.

Your first time at Nova Noir we lend you a pair of shoes, after that you can rent them for $10 per class, or purchase your own. We have a boutique where you can buy a pair, or you can purchase them from well-known brands like Pleaser or Club Hella Heels.

Outside shoes are not allowed on the studio floors for preservation and protection of our facilities and bodies. Rocks, dirt, and debris can track in, scratching the floors up and also our skin while we do floorwork. If you want to wear different shoes, make sure that they have not been worn outside and get approval from the instructor.

We don’t allow phone usage beyond the waiting area. This helps students ground fully into the immersive experience of our courses while maintaining a sense of privacy and safety around recording. You may use your phone to record but only when invited by your instructor, and always communicate with those around you to make sure they’re comfortable appearing in your recording. If you absolutely need to use your phone, please leave class and go to the lobby. You may return to class once you’ve finished.

Many folks who dance with us, whether for professional or personal reasons, don't want it to be public, we need to respect everyone’s right to privacy during class time. Our policy requires that you be courteous of those around you if filming in class and ask permission before sharing to the internet.

If you are practicing in the private room, you may take photos and videos. If you share a pic or video please tag the studio (@novanoirstudio on IG) and give credit for choreography (if using choreo you learned in class). We might even share it on our page!

Advancement in classes is up to each individual. As you progress, you can move at your own pace, go back to a less advanced level, or stay at a level where you feel comfortable and still challenged. Progress isn’t linear, and changing levels is not the only evidence of it! There’s no pressure.

That said, some classes have pre-requisites to ensure consistency of your experience. If you’re unsure about the leveling of a class, ask an instructor!

For Drop-in classes, please give 10 hours notice if you cannot make your class so we can put someone else in your spot. If you notify us at least 10 hours before your scheduled Drop-in class, your class credit will be returned to you. A cancellation within 10 hours of class time is considered a late cancellation. No-shows are issued an extra $15 fee.

We love it when friends dance together! You’re welcome to all register for the same class, but we recommend coordinating that because we can’t guarantee there will be space for everyone. If you and a large group want a private class/lesson, check out our pole parties page.

For more information about our V.I.Party packages and to book your event with us head to our Events Page, fill out the form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!