(847) 701-4091
Studio Phoenix
  • Classes
    • NEW STUDENT DEAL!
    • Beginners: Pole Fundamentals
    • Schedule
    • Studio Phoenix Classes
    • Pricing
  • Parties
  • Events
  • FAQs
  • About Us
    • Meet the Founder
    • Meet the Instructors
    • Studio Tour
    • Reviews
    • Policies
    • In the News
    • Preferred Vendors
  • Contact
  • Blog

Mindful Mondays: Ways to Rest

12/7/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
We live in a society that puts value on striving, achieving, and working ourselves to exhaustion. But maintaining that pace can lead to burnout and worsen health issues like chronic pain and anxiety.⁠ ⁠

Rest is an important part of a healthy lifestyle... and no, we're not just talking about the physical rest you get when sleep at night (when you CAN sleep... we see you, night owls!). Also give yourself a break from audio and visual stressors like clutter and notifications.

Make time in your day to consciously rest. Even if you can only take a few minutes here and there, you'll find yourself feeling calmer and more positive when you do! What are your favorite ways to rest? ⁠

0 Comments

Mindful Monday: Celebrate!

11/30/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Happy Mindful Monday, Phoenixes! This is a great week to celebrate! All too often, we're so focused on the next goal or project that we don't take time to celebrate what we've accomplished so far. The Full Moon is all about taking time to be grateful for the wonderful things in our lives. 🌝 Did you conquer a new nemesis move? See improvement in your flexibility? Feel more in-touch with your body as you danced? Take your first class with us? Drop a comment below and we'll celebrate with you! 🥳⁠

I highly recommend keeping a gratitude journal. Whether you write in it daily, weekly, or monthly, it's nice to look back at all the things you have to be grateful for. If you don't have one, grab a piece of paper and pen for this week's exercise. 

Full Moon Gratitude exercise: 
- Write down everything you can think of to celebrate or be grateful for!
- These can be large things like your home or a promotion, or small things like the way the sunlight warmed your face today.
⁠
Interested in learning more about how you can use the cycles of the moon to feel more balanced and find your flow in life? Stay tuned for info our our new Lunae classes, coming this January! ⁠
⁠
#mindfulmondays #mindful #mindfulness #meditation #love #peace #fullmoon #grateful #gratitude #celebrate #joy #happy #happiness #whatsgood #chicago #party #celebration #goals #achievements #positivity #thankful #goodvibes

0 Comments

Mindful Mondays - Breath-work Exercise: Straw Breathing

11/23/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Happy Mindful Monday, Phoenixes! This week we'll be focusing on breath-work. When you're stressed out, you tend to take quick, shallow breaths. This affects your nervous system, your emotions, and how well your brain functions. Do this breath-work activity to help slow things down so you can feel calmer and more focused.

​Listen to your body... if you feel light-headed, take a break! If you are a person who meditates or prays, I recommend spending a few moments in stillness after this activity... enjoy the peaceful environment you've created within!⁠
 
Breath-work exercise: Straw Breathing
  • Sit or lie down, and get comfortable.
  • Close your eyes and slow your breathing.
  • Inhale deeply through your nose, filling your diaphragm with air so your belly rises.
  • Purse your lips together in a small “o” as if you have a straw in your mouth.
  • Exhale through your mouth, putting pressure behind the breath as if you are blowing through a straw.
  • Repeat for a total of 10 breaths.
⁠

0 Comments

Mindful Mondays - Tuning in to Auditory Senses

11/16/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Happy Mindful Monday, Phoenixes! This week we'll be tuning into our auditory senses. When we get busy, we tend to block out all the little sounds around us. So take a few moments to truly listen... what do you hear? ⁠
⁠
Mindful Listening Activity:
-Sit or lie down, and get comfortable.
-Close your eyes and slow your breathing.
-What sounds do you year? Maybe chirping birds? The whir of a laptop? Chatter from a co-worker or housemate? The breath of a pet?
-Spend a few moments just noticing the sounds that you normally block out.

0 Comments

Mindful Mondays - Release and Forgive

11/9/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Happy Monday, Phoenixes! I’ll be doing a weekly Mindful Mondays post... some on mindfulness, some on self-care, some on breath-work, all on helping your Mondays be a bright spot in your week! ❤️
 
This week’s focus is on forgiveness and release. Holding a grudge does more harm to you than to the other person. The third quarter moon is all about release and letting go of what’s holding us back, so this is a great week to let go of any toxic situations you’ve been holding on to. I suggest doing this release/forgiveness activity once a month (more if needed).
 
Release Activity:
-Grab a piece of paper and a pen.
-Sit comfortably and relax. Notice any tension, anger, or frustration you may be holding in your body.
-Make a list of people and situations you choose to forgive.
-When you’ve finished your list, go through one-by-one and release them. Picture the person in your head in a loving light, or picture the situation resolved in a healthy way.
-When you’re done, crumple or burn the piece of paper.
 
You may not feel that forgiveness instantly, and that’s ok! Make it a daily choice to release it again.
 
Interested in more info on the moon and how you can use its cycles to feel more balanced and find the flow in your life? Stay tuned for our Lunae classes, coming this January!

xoxo,
​Jenni
 
#mindfulmondays #monday #release #forgive #forgiveness #moonphases #lunae #letitgo #moon #3rdquartermoon

0 Comments

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals for Pole Dancers - 2019

11/26/2019

0 Comments

 
It's our favorite time of the year - time for sales! The only thing we love more than buying new pole gear is wearing it to learn new tricks. We've gathered all the best Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday deals in one place to save you time and money!

We'll be updating this blog as new deals become available, so keep checking back!

Our Deals

Picture
Phoenix Preferred
A whole year of pole! This package includes 1 Pole class a week, free open poles, free studio-led workshops, a free studio tank top, and free water each class. This package is our best deal on classes and will no longer be purchasable in 2020 - so get it while you can!
  • When: If purchased on Black Friday (11/29)
  • Deal: Receive a free pair of Phoenix Leggings
  • Code: No code needed. Leggings can be redeemed in person at the studio after 12/2.
  • Website: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=48934&stype=41&sTG=28&prodId=11743
    • To purchase in the Online Store select 'Pole Fitness' and then 'Phoenix Preferred'
Picture
Gift Cards
  • When: Small Business Saturday (11/30)
  • Deal: 10% off of Gift Card Purchases!
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: Click here to purchase Gift Cards
Picture
Pole Fundamentals 4 Pack
Pole Fundamentals is our Pole Fitness course for brand-new polers. It's written so the moves are accessible to everyone, and modifications are available for all skill levels. Whether you're a couch potato, or a seasoned gymnast, you'll find this class fun and challenging.
  • When: Now until 12/14
  • Deal: 4 classes for $100 (that's a $40 savings!)
  • Code: No code needed, just select the '4-Pack Pole Dancing Intro' at checkout.
  • Website: Click here for the Pole Fundamentals Schedule and to book your first class 

Apparel

Picture
Boomkats Pole Wear
BOOMKATS is a rising brand of pole clothing and accesories that helps to unlock and reveal inner Diva in every woman. All HANDMADE. Made in EUROPE.
  • When: ​Now - end date/time unknown
  • Deal: Sale items up to 40% off
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://boomkats.com
Picture
Born Primitive
Athlete-Driven, Patriot-Inspired fitness apparel and accessories. Owned and operated by an active-duty military family.
  • When: ​Now - end date/time unknown
  • Deal: 30% off site wide
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://bornprimitive.com/
Picture
Box Lunch
BoxLunch is not a 'pole brand' but we included them because of our their vast number of tank tops that are great for working out in! And we know our fellow geeky polers/aerialist will appreciate them. For every $10 you spend, they also help provide a meal to a person in need. #GetSomeGiveBack
  • When: ​Now - end date/time unknown
  • Deal: 30% off site wide
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://www.boxlunch.com/womens/tops/tanks/​ 
Picture
Cleo the Hurricane
Pole, dance and fit wear for those who want to rock!
  • When: ​Now through midnight PT Sunday Dec 1st
  • Deal: 
    • ​30% off - for CRNP Members only, log into your account and go here for the code
    • 20% off of everything store wide and up to 70% off of select items. Use code BLACK2019
  • Website: https://www.cleothehurricane.com/
Picture
Creatures of XIX
At Creatures of XIX we love to put a little edge into everything that we do. We are Pole dancers creating innovative apparel for the fearless woman.
  • When: ​Now through December 2nd
  • Deal: up to 75% off
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://creaturesofxix.co/
Picture
Design by Science
Inspired by movement. Derived from Science. Based in Minnesota.
  • When: ​Friday 11/29 through Monday 12/2
  • Deal: 20% all custom outfits for Black Friday through Cyber Monday. That would knock a custom matte costume (minimal to no rhinestones) down from $300 to  $240 with free shipping and the customer shine costume (lots of bling) down from $500 to $400.
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignByScience
Picture
Defying Gravity Activewear
Defying Gravity Activewear is a custom pole and aerial fitness clothing company based in Windsor, ON. They specialize in custom performance outfits and day to day aerial arts clothing.
  • When: ​Friday 11/29 through Monday 12/2
  • Deal: 30% all orders over $50
  • Code: blackfridaysale
  • Website: https://www.defyinggravityactivewear.com/
Picture
Discount Dance Supply
Discount Dance Supply is the leading dancewear catalog and online retailer in the United States with the largest selection of name brand products at the absolute lowest prices.
  • When: ​end 11/29/2019
  • Deal: 25% to 35% off  
  • Code: FREE SHIPPING on orders $49+ with code NOV19FSM
  • Website: https://www.discountdance.com/index.php
Picture
Dragonfly
Dragonfly Brand USA provides durable, flexible, and fashionable athletic wear made with premium Italian fabrics for the best possible fit.
  • When: ​24 hours only on 11/29
  • Deal: 20% off
  • Code: follow this event to be the first to know the discout code: https://www.facebook.com/events/434061740823071/
  • Website: https://www.dragonflybrand.com/
Picture
Etak O Design
Polewear activewear aerialwear. Handmade to order to your desired size, booty cut on pole shorts and colour of your choice. Different fabrics or crystals could be added at additional cost. UK store.
  • When: ​Pre Christmas SALE for a limited time only!
  • Deal: everything on Etsy store is 20% off
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EtakODesign
Picture
Fabletics
Fabletics is an innovative, high-quality athletic wear & accessories line co-founded by Kate Hudson that looks great & fits your budget.
  • When: ​Now through 12/5
  • Deal: 70% off of your entire order when you become a VIP member
  • Code: no code needed
  • Website: www.fabletics.com
Picture
Finding Your Freestyle
Finding Your Freestyle is an immersive movement practice, learning experience, and apparel line supported by an interactive online resource and community. FYF strives to harness true safety, creativity, and joy of movement into every class, workshop, and online interaction.
  • When: ​Now through Sunday 12/1
  • Deal: Spend $85 or more (like say, a bath bomb, a top and bottom), your whole order is 40% OFF
  • Code: no code needed
  • Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/findingyourfreestyle/
Picture
Flow Movement
Flow Movement® is a wellness and apparel brand created by Marlo Fisken.
  • When: ​Now - end date/time unknown
  • Deal: Reduced prices are as marked (flow pants are especially marked down).
  • Code: no code needed 
  • Website: http://flowmovement.net
Picture
Genie and Jade
Pole and aerial dance fashion, decals, and more.
  • When: ​Now until 11:59 Eastern time Monday Dec. 2nd
  • Deal: Biggest discount of the year
  • Code: BABEINBLACK
  • Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GenieAndJade
Picture
Grata Designs
Fitness Clothing specially designed for aerial arts, pole fitness, pole dance and Yoga.
  • When: ​Now through 12/5
  • Deal: Take 50% off on items labeled BLKFRI. Must have a minimum of 2 items labeled to get the deal.  Sales go until Cyber Dec 2nd.
  • Code: Must use code: BLKFRI at check out.
  • Website: https://gratadesigns.com/
Picture
Harem Pants
Not a 'pole' brand but these pants are great for wear over your pole clothes and for low flow/floorwork. ChiangMai Thai Harem Pants makes the best quality, most comfortable Harem Yoga pants in the world. Hand picked material from Thailand, ensures top quality.
  • When: ​Now through 11:59 PST December 1st
  • Deal:
    • ​25% off on all order, code BF25
    • 30% off on $100+ orders, code BF30
    • 35% off on $150+ orders, code BF35​
  • Website: https://www.hoodlumfang.com
Picture
Hoodlum Fang
A UK Sportswear Brand adorning unique and custom fabric designs, handmade to order for the Roller Derby, Pole Dance and Fitness market.
  • When: ​Starting Thursday 11/28 through Monday 12/2, UK Time for exact timing and details follow their Facebook Event page by clicking here.
  • Deal: 15% off all orders over £20
  • Code: BLACK15
  • Website: https://www.hoodlumfang.com
Picture
Mika Yoga Wear
Yoga, Pole, Aerial, Dance, and Swim Wear made for movement.
  • When: ​Now through 12/1
  • Deal: 40% off everything
  • Code: BF19
  • Website: https://www.mikayogawear.com/
Picture
Mocha Pole Girl
Embracing the essence and eccentricity of mocha aerial athletes. (US orders only, no international shipping available)
  • When: ​Now through Black Friday
  • Deal: 10% off of new merchandise, 30% off of everything else!!!
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MochaPoleGirl
Picture
Morteica Brand
Huge variety of pole and aerial inspired t-shirts, crop tops, tank tops, sweatshirts, hoodies, sweatpants (WITH POCKETS), garters, glassware, and other cool stuff for women, men, and kids!⁣
  • When: ​Friday 11/29 through Monday 12/2
  • Deal: 30% off entire store
  • Code: No code needed
  • Note: December 2nd is the last day to get orders and have them arrive by Christmas (USA only).⁣
  • Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/morteica
Picture
Paradise Chick
Our passion for music & dance. Greek Handmade Outfit. We love extraordinary fabrics & unique prints. Leggings, swimsuits, pole outfit, t-shirts & more.
  • When: ​Friday 11/29 through Monday 12/2
  • Deal: 30% on all our collections and up to 70% off of some items!
  • Code: blackfriday
  • Website: https://www.paradisechick.com/
Picture
Playful Cat Pole Wear
A new range of colourful, fun, playful pole wear which includes our 'sticky legging' range for pole dancers.
  • When: ​Now through December 2nd
  • Deal: Enjoy 15%off selected items
  • Code: 15%OFF
  • Website: https://playfulcatpolewear.com/
Picture
PointOut Polewear
PointOut Polewear is a brand created and based in Athens Greece. Stylish and comfortable clothes suitable for pole dancing, but also suitable for yoga, pilates, aerial acrobatics, fitness and swimming!
  • When: Friday 11/29 through Monday 12/2
  • Deal:  40% to the whole shop (even the offer section)
  • Code: black19
  • Website: https://pointoutpolewear.com/
Picture
Polefinesse
Pole Dance & Aerial Wear featuring unique designs.​
  • When: 6 pm Thursday 11/28 through 7 am Monday 12/2 ​(12 am Friday 11/29 through 12 pm Monday 12/2 - UK time)
  • Deal: 15% off the entire store, free delivery on orders over £100, AND some products will be discounted up to 50% off!
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Polefinesse and https://polefinesse.net/ 
Picture
PoleHog
Quality, affordable, hand made to order - UK made pole wear for ladies.
  • When: ​Friday November 29th
  • Deal: 20% off on website orders only
  • Code: unicornfriday
  • Website: https://polehog.com/
Picture
Polerform
We offer high quality pole and aerial apparel! Whether it is something we have in stock or you are needing a custom piece, we are the shop for you! A US based company!
  • When: ​Friday November 29th
  • Deal: 30% off of non clearance items
  • Code: Friday30
  • Website: https://polerform.com/
Picture
Push + Pole
A fantastical brand for pole dancing addicts and aerial enthusiasts.
  • When: Monday 11/29 through 12/3
  • Deal: Three Different Offers!
    • Black Friday 11/29 (one day only) *applies to almost all apparel - exclusions may apply (mugs, cell phone cases, totes...):
      • 40% OFF 4+ items - blackfriday40
      • 30% OFF 3 items - blackfriday30
      • 20% OFF 2 items - blackfriday20
      • 10% OFF 1 item - blackfriday10
    • Black Friday Weekend, Saturday 11/30 - Sunday 12/1:
      • BUY ONE, GET ONE 50% OFF - code blackfridayweekend. Exclusions may apply
    • Cyber Monday/Cyber Week: 20% OFF Site Wide, code cyber20
  • Website: https://www.pushandpole.com/
Picture
RAD Polewear
Training wear for pole, aerial acrobatics, swim, surf & fitness. Made in Greece, worldwide shipping.
  • When: Friday 11/29 through Monday 12/2
  • Deal: 40% discount and free-shipping on all orders
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://www.radpolewear.com
Picture
Super Fly Honey
Designing pole apparel to magnify the beauty in you. Featuring sticky leggings and body suits.
  • When: Monday 11/25 through 12/3
  • Deal: Six Different Offers!
    • Free Worldwide shipping - no code needed, no minimum spend
    • 21% off site-wide - no code needed, no minimum spend
    • Free Christmas Magnet - no code needed, no minimum spend
    • Free Keep It Basic Top - on orders US100 and above
    • Free Top In Phoenix Party - on orders US200 and above
    • Lucky Draw - get a chance to win their next sticky legging shade
  • Website: https://www.superflyhoney.com/​
Picture
The Bendy Brand
The Lifestyle brand for the more 'bendy' bodies!
  • When: Today
  • Deal: Items marked down
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://www.thebendybrand.com/product-category/sale/
Picture
Twisted Movement
Unique handmade edgy clothing created by Professional Pole Dancer and Movement Artist Nadia Sharif. Functional Onesies, sliced leotards, catsuits, & more!
  • When: Now until Sale Ends December 2nd midnight PST
  • Deal: 20% OFF site wide
  • Code: BLACKFRIDAY2019
  • Website: https://twistedmovement.com/
Picture
Vekker
LA-based Performance Activewear + Aerial apparel. Raising the bar for aerial and athletic apparel. Proudly made in the U.S.A.
  • When: Now until Sale Ends December 2nd midnight PST
  • Deal: 25% off of everything. Free shipping $100 USA & $200 International
  • Code: BLACKFRIDAY2019
  • Website: https://vekkerla.com/
Picture
Vertical Beast
Fun, Sexy, and Functional active wear for pole & aerial fitness, dance, yoga, and so much more!
  • When: Friday 11/29 starting 8am PST through Monday 12/2
  • Deals: 
    • ​Mystery Solids & Prints $20 each or 3 for $50
    • Metallic Splash 29% off
  • Note: All sales final, no exchanges or refunds.
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://verticalbeast.com/
Picture
Vertical Wise
Their initiative is a website / platform for all aerial sports such as Pole Dancing, Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop, Trapeze, etc. The aim behind the platform / website is to provide a global and simultaneously central point of reference; providing training, information and entertainment in the field of aerial sports.
  • When: Now until December 2nd
  • Deal: 25% off on all Vertical Plus Size products
  • Code: blackfriday
  • Website: https://verticalwise.shop
Picture
Wink
The leading brand for yoga, sports fitness, pole dance and aerial clothing. Made in the UK, ships worldwide.
  • When: Starts on Black Friday and ends midnight GMT time 2nd December, hurry while stocks last!
  • Deal: Up to 70% off SALE items, FREE SURPRISE GIFT WITH EVERY PURCHASE!  
    • Purchase 1 item - 10% discount (CODE - BF1)
    • Purchase 2 items - 15% discount (CODE - BF2)   
    • Purchase 3 items - 20% discount (CODE - BF3)
    • Purchase 4 items - 25% discount (CODE - BF4)
  • Code: See above. Please use correct discount code to prevent order being void.
  • Website: https://www.winkfitnesswear.com/

Equipment and Aids

Picture
Dew Point
Dew Point Pole naturally moisturizes your skin while increasing your grip on the pole.
  • When: Now, end date unknown
  • Deal: 40% your entire order
  • Code: THX2YOU19
  • Website: https://www.dewpointpole.com/
Picture
Feetup
Personal yoga trainer for inverted postures, bodyweight fitness and inner balance.
  • When: Now, end date unknown
  • Deal: 15% off
  • Code: 1COMMUNITY
  • Website: https://feetup.com/ 
Picture
Lupit Pole
Lupit, a Slovenian based company, provides complete solution for pole and aerial fitness equipment for studios, competitions and home practice.
  • When: Now until December 2nd
  • Deal: 15% off
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://lupitpole.com/
Picture
Rybberbanditz
Resistance Bands. We're an innovative mobile fitness company who's mission in life is to make the sometimes intimidating task of getting in shape, well, easier.
  • When: Now, expires 12/3
  • Deal: 25% off everything
  • Code: Black25
  • Website: https://www.rubberbanditz.com/

Online Training

Picture
123poling.com
Step-by-step video tutorials will help you learn pole dancing spins, tricks and transitions from absolute beginner to expert levels, build strength, confidence and grace. All our tutorials demonstrate what points of contact are and importantly where they are located, different angles and positioning on the floor so you can understand a move better.
  • When: Valid through 12/02/19
  • Deal:  20% off everything
  • Code: BF20
  • Website: https://123poling.com/
Picture
Cleo's Rock N Pole
Cleo's Rock N Pole® is the hottest online studio with the most supportive community and the funnest challenges to unleash your inner Rock Star!
  • When: available between Thursday November 23, 9am PT 2019 and Sunday December 1, 11:59pm PT
  • Deal:  $75 off your yearly membership
  • Code: BF2019
  • Website: https://www.cleosrocknpole.com/
Picture
PoleFreaks
PoleFreaks.com brings the Pole Fitness Community together with good, reliable, practical information. We help pole enthusiasts of all levels to improve together and celebrate their achievements.
  • When: Now until Midnight Monday 12/2
  • Deal:  Save 50% off of your membership, not just your first month, but every month you're a member.
  • Code: BF2019PFS50
  • Website: https://studio.polefreaks.com/
Picture
​PoleMoves
The leaders in pole fitness training and education.
  • When: Friday 11/29 through Monday 12/2
  • Deal:  $50 off for the PoleMoves Level 1 or Level 2 online courses (single pay only; not for the payment plan) 
    ​Please note: Level 2 training is only available for those who have completed Level 1.
  • Code: BF2019
  • Website: https://polemoves.com
Picture
Spin City Aerial Fitness
The leaders in pole fitness training and education.
  • When: Friday 11/29 through Monday 12/2
  • Deal:  25% off Individual Instructor Training, Books, and Clothing
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://www.spincityinstructortraining.com/
Picture
The Pole PT
Online strength coaching for pole dancers. Trick-specific training programs provided through the Pole PT app. All the support and accountability you need to make those "impossible" pole tricks possible.
  • When: Friday 11/29 through Monday 12/2
  • Deal:  $50% OFF all online programs AND enter the below code at checkout and not only will you get 50% off, but all profits will be donated to DASH – a dog rescue center in Greece.
  • Code: GIVEBACK50
  • Website: https://www.thepolept.com/

Shoes and Accessories

Picture
​BeesKnees Knee Pads
Your sleek sexy knee pad
  • When: 11/29 only
  • Deal:  10% off a pair of their signature series pole dance knee pads
  • Code: BLACKHEART
  • Website: https://beeskneeskneepads.com/
Picture
Heel Art Collection
Custom hand painted heels for dancers, burlesque, and boudoir.
  • When: ​Now till unknown
  • Deal: Take 25% off all orders! 
    *Plus a bonus coupon for the Heel Obsessed, when you Buy 3 pairs, you’ll get $50 off!
    Please Remember!
  • Code: HeelArtObsession
  • Note: Sales and Coupon can be applied to regular line -no customization- Pleasers as well! Message them with any questions! Orders made after December 4th have no guarantee to arrive by 12/25. (USA only)​
  • Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/heelartcollection
Picture
Heel Bangers
Alternative, sexy, edgy heels
  • When: ​Now through midnight PT Sunday Dec 1st
  • Deal: 
    • ​20% off - for CRNP Members only
    • 15% off - for non-members
  • Code: For members log into your account and go here for the code. Otherwise use code VIPHEELS
  • Website: https://heelbangers.com/
Picture
Polerized Pins
Pole dance inspired enamel pins.  
  • When: Wed 11/27 through Mon 12/2
  • Deal:  Buy one get one 50% off All pins
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://www.polerizedpins.com/

Miscellaneous

Picture
Elements Massage - Palatine, IL
Elements has one goal in mind: to give you, the client, the best and most personalized massage you have ever had. There mission is to provide the industry's best therapeutic massage in a professional and inviting environment where clients can experience the Elements difference.  
  • When: Now through the end of November
  • Deal:  
    • Members get massage gift cards at buy 1 get 1 free (regular rate)
    • Nonmembers get massage gift cards at buy 1 get 1 half off.​
  • Code: No code needed
  • Website: https://elementsmassage.com/palatine
Picture
Elizabeth Blanchard - ebooks
International and online Instructor of pole, aerial, contortion and calisthenics training. Elizabeth is a Kinesiologist and aerialist; a cast member of EmCirque performance group, Oscillations dance company and an internationally acclaimed instructor
  • When: Now thru midnight on Friday (PST) and only to the first 25 to use the promo code
  • Deal: offering 50% off all of training ebooks for Black Friday! 
  • Code:  FRIDAY50
  • Website: http://elizabethbfit.com
Picture
Land of Lakes Pole Dance Festival (LOLPoleFest) January 17-19, 2020
We have Phoenixes competing! A perfect excuse for a road trip ;)
  • When: Black Friday 11/29
  • Deal:  25% off of tickets
  • Code: LOLBLACKFRIDAY
  • Website: https://poleandperformingart.com/products/lolpolefest-admission-tickets
Picture
Pole Sport Organization (PSO)
Have your moment.
  • Deals:
    • ebooks are 24% off from Black Friday until Cyber Monday with code PSOAC.
    • Quick Wins, a business owner's course at PoleCon 2020 is $100 off until December 31, with code DEC31
    • Sign up for their newsletter and watch for the December issue. They'll offer some discounts on 2020 competitor entry fees if you buy before the end of the year!
    • Bras, booty shorts, and category tanks are only $10, no code required.
  • Website: https://shop.polesportorg.com/

Did we miss one? Comment below and we'll be sure to add it!
0 Comments

A Non-Dancer's Guide to Choreographing

5/2/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
By our instructor Jen HJ. Read more about Jen in her instructor profile! 
Picture
Before I tried pole fitness in 2013 I had never worked out or taken dance lessons. I was clumsy. I had no flow. Being in orchestra for most of my school days taught me how to find a beat, but I couldn’t count it and definitely couldn’t move to it. So when I signed up for my first studio showcase in September of 2014 I was excited, but also terrified. Putting together a routine was daunting. I had never choreographed anything before and had no clue what I was doing. Now I put together routines for classes I teach, as well as for performances. So here are my tips for first time performers:
 
Pick Music that Moves You
Pick a song that moves you emotional and/or physically. If a song inspires your imagination and/or makes your body itch to start moving then it’s going to be that much easier to put moves to music.
 
Print out Your Lyrics and Find a Pencil
The first thing I do after picking out a song is pull the lyrics from online. I then space them apart to leave myself room to write. Don’t write in ink as it’ll lock you into movements; use a pencil and have an eraser handy as you experiment and work.
 
Freestyle and Record
The second thing I do is get to the studio, warm-up, get in the right frame of mind and then start dancing! I set my phone to record and freestyle a few run throughs of my song. This isn’t about being perfect or executing my newest trick, it’s about moving with the music and seeing what comes naturally. I then watch the videos and focus on the movements/flow I liked, write those down, and use them as inspiration and a launching pad for the rest of the routine.
 
List your Favorite Moves/Tricks
I list out 3-4 favorite moves that I feel confident in, and one move I’m close to perfecting that I’d love to show off. Next question is do I want to do them on static or spin? I then listen through my music and see if these moves seem to match well with certain parts – lyric-wise or with the ebb and flow of the music. I write those down (in pencil) near the lyrics and use them as a guide to start piecing together my flow, adding in and attaching them to the movements from my freestyle practice. These two steps alone usually get me a good chunk of the way through choreographing my routines.
 
Find Some Inspiration online!
On Instagram, look up a move you want to incorporate to see interesting variations as well as unique entrances and exits. Pop onto YouTube and search the name of your song, look at non-pole dance routines for inspiration on floor work and transitions you can incorporate into your piece. Also on YouTube (or Vimeo), search for dance performances/tutorials in the style you want to dance in (lyrical, exotic, contemporary, country, etc.). If going for a more lyrical or contemporary piece, consider performances and tutorials by kids as they’re usually beginner to mid-beginner level and easy to pick up/learn. *Note: you should NOT be stealing and plagiarizing someone else’s routine. Take what you see and make it your own
 
Slow it Down!
A common performance mistake for first timers is they speed through their moves way too fast – meaning you have to choreograph that much more movement! Slow down your combos, pause and hold beautiful shapes, take a moment to show off a limb. Plan on holding poses for 4 seconds (or more) and spin poses for at least a whole rotation. The more you take your time, the less moves you need to fill in the space, and the more time the audience can appreciate those tricks you worked so hard on.
 
Don’t be Afraid to Leave Some Blank Spaces
In the beginning I liked to have every second of my song accounted for. Now I leave an extra few seconds scattered here and there, especially right after a difficult pose/combo. This leaves some wiggle-room if something goes awry.
 
Try Some New Classes
Are you stuck in a rut and can’t figure out what to do next? Try a new class... it’ll knock you out of your comfort zone and get those create juices flowing. Plus you may find a new move/combo that you like. So give Liquid Motion, Spin Pole, Flex, Barre, Chair, Low Flow, Pole Flow, or even Pole Conditioning a try!
 
If it’s Not Working, Don’t Fight It
Sometimes a song or move just isn’t working. No matter how much you love a song or want to show off a pose it may just not work with what you’re putting together. Don’t fight it, scrap it. There is always next time. <3
 
When All Else Fails Get Some Help
There is nothing wrong for asking people’s opinion and help. Your classmates may have a favorite combo/move that you do that you didn’t think of. Your teacher will have suggestions on unique ways in and/or out of a move. Studio Phoenix also offers private lessons with choreography. :D

​Good luck!

0 Comments

10 Reasons Why You Should Try Pole Dancing

4/22/2018

2 Comments

 
by Jenni O'Connor
Picture
​Pole Dancing has taken the world by storm as a fun workout that combines strength, cardio, and fun! If you’re on the fence about trying your first class (we were all nervous our first time, too!), here are 10 reasons why you should give Pole Dance a try.
 
10. It’s great cross-training for other sports/dance.
While most sports focus on lower body strength, Pole Dancing focuses a significant amount on upper body strength. While this doesn’t come naturally to most women, we use conditioning and exercise to increase your strength each week. Combining strength and cardio, pole is a great alternative exercise format! For our dancers, pole gives you the opportunity to try your favorite dance style (hip hop, ballet, Latin), using the pole as a prop! Or you can learn new styles of dance in our classes like Poleography, Chair Dance, and Low Flow. 

Picture
9. Dance helps improve brain function.
Dance has been scientifically proven to improve cognitive function, and even assist in preventing Alzheimer’s Disease. This article from Psychology Today discusses how not only the physical act of dance improves your brain, but even visualizing your dance steps as a practice method can improve your muscle memory. Dance helps with gross and fine motor skills, decision making, creativity, balance, and mood. (Source. Image from Pinterest)

Picture
8. Pole Dance is accessible to everyone.
Pole Dance appeals to a wide variety of people! Among our students, we have doctors (of both the PhD and MD persuasion), entrepreneurs, exotic dancers, students, engineers, ministers, and more. Studio Phoenix’s current students range from ages 18 to their upper 60’s, but there are even pole dancers in their 90’s throughout the world. You don’t have to be young, be a dancer, or be athletic to start… most of us come in with no athletic ability. Our studio environment is warm and friendly (no mean girl behavior here!), and all women are welcome. 

Picture
7. You can try something new.
With busy work and/or family schedules, we often get stuck in a rut. We drive the same route to work, stop at the same restaurants for take-out, and watch the same TV shows to unwind. How often do you try something new? Not only does a new activity get us outside our comfort zones, but it helps our brains create new neural pathways for learning. Each week you’ll learn new moves that challenge you, and help you grow stronger.

Picture
6. It will improve your strength and grace.
Dance has the dual benefit of improving strength and grace. Know that most of us come in the door with neither! Take it from someone who often bumps into walls, or smacks limbs on things… you don’t have to be graceful on the ground to be graceful in the air! Most of us don’t come from dance backgrounds, and we don’t expect you to come in the door looking like a pro. But each week as you practice, you’ll find yourself growing stronger, and moving more gracefully. With the expertise of your instructors, and the encouragement of your classmates, you'll find yourself improving each week! 

Picture
5. Dance can help improve your health.
As mentioned above, dance helps with brain function and balance, but it also helps improve your general physical health. As you dance, your heart rate increases, bringing more oxygen to your tissues. As you do conditioning moves, your muscles get stronger. We’ve seen many of our students reach healthier weights (which is slimmer for some, and larger for others), due to increasing muscle mass in their bodies. For some of our students, dance helps improve depression and anxiety. For those with muscle/joint/pain conditions (myself included… I have Fibromyalgia), moving helps keep our bodies from “freezing up” and being in pain. When I first started Pole Dance, I was in the process of applying for disability, because I couldn’t walk most days. I was determined to not spend the rest of my life in bed, wracked with pain, so I gave the class a try as a last-ditch effort to save my health. Pole Dance has improved my quality of life to the point that I can teach several classes and parties a week, as well as coaching cheerleading. 

Picture
4. You’ll have fun.
Work, eat, sleep, work, eat, sleep, repeat. Being an adult is not always fun. When’s the last time you did something new that allowed you to play? From spins to hair whips, to sexy shoes and great music, pole dancing is just plain FUN! You’ll feel like a kid at the park again, flying through the air with a smile on your face! As you make friends with your classmates, you'll find yourself laughing with them, and cheering them on each class. From Theme Weeks ("on Wednesdays, we wear PINK"), to hanging out after class, you'll build relationships with your Pole Sisters. 

Picture
3. Pole Dance allows you to get some
​“me-time.”

For many of us, we carry the weight of work, relationships, exercise, diet, kids, hobbies… and don’t take the time to do something for ourselves. Pole Dance class is 60 minutes where you’re no one’s wife, mom, employee, daughter… you’re just a woman. You can focus 100% on your dancing, without the distractions of life. And our studio is a safe place to have fun and be sexy without judgment. 

Picture
2. You’ll feel sexy.
When’s the last time you did a hairwhip? Maybe never? How about shimmying your hips to a song that moved you? Wearing an outfit or heels that made you feel beautiful? There’s something to be said for tapping into our feminine sides as women. There’s often a stigma surrounding sexuality… especially as women. Your skirt should be shorter than this, but not TOO short. Look pretty, but not that pretty. Fit this exact mold for body type. You won’t find any of these restrictions in Pole Dance class. We have all different body types and ages in our classes, and all different abilities. We teach you how to move your body, and embrace the differences that make your movement unique. And most importantly, you can do it without judgment. The relaxed and encouraging atmosphere of a Pole Dance class allows you to explore sides of yourself you may not have before. You’ll leave class with a smile on your lips, and a shimmy in your hips. 

Picture
1. You’ll gain confidence.
There’s something about Pole Dance that inspires self-confidence in all of us. Each class you’ll be conquering new moves, learning to appreciate how strong your body is (no matter what it looks like), and hearing what a strong, beautiful woman you are from your instructor and classmates. As an instructor, I love watching some of our new baby polers walk in shy and unsure, and then watching them leave their first session with a sassy sway in their walk and heads held high. Pole Dance is empowering!
 
What reason spoke most strongly to you? If you’re already a pole dancer, what reasons made you decide to join, and what has kept you dancing?
We’d love to hear from you!
 
Ready to try Pole Dance class for yourself? See our schedule and register for a Pole Fundamentals class here.
See you in class! 

2 Comments

Jenni's Story - From Disability to Dancer

4/22/2018

0 Comments

 
By Jenni O'Connor
Transformation
“Just come keep me company… I’ll pay for your entry.” These were the words my friend used to convince me to join her at a Pole Dancing class. It was 2010, and I was 32, obese, and applying for Disability for my Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The severe pain, fatigue, and depression did not allow me to work a full-time job.
 
On an average day, I feel like you do when you have the flu… achy, exhausted, and my brain is a little fuzzy. On a bad day, I literally can’t walk. My husband carries me, or I use a wheelchair. I lack the fine motor skills to pick up a pill, and the strength to hold something “heavy” like a water glass. Constructing a simple sentence takes major effort, and my words slur as if I’m drunk. Sometimes the pain is so overwhelming, my body just trembles, as if it doesn’t know quite how to process it. There’s currently no cure for Fibromyalgia/CFS, and the knowledge that the rest of my life would look like this caused me to entertain suicidal ideations. My beautiful daughters, and knowing how much my death would hurt them, were the only things that kept me from ever following through. I was painfully shy, and had no self-confidence. Photos show me turning away from the camera, or hunched over in a subconscious effort to hide myself and my “flaws” from the world.
​
(Photo caption: Left: Before pole dancing. Right: at a Pole Dance Showcase I performed in)
​
This was the condition I was in when my friend asked me to join her for class. I had seen a few celebrities take pole dancing for fitness, and was curious. But in my mind, it wasn’t for me. I was very conservative, and definitely not what I considered to be sexy. I went to “do her a favor,” and wasn’t quite sure what I was getting myself into!
 
In our first class, the instructor used supportive and encouraging words that made me realize how little I valued myself. I quickly realized how much confidence the experienced students at the studio had, and how much I was lacking. I knew I needed this class… physically and emotionally. What finally sold me was watching a certain upper level student dance. She wasn’t an overly athletic 20-year-old. She looked like me. And she could flip her body upside-down and hold it in mid-air. She rocked a tiny pair of booty shorts, with no self-consciousness about rolls or cellulite. She was so strong and confident… I wanted that for myself. And so my pole journey began. Not only did I take weekly classes, but I also got courageous enough to perform… both in showcases, and in pole dance competitions. I started to see my body changing, and my pain levels decreasing.
 
As I grew in strength and confidence, I realized I wanted to share this experience with other women. After a bad experience with my second studio, I realized I not only wanted to teach, but wanted to open my own studio. I even chose the name and bought the website, believing that this dream would happen for me. I named it Studio Phoenix, after the mythical creature that rises from the ashes in rebirth. I returned to my original studio (with the owner’s knowledge that I wanted to eventually open my own), became certified to teach pole dancing, and started teaching for them. A series of events transpired that resulted in Studio Phoenix opening in October 2013.  With the help of my amazing staff of 15 (at this writing), we have grown quickly. I teach several hours of pole dance classes a week, as well as floorwork classes, aerial yoga, and parties. It’s a level of physical activity I never thought I could accomplish. Having experience in working through a pain disorder gives me the unique perspective to compassionately and safely teach my students who also live with pain.
 
Through pole dancing, I’ve been able to improve my health and strength to the point that (with my doctors’ blessings) I no longer need daily prescription pain medications, anti-depressants, or sleep medications. I primarily treat my symptoms with nutrition, exercise, and natural methods (with the occasional assistance of prescription medication). While I still deal with depression and anxiety, I am no longer suicidal. And while I am still curvy, pole dancing has taught me to value my body for its strength, and not focus on the “imperfections.” While pain conditions can cause us to resent our bodies, or see them as the enemy, pole dance helps train me to work with mine.
 
I’ve learned to love myself. Most importantly to me, I’m able to pass this along to other women. To help them see their value, and show them they’re capable of things they never imagined. To show them you don’t have to fit a certain stereotype to be a strong, beautiful woman. I can use my weaknesses to inspire others to overcome.
 
I still have Fibromyalgia/CFS. As I said, there’s currently no cure. On my bad days I can’t walk, and I work on my business from bed. But on my good days, I can suspend my body upside-down on a pole using just my arms. I can soar through the air gracefully in a beautiful spin. And that’s the balance of life with a pain disorder. Some days I can’t walk… but some days, I can fly. 

Picture
Picture
0 Comments
Forward>>

    Author

    Jenni O'Connor is the main blog author, and is the owner of Studio Phoenix, and one of its Senior Instructors. Learn more about her here. We will also feature blog posts by various guest authors!

    Archives

    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    November 2019
    May 2018
    April 2018

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Studio Policies

©2021 Studio Phoenix, Inc. All Rights Reserved - 3455 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 300, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Text or Call: 847-701-4091. Email: info@phoenixpole.com