So... You Want to Pole?
Here's exactly what your first hour at MAD Collection looks like—from walking through the doors to your very first spin.
If you've booked your very first pole class, chances are you're feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
Maybe you've been watching pole videos for months and finally decided to take the leap. Maybe a friend convinced you to tag along. Or maybe you've been curious for years and thought, "Why not now?"
Come with an open mind, leave your worries at the door, and be ready to try something new —you don't need to be strong, flexible, coordinated, or "good at dancing" to enjoy your first class. Your instructor will be there to guide you every step of the way, offering tips, encouragement, and the occasional correction to help you move safely and confidently. Don't be afraid to ask questions or give things another go—every bit of feedback is simply part of the learning process.
Your instructor isn't expecting perfection. They're simply excited to introduce you to something new.
Wherever you're coming from, welcome.
Finding the Studio
We'll send you all the details before your class, but here's what you need to know.
📍 MAD Collection
Robinson Square
144 Robinson Road
Singapore 068908
We're just a short walk from Tanjong Pagar / Telok Ayer / Shenton Way MRT.
MAD Collection has two pole studios in the building:
RS10 — Level 10
RS11 — Level 11
Before heading over, take a quick look at your booking confirmation to see whether your class is in RS10 or RS11. They're just one floor apart, but it'll save you from making a last-minute dash up (or down!) the stairs.
We recommend arriving 10 minutes early, especially if it's your first visit.
One thing to note: our studio doors will only be opened about 5 minutes before your class starts, as there's usually another class happening just before yours. If you'd like to get changed, we recommend doing so before heading over to the studio. We only have one bathroom, and it can get a little busy when everyone arrives at the same time.
Once the previous class wraps up, we'll welcome you in, get everyone settled, and before you know it, class will begin.
What Should You Wear?
One of the questions we get asked the most—and thankfully, you don't need a whole new wardrobe.
For your first pole class, you'll want clothing that allows your skin to grip the pole.
We recommend:
A sports bra, tank top, or fitted tee
Shorts (the shorter, the better! Your thighs help you grip the pole.)
Bare feet—no shoes needed
Before class, remember to remove:
Rings
Bracelets
Watches
Large earrings if they're likely to get caught
This isn't just to protect the equipment—it's for your own comfort and safety. Jewellery can press or dig into your skin while you're gripping the pole, and trust us, that's a kind of pain you don't need to experience.
💡 MAD Tip: Skip the body lotion or body oil on the day of class. Moisturised skin is wonderful... just not for pole. The extra slip makes it much harder to grip the pole (and you'll probably spend more time sliding down it than climbing it!).
Say Hello to Your Instructor
Before class starts, your instructor will introduce themselves and check in with everyone.
If you've had any previous injuries, surgeries, or areas that have been bothering you—even if they seem minor—let your instructor know before class begins.
Pole can be adapted for many different bodies and abilities, and your instructor is there to help you move safely. If something feels uncomfortable or painful at any point during class, don't hesitate to speak up. We'd much rather answer ten questions than have you quietly wonder if something feels right.
There are no silly questions here.
Time to Warm Up
Every class starts with a warm-up designed to prepare your body for movement.
You'll gently wake up your shoulders, wrists, core, hips, and legs before touching the pole. It's not about seeing who's the fittest in the room—it's about helping your body move safely and confidently.
Some movements might feel unfamiliar, especially if you're new to dance or fitness. If you're unsure about an exercise, just ask your instructor. We're always happy to help.
And remember: there's a difference between muscles working hard and pain that doesn't feel right. Listen to your body, and let your instructor know if anything feels uncomfortable.
Meet the Pole
Before you start spinning around it, let's introduce the star of the show. At MAD Collection, we have both stainless steel and brass poles.
Brass poles tend to offer a little more grip, especially in Singapore's humid weather, while stainless steel has a slightly smoother feel. As you continue your pole journey, you'll probably discover you have a favourite—but for your first class, don't worry too much about the difference.
You'll also hear your instructor mention static and spin poles.
Static pole stays fixed in place while you create the momentum.
Spin pole rotates as you move around it, creating those beautiful floating spins you often see online.
Depending on your trial class, you'll get to experience one or both.
💡 Did You Know? Every pole dancer has their own preference! Some people love the control of static pole, while others fall in love with the flow and momentum of spin pole. There's no right or wrong—just different ways to move.
Your First Tricks
Now comes the fun part.
Your instructor will guide you through a handful of beginner-friendly movements, breaking each one down step by step before everyone gives it a try.
Depending on your class, you might learn classics like:
Fireman Spin
Front Hook Spin (also known as Showgirl)
Back Hook Spin
Geisha
Don't worry if you can't remember all the names. Most beginners spend their first class saying things like, "Wait... which one was that again?"
Some instructors like to finish by weaving everything you've learnt into a short combo or routine (usually under a minute), while others focus on helping you build confidence with each individual trick.
Every instructor has their own teaching style, but the goal is always the same: helping you leave class feeling accomplished, confident, and excited to come back.
There Will Be Breaks
Listen to your body - pole is more physical than it looks, so don't be afraid to take breaks between each attempt. If your palms are getting sweaty, your grip starts to fade, or you simply need a breather, go for it—listening to your body is part of training.
Don't forget to bring a water bottle and stay hydrated throughout class!
There Might Be a Few Bruises
Pole has a funny way of introducing itself.
Sometimes that introduction comes in the form of a small bruise on your leg.
Not everyone gets them, and they certainly aren't a badge of honour. They're simply part of learning how your body makes contact with the pole.
Around the studio, we like to call them pole kisses—little reminders that you're trying something new.
The good news? Your body adapts surprisingly quickly, and those pole kisses tend to become less frequent as your technique and confidence grow.
You'll Probably Surprise Yourself
Your first class won't be perfect.
You'll forget which hand goes where.
You might spin the wrong direction.
You may even laugh halfway through a move because your brain and body aren't quite speaking the same language yet.
That's all part of it.
The goal isn't to leave as an expert. It's to leave knowing that you were brave enough to try something new—and maybe even discovering that you had a lot more fun than you expected.
Because that's how most pole journeys begin.
Not with perfection.
Just with one class.
One Last Thing...
Every experienced pole dancer has a "first class" story.
Some were convinced they'd never be able to lift themselves off the ground. Others spent the whole lesson mixing up their left and right. Many walked in feeling nervous and walked out wondering why they hadn't started sooner.
A year from now, you'll probably look back at your very first Fireman Spin and smile.
Everyone starts somewhere.
We can't wait to see where your journey begins.
