Why doesn't Impi Studio have a numerical level system?
”What level should I be at?”
”I’ve been dancing for a year, should I move up to level two?”
”Will I ever get to level three, when I still don’t know a certain trick?”
These are questions I’ve been asked countless times during my dance career. They are completely understandable, because most dance students are used to progress being measured in clear numbers.
But is a numerical level system really the best way to learn, or is it just a stubborn, ingrained way that no one has ever thought to question? And above all: can we finally break free from it?
When you think about dance studios— contemporary dance,street styles, or commercial dance—they don’t either classify people in straightforward numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4. Classes are more likely to be divided into foundations, open levels, advanced levels, and above all, different styles and movement qualities.
When we founded Impi Studio, we knew from the very beginning that we wanted to do things differently: we wouldn’t have a numerical level system. No Level 1:this, Level 2:that, or Level 3:this, etc.
This is a conscious decision, rooted directly in the studio’s values and how we see dance and learning.
From tricks to dance
Traditional pole dancestudios relies heavily on sports and gymnastics logic (even the real roots come from strip clubs). In this context, levels 1–4 make perfect sense:beginners learn the basics,level two is when you do your first inversions, level three is when you move on to more demanding holds, and by level four, you’re already pushing the limits of physics. It’s goal-oriented, clear, and often purely tied to strength and flexibility. A prime example of this is the Finnish Pole fitness federation and POSA (Pole Sports & Arts World Federation) rules and scoring system.
However, the core of Impi Studio is not gymnastics, but dance.
For us, the important elements are musicality, flow, commitment, and pole heels. And at that point, when you consider danceability or the ability to move your body to the rhythm of the music, a numerical scale loses some of its meaning. How would you measure expression, softness, or moving in heels with numbers?
Dance is not linear. You might be technically the strongest person in the studio and still be learning dance moves for the first time in your life. On the other hand, you might be a complete beginner on the pole,but immediately find a natural, confident way to move through floorwork and heels. Neither fits neatly into a single predetermined level.
Breaking free from feelings of inadequacy
I know from my own experience how easy it can be to feel inadequate or even bad at pole dancing. The discipline constantly pushes you out of your comfort zone, and as soon as you learn one thing, the next challenge is waiting.
When you add strict level numbers to this, your mind is quick to start comparing: Why am I not on level two yet? Why is that other person progressing faster? Am I stuck? Why have I been dancing for four years and I’m still on level two?
The same principle applies to our showcase events. They are low-pressure shows where anyone can step onto the stage and shine, whether as a solo, a duo, or as part of a group. We don’t rank anyone or judge anyone’s performance with a critical eye, but instead cheer on everyone in the studio, shouting cheers and encouragement with all our hearts.Everyone who takes the stage is the star of the evening. We want to bring this same warm and accepting atmosphere directly into our regular weekly classes as well.
Choosing a class based on content, not a number
Instead of numbers, we describe our classes by their content, style, and movement quality. Our offerings include, for example, technique, flow, heels, floor technique, and clear foundations.
This gives everyone the opportunity to choose a class based on what your body and mind need on that particular day or at that particular stage in your life:
-
When you want to work on your basic technique at your own pace and build a safe foundation of strength, you’ll head to foundations.
-
When you’re craving pace, sweat, and the exhilarating commitment of choreography, you’ll choose a more danceable class.
-
When you want to explore sensual swaying and expression, you’ll put on your Pleasers and come to enjoy the slow or sometimes fast-paced sensations of pole heels.
This also means that a long-time dancer and a student who has just discovered the discipline can train smoothly alongside each other in the same room. Each will create a variation of the moves that suits their own body. The instructor’s role is to support and differentiate the teaching according to the situation, not to divide people into groups. And best of all, you can train with friends in the same class even if your levels are different. Some people are naturally more flexible, some have a sports background, and others may have been dancing for a long time. Yet everyone can have different goals.
Dance requires commitment, and walking into the studio often requires courage. That’s why we believethat the discipline doesn’t need any extra pressure to perform or evaluate yourself. Or to classify what level you are in numbers.
What if my goals are actually to compete in sports pole competitions? In that case, I would recommend finding a coach with whom you can train toward your goals. Impi Studio classes will certainly support you on your journey, and some of our students also compete and may train in groups or with coaches at other studios. Helsinki has some really good, skilled, and certified coaches. Many of Impi Studio’s instructors also have extensive competitive backgrounds or have completed judging courses.
Impi Studio is full of heels coaches—just pick one!
The door to Impi Studio is open to everyone, just as you are. Leave performance pressure at the door and focus on what matters in the studio: the joy of movement, doing things together, and the freedom to express yourself just as you are.
-Retu