The Roots of Pole Dancing and Impi Studio's Principles
When you step through the door of Impi Studio, you enter a space founded on a love of dance and the freedom to express yourself. You'll find yourself surrounded by a wonderful, warm-hearted community. For us, pole dancing isn't about performance or measuring who can do the most amazing tricks. It's a way to move, feel the music, and take control of your body without apology. Here, you can show and feel exactly who you are.
To understand why we do things just this way here, it's good to look at both history and the kind of atmosphere we want to maintain in our classes.
Pole dancing as we know it was born in strip clubs
You still hear slightly embellished stories about the history of pole dancing from time to time. People often talk about Chinese pole acrobatics or Indian mallakhamb – and yes, circus and acrobatics have later brought incredible tricks and techniques to the sport.
But the real truth is this: pole dancing as we know it originated in strip clubs.
Strippers and sex workers developed those iconic moves, combining music, sensual movement, and the steel pole – and doing it all in high heels. They were also the first owners of pole dancing studios.
The world's first actual pole dancing studio is considered to be the school founded by Canadian Fawnia Monday in 1994 (Exotic Dancing School, later Fawnia's Pole Dancing Studio).
Without strippers, we wouldn't have today's pole dancing, choreography, or those Pleaser heels that we love today. PLEASER shoes (Pleaser USA) were founded in California in 1993, and were originally developed to directly meet the needs of strippers, adult entertainment performers, and nightclub performers. Today, other brands have also entered the market, but Pleaser is still the largest manufacturer of strip, pole, and fetish shoes.
Many of the basic elements of today's pole heels and low flow dance stem directly from Black dance culture and African dance traditions. For example, hip and core isolations, twerking, body rolls, the use of rhythm (musicality and emphasizing the bass), and dramatic drops to the floor were originally developed and popularized by Black dancers and strippers. If you want to see amazing BIBOC pole dancers in Europe, I recommend heading to the BLACKSTAGE events held in the UK and now elsewhere in the world.
Impi Studio does not try to smooth over this history or hide it, nor make the sport merely a salon-friendly workout. We respect and appreciate the sport's roots. We want to nurture its sensual side, letting go, and pole heels culture openly and proudly. We have current and former adult entertainment professionals as instructors. From time to time, you can also participate in stripper workshops at Impi Studio.
A safer space
Pole dancing almost forces you into your discomfort zone, both physically and mentally. That's why it's absolutely essential to be surrounded by a safe and encouraging community.
Impi Studio follows the principles of a safer space. In everyday life, that means very concrete things:
Come as you are: We respect every body, gender, background, and skill level. There is no room in the studio for discrimination, racism, comments or judgments that harm body neutrality.
Respect your own and others' boundaries: Everyone decides for themselves about their own body, movement, and clothing. Ask permission before touching (even when spotting) and respect others' privacy.
Only film yourself: Always make sure that the faces or bodies of other trainees are not visible in your videos without their express permission.
Encourage and make space: There is no competing or comparing here. We cheer on others' successes, make space for them to learn as they go, and ensure that everyone feels safe moving and expressing themselves.
Speak up and say something: If you encounter or notice inappropriate behavior, tell an instructor or staff member with low barriers – we will take care of the situation.
No levels, no pigeonholing
We choose the class based on what your body, mind, and life situation need just that day, fundamentals and pure technique, dynamic choreography or sensual slow pole heels work. In the same class, a multi-year veteran and someone who has just fallen in love with the sport can train side by side. Instructors adapt the moves to suit everyone.
Everyone is the star of the evening at Impi Showcase
Community is at the heart of Impi Studio. We organize low-barrier showcase events four times a year, where anyone willing can perform alone, as a duo, or in a group. You can find out about Impi's upcoming events on the EVENTS page
On these evenings, no one is ranked, and performances are not judged. The studio is full of people clapping, shouting, cheering, and living along with it with all their heart. Everyone who takes the stage is a star.
We want Impi Studio to be a place where you can leave your worries, troubles, and stress at the door. You can focus only on doing and feeling good with a great community. Here, you will surely get support if you just dare to give it a chance.
Come as you are – see you in the studio! 🖤
-Retu & the Impi Studio team