Studio Etiquette for Students AND Instructors

There's nothing more annoying than attending a pole class where one student, or an instructor attending someone else's class, dominates the entire hour nattering away like they're hanging out with their mates. There's nothing more annoying than someone turning up to a beginners class and busting out advanced tricks in the corner to boost their ego. There's nothing more annoying than students who ignore everyone and shun new students. And, from an instructors point of view, there's nothing more annoying than students who think they know more than you just because they do something a slightly different way.... belt up. 

Let's get this all out in the open. I'll leave the little details, like where to put your belongings or cleaning up after yourself, because it varies from studio to studio, but lets talk the big social issues that I have seen in my decade teaching...and instructors attending other peoples classes are also guilty of this I am afraid!

Also - no one is perfect. We all slip up sometimes or come across in ways we don't intend - that's okay. Let's just agree to try our best.

So....what shouldn't you do?

1. Don't talk over the instructor. 

Seems basic but it's still happens all the time. One very simple reason: it is distracting and rude. Whether you're just excitedly talking to a friend in the corner or actually trying to have your input, just wait. You may miss important information or make the instructor lose their train of thought.

2. What the instructor says is final.

There is nothing wrong with having open conversation and asking questions, you're allowed to give feedback and have opinions (just please be respectful and kind) BUT ultimately it is their class and they can teach how they wish. If they're not a good fit for you go somewhere else. Don't be rude.

3. Don't teach - even if you're an instructor taking someone else's class.

Students often think that because they know how to do a trick that this is enough information to teach someone else. It is not. I underwent a years apprenticeship as a gym instructor, plus undergoing pole specific training and ongoing CPD for over a decade to get the level of knowledge I have now. An experienced instructor will be aware of every students strengths and weaknesses, any prior injuries and any accommodations they may need. There is a lot you as a student do not know. You are not qualified, experienced or insured and could get someone injured. Instructors have ways of breaking down tricks for the whole group but are often tailoring it to each student as they go around the room. What works for you may not work for others.

It's also rude when instructors attend as a student and start needing to have their input on everything. Different instructors take different approaches and just because someone teaches something different to you does not mean they are wrong. It is always possible to have open dialogue about different techniques and ways of doing things but it is not okay to start teaching over an instructor or telling them they are wrong. It really can feel like you're being undermined, which isn't fun.

Equally don't expect instructors attending as students to help you. They might offer, they might not, but it's their class time too. 

4. Group classes are about everyone, NOT just you. 

Everyone has paid to be there and deserves the same amount of time and attention. Instructors generally try really hard to provide a well rounded experience for students and that means that sometimes you'll have to do things you don't like or are not good at - suck it up. Book privates if you want sessions tailored to you.

Important to note at this point... you know your own body best and if something is causing you pain or an injury you have every right to respectfully refuse to do it. You must have boundaries over your own body. A good instructor will listen and accommodate but even if they don't - take the high road and stay respectful.

5. Your instructor is not your friend. 

They may become a friend over time but please remember that we have a lot of students and do not have time outside of the studio for everyone. Respect an instructors personal time. Where possible ask questions or share things in class, or through business channels. Not their personal social media. Community is important but boundaries do have to remain to some degree.

6. Don't let your ego get the best of you.

You're not more important in class because you're better than everyone else. Don't show off, don't put others down. I once had a student tell another student, "you should move classes, you're holding everyone back".... ohhhhh how I raged at that one. It's completely unnecessary and it takes us back to the point that class is for everyone! Finally: don't book a beginners class and start doing your own thing in the corner. Beginners classes are for beginners. Follow what the teacher is asking you to do or don't attend these classes.

7. Be friendly to everyone and make new people feel welcome. 

Why wouldn't you? If you want people to cheer you on, you've got to do the same. It makes the environment happier and more welcoming for everyone and that can never be a bad thing.

8. Don't overly talk about other instructors or studios in class.

It's super important to learn from lots of different people and it's something I hope my students will do and make use of.... but constantly promoting other instructors and businesses can be hurtful. Many of us have put our lives and souls into building our classes and don't really want to constantly hear, nor care, about how so-and-so taught you to do something a different way or how wonderful they are. Again, there is often nuance between an open conversation and being rude. I often ask about peoples experiences with other instructors because I like to learn what people like or dislike about how classes run. It allows me to make my classes better but it's unfair to use that information as ammo or to undermine an instructor because you've decided they are wrong and another instructor is right.

9. Understand there's no right or wrong way to do things. 

There is safe and unsafe, and this varies from body to body. So an instructor may teach one move differently to different people. Or different instructors may teach things differently. That's okay. When criticising how someone else teaches you might be missing a lot of nuance and information. Be humble, be respectful and be open to learning a different perspective.

Instructors...

1. If you're attending a class these rules apply to you times a thousand. 

You should be the absolute role model of good behaviour. Not take advantage of your position as instructor to feed your ego or rule the roost. Be humble, be open to learning and be kind.

2. Don't tell students certain tricks are easy.

This makes anyone who struggles feel terrible. It can be seriously demotivational. Be aware that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses and meet them where they're at.

3. Don't berate your own body in front of students.

There is a difference between admitting you have insecurities, and having an open conversation, and outright saying "ugh i'm so fat" constantly in front of your students. It is likely that your students look up to you and may think, "well if they think they're fat what does that make me? what do they think I am?" It can honestly make people feel terrible. I try to avoid too many conversations about weight or appearance in class. We get enough of that out in the real world.

4. You are responsible for setting the tone of your classes and enforcing good behaviour.

It can be difficult to assert yourself but IT IS YOUR CLASS. It is your responsibility and it can be done respectfully but forcefully. Students do notice when other students are behaving in less than ideal ways and it affects their experience also. Always find a middle ground that keeps as many people happy as possible!

Would you add anything else? Have you ever experienced anything in studio that made you uncomfortable or annoyed? Let me hear it!