Wincanton

Join us for body positive and inclusive pole classes in Wincanton, Somerset, UK! Build confidence, get fit and have fun all whilst making friends and being apart of a vibrant community.

No prior experience is necessary, we have a diverse range of students of all ages, backgrounds and body types. You really DO NOT have to be young, strong or bendy. We have students from 18 to 60+!

WE HAVE SPACE FOR NEW STUDENTS IN JANUARY! Contact us to book.

Timetable:

Mondays

*NEW for January* Beginners - 7.15pm

Tuesdays:

Improvers - 6pm

Improvers/Intermediate - 7pm

Improvers - 8pm

Wednesdays: 

Advanced - 6pm

Intermediate - 7pm

Beginners (fully booked) - 8pm

Pricing:

£50 a month membership fee paid up front at the beginning of the month for one class a week.

NEW STUDENT OFFER: £40 for your first month.

Note: all classes must be paid and booked in advance of attendance.

Booking:

Due to the small size of classes you need to contact us directly to book. Please do not just turn up as we may not be able to accommodate you.

07943524990

or

smith.bex1990@gmail.com

Location:

We are based in Wincanton at Nishikan Martial Arts. You'll be sent more detailed directions upon booking.

FAQ:

What should I wear and bring?

Wear whatever you'd usually wear to exercise and can move easily in. Shorts are ideal but not necessary in the beginning. We recommend students have socks as these will help with turns. Avoid moisturiser on class days and please remove jewellery before class.

Please bring water. There is a water dispenser on site but no cups or kitchen. We also have no bins or rubbish collection so please ensure you take any rubbish home with you. You will be sent a welcome email than includes everything else you might need to know, including detailed directions.

What is the weight limit for classes?

There is none. The poles we use are X-Pole brand and whilst they do not provide a specific weight limit they can sustain weights much greater than most people and comfortably hold the weight of multiple people. 

What is your cancellation policy?

You can cancel right up to the start of class time, and will not be penalised, but all missed sessions need to be used in the same membership month where possible and we do not provide refunds except in exceptional circumstances. We understand that life happens and that you'll have social events, work commitments and holidays on occasion and want to be as flexible as possible.

If you work shift patterns, unusual hours, have a chronic condition or some other life circumstance that makes it hard to commit to a membership, or makes booking classes difficult, please get in contact and we'll see what we can do.

Why do you only offer memberships and not drop in?

There are two main reasons for this. Firstly we are a small business with limited spaces and second both students and instructors get the most out of committing to weekly classes. It may feel overwhelming to commit to classes on this level but it is only one hour a week, we have a hugely flexible cancellation policy so you never have to lose a class and most of our students say it is the best hour of their week! 

If you are visiting the area or have some reason why you can't commit to weekly classes please still get in touch. In some limited circumstances we may be able to offer drop ins where spaces are available.

I have anxiety/mental health issues/disability will I be okay?

We will look after you at every step of the way. Feel free to let us know at booking of any particular struggles you'll have so that we can be prepared to help you and don't be shy to ask for any accommodations that might help. In group classes this may not always be possible but if we can help we will! 

It can be super daunting to step into a new space but we promise you'll be made to feel right at home. Every student is important to us and we work very hard to cultivate a supportive and kind environment.

How many people are there in a class?

We tend to have small classes with no more than 8 students and 2 to a pole, though the more advanced you get the smaller classes tend to be as you'll need more support and spotting. In the beginning you'll definitely appreciate the breaks you get whilst waiting for your turn!

Is pole safe?

No exercise or fitness regime is without risk, and pole can be considered an extreme sport, BUT we are careful to ensure that what we teach is appropriate for the level of the class, that equipment is safe, crash mats and spotters are provided and that instructors are qualified and experienced. You will progress one step at a time and before you know it you'll be doing things you couldn't even dream of!

Beginners classes are suitable for near on anyone who walks in off the street and you will be working at your own pace and at your own level of ability. If you have particular needs don't hesitate to reach out and we will do our best to support and accommodate you.

How old do you need to be?

We generally only admit students who are over 18 because at times there may be movements of a more adult nature. Part of the fun of pole is being a little naughty! (I do pole to be naughty, not sporty). However, we may allow a small number of students 16 upwards who have parental permission. The parent will need to make the booking and be available in person to sign permission forms on the first lesson.

Can men do pole?

Absolutely! We welcome men who truly want to learn to pole in our classes. Plus anyone of any gender or sexual identity. No judgements! All "sexy" pole classes and movements are optional.

Meet your instructor

My pole journey started back in 2012 when a friend dragged me to her pole practice session. It was almost entirely against my will but it took only one spin for me to fall in love. I walked in there wearing terrible big baggy yellow shorts, school P.E uniform style, and a baggy t-shirt and felt completely and utterly awkward. I was shy, anxious, had never really danced in my life, could barely climb a set of stairs and found public speaking impossible, I was disconnected for my own body, felt uncomfortable in my own skin, I smoked, drank a lot, had mental health issues and a terrible diet.

Yet here I am today, with a decade long career previously managing two studios, standing up in front of groups of people and teaching them to be badasses week in week out plus regularly performing in front of huge audiences whilst wearing very little clothing. Pole changed my life and gave me insane levels of confidence!

Knowing how it feels to be terrified, uncomfortable in your own body and painfully shy or anxious has allowed me to be the instructor that I needed. It is important to me that I create a comfortable environment for new students so that you can feel safe to explore and progress at your own pace.

Teaching and connecting with my students is the best part of my job. I take great pride in helping every person who walks through the studio doors to feel comfortable and build confidence. Teaching is problem solving and I love the challenge of getting to know each student; what makes them tick, what their learning style is and how to get them to their goals. My love of learning means I am constantly doing CPD and continued learning and I love to share what I learn with my students, so that we can all benefit from doing things in safer and more effective ways.

As for the boring stuff: I started teaching for SASS in 2013 and was promoted to manager after a few years, looking after the day to day running of two studio locations, whilst teaching and performing in a wide range of disciplines, more on that below. Like many people, during Covid, I had a complete rethink of my life and realised that I wanted to focus solely on my first love, pole, and that I wanted to reach more people and help to raise the standards of the pole community as a whole. I stepped back from my role at SASS, teaching only a limited number of classes and focused on building Practical Pole!

I decided to start my own online platform as I saw a huge gap in the market and felt that most of the home training options that existed lacked structure and the kind of detail that a student might need whilst training alone at home, with no one to support them. I opened Practical Pole in 2022 which has grown to over 100 members all over the world. At the end of 2023 I went a step further and left SASS taking on classes in Wincanton. Thus Practical Pole Wincanton was born.

We are currently in the process of restructuring and rebuilding our wonderful pole community there, and have big plans for the futures, so stay tuned.

• ​Level 2 NVQ Gym Instructor
• Spin City Beginner Instructor Certified
• Insured by Equity
• Level 4 PDC Dancer
• Teaching since 2013
• Pole Dancing since 2012
• First Aid Trained

Over my, more than a decade long, career I have trained in, taught and performed professionally in a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to: pole dance, aerial hoop, silks, trapeze, lollipop pole, fire, hula hoop, stilt walking and podium dancing. The biggest audience I have performed for was around 7 thousand but I have performed for both small and big audiences all over the UK.