Safety First!

By Lauren Sarah

At Embrace, building an environment where students can train safely is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to create a space where every student feels not only physically secure but emotionally supported, a place where everyone can comfortably learn, explore, and express themselves through movement.

Pole dancing is powerful, empowering, and undeniably thrilling. Like any physical practice, it comes with risks if not approached with care. That’s why our team is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards in every corner of our studio. Below are just some of the ways we foster a safe training environment, and how you can play a role in supporting this shared priority.

Certified & Caring Instructors

Our instructors are more than just talented dancers, they are trained professionals dedicated to helping you grow safely.

• Our instructors are all certified in pole instruction, first aid, and are insured to teach in our space.
• Before leading classes, instructors apprentice under more senior instructors to share knowledge and maintain a high standard of teaching.
• Our instructors actively pursue continuing education, both in their own training and in instructional methods, so they can deliver thoughtful, current, and effective classes.
• Students are strongly discouraged from teaching or spotting each other. While it’s natural to want to help, some skills are riskier than they look. Instead, send your trick requests to your instructors who are happy to build in content to meet your goals.

Levelled Curriculum Designed for Safe Progression

We know how exciting it is to want to nail that new trick you saw online, but good technique takes time to build. Our leveled curriculum is designed with your safety and long-term progress in mind. 

• Dividing our curriculum into levels allows us to ensure everyone in the class is at a similar skill level in order to provide safe instruction.
• Our curriculum is progressive, meaning each new skill builds on a foundation of strength, mobility, and previous technique.
• We have developed prerequisites for each level to ensure students enter higher levels with confidence and the appropriate skills to safely move forward in the curriculum.
• We share in your excitement to challenge yourself and understand the temptation to try an advanced trick you saw on Instagram. Trust the process and we promise we will get you to all your pole goals!

Spotting and Crash Mats

Proper spotting is a skill in itself, one that your instructors are specifically trained in. 

• Embrace instructors are trained to spot pole tricks to ensure students can train with confidence and dismount safely
• Students should not spot each other. Instead, ask an instructor! We’re here to help!
• If a spotter isn’t available, use a crash mat and only train skills you know you can get out of safely

Psychological Safety Matters, Too

Physical safety is just one part of what it means to feel secure in a space. At Embrace, we work hard to ensure everyone feels emotionally supported and welcomed. 

• Embrace is an inclusive space that welcomes all races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and physical abilities.
• Our instructors continue to develop skills in trauma-informed teaching and will always offer options around spotting, touch, or partnered work.
• We respect your boundaries and are here to listen. If there’s something we can do to make your experience more comfortable or inclusive, don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or Jenna. 

How You Can Help Keep Embrace Safe

Safety is a shared responsibility, and you play an important role in maintaining the supportive, vibrant vibe of our community.

• Communicate openly with your instructor—ask questions, express concerns, and celebrate your wins.
• Respect the progression of the curriculum and honour your body’s limits.
• Avoid giving instruction to fellow students and encourage each other to seek guidance from your instructors.
• Use crash mats, arrive early to warm up, and stay connected with how your body is feeling.
• Be kind to yourself and to others. We’re all here to grow.

At Embrace, we believe that when people feel safe (physically, emotionally, and socially) they’re free to take risks, find joy, and dance. Thank you for being part of this community and for helping us build a space where everyone can shine.

Have questions or ideas about how we can make Embrace even better? We’d love to hear them!