The Beginner Pole Dance Curriculum at Louvre LA

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is trying to learn random tricks from Instagram.

It feels exciting...

But it often leaves huge gaps in strength, technique, and body awareness.

At Louvre LA, we teach pole dance differently.

Every class is part of a structured progression that prepares you for the next level.

Here's what that journey looks like.

Phase 1 — Building Your Foundation

Before learning tricks, we develop the tools your body needs.

Warm-Up

Every class begins with a structured warm-up designed to prepare your body for pole training.

You'll improve:

• Shoulder mobility
• Wrist strength
• Core activation
• Hip mobility
• Spinal movement
• Injury prevention

Functional Strength

Pole dance is strength training.

Throughout the curriculum you'll build:

• Pulling strength
• Pushing strength
• Grip endurance
• Core stability
• Active flexibility
• Body awareness

Flexibility

Flexibility isn't an optional extra.

We gradually develop:

• Front splits
• Middle splits
• Back flexibility
• Shoulder mobility
• Hamstring flexibility
• Hip opening

Everything is taught progressively and safely.

Phase 2 — Pole Fundamentals

Once your body is ready, we introduce the essential movements every pole dancer needs.

Climbing

You'll learn:

• Basic climb
• Efficient climbing technique
• Grip strategy
• Energy conservation

Beginner Spins

We teach both static and spinning pole because they require different techniques.

Static spins are:

• Chair Spin
• Sunwheel Spin
• Peter Pan Spin
• Backhook Spin
• Blind gran Spin
• and more

Spins on spins are:

• Pencil spin
• Fusbal spin
• Flare
• Zigzag
• Airwalk

Phase 3 — Inversions

After building enough strength, students begin learning to invert safely.

Skills include:

• Basic invert
• Conditioning drills
• Controlled entries
• Proper shoulder engagement

Phase 4 — Foundational Pole Shapes

From there, students progress into classic pole positions.

Including:

• Inside Leg Hang
• Outside Leg Hang
• Cupid
• Brass Monkey
• and your first pole split!

Along with their most common entries, exits, and variations.

Phase 5 — Beginner+/Intermediate Foundations

Once students become confident with leg hangs, more intermediate skills begin connecting together.

Examples include:

• Shoulder Mount
• Jade Split
• Allegra
• Superman
• Butterfly

These aren't isolated tricks.

They're building blocks for intermediate combinations you'll see at higher levels.

Why Structure Matters

Learning random tricks feels productive.

Following a curriculum is productive.

Every skill we teach prepares you for something bigger.

That means fewer plateaus, safer training, and much faster long-term progress.

By the time you reach intermediate classes, you'll understand why every exercise was part of the journey.