Studio Culture & Conduct

• All genders are welcome. 

• No dance experience is required. 

• Students must be 18 years or older.

• For the safety of our students, we follow the X-Pole manufacturer’s weight limit of 330lbs.

• Absolutely no drugs or alcohol usage before or during class.

• At Essence we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students to learn and express themselves through dance. As part of this commitment, we have established the following zero tolerance policy to prohibit bullying, harassment, and cyberbullying of other students, both within and outside the studio premises. We believe in fostering respect, empathy, and kindness among our students, instructors, and staff.

  1. Definitions:

  • Bullying

  • Any intentional act, gesture, or verbal or written communication that inflicts physical or emotional harm or discomfort upon another person.

  • Harassment

  • Any behavior or conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for another person, whether through verbal, physical, or written means.

  • Cyberbullying

  • The use of electronic communication, such as social media, text messages, or emails, to harass, intimidate, or threaten another person.

  1. Prohibited Conduct:

  • Physical Bullying

  • Any form of physical aggression, including hitting, pushing, kicking, or any other physical contact intended to harm another student.

  • Verbal Bullying

  • Name-calling, insults, teasing, or spreading rumors or gossip about another student, whether in person or through electronic communication.

  • Emotional Bullying

  • Excluding, ignoring, or otherwise ostracizing another student, spreading malicious rumors, or engaging in behavior intended to undermine another student's confidence or self-esteem.

  • Cyberbullying

  • Using social media platforms, text messages, emails, or any other electronic means to harass, intimidate, or embarrass another student.

  1. Reporting Procedure

  • Any student who experiences or witnesses bullying, harassment, or cyberbullying is encouraged to report the incident to an instructor immediately.

  • Reports can be made in person or via email at Admin@essencestudiopole.com

  • Students who report incidents will be treated with sensitivity, respect, and confidentiality.

  1. Consequences

  • Any student found to have engaged in bullying, harassment, or cyberbullying will be subject to expulsion from the studio.

Signing Up for Classes

• Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to get checked in and settled for class. Students who arrive 10 minutes or more late will forgo the opportunity to take class.

• There is a 7hr cancellation policy for all Pole & Sensual Movement classes and a 2hr cancellation policy for all MatWerk classes. If you do not cancel before the cancellation window, you will lose your class credit. No refunds.

• Classes require a 2-student minimum. If 2 students do not sign up for a class 2 hours before the class is to begin, the class will be canceled and students will receive their credits back. 

• 5 Class Packages expires 90 days after the date of purchase.

• 8 Class Packages expire 150 days after the date of purchase.

• No refunds or partial refunds. No exceptions.

Class Etiquette

• Remove your rings, bracelets, and/or watches before class.

• Students are welcome to film their movements IF and ONLY IF their peers feel comfortable with a camera present. Essence is a safe space for self-expression. Honor and protect it. Simply ask your neighbors for permission to film and ENSURE you have permission before posting the content on social media.

• Students must be present for the class warm-up. If a student arrives late and misses the warm-up, the student will not be able to participate in class and will lose their class credit. 

• Students will not spot or instruct other students.

• Instructor permission is required for each student’s advancement into a higher-level class. Please ask us if you feel you’re ready.

• No class observers for classes or for pole rentals. If someone is with you, they will be escorted to a different part of the building during class hours. This protects the privacy of our students.

In-House Stage Rentals

• Stage rentals are for Essence students only, no exceptions.

• One student per stage rental.

• Stage rentals are available to practice familiar material appropriate for your skill level. Private lessons are available to introduce and cover new material. No exceptions. This is a safety concern.

• You must be available 15 minutes early to setup your stage and you must be available to clean up and tear it down after your rental.

• You must check in with an instructor upon your arrival.

Reporting Procedure

Any student who experiences or witnesses a policy violation is encouraged to report the incident to an instructor immediately.

• Reports can be made in person or via email at Admin@essencestudiopole.com

• Students who report incidents will be treated with sensitivity, respect, and confidentiality.

Consquences

Any student found violating these policies will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Zero tolerance policies will be subject to explusion from the studio.

By enrolling in classes at Essence, students agree to abide by these policies and contribute to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all members of the studio community.