★ 5

My body was going through some serious changes after I was diagnosed with endometriosis and had other health issues. I went to opole with no experience but because I wanted to try some of their classes to try to get back in shape. Best decision of my life! Amazing, knowledgeable group of instructors that help you with whatever your dance or pole goals are! It's also very body positive and inclusive! Even if you're not interested in trying pole, the dance, yoga, and conditioning classes are amazing as well!

Source: Google

★ 5

To the person who came to one class and was focused on (and negative about) the other dancers there - it's a shame you let this experience keep you from going back. I have been treated exceptionally well at this studio and want to present an in depth review accordingly. I hope you return and I'll see you there! You can be the representation you want to see.

I'm overweight, disabled, and over age 30. I've been coming for two+ months and while yes, there are a lot of younger and slimmer dancers, we live in a college town, and everyone deserves to be comfortable and present and not body shamed. I understand it's hard to be in the world when fat and half dressed. People can be cruel. I was uncomfortable at first, I had those same thoughts initially - Is this space for me? Will I be able to do this? Because this was out of my comfort zone as a bigger person, I've had a few brief conversations with different instructors, some even a little emotional, and they have reassured me that this space is for me, and they mean it. After going for awhile, I feel comfortable and welcome and have worked through a lot of those negative self talk feelings.

I've seen many genders, body types, and ages there. While I am typically the biggest person in my class, and yes, often the only one in my 30's, that isn't always the case, and I have been hyped up by my fellow dancers and instructors. When I voice that certain moves hurt/past injuries/current challenges (I have multiple disabilities and they rear their heads intermittently - effecting my performance day to day) the instructors ALWAYS answer my questions, make adjustments, and suggest many accommodations to moves to help me build strength or work around my issues. ALL of my instructors have suggested specific at-home strengthening moves for me which I've implemented and have made a world of difference. When I'm too unwell to continue participating in a class, which has happened twice, they have been nothing but kind. I've seen them treat other students this way, regardless of body size or disability. They are knowledgeable, caring, and all have different body types and experiences with dance. The passion for dance, their studio and the Bellingham pole community really shows through.

The other students are also wonderful! They are caring, considerate, and happy to share knowledge or ask questions at every level. I have so much fun joking around with them and encouraging each other. I have found that dancers much more advanced than me are also supportive and not judgey. It's hard to be "new" at something and not yet where you want to be, but I make some kind of progress every class I take thanks to my fellow dancers and the awesome teachers.

I am so grateful that after years of "wishing I could do that" I am finally doing it, and that is thanks to this studio and the caring, creative, fun and skilled teachers who lead the classes. I hope this review encourages someone else who hasn't started yet to come join us :) see you on the pole!

Source: Google

★ 3

I'm giving this three stars mainly because there’s a noticeable disconnect between the studio’s branding and the actual experience I had.

The instructor was fantastic - warm, skilled, and encouraging. And the studio’s website really leans into messaging about body positivity and inclusivity. Phrases like “pole is for EVERYONE” and “all identities, shapes, and sizes are welcome here” gave me the impression that people of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds would actually be present in the space - not just hypothetically welcomed.

But in the class I attended, that wasn’t reflected at all. I didn’t see anyone else who appeared to be over 30 or over a size 6 (and that’s being generous). It wasn’t that anyone was unkind - the vibe was friendly - but the reality is, the demographic here is very narrow. I know I only attended one class, and technically that’s a small sample size - but if we’re playing the odds, this probably wasn’t an anomaly. Unless the universe just happened to line up a packed room of size-2, 20-something Lululemon ambassadors at the exact moment I walked in, I think it’s fair to say the clientele trends in a certain direction.

There’s nothing wrong with a studio that mostly attracts younger, thinner clients - but the branding feels more aspirational than reflective. And when that branding leans into social-justice language about inclusion and empowerment, it becomes more than just marketing - it becomes a promise. For people who are used to being left out of fitness spaces, that kind of promise can feel hopeful. But when it doesn’t line up with reality, it doesn’t just fall flat - it hurts. It reinforces the very exclusion it claims to fight against.

If you’re going to market yourself as a welcoming space for “all identities, shapes, and sizes,” then that should show up in the room - not just on the website. Otherwise, it’s not empowerment. It’s a $30 reminder that your body still doesn’t belong.

Source: Google

★ 5

Haven’t been here yet but just have to say I’m so stoked to finally see a pole studio in Bellingham, much needed! Bravo :)

Source: Google

★ 5

So grateful this dance studio exists. Talented instructors, friendly and welcoming dancers. I hope more people get a chance to try pole dance in town!

Source: Google

★ 5

SO GOOD

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Wonderful inclusive community in an absolutely stunning studio. I was always described as 'rhythmically challenged' and had never done anything like this before (so I was rather intimidated when I first went in). The beginner class taught by Milk was just fantastic! Incredibly kind and passionate teacher was so wonderful at showing proper moves and mods to be able to dance any level. Hands down the best full body workout I've ever gotten & love the body positivity when I come here too!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great instructors and community! Fun place to dance and learn pole.

Source: Google

★ 5

Very comfortable atmosphere and encouraging community. Coming in with zero experience or knowledge, I have never felt discouraged from learning from failure or asking questions.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this place! The owners are amazing!

Source: Google

★ 5

Such a great studio! The instructors and students are all so welcoming and talented. There are classes for all levels and coming here is a highlight of my week. I cannot recommend enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google