Why Curriculum Based Teaching Doesn't Work for Pole

Haus of Pole exclusively does not use a curriculum based system for our studio. We have been asked a few times why we don't subscribe to curriculum based teaching and the answer is simple; the approach fails to account for the dynamic and personal nature of athletic development.

Pole dancing can be considered many things, but above all of them it should be considered athletic. While it can be artistic and sexy, it is also acrobatic and intense. So it is no surprise that in the last 10 years it has progressed into more than just dancing. With more complex movements and acrobatic style it has taken on, it is not wrong to assume that it will have the same impact on the body as other high intensity sports.

While understanding the rules and history of pole dance is important, the new wave of pole now lies in skill development, physical conditioning, and mental resilience. Curriculum-based teaching often lacks flexibility, pushing students through a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t cater to individual progress, learning speeds, or body types. Curriculums in athletics tend to cater to white able bodied individuals while leaving out other body types and persons with disabilities. This can be a huge problem when trying to create an inclusive space. Pole is about creativity, community, and adaptability—qualities that a strict curriculum cannot nurture. Imposing a rigid curriculum and testing people out stifle someone's ability to think outside the box and does not allow for natural development.

A curriculum only allows for a certain type of person to advance while leaving many in the dust. Especially with a graduation type of system, if one person fails while watching all of their friends advance, it can create a multitude of issues. These issues can include self esteem issues, loss of community, and a willingness to be unsafe. When fostering an environment that has deadlines and moves your body could not be ready for, students will push themselves harder than normal and end up with serious injuries. To combat this our studio has adopted the phrase " Its okay to say its not in my journey today"

A curriculum-based system often neglects the personal joy and passion that pole dance can inspire. Rather than fostering a love for pole, it can turn it into just another physical activity or academic task to complete. Pole should be about growth, fun, and personal achievement, not a graded test that reduces a student’s journey to mere numbers. To truly develop well-rounded pole dancers, pole should focus on hands-on experience, self-motivation, and individualized learning. Instead of sticking to a curriculum, pole should be about embracing a more flexible, engaging approach that fosters talent and passion for all people.