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GENERAL
QUESTIONS
POLICIES
& PROCEDURES
WHAT ARE THE CLASSES LIKE?
Private Lessons
Group
Classes
BACHELORETTE
PARTIES & OTHER PRIVATE PARTIES
POLE DANCING
RESOURCES
Got More Questions?
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GENERAL
QUESTIONS: ANSWERS
Where do the classes & workshops
take place?
The
Center for Healing & Expression
1749 O' Farrell St. San Francisco CA 94115
Map
The
Orange Room
2885 Ettie Street Oakland CA 94608 between 28th & 32nd Streets,
parallel to Mandela Parkway
map
We occasionally teach classes at
Mission Control in San Francisco's MIssion District
by BART. Exact address given upon registration.
Private Residence in Downtown
Oakland
(private lessons and small private groups only)
Address given upon registration
Yahoo Map
Who takes exotic and pole dance
classes?
Any woman who wants to feel more sexy, feminine
and alive in her body.
Any woman who is intrigued with pole dancing and is curious enough
to try it.
Any woman who wants a fun sexy workout.
Any woman who wants to include exotic dance in her repertoire
Any woman who wants to feel more confident and courageous in her
sexuality.
Any woman who wants to spice up an old, or new, relationship.
Any woman who wants to feel more powerful and embodied
Any woman who wants to celebrate her femininity and connect with
her sexiness
Any woman who wants to re-connect with a part of herself that is
wanting to emerge.
Any woman who wants is wanting to express her sexiness
Any woman who has ever fantasized about being an exotic dancer (if
only for an hour)
Any woman like you.
What services are offered?
We offer public group classes, individual/private
instruction, and custom private group parties (bachelorette/hen
parties) in exotic (sensual) dance, pole dance, lap dance, floor
work, and stage dancing. Three timees a year, we offer a Couples
and Ladies Tour of North Beach Gentlemen's Clubs.
List of current classes:
Intro to Exotic
Dance: a 4.5 hr experiential
workshop: for novices and those who have dabbled or do other forms
of dance: More Info? Schedule?
Lapdance Floorshow
Combo Class: a 4.5 hr routine based workshop for novices
and those who have dabbled or do other forms of dance: More Info?
Schedule?
Ladies Lapdance
Techniques: a 2 hr class for novices and those who have
dabbled or do other forms of dance: More Info? Schedule?
Couples Lapdance Class: a 2 hr class for novices
and those who have dabbled or do other forms of dance: More Info?
Schedule?
Weekend Pole Intensive:
a 4 hour weekend course for novices and those who have dabbled or
do other forms of dance: More Info? Schedule?
Weekend Pole Plus:
class 3 and 4 of the weekend pole intensive
Pole Dance Supreme:
a 4 week routine based course for novices and those who have dabbled
or do other forms of dance: More Info? Schedule?
Pole Dance Passion:
a 4 week routine based course for throe who have taken Pole Dance
Passion or the equivalent
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Do I need to be skinny, athletic
or experienced to take your classes?
Exotic Dance is for women of all ages and body types.
All of our classes are geared towards every day women, regardless
of your level of fitness
Pole dancing is the most strenuous of all our
classes, but the beginning courses are designed for all curious
women.
All our classes are a phenomenal workout, but
they are not aerobic. You will get in touch with muscles you didn’t
know you have. If you are in one of our more intense pole dancing
classes, you may build up a sweat.
Pole dancing does require some upper body strength
for the intermediate/advanced work. The beginner class is geared
towards everybody. There is a weight limit of approximately
195 lbs in our pole dancing classes. This is not a physical
requirement of pole dancing, but an equipment limitation because
of the specific removable poles I use here
Do you teach
men?
Except for the Couples Lapdance Class
which is offered from time to time, all classes are women-only.
Men are invited to join us on our Tours of North Beach Gentlemen's
Clubs. In August we often open up some of our classes to men in
the spirit of Burning Man.
Should I take a private lesson
or group class?
That is up to you. Private lessons take place
in my downtown Oakland home studio where there is a brass pole without
a weight limit. We work with your skill level and pace.
If the group classes are scheduled at times which do not work for
you, then privates are the way to go. If you are planning a special
performance, private lessons may get you to your goals sooner
Group classes are more economical but fill up fast. You will learn
a lot in a group class and there is a lot of personalized attention.
They take place in San Francisco and in Oakland.
Do you sell Holiday
or Birthday Gift Certificates?
Yes! Go to our Registration
Page. Once we receive payment, a pdf or jpeg of the
certificate will be emailed to you. Be sure to include the name
of the recipient and if this is for a specific class.
Do you rent out poles, or pole
dance studios with poles available?
We do not have poles to rent. I’m sorry,
we are not able to rent out studio space for private use. Poles
can be bought and delivered within 1-3 business days. Contact office.
I have taken pole classes
at other studios. Will your classes teach me something new? How
do I know which level I am at?
Yes! You will always learn something new at
Slinky Productions. Our curriculums are uniquely designed from Catherine's
personal experience as a dancer, and not from a manual or DVD from
another teacher.
We are constantly revising and improving our
fast paced curriculums based on the feedback we receive from our
students and from our own personal development as dancers/performers.
If you are not sure what level class (this is only relevant to pole
dance) please contact Catherine at the office during work hours.
She can ask you questions that will let you know where you will
be most comfortable as well as challenged.
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POLICIES
& PROCEDURES: ANSWERS
How do I pay for a class, bachelorette
party, private lesson or tour?
To register for any of our classes and tours, it is necessary to
make a payment, which can be done in one of three ways:
Send a check/money order, pay through this
website, or call the office and make a credit card payment over
the phone.
If you are using a gift certificate to pay
for class, please call the office ahead of time to reserve your
space, and bring in your certificate to the class.
(INSERT PAYPAL BUTTON FOR VARIABLE AMOUNTS)
We do not allow unregistered drop-ins in any
of our classes.
For bachelorette parties, a deposit of 50% is
required to hold your spot.
All classes are to be paid in full ahead of
time.
Send checks to:
Slinky Productions
Catherine Rose
1425 Harrison St. #430
Oakland CA 94612
You can also use PayPal.
We accept all major credit cards over the phone.
Call 510-465-7607 (10AM-9PM PST)
PLEASE READ CANCELLATION POLICY
Link to registration page for online payments
You are fully registered once payment is received (unless class
is sold out, which case, you will be notified.
Do I
need to be pre-registered or can I just show up at a class?
I’m sorry, we do not allow any spectators
in our classes. This helps create a safe environment where participants
do not have to worry about being on display. We have found that
this encourages women to feel less self-conscious and more willing
to take risks.
You must be pre-registered to attend any exotic or pole dance workshop,
class or event. If you speak with Catherine and there is space open,
you can pay in class.
Can I sit in on a class
and watch it before I register? Can my boyfriend, girlfriend, out-of
town friend come sit in and watch me?
To protect the privacy of our students, we do
not allow visitors in the class. You must be enrolled in a class
to attend.
How much in advance do I need
to sign up for a class?
It is best to register as far in advance as
possible, to ensure that you have a spot in the class. Many of our
classes sell out weeks ahead of time. Our weekend pole class often
sells out over a month in advance. On the other hand, we occasionally
have a few last minute cancellations. So it’s always good
to inquire via email, if a class is listed as sold-out. Emails will
be returned in the same business day, if not immediately.
What is the cancellation/refund
policy?
Full refund will be made
if cancellation is received at least 3 days prior to the
class. There is no class credit given if you do
not show up. There is no make up class in any weekly series(unless
otherwise specified).
One week cancellation
required for all weekend bookings of private parties/lessons.
24 hours notice
for cancellation of private lessons.
If I miss a class
one week, can I make it up later?
Some of the 4 week pole courses
offer a make-up session on the last day. It is not in our policy
to offer make-up classes otherwise.
Do you teach
men?
Except for the Couples Lapdance Class which
is offered from time to time, all classes are Women-only. Men are
invited to join us on our Couples Tours of North Beach. In August
2007 we will open up some of our classes to men in the spirit of
Burning Man.
Is there an
age/weight limit?
All our classes are open to
women of all age and body types, however, there is a weight limit
of 195lbs because of the poles that we use.
I have registered for a
class but didn't receive class Info, help?
Please click here to get class info. Sometimes
our email confirmations get lost in spam filters on the server or
through the email client.
Can my boyfriend/ girlfriend/best
friend come watch the class?
To protect the privacy of our students, we do
not allow visitors in the class. You must be enrolled in a class
to attend.
Forgotten/Lost
Items Policy
If you forget something at the studio, let
us know right away. We can put is aside for you to pick
up at another time in Oakland or SF. Slinky Productions is NOT RESPONSIBLE
FOR LOST ARTICLES and does not ship items back to individuals except
in cases where personal ID's or other small important items are
left behind from out of town parties. We will not ship shoes, towels,
clothes and other nonessential items.
Is parking
free?
In S.F, at the Center for Healing
Expression, there are three parking options: find a free spot one
block away, on O’Farrell, Steiner, and surrounding streets,
metered parking on Fillmore Street, and on Steiner near Geary, and
low-cost parking garages. We highly recommend the Club One Garage
located on Fillmore between O’Farrell and Ellis Streets. There
are several other garages nearby.
In S.F., at Mission Control,
there is free street parking, with small chance of finding an open
spot. We recommend the low-cost garage located on 21st Street and
Valencia.
o In Oakland, at the Orange Room, parking is free on all sides.
In Oakland, at Catherine’s
Home Studio, there is metered daytime parking, a parking lot across
the street, which is un-patrolled after 5 p.m.
Can I Book
a Party Last Minute? (2-6 days)
We generally book bachelorette
parties 2-16 weeks out.
For a booking 1-7 days ahead,
there is a surcharge of $75 (if space and instructor are available).
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WHAT ARE THE CLASSES
LIKE?
Private
Lessons
Is the space
private? Will I have privacy?
Yes.
Can
I show up early?
If you arrive at the Oakland studio
early, you will not be able to come in. Please wait in your car
or go to a nearby cafe. Please arrive 5 minutes before your lesson
Are the classes ongoing?
Many of our classes are standalone one time events. We do offer
Pole Dance Series and those are clearly indicated as weekly or weekend
courses.
Do I need to bring
anything with me?
For all classes, bring bottled
water (we want you to stay hydrated).
What clothing do I need to
wear?
For the Intro to Exotic Dance Workshop
or Lapdance/Floorshow Combo Class:
Wear comfortable clothing: tights, leotard, scarves, sweats, or
something slinky. You may want to bring something that covers your
knees as we will be crawling during the floorwork. It is fun to
bring extra costumes (hats, gloves, dresses, etc.) and change into
them whenever the mood hits you.
Please remove all bracelets, watches and rings
before pole classes and the all day workshops. When we use the wall
and poles for moves, we want to avoid scratching them up.
The Center for Healing and Expression is a barefoot space and does
not permit street shoes, however you may bring heels (except
spiked) that are worn indoor exclusively. You may bring
your regular shoes/boots to our other studios.
For Pole Dancing Classes:
You need to wear boy shorts or tight high athletic shorts. You can
also wear a short mini skirt over panties. Check out this page for
some ideas on sexy comfortable boy shorts.
Please bring water to all classes–you can refill at the studio.
Is there Nudity?
Generally speaking, most classes do not involve
nudity unless there is a request for a striptease demonstration
in the Intro to Erotic Dance Workshop. From time to time there will
be a class specifically on the art of striptease, but otherwise,
there is no nudity required from the participants.
Can I get fit doing this type
of dance?
How does this form of exercise compare
to other forms of exercise?
Will I sweat? Is it aerobic?
Classes are a great workout for lower body muscular
strength and toning.
Pole classes are particularly good for building
upper body/abdominal/core strength, and encourages more energy exertion
than the other classes.
Lap dance classes will give you killer gluts
and thigh/quadriceps definition, when done regularly.
Floor work (moving on the floor) will increase
flexibility, stretch out hamstrings, and is really good for increasing
abdominal strength.
Classes are non-aerobic. Depending on your
current physiology and fitness, you may build up a sweat.
For bachelorette parties, if you are concerned
about being too sweaty for post-class engagements, let the instructor
know, and she will give you a less physically demanding class that
is still really fun and rewarding.
What will I learn?
coming soon...
What should I wear to class?
Do I need to bring shoes?
What kind/heel height?
For most classes, it is most important that
you wear clothes you are comfortable in. Yoga clothes, gym clothes,
clothing you can move in. We strongly encourage you to bring playful,
sexy, fun clothing and costumes or outfits that you can change into
when you feel comfortable doing so. If there’s even a slight
and remote chance that think you just might want it, then bring
it!
For the Intro to Exotic Dance Workshop
or Lapdance/Floorshow Combo Class:
Wear comfortable clothing: tights, leotard, scarves, sweats, or
something slinky. You may want to bring something that covers your
knees as we will be crawling during the floorwork. It is fun to
bring extra costumes (hats, gloves, dresses, etc.) and change into
them whenever the mood hits you.
Please remove all bracelets, watches and rings
before the workshop. We use the walls for some moves and want to
avoid scratching them up.
The Center for Healing and Expression is a barefoot space and does
not permit street shoes, however you may bring heels (except spiked)
that are indoor exclusively.
POLE DANCE REQUIRES BARE SKIN TO POLE CONTACT.
This means that we want your legs free to grip the pole, so please
bring tight fitting and very short shorts, boy shorts, skimpy outfits,
mini-skirts with ruffled panties, outrageous stripper outfits, whatever
is in your comfort zone. No long baggy boy short
Shoes: We provide some 6” platform heels
in a variety of sizes in our main S.F. studio (Center for Healing
and Expression on O’Farrell).
For all other studios, please bring
your own shoes. It is fine to be barefoot.
We like 6” platforms, but you’re welcome to bring whatever
you are most comfortable in. It is perfectly acceptable to go barefoot,
and your instructor will often take off her heels.
The main S.F. studio has an in-door only shoe
policy (only shoes that have never been worn outside are allowed
on the floor).
If I take the
weekend pole intensive, will the 4 week Level 1 course teach me
anything new?
coming soon...
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Group
Classes
Who are the
instructors?
Catherine Rose has been teaching
women (and a few men) exotic dance since 2000. She worked as a professional
Exotic Dancer for over 8 years in San Francisco, New York and Canada.
She studied modern, belly dancing, aerial dance (low flying trapeze),
and currently takes classes in AcroYoga. See
Bio
Catherine has also taken extensive
workshops on sexuality. See Instructor page for more detailed information.
Sara North is a Fire Dancer and
Pole Dancer and former Exotic Dancer. See Instructor page for more
detailed information.
I'm generally
shy and scared to dance in front of others. How can I feel safe?
Coming soon..
Will I have
privacy in the class?
Coming soon..
Are the classes ongoing?
Most of the classes are standalone one time
events. I do offer a Pole Dance Series (eg: 2 hours for 3-4 weeks)
and those are clearly indicated as weekly classes with the exact
dates listed.
What are the class sizes?
Between 6-10 women usually participate
in a class so everyone gets lots of individual attention.
Is there Nudity/Clothing
Removal?
Generally speaking, most classes do not involve
nudity unless there is a request for a striptease demonstration
in the Intro to Erotic Dance Workshop. From time to time there will
be a class specifically on the art of striptease, but otherwise,
there is no nudity required from the participants.
Do I need to
bring anything with me?
For all classes, bring bottled
water (we want you to stay hydrated).
Do I need to
bring shoes? What heel height?
Coming soon..
Can I get fit doing
this?
Coming soon..
How does the
exercise compare to other forms of fitness?
Coming soon..
Is it aerobic?
Will it build strength or flexibility?
Coming soon..
What will I learn
in the class?
Coming soon..
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PRIVATE
PARTIES/BACHELOR PARTIES
How far will you travel?
We will travel up to 60 miles outside of Downtown
San Francisco. There will be a travel fee.
What do you do for a party?
Coming soon..
How much notice do you need?
We sometimes book up to 6 weeks in advance so
schedule soon.
Do you teach pole or exotic dance, or
do we just watch?
Coming soon..
What should we wear? Do we need shoes?
What heel height?
Coming soon.. See regular classes,
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POLE
DANCING
Are there pre-requisites to
study Pole Dancing?
No-just a willngness to learn and get a little
banged up.
Pole Requirements?
Do not wear any oils,
lotions or moisturizers on your legs or arms, as this impedes pole
gripping and can make it dangerous. If you use hair product,
please be sure to scrub your hands right after to wash off all product.
Please remove all rings and bracelets/watches
before going on to the pole.
Do I need to own a pole to take
a pole class?
You are not required to own a pole to take any
of the pole classes. If you are serious about learning the art of
pole dancing and do not have access to a pole, you may want to eventually
purchase your own. We sell poles! Talk to Catherine.
How long will it take for me
to get good?
It depends on what you want to learn and how
good you want to get. Some women find that 1 or 2 classes is all
they really want to feel inspired, while others study with us for
up to 3 years!
After taking our 4.5 hour workshops, you will
have all the tools you need to create a sexy dance; it is up to
you to practice until it feels natural.
When learning pole
dancing, please give yourself at least 3 classes or more to feel
comfortable as a beginner. The more you practice, the higher
your learning curve will be. Remember to be kind and patient with
yourself while you are learning a new skill and we promise it will
pay off.
Everyone is different and needs a different
amount of time to assimilate new information and body awareness.
Some factors include: prior dance experience, being comfortable
in your body and physical strength (for pole work).
It doesn't t take a lot of time to learn how
to give a lapdance, but it can take months to perfect the perfect
slinky walk, slithery hip gyrations and seamless floorshow. And
pole dancing, as fun as it is, is really an aerial dance form and
takes time to get really good.
What are the benefits?
Coming soon..
Can I get really fit with
pole dancing?
Coming soon..
Will it build my confidence
or self-esteem?
Coming soon..
How many poles are there?
Coming soon..
Are there moves to practice
without a pole?
Coming soon..!
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RESOURCES
Where can I practice Exotic
and Pole Dancing after I take a class?
You can practice exotic dance in the privacy
of your home. Close the blinds (or keep them open if you are an
exhibitionist ; >) pour yourself a favorite elixir of wine or
tea or bubbly water, dim the lights, put on a slinky outfit, your
favorite sexy CD and turn of your brain.
If you want to practice pole dancing and you
can buy a removable pole designed for renters and home owners who
do not want to make holes in the floor. If buying a pole is not
an option at this time, there are a growing number of establishments
that have pole up for people to play on. I have created a list of
these places and if you know of one that is not here, please let
me know. A Slinky Guide to Places that have Dancer Poles.
Where can I purchase a Removable
Dancer Pole?
I distribute excellent and professional quality
removable dancer poles for homes and apartments. They come in stainless
steel and steel coated colors red, black, pink and white. Check
out our Dancer Pole Page
or contact me.
Where can I buy sexy
clothing and shoes?
We have put together a fabulous page of resources
for buying sexy clothing in San Francisco as well as some online
stores. Please visit our Slinky
Shop. There are currently no Instructional DVDs taught
by Catherine Rose.
I want to teach!
Is there a training program?
Soon!
Do you sell Instructional DVDs
and Videos?
Slinky Productions is a reseller of many wonderful
Instructional DVD's and Videos. Please check out our products in
the Slinky
Shop.
I do not live locally, do you
know of other exotic dance teachers in the country?
We are working on a list for you!
More Questions?
Contact Catherine Rose 510-291-9779
Hours: 10AM-9PM
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