MG says:

I have been taking classes for a few weeks and I LOVE it. Marlo and Kyra are amazing. They are both so positive and encouraging and funny. I met Lian and look forward to taking her class as she is so sweet and encouraging. I can’t wait to take classes from the other instructors, too.

If you’re going to take pole dancing classes in NYC, Body & Pole is the only name you need to know. Classes are small. I was worried I would feel uncomfortable in class since I have never done this before but I feel totally comfortable at Body & Pole and it’s a great workout.

judy says:

hands down the best staff of instructors in NY ! and also the most welcoming of studios — even as a newcomer i was welcomed by regular students and made to feel that yes, i belonged there. no reason to go elsewhere for class !!

Maria says:

I discovered B&P when I took a couple of workshops at their first location. I loved Lian immediately and had such a great time but the location wasn’t easy for me to get to (I live on Long Island). But when they moved to the current spot and I discovered it was just a quick walk from Penn Station, I decided to try one of their regular class offerings. I began with a class taught by instructor Roland Brown called Pole Power & Conditioning. I was his very first registered student and enticed a friend to join in. The class is not focused on dance or movement as much as building the strength to be able to do the more difficult tricks as well as learning and practicing them. I really loved this class and his energy and love of pole fitness was contagious. Because of Roland and even the astute assistance of some of the other students that have since joined, I have really come a long way in my mastery of pole tricks. As I am 50 years old, I listen to my body and honor my energy to proceed at a pace that feels safe and Roland is very caring in treating each student as an individual and honoring that in his teaching as well. He is also so wonderful at breaking down the tricks through his explanation to help the student so each builds the foundation to “get” the trick and continue working towards fully achieving the trick. I highly recommend this class to anyone that is interesting in building the strength needed to master the difficult pole tricks.

I also discovered a class taught by Isaac Pena called Flexibility Training. Once again, I found that B&P had enticed yet another top-notch instructor to their roster of teachers. I have never in my life been able to do the forward splits fully to the ground – not even close. I had some better flexibility in other ways but that is what is so amazing in this class – there are so many levels of flexibility within the class and within each person and yet the class benefits every single person. I have a doctorate in the Psychology of Human Performance which means that I do know how to use psychological approaches to enhance my learning and push myself but because of my age, again 50, I had no idea that I could increase my flexibility as much as I have already. Truly amazing. Oh yes, and by-the-way, I am very, very close to having that forward split with either leg forward. I do work hard and stretch on my own as well. No matter what skill you are trying to learn – it is important to put the time in outside of class as well. I do have to say, however, that without Isaac’s guidance and expert instruction – I would not have really known what to do to be able to work on this on my own without, perhaps, causing injury. To anyone that wants to improve flexibility, give this a try, the pole tricks are so much prettier with nice flexibility but, in general, you just feel better in your body as well.

Recently, I have begun taking another class taught by Marlo Fisken who is, of course, one of the most amazing pole performers you could find as she has the triple threat of tricks, musicality and flexibility. It is called Pole Groove. The first part is just a whole lot of fun and you get to work up a really good sweat too – nice little cardio boost – and it focuses on movement and dance that is primarily like hip-hop dancing and some outrageous booty-popping. Get ready to work hard but realize that you have a smile on your face the whole time. The second part is a combination of movement and tricks and helps the student to learn flow and fluidity in combining dance and tricks. For me personally, I don’t enjoy just watching one trick after another – just like it is the space between notes that create music it is the dance between the tricks that make it beautiful and the full expression of the body – with emotion and depth. Bring sneakers (I recommend dance sneakers that are not worn in the street but only to class – helps you move more easily but is also good for studio hygiene) and comfortable clothing for the first half and some typical teeny-tiny clothing for the second half so the body can stick to the pole. Again, I recommend this class to anyone at any level.

Finally, Lian and Kyra are just lovely people and truly love the artistry and athleticism of pole dance.

Michelle says:

There is no question about it, Body and Pole is by far THE best pole fitness studio in NYC. I discovered this gem last summer and my only regret is that I did not find them sooner. The space is beautiful, the staff and students are always friendly & supportive, and the instructors are top notch. Whether someone is brand new to pole or very advanced, the teachers at Body and Pole make sure each student feels both encouraged and challenged in every class. I have spent several years taking pole classes at a local studio and although I may have built some strength and a decent foundation, I have learned more from Kyra Johannesen at B&P in the last six months than I had in all the time I was in class before elsewhere. Thank you, Kyra!

Joyce says:

I first came across Body and Pole about a year ago and will be a forever student with this studio. Reason being? Best customer service(Lian will do her best to address all questions and concerns), top notch instructors and warm welcoming. Body & Pole has not only made me feel at home, but also provided me with a place to go to escape the worries of every day stresses and focus on something I love. The comradely and support I have experienced at Body & Pole is like no other that I have experienced.
Lauren and Kyra helped me excel so much with pole, go beyond my own expectations and I cannot express how much that means to me.
Olga helped me with my flexibility. I’ve never been this bendy in my life! They are so positive and encouraging but most importantly make me feel comfortable in their classes. I cannot thank you guys enough for doing what you do. Please keep this up and cheers to many more years.