The Art of Dance

Student Testimonials:

Monday 18th March 2013 - "I joined the Art of Dance about 3 years a go after looking for a different form of exercise. I have always been a keen exerciser and have worked in the fitness industry for over 15yrs so finding something fun and challenging was important to me. I am an assessor specialising in fitness qualifications so it was important for me to find a new sport that gave me a good workout but was safe and fun - and I get all of this from Pole Fitness.  All the instructors at the Art of Dance are very professional and friendly, they never make you  feel inadequate and we always have fun in classes. My usual instructor knows I like to be pushed and I always walk away tired but smiling and looking forward to next week. I am stronger and more flexible than I ever have been thanks to Pole Fitness."

Sarah Menheneott

Friday 14th March 2013 - Pole dancing has radically changed my life. I've always been painfully shy and pole dancing has given me the confidence and self esteem to not only push myself beyond my comfort zone in my health and fitness, but also challenge myself and be more assertive in my workplace. I have achieved more  in work since starting pole dancing lessons than before. I am healthier (my asthma has gone from being on a nebuliser regularly and constantly taking inhalers, to taking an inhaler only twice a day). I'm stronger, my body more toned in my 40s than it was in my 20s (even with having 4 children in between). I have met and befriended some of the most genuine and friendly people through pole dancing and I recommend pole dancing at the Art of Dance to everyone, as the  health benefits and  camaraderie are second to none.
 
Lin x


Wednesday 13th March 2013 - The Art of Dance is brilliant; pole dancing has given me a chance to explore the world of gymnastics which I would never have had the chance to begin as an adult otherwise. Think of pole like vertical bars. You need to build strength, flexibility and balance. My best friends I've made through the university pole dancing club which collaborates with the Art of Dance, where the teaching is excellent and so friendly. Not only a great workout it's also confidence building, and it's so much more fun than the gym.

Carlotta Barker, 22 years old

Wednesday 13th March - I think pole fitness is very beneficial for physical and mental health!  It's a great work out for raising heart rate and toning your body.  I've become much stronger through pole fitness (which now means I can help my dad move furniture around the house!) and I've made some friends in the process.

Good luck with the fight!

Holly P Xxx

Wednesday 13th March 2013 -  I don't feel I'm qualified to give a testimonial, However now that I've done pole for 6 months I feel I'm picking it up and I enjoy every lesson. Is it fitness??  Totally.  Yes.  Mentally and physically??  Yup.Not like any other fitness class.  
I recently completed the Insanity 60 day challenge. Over the past 20+ years I've done boxercise, body pump, step, Zumba, yoga and Pilates.  I wanted something different to push my physical/mental boundaries and I get that and more from pole at your studio.
So glad I put aside my worries about my age looks body type etc...and went for it.  Roseanna is a brilliant instructor, very welcoming and covers all levels of fitness abilities. Just did a Sat AM with Cheryl and WOW!!!  She pushed us all and I did a head stand for the 1st time.  So proud of myself.  
That's what I love most is that every class that I complete I am proud of myself.  If that doesn't qualify as physically and mentally beneficial those qualities need to be redefined.

Laura

Wednesday 13th March 2013 - It (Pole Dancing) gets people into fitness and I can honestly say its kept me sane over the last 3 years!!  When I started I went to the odd aerobics class but never stuck to it as there wasn't enough dance/ art involved, I never did any running or any other sport. From the first pole lesson though I was completely hooked - I found it much more artistic but also a far better and more entertaining way to stay fit. Since doing pole I started runnning to keep up my fitness as I find the two complement each other. I'm now booked to do the Plymouth half marathon which I'm sure I would have never done had it not been for pole. Since my first lesson 3 years ago I hardly ever missed a weeks lesson and found my weekly pole fix to be a great way to let off steam and to have a laugh, there is also the great sense of achievement you get through suddenly being able to perfect a move or to do something that you never thought you could.
Anyway, take what you like from that as a testimonial but I think its a shame that people might miss such an opportunity to take part in such a great sport as they can't see past the stigma that it attached. I'm glad I'm not one of them :-)
 
Kate P

Wednesday 13th March 2013 - hi i dont feel classes are waste of time i think they gain you confidence make you fitter and its great to meet new people . keep up the good work.

Donna Sampson keen learner x

Wednesday 13th March 2013 - As an older lady (43) I find pole dancing to be an amazing way to keep fit and toned. I struggle with aerobics now because I suffer with a bad back and the high impact irritates it.I find that regular pole lessons have not only given me body confidence but strengthened my back and improved my posture. I would recommend it to any age and any size lady. Such a fun way to exercise.

Jane C

Monday 11th March 2013 - Thank you Sam. Me and my friend had so much fun, we'll be back for more! Georgina was fantastic! Cant wait to come back.

Sophie


Thursday 21st June 2012 - Thanks for a great year and I have made some great friends through art of dance. xxxxxxx

Kathryn Waldron.

Tuesday 8th May 2012 -Thank you so much to the Art of Dance for getting me started, I'm addicted now!

Sunday 29th May 2012 - Just a quick email to say the dance class was absolutely fab.  We had a great time and it seriously couldn’t have been any better.  Sue/Georgina was lovely and everyone only had great things to say about the session – we even did our routine in the pub later which went down a storm!  The plan is now to practice and then surprise the groom with the routine after the wedding in the evening. Lol

Ali.


Friday 22nd April 2011 - Hi Sam, just to say thankyou for the lessons the other day, we were the group of 6 on wednesday and we all had a great time! I had such a good time in fact I would really like to start making it my weekly exercise......Thanks again!

Abi Tugwell.

Wednesday 12th May 2010 - I would like to say how friendly I have found The Art Of Dance - to be honest I wondered when I first attended whether it would be for me but it was great - friendly and helpful staff - I particularly enjoyed the Saturday sequencing session that I did. I think people would be surprised that it doesn't seem to matter what size or shape you are you can still get something out of pole fitness and look graceful too.

Elaine Gosling.

Monday 3rd May 2010 -Just a note to say that we all had a fab time , when we cam up to exeter last wednesday for vickys 40th. The class was run really well, great fun.

Thanks, Linda

Thursday 29th April 2010 - After booking the private Burlesque classes as the start of a girly night out, it surprisingly helped each of us discover something about ourselves and feel good in a very positive way.  The clear message throughout my experience with Art of Dance is that no matter what age, shape or ability, everyone can feel good about themselves and have a go.  The Burlesque course was well structured and gave me enough confidence to have a go at performing which I never imagined I would do when I discovered my interest.  The staff are extremely friendly, professional and helpful, I would say inspiring.  I recommend Art of Dance to everyone I meet, I read the words 'female empowerment' and which sums up my experience.  I learnt  from Sue that it isn't the detail about ourselves (that we all tend to get hung up about) that matters, it is focusing on what we like about ourselves and that as a females, we already have a desirable package, the classes helped me learn how to work it!

Wendy Smith xx

Wednesday 28th April 2010 - Just a quick note to say a big thank you for the hen party pole dancing class last Saturday. We all really enjoyed it! All ached the next day and on the Monday but no one bruised! I think a couple of the girls may even be back for regular lessons! Thanks again for a great afternoon, we all have a new respect for pole dancers now!

Thanks
Karen, Ilze, Dace, Linda and Santa xxx

Wednesday 14th April 2010 - A huge thank you Sam for finally giving me the opportunity to participate in a healthy, non competitive and stimulating sport! I was really nervous to start classes a first as I thought your studio would be full of nubile, young teenagers but came along as the bingowings were starting to make an appearance! How wrong I was! You have truly pioneered an inclusive and supportive atmosphere which is firmly grounded in positive body image and fitness awareness.

After a year of lessons I feel toned, healthier and more flexible yet still I have an awful lot to learn! My lesson is often the highlight of a busy week and it's all just so addictive! Thank you too for the social activities and charity events you organise, as a military wife with two young children it isn't often that I get the chance to met new, like minded people and have a giggle! I wouldn't, and don't, hesitate to recommend your school to anybody regardles of age, size or background. Keep Inspiring - Justine xx

Thursday 8th April 2010 - Just to say I really enjoy the Pole Dance Class. I think its a great way to lose weight and build up your confidence, I wish I had done it sooner...

Karen Prout.

Tuesday 18th August 2009 - I  have had a few ladies on my first aid courses that also come to you for weekly lessons the last one was Sam Henderson from Mumfords. Sam could not say enough good things about you and your staff.

Rupert Goolden.

Wednesday 5th August 2009 - I just wanted to say a BIG thank-you for making Liz's hen do a right giggle! A few of us are even considering investing in poles - although we will of course come to you for advice. The lesson was so much fun and pitched to exactly the right level. We even put in a few of our new found moves in the clubs later on that night (bruises to prove it!).

Hope you are well, Thanks again

Liz and Becca

Wednesday 10th June 2009 - Quick note to say a huge thanks - we had an amazing time with the girls on Saturday morning, the 2 girls were brilliant - but in very different ways!! hope their demo last weekend went well? The morning completely opened our eyes to this and I am certainly keen to come back again soon for more lessons!!  my legs were fine afterwards and no bruising but I have to say - my arms killed me - and only just stopped hurting today!!

So a huge thanks to the girls - whose name I have forgotten because I am rubbish with names but they were lovely - fun and really accommodating  - all of our group had a really memorable time and a lot of laughs!! Thanks again - keep up the great work - I will recommend you to everyone and anyone (and find any excuse to come back again!!)

Brenda Shields

Thursday 2nd April 2009 - I wanted to say how much I've been enjoying the lessons. I've always been quite bad at getting up to exercise but I really enjoy the pole dancing and it's actually made me motivated to start doing other exercise as well. I'm looking forward to when you start putting on other classes. I'm still waiting for my other half to get my pole put up but he has promised to get it done this weekend so hopefully I'll  be able to use it soon, as I'm itching to get practising! I also wanted to say about the instructors that have taught me so far - yourself, Rosanna, Jo, and Nixi. Everyone has made myself and jenny feel really welcome - I was really scared to start with but everyone has  been really nice and welcoming. Also everyone has been really helpful, encouraging and friendly and that being a big part of me wanting to attend each week. I can't believe how easy you all make it  look though!

Kristina x x x (pictured below)

2nd February 2009 - Flexibility Class - I really enjoyed the Flexibility lesson.  This is the best stretching class I have been too since going to Pineapples 20 years ago ish, which maybe because it was biased to dancing.  Pilates and Yoga aren't quite the same.  Oddly enough, or maybe not, a problem which I have had for years going to physios, Chiropracters and Osteopaths went after the lesson.  I was told I had 2 ribs which were stuck together and now and then would cause me a muscle spasm.  Well during Nikki's class in one of her stretches, I experienced a quick shot of pain in that area which went as soon as it came.  The nearest thing I could associate this to was a tangled elastic band, and when it stretched it became untangled thern going back to normal.  So thank you Nixi. When you arrange the next class, I will be interested.  I have a couple of holidays planned, so hope that the next will miss those dates.

well done love Frankie

7th October 2008 - Hi Sam, Just wanted to say a big thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon on Saturday (4 Oct).  The hen (Rosy) was so pleased with her day and the pole dancing was the talk of the evening. I think we are all still aching, I know I am - my arms are the worst, but definitely worth it. We all really enjoyed ourselves and would recommend your classes to anyone who is planning a hen do or wanting to have lessons. Both yourself and Jo were brilliant and really impressed us with your moves together with your sense of humour and professionalism. I attach a couple of photos that you might want to use on your website for the hen package. Thank you again and you might see me again at a class!

Sarah Felfal

23rd September 2008 -I started classes with the Art of Dance at the very first Liskeard class, with Val, (and you were there also, on our first class) back in March 2007.  God only knows why, but after that first week, covered in bruises and aching worse than when I had a head on collision in a car, I returned the next week.  My husband at that point did actually think I’d lost the plot (Again!) Apart from the odd week here and there when away on annual hols, and a short break of about 4 weeks due to an over ambitious move (totally my fault!) and slightly pulling my shoulder, I have remained a regular pole exerciser (is there such a phrase??), with the Art of Dance ever since.  I have also come along to one of the flexibility classes, the open day, and Val's Halloween party with student showcase.

When I first started Pole dancing, I was not long on the start of a journey rebuilding my self and my confidence after a horrific year which saw me all but completely fall apart.  I always used to be so incredibly confident, and at the height of my illness, for a few weeks, I could not even leave my house.  Although there were many aspects to me regaining my physical, and MENTAL health, including taking a long hard look at myself, my lifestyle, my diet and my emotions, I truly believe that the single greatest factor that has helped me to ‘find’ my confidence again, has been pole dancing.  I truly LOVE everything about it, and it is a true testament to yourself just how high my confidence levels are now!  Also, a HUGE special shout has to go to Hayley, our Liskeard Instructor, small as she is, she is a little ‘pocket rocket’, and continues to amaze me with her grace and strength on the pole,  her friendliness with her class, her energy and enthusiasm, and her enormous amounts of SUCH patience!  A true credit to yourself, as she has obviously learned from the best.

It has been fantastic to watch closely as the Art of Dance has gone from strength to strength, even in the face of adversity, and you and your team are continually turning the tables on peoples pre-conceived ideas and notions of pole dancing.  I hope one day to be asking you for a job (!) as an instructor, but until that day when I have nearly enough skill, you can guarantee that I will be there every Wednesday, come rain or shine.  Pole dancing with the Art of Dance is one tonic, I am NEVER giving up!

Well done Sam, to you and your team, and Thank You SOOOOOOOOOO much.

Helen Davis

10th July 2008 - "The Art of Dance is one of the most friendly and supportive exercise classes and studios I've ever been to. Everyone - staff and students - are incredibly enthusiastic and always happy to help you with anything you want to achieve - from a basic spin to an advanced trick - and are always eager to share anything new they've learned. The instructors have developed an enviable balance and atmosphere in class, managing to spend time with people individually whilst keeping everyone working up a sweat, challenging themselves and having a fantastic time. In fact, most of the time you forget its even about exercise as the atmosphere is so supportive, encouraging and paced just right, but you always know you've had an amazing workout and I've never seen such good results after even just a few classes! You are given the flexibility to work to whatever level you feel comfortable at, but the teachers will always coax you if they think you can achieve the next level, which is a wonderful achievement when you make it! I couldn't recommend the class more highly. You can take the classes as whatever you want - whether its just for exercise or whether you want to become a World Class dancer. The most intense, demanding, enjoyable and rewarding 'exercise class' I have ever done."

Penny Scaffold

13th June 2008 - "I think its a great idea to put testimonials on your site and to have more master classes I know I would defiantly use them I really enjoyed both the flexibility and sequencing class. I have only recently joined but first impressions were fantastic I was worried about being a beginner and looking a bit silly in the classes but however advanced all the ladies are on the night I don't feel out of place. That is due to yourself and you superb staff such as Jo, Rosanna and Nixi who have all made the classes fun and relaxed. The environment you have created is wonderful no one needs to feel out of place and whoever is taking the class is always there to help and answer questions along with giving encouragement. I really enjoy your classes, the learning and the atmosphere."

Emma Fribbs

20th April 2008 - "It's good fun, excellent fitness: much more interesting than going to the gym. I have metal screws in my back and my chiropractor has told me that pole dancing has helped the muscle tone on either side of my spine."

Julie Hiscocks

13th April 2008 - Click here for Sarah Anderson's report on our pole dancing classes.

26th March 2007 -  "Just wanted to say a massive thank you for a fantastic night last night. The dancers were all amazing, all different, with their unique styles...all so inspiring! And what a way to end it- Jo and you were absolutely phenomenal. The night was brilliant and it was great for our partners to see what we are all hyped about!

With all the classes that I have attempted over the years in various fitness related activities (there have been many!) I've never been involved with such a supportive group before - teachers and students. The support up there for those girls last night was quite overwhelming from all the students , regardless of if we knew them or not, and there is such a strong sense of community unlike I've seen in any dance school before (I was driving so was sober- so I can judge!), right from the buzz in the changing rooms to after each performance."

Penny Scaffold commenting on the 3rd birthday ball featuring a student showcase and an instructor exhibition.

5th February 2007 - "I just wanted to thank you for everything you did to organise the Burlesque lesson we had for the hen party on Saturday. Everyone had such a great time and Chantelle, the bride to be, was so surprised and enjoyed every minute. Sue was fabulous, we all agreed she could do life coaching! It was really inspirational to us to meet such a strong, confident and straight talking woman; she taught us so much about life as well as dancing. We were all a bit shy and inhibited during the clas but I can assure you that there was no stopping us in the evening, we danced for hours....The photos are going to make a wonderful wedding present! Thank you so much for everything and please pass my gratitude to Sue as well, she is a true inspiration!"

Jess Dunn

25th September 2007 - "Having been challenged by Jo to try pole dancing I now have total respect for your sport which requires dedication, strength and grace. I would like to thank you for putting up with me during my short trial period. Hopefully I will have time to visit when I'm down in Plymouth for meetings.... but until then 'Strength and grace' but if this fails remember my bum will always look bigger than yours in shorts."

Forbes Morgan

Click here for a student article written by Sarah Anderson.

4th December 2006 - "Thank you so much for the energetic, enjoyable evening. Some of us are feeling the strain and bruises more than others! You have inspired us all so much that we would like to return for more sessions. Many thanks again"

Felicity Cleaver