Verified Company
Everyone, from the instructors to the students in class, is so friendly and encouraging! I only planned to try out a couple classes but loved it so much I’ve been doing it for three months now! Love the community here so much and how they’ve really helped my confidence soar. Definitely worth trying at least one class :))
Advertisement
The Dakini Movement Studio offers a truly unique and well-rounded fitness experience. Not only do they specialize in pole fitness, but they also provide a range of classes, including aerial, stretch, and yoga fitness. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with, making every class enjoyable and supportive. The sense of community between the students and instructors is remarkable, creating an uplifting and empowering atmosphere. I highly recommend joining Dakini Movement Studio for anyone looking to explore new fitness challenges in a positive and welcoming environment!
I registered for an intro to pole class through ClassPass, but due to a glitch, I was mistakenly booked at a location that had gone out of business. I reached out to the owner, Jeannine, who was incredibly kind and allowed me to attend the correct location for free, even offering to let me bring my best friend as a gesture of goodwill. Jeannine was an amazing instructor, creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere. However, I was deeply disappointed by one of her employees, Amber.
Amber joined the class as a participant, and at one point, there was some confusion when the girl next to me took the pole I was set up at. My best friend politely asked her to move over just one pole so we could stay next to each other, as we had planned to experience the class together. The girl next to me had no issue with it, but Amber loudly interjected, saying, “I think that’s VERY weird of you to ask her to move.”
I was left feeling completely uncomfortable in an environment that should have been about body positivity, support, and female empowerment. Instead, Amber’s comment made both my best friend and I feel judged and singled out for simply trying to enjoy the class together. I ended up having to share the pole with the instructor, which disrupted my ability to follow along with the class,as I could not follow along during demonstrations.
In an environment that encourages vulnerability, especially in a sensual dance style that a beginner like myself already felt nervous in, Amber’s remark was not only unnecessary but deeply hurtful. It contradicted everything that the space should have stood for, making me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. It was upsetting to be called 'weird' for such a harmless request, especially in a setting meant to empower women and foster a supportive community.
Reply from Dakini Movement Studio
2025.03.12
Hi Christina,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I truly appreciate your kind words about me—it was a pleasure to host you and your friend. I’m sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet your expectations.
At our studio, we strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone, and we take all feedback seriously. However, I do want to clarify some details about your experience. You had mentioned after class that your discomfort stemmed from unexpectedly seeing coworkers in the session, which I completely understand. Pole dance can be a vulnerable experience, and it’s natural to feel self-conscious in such situations.
Regarding Amber, she is a valued and respected instructor who generously volunteered her time that day to help during a busy class. She kindly offered you her pole to ensure you had space to work, which you declined in favor of staying next to your friend. While we do our best to accommodate preferences, poles are not pre-assigned, and we encourage flexibility among students.
It’s important to foster a positive atmosphere in class, and I regret to hear that there were tensions with other students. While I understand that discomfort can sometimes lead to frustration, we always encourage open communication and mutual respect to ensure a great experience for everyone.
We welcome everyone at our studio and hope that, if you ever decide to return, we can create a more comfortable experience for you. If you’d like to discuss this further, I’d be happy to connect with you directly.
Wishing you the best,
Jeanine
Dakini Movement Studio
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I truly appreciate your kind words about me—it was a pleasure to host you and your friend. I’m sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet your expectations.
At our studio, we strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone, and we take all feedback seriously. However, I do want to clarify some details about your experience. You had mentioned after class that your discomfort stemmed from unexpectedly seeing coworkers in the session, which I completely understand. Pole dance can be a vulnerable experience, and it’s natural to feel self-conscious in such situations.
Regarding Amber, she is a valued and respected instructor who generously volunteered her time that day to help during a busy class. She kindly offered you her pole to ensure you had space to work, which you declined in favor of staying next to your friend. While we do our best to accommodate preferences, poles are not pre-assigned, and we encourage flexibility among students.
It’s important to foster a positive atmosphere in class, and I regret to hear that there were tensions with other students. While I understand that discomfort can sometimes lead to frustration, we always encourage open communication and mutual respect to ensure a great experience for everyone.
We welcome everyone at our studio and hope that, if you ever decide to return, we can create a more comfortable experience for you. If you’d like to discuss this further, I’d be happy to connect with you directly.
Wishing you the best,
Jeanine
Dakini Movement Studio
Advertisement
I have tried out four different pole studios in the last year, and it's a no-brainer for me that Dakini comes out on top. From the overall studio vibe to the diversity in instructors and students alike, the light-heartedness and humor sprinkled into classes, the class options for all levels, the supportive and community-like atmosphere, cleanliness, and beyond, Dakini has become my go-to pole studio. I first attended last April and stuck with it for a few months before life got in the way and just returned about a month ago and love it all the same. I'm also currently doing their 5-week B.E. S.E.X.Y series, which has been amazing!! What I love most about the style of the classes at Dakini is how much dance/moving meditation is incorporated rather than just focusing solely on tricks/spins and that listening to your body and moving freely in a way that feels good for you is encouraged rather than needing to stick to step-by-step choreography or trying to be "perfect." I've taken intro to pole, beginner flow, flow (all levels), pole zoo, dynamic stretch, and choreography classes with Amber, Arie, (Ariel) Scottie, Ally, and Jeanine and am doing the 5-week series with Michelle, all of whom are amazing in their own ways and offer different approaches/styles/flare and have heard nothing but wonderful things about the other instructors, as well, who I hope to take classes with! Dakini also holds a variety of other workshops and events as well as participates in competitions, should you be interested! Overall, I highly recommend this studio!
Beautiful pole studio located 10 minutes past Palmer Square. I had the best class with Aly, where we all came up with our own choreo! Amazing! Jess is great for breaking down moves, and Julia’s class reminds me of the ballet I used to do. Amber’s Foundation is the best thing to do on a Saturday morning, and Nia’s classes are super fun, even though we never leave the ground. No matter who teaches, I always leave smiling!
EDIT: Corrine’s Wednesday nights are so calming and chill. Make time for this!
Advertisement
Absolutely in love with this studio! The most welcoming and positive environment I've ever been in. The instructors are very skilled and can teach true beginner to advanced tricks and a wide range of dance styles. Great variety of classes and workshops for everyone. I could not recommend Dakini more!
Advertisement
Super welcoming, kind, clean, empowering environment! Amber and Corinne are the sweetest (haven't met the other instructors yet, but I'm sure they're great too). I absolutely loved my first class (despite the bruises and the week of recovery, but I also haven't ever done anything like pole!), and I cannot wait til my next class! 😊 10/10
Advertisement