How to become a poledance teacher

This alternative job fits the bill for:

• Part time jobs
• Most exciting jobs in the world
• Unusual jobs
• Jobs that let you have dyed hair

Missy X wants to make it really clear that being a poledance teacher is not the same as being a stripper – but you do get an equally fit bod.

Name: Missy X

Career title: Poledancing teacher

Full-time/part time: Part time (I also have a full time day job!)

How long have you been doing this: I’ve been teaching poledancing about 18 months

Qualifications and/or training duration:

I completed a beginner’s, advanced beginner’s and intermediate poledancing course but have been dance trained, so I’m aware of the correct exercises, etc.

Salary: I get paid per class, but do some for free as it’s good exercise

Job perks: You can poledance for free, it’s great for fitness and really good fun

Any danger of doing damage to yourself?

Yes. If you fell it would hurt!

Or damage to the pole?

No, they are very robust!

Who’s going to pay for it if a dancer breaks the pole?

There is no way a poledancer would break the pole.

Can you get your own pole to practise on?

Yes, you can buy them for about £140.

Do people keep asking you to show them how poledancing is done out of work hours?

I don’t tell everyone I teach poledancing! I have another career!

What sort of people do you get coming to your poledance lessons?

Professional middle class women mostly. People are often embarrassed to start with, but soon realise it’s just great fun, and good exercise for all shapes and sizes…

What made you want to go into poledancing?

I wanted to do some sport that was fun. I used to do dancing as a kid and really enjoyed it. I wanted to do something new and two friends and myself decided to try a course… and we haven’t looked back…

How physically or mentally demanding is poledancing?

Very physically demanding. It makes you really strong, and it’s amazing how quickly your body changes. My friend has gone from a size 16 to a size 12 in 6 months.

Long hours?

My poledance last one and a half hours and I do this twice a week.

Downside of the job:

People think you are a stripper when you are not. Poledancing is still a bit taboo.

Danger factor:

Falling off!

Sexy uniform?

Not really, but a skirt and heels are the order of the day. You can’t get away with trainers and a tracksuit

Opportunities for travel/work abroad with your career?

If you needed to work you could make money out of teaching poledancing, but that is not what I do it for.

Do you meet fit, clever, solvent blokes in your line of work?

No! It’s a girl thing

Can you still see yourself doing this in 20 years time?

Probably not!

What advice would you give young women who are interested in this career path?

I don’t know really. The UK poledancing classes we run are for women that want to improve their fitness, not for women that want to start poledancing as a profession.