Bobbi’s Pole Studio

Okay, now that I’ve gone for almost every single class that the studio has to offer, it’s time for a comprehensive review of this place!
So, I’ve heard of Bobbi’s since 2011 (thereabouts) — I knew someone (who was like 40+ years old, mind you) who was very into this whole pole scene. This studio was one of the first few pole studios in Singapore– it’s actually a franchise of a studio from Australia.
The studio offers various types of classes, not just exclusively pole, and it can get a bit confusing so let me just summarise for y’all.
1) Pole classes: mainly spent using/​twirling around the pole. They use the brass 38 mm pole here– pretty good for beginners. I tried the chrome poles at another studio and couldn’t do anything because I kept on sliding off.
–Normal pole lessons: Starts from beginners — intermediate 1 inter 2 — inter 3 — prep advanced — advanced. There are assessments at the end of each level to see if you can do certain tricks, and move on to the next level. The advanced class is by invitation only. Tricks and then a dance incorporating the new stunts learnt. Each level has a new choreography for you to learn, and it changes every term. (1 term is 8 weeks/​lessons)
–Tech (techniques) classes: levels 1 and 2, which focus on random pole stunts/​moves.
–Lyrical classes: multi-​level or advanced (only if you have been doing the inter 3 pole classes and above). No new tricks, just a choreography. I like the lyrical classes the most as I’m a fan of contemporary routines and prefer this side of pole to the sultry/​sexy one.
–Exotic pole grooves: I haven’t gone for this one but from watching the choreography, it just seems like another dance class with sexier moves than during the other pole lessons.
2) SLAP classes: striptease and lap dance. A lot of rolling around the floor and dancing with the chair. Don’t think they use the pole here.
3) Booty camp: a lot of butt-​shaking/​twerking/​rolling on the floor. Minimal use of the pole.
4) Flex: flexibility class involving an intense warmup, followed by lots of stretching exercises, sometimes with a partner. For people who can’t do splits (like me)
Most people start with beginners’ pole lessons, then move on and branch into the other lessons, but there are people who start with or do SLAP or booty classes exclusively too.
The instructors are friendly, confident and are really good at getting a bunch of uptight girls to relax (trust me, everyone who starts out has this vibe of awkwardness around them). They crack jokes during lessons while teaching stunts and use the most creative (sometimes hilarious) ways of describing pole moves that you can’t help but laugh and that REALLY helps.
The dances are creative and beautiful for all levels, and incorporate new tricks learnt and revised during the entire term. Usually at the end of term I can’t believe I just learnt that whole dance because it looked so impossible at the start. They have new choreographies every term, to different songs, so it doesn’t suck even if you have to repeat a level. At the end of the term they have performance week, where you can choose to perform or watch the rest. (most people end up dancing, I avoid this because despite my ability to do tricks, I still look like an awkward, clumsy penguin when I’m on the floor)
Pole is also an extremely good head-​to-​toe workout, even though you don’t really feel it during the class itself (but realise it when you wake up aching all over). I’ve noticed that everyone in intermediate 3 has abs, which is telling. (If I focus hard enough I can almost imagine seeing the outline of abs on my belly too)
Most people start off wearing a tank top and sport shorts but the clothes soon become shorter as you realise how much exposed skin you need to do the tricks (so that you can stick to the pole). Stripper heels are suggested, but not a must (it makes the dances look nicer but aren’t essential for doing the pole moves)… the school has tons of catalogues if you’re interested in buying some! I’ve noticed that most people end up buying shoes by the inter 2 or 3 level (though the instructors aren’t pushy about this).
If you realise that you really like pole, they have a great unlimited lessons deal going on (sign up for $ 500 worth of lessons and you can drop in for any lesson appropriate to your level). That’s how I managed to try so many classes!
4 stars, not 5 because the studio is TINY (it is literally 2 rooms, a counter, and then the corridor), dark (pink lights– initially they gave me a headache) and the toilet is so far away (down a flight of stairs and on to the adjacent building). But I’d recommend this place anyway!

It all started with a friend who managed to cajole some of us to go for Bobbi’s Pole Studio’s trial class and everything else just flowed.
I never thought that someone as lazy as me would actually kick my own ass to get myself off the ground and on to a pole. The studio is great with encouraging instructors and classmates. It doesn’t matter what size or age you are, it’s just a great place for the girls to hang out, learn a few tricks, keep fit and have a great time.
With only 2 studios, it’s very cosy though sometimes I do wish it was a lil bit bigger but that doesn’t stop the girls from enjoying classes.
Overall, a great workout and a great place to learn. It may take some girls more time to get the hang of it (like me) or perhaps a few more bruises here and there but the joy of being able to achieve the moves is extremely satisfying.
Boys, you are not left out cos Bobbi’s has classes for you too. ;)

So a girlfriend was getting married, and aside from hiring a stripper to add some kink to her stagette party, I suggested attending a strip class for a lark. It’d be fun, the girls could hang loose (heh), and we could all learn something new. Enter google to the rescue, pointing us towards Bobbi’s.
How it works: each pax at $ 38 each for up to a group of 6, duration being 1.5hours. Should the session take place outside of the studio, an additional fee is included. Our instructor texted us items to bring prior to the class, and rocked up to the party on time. She was chatty, knowledgeable, and very fun to be with. The smooth tunes on her ipod and her easy banter made us feel at ease quickly, and we were soon acquainted with the art of undressing seductively and teasingly. We were sad when she had to leave, and it was a fun night out, and not one that will be easily forgotten.

I was from another pole studio before joining Bobbi’s. Frankly what sealed the deal was when I saw Bobbi’s pole graduation where you get to see men and women from Beginners to Advance show off their routines at the end of every semester and how friendly the students were when I was practicing my pole dancing there.
I love how every lesson they somehow manage to incorporate cardio and flexibility work outs before going on to pole lessons followed by dance routine… all in one hour! I also love the variety of classes that are available. Worried you can’t handle the pole? Then try Slapdancing which is a combination of Striptease and Lapdancing.
Bobbi’s also change their dance routines every semester so it won’t get too boring for say Int 2 students who want to retake Int 2 at the next semester. Other than that, pole dancing is a great workout alternative. Just be warned that you will get a few bruises here and there. which is normal!

Bobbi’s Pole studio conducts a variety of levels and genres of pole dancing lessons for women and men (yup, men too), along with more exotic type classes like Striptease and Lapdance. For each course there is a different routine to learn and a performance day at the end of the term which is great motivation for you to work towards. I got pulled along by friends to watch the performances and attend a trial class for $ 15, which is a great way for you to decide whether you want to sign up for a full term. The instructors are all pretty fabulous and friendly which makes classes fun, especially for newbies to the scene who might be a little intimidated by the whole idea of pole dancing in the first place. If you’re really into it, they also have a little retail area at the reception where you can get gear like stripper platform heels (it’s part of the whole look) or Bobbi’s branded apparel suitable for classes, and they regularly hold events to promote the sport.
The studio itself is a tiny little place on the second floor above the new Double O — look out for the crowd of shoes outside the doorway, it’s that small. It’s just a reception counter outside, and 2 rooms of poles and mirrors (called Sugar and Spice, how cute), so there’ s nowhere for you to hang around or sit down if you’re not inside a studio. Also, the nearest toilet is downstairs or across the road at 8Q, so get changed before you come up. It’s pretty conveniently located next to Bras Basah MRT and in town, so it’s quite convenient to get to.