Instructor Apprenticeship Program
at Premier Pole
Do you want to be an instructor at Premier Pole?
Does this sound like you?
I believe in, and have personally benefited from, Premier Pole's mission to provide a safe space for women to explore their inner beings, express themselves authentically, and heal through embodied movement.
I have been taking pole dance classes for a minimum of one year, six consecutive months of which have been with Premier Pole.
I have experience in a complimentary field related to health and fitness including but not limited to, yoga, personal training, dance, gymnastics, flexibility, somatic healing, nutrition, women's health, spiritual growth, meditation, breath work, personal development, etc.
I am comfortable speaking confidently and clearly in a room full of people and am not easily flustered by challenging or opposing personalities.
I understand that to be a master instructor, I must remain a humble student. I am committed to the pursuit of my own personal growth, and the advancement of my own skills, as both a dancer for myself and an instructor for my students.
I take pride in how I show up for my own life both physically and energetically. I know that personal and spiritual hygiene, as well as an authentic, conscious presence, broadens the receptivity of what I have to offer the world.
I love our pole community and look forward to contributing to, and nourishing, the strong Sisterhood already thriving at Premier Pole.
"Yes! This is me!"
Great! Let's talk about how the process
Phase 1: One-on-One Class Shadowing
Trainees must "shadow" twelve classes with Rhiannan. Shadowing is defined as follows: arriving 30+ minutes before a class, taking detailed notes during the class, and staying for 30+ minutes after the class. This one-on-one time with Rhiannan to go over what is being taught, how it's being taught, and why it's being taught that way, is invaluable.
Trainees can shadow up to one class per week, and must show up for a minimum of two shadowed classes per month. All twelve shadowed classes must be completed within six months. A Level 1 trainee must shadow only Level 1 classes.
In addition to shadowing classes, trainees will also gain access to weekly instructor practices and will be expected to attend at least two of these practices per month. Trainees get behind the scenes experience with planning a curriculum and everything that goes into being an instructor.
During this phase, trainees will also be expected to keep a studio class membership, so as to maintain their own personal pole practice. All instructors with under three years of teaching experience must maintain a class membership. Discounted instructor memberships are available after one year for instructors teaching 2+ classes per week.
Phase 2: Testing
Each level of instruction we offer has its own list of core movements that an instructor should have mastered in their own body and be able to teach successfully. For example, to be hired as a Level 1 instructor, there are 24 movements that we recognize as being fundamental to this level.
To demonstrate that you know how to both perform and teach each of those movements with confidence, trainees will teach mock classes to volunteer students, facilitating invaluable practice in running a class from start to finish, as well as in planning a class curriculum. In Level 1 instructor training, there are a total of eight tests, or mock classes, to be completed. Each test also includes 60+ minutes of one-on-one time with Rhiannan to go over your results and get extra help.
Phase 3: Probationary Schedule
After completing shadowing and testing, it's time to give you a class on the schedule! The apprenticeship probation period is 90 days, during which you will work on building your student following. If, by the end of 90 days, your attendance average is less than 4 students per class, your class will be pulled from the schedule and you can return to training, if you desire. If your average is above 4 students per class, congratulations! You keep the class and will begin to earn the regular instructor pay rate.
After six months of teaching the level of training they have just completed, instructors can return to training if they would like to level up. To become a Level 2 instructor, you must have completed Level 1 training and taught Level 1 classes for at least six months. Then you must go though the same 3-phase training process, but for a Level 2 curriculum which has its own set of core movements to be tested as well as it's own variations in class format.
"I love this! What else do I need to know?"
Let's break down the process step by step!
Step 1: Apply For Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship includes 40+ hours of one-on-one time with Rhiannan and up to 60 hours of group training with your sister instructors. Due to the time demand, Rhiannan can take on two apprentices at any given time. After filling out an application form, you'll be notified if she's accepting new apprentices at this time and/or if you've been accepted for the program. Acceptance into the program will be based upon qualification and resonant alignment.
Step 2: Energetic Exchange
Upon acceptance, you and Rhiannan will embark upon a journey of learning, collaborating, and cooperation to ensure your success and fulfillment as an instructor at Premier Pole. Payment for Phases 1 and 2 of the apprenticeship are calculated and collected separately.
Phase 1: One-on-One Shadowing - $2,400
Phase 2: Testing - $150 per test
Step 3: Manage Your Schedule
With receipt of payment, you will have an "Apprenticeship Membership" added to your MindBody account. You will use this special membership to register for the classes you intend to shadow as well as for instructor practices. This is how you will keep track of how many classes you've shadowed and how many practices you've attended.
Step 4: Let The Journey Begin!
You are invited to indulge in curiosity and dive deep into your authentic self on this quest for exploration and knowledge. Rhiannan will certainly give you every bit of pole instructor wisdom you are willing to receive; but to be a Great instructor is to let your own unique presence shine through your method, and she can light the way for that too.