Shadow Heart Studio
1-on-1 pole dance classes in intimate artistic space.
Come as you are. Learn what feels good to you.
Classes Offered
Beginner Pole
Open to anyone looking to learning the foundations of pole dance. Moves taught will be a blend of transition moves, floorwork, and tricks for beginners - such as back hook spin, pirouttes, and the climb. Certified Level 1 instructor via Pole Fitness Alliance. Come as you are. 1 hr class.
Expressionistic Pole
Express your e-word - emotions! Prompts and cues will be given to play with different body parts, speeds, direction, and images. The hope is that you discover what feels good to you, realize which movements connect with your certain emotion, and improve in fluidity. Being in touch with your emotions is not a requirement for this class. Open to all levels. 1 hr class.
Schedule Today
Book your class today. Instructor has flexible hours. Payment can be made via cash, Venmo, or Zelle.
Located in the Temescal Neighborhood of Oakland, CA. Exact address will be offered upon appointment.
Pricing
- First Class: $15
- Drop In: $30
- 4 Class Pack: $100
What To Wear
- Beginner Pole: Clothes that Expose Skin From Atleast Knee to Feet and Elbows to Hands
- Freestyle: Whatever You Would Like
No Heelwork Allowed to Protect Floors
About the Studio
Intimate pole studio in the home and art space of Thorny Hag designed for you to feel comfortable and expressive. The floor space is 10 feet by 12 feet, plenty of space to wriggle around. Pole is 9 feet tall, chrome, and has an X-lock.
About the Instructor
Thorny Hag (they/she/he)
Has immersed themselves into the art of pole dance for the last 3+ years. Pole dance’s lack of rigidity in being able to dance to any song and in not having to use counts has helped them explore how various movements feel in their body. Somewhere along the way, the softest whisper of a yes or no started having conviction. Emotions became not only easier to channel but with greater intensity.
Their practice has helped develop their self-confidence, erotic energy, and boundaries. She quit her job to dedicate the full year of 2024 towards dance, visual art, and resting. Finding joy in the process, rather than setting expecations of the end, Thorny feels that their movement quality has grown deeper in their ability to connect with themselves while in front of an audience, their fluidity, and their edgework.
Thorny Hag has performed solo in local shows and studio showcases, but their favorite way to dance is to blast the music from an eclectic playlist and let loose.
Mx. Hag has been 20lbs lighter and 20lbs heavier than where they are now. They are comfortable offering modifications and emphasizes that any body is welcome.
Their teaching style is relaxed, personalized, and emphasizes self exploration. Each person has their own magic and every body is unique.
They are open to performances; instructing workshops on freestyle, heels choreo, or edgework; and teaching at studios. Inquire at thornyhag@gmail.com.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Sex Workers and Strippers
What is loved and popularized about pole dance has been pioneered by black sex workers and strippers. The femininity, sexy moves, song choices, stage prescense, and tricks were learned and then taught by primarily black and brown sex workers. There is still stigma today that aims to diminish the impact, talent, and worthiness of sex workers. This stigma results in less government protections, hate crimes, and violence towards sex workers. Take the time to learn and advocate for sex worker’s rights and consider donating. Bay Area Workers Support is a great organization to donate to (https://bayareaworkerssupport.org/). Sex work is work.
This studio will not tolerate anti-sex worker or anti-stripper language. Let’s embrace our sisters instead.
Photography
Photos taken by Sharon.