Getting Started:

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Question: Do I need any experience to start pole or aerial?

EPAT Answer:

Not at all! Our beginner classes are designed to be suitable for complete beginners. You don't need any previous dance, pole, aerial or fitness experience. We welcome people of all backgrounds, fitness levels, shapes, sizes and abilities. Our instructors will guide you through the basics step by step, with movements adapted to suit your individual level. You don't need to be strong, flexible or confident before you start! Those are all things we will help you develop as you progress!

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Question: What happens in my first pole or aerial class?

EPAT Answer:

Your instructor will introduce themselves to you and to the equipment and take you through a suitable warm-up before teaching you the movements and skills for your class. If you're a complete beginner, don't worry you won't be expected to know anything beforehand or perform advanced tricks. Everything is taught progressively and you'll be given easier or more challenging variations depending on your ability. Most importantly, don't worry if you're nervous! Many of our students felt exactly the same before their first class! Our friendly instructors are here to help!

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Question: What if I'm nervous or embarrassed about starting?

EPAT Answer:

That's completely normal! Many of our students arrive feeling nervous, especially when trying pole or aerial for the first time. Our studio is friendly, supportive and non-judgemental! Everyone is focused on their own progress, and you'll never be expected to walk in already knowing what you're doing. We celebrate every achievement, whether it's your first spin, your first climb or finally landing a move you've been working towards! Our classes are community based and very friendly!

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Question: Who will be teaching my class?

EPAT Answer:

Our classes are taught by our experienced and qualified instructors. The instructor teaching each class depends on the timetable, studio and instructor availability. If you have a preferred instructor, please let us know when booking and we'll do our best to accommodate your request, although we cannot guarantee that a particular instructor will be available for every session. Our instructors are only human and therefore, while we do our best to accommodate your requested instructor of choice it is not always possible and is subject to change without notice. You can find out more about our instructors and their individual experience and specialisms on our About Us page. 

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Question: Can I do pole or aerial if I'm plus-size?

EPAT Answer:

Absolutely! Pole and aerial are for every body. You don't need to be a particular size, shape or fitness level to join us. We welcome everyone into all of our group classes! We also offer a Big Bold & Beautiful (BBB) pole class specifically designed with plus-size women in mind if this is something you would prefer. Our other classes are also welcoming and inclusive and many plus-size students do both types of classes. Our instructors can adapt exercises and progressions to suit individual abilities!

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Question: Can men join?

EPAT Answer:

Yes! Our studio is inclusive and welcoming to all genders. Everyone is welcome to train, learn new skills and enjoy the physical and creative benefits of pole and aerial arts. Aerial is for ALL! We truly believe that everyone should be able to train, express themselves, and enjoy our classes!

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Question: Is pole & aerial fitness a good alternative to the gym?

EPAT Answer:

Absolutely! Essex Pole and Tone is a great alternative to traditional gyms or exercise programs, based in Romford Essex.

Pole fitness provides a full-body workout combining strength, conditioning, flexibility, coordination and movement. It's a fun alternative to traditional gym workouts and can help you build strength, improve fitness, increase flexibility and develop confidence while learning new skills in a supportive community! At Essex Pole & Tone, you can also combine pole with aerial hoop, aerial silks, heels, flexibility and conditioning to create a varied training routine. Moreover, we offer free open training for all our monthly members, this means you will have full access to train on our equipment including our new gym section with free weights and cardio machines!

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Question: Do I need to be strong or flexible?

EPAT Answer:

Nope! Strength and flexibility are things we build over time. You’ll notice improvements quickly! Just show up every week and trust the process! We also offer specific Flexibility and Conditioning classes for those looking to progress further!​

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Classes & Booking:

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Question: How do I book a class or session?

EPAT Answer:

To book a session contact us with your details and let us know which class or booking you are interested in. You can contact us through WhatsApp, email, social media DMs or through our website. All of our contact details are available below at the bottom of the page.

 

Our class timetable, class descriptions, prices and current Special Offers can all be found on the relevant pages of our website.

 

Once your booking is confirmed, we'll send you the payment details and your entry package which includes all the information you need before your first session. Please note no booking is fully secured until payment is made and confirmed by us.

 

Please familiarise yourself with our information here on the FAQ as well as our classes, prices and policies pages.

 

We recommend WhatsApp for a quick response. However, for urgent enquiries please call us on 07840424427.

 

Please note we get a high number of inquiries and we answer in order of receipt, so please allow us time to reply. Our studio owner will respond directly to your inquiry and send you payment details as well as your starter pack once booking is confirmed.

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07840424427

poleandtone@mail.com

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Question: What types of classes do you offer?

EPAT Answer:

We offer a wide variety of pole and aerial disciplines, including:

• Pole Fitness

• Pole Dance

• Aerial Hoop

• Aerial Silks

• Heels - Commercial / Exotic / Flow / Choreo

• Flexibility & Conditioning

• Big Bold & Beautiful (BBB) Plus-Size Pole

• Children's Aerial Hoop & Silks

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We also offer 1-to-1 tuition in a wider range of disciplines, including Aerial Lollipop, Flying Pole and Chair Acro/Dance.

See our Classes page for current class descriptions and the timetable.

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Question: How do the monthly courses work?

EPAT Answer:

​Our group classes run as monthly courses rather than individual drop-in sessions. You get one group class per week on your chosen day at booking as well as free open training six days a week in our wonderful fully equipped aerial and pole studio. Times for all our classes and open training can be found on our classes page. Your place is reserved for you for the course, allowing you to build your skills progressively from week to week.

 

Courses run from the beginning to the end of each month. Payment is required on the 1st of every month up front to reserve your place for that monthly course. The price is the same whether there are 4 or 5 weeks in the month! We have a two-week cancellation notice if you do not wish to continue the next month. Please see our Prices & Policies pages for current prices and payment terms and conditions.

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Question: Can I just turn up to a class without booking?

EPAT Answer:

No. Our group classes are booked in advance and we don't accept non-booked drop-ins. This allows us to control class numbers, make sure students have appropriate access to equipment and maintain a safe training environment. If you're new and would like to try a discipline before committing to a group course, please contact us about booking a 1-to-1 personal training session.

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Question: Do you offer trial classes?

EPAT Answer:

We don't offer trial sessions within our regular group classes. If you'd like to try pole, aerial hoop, aerial silks or another discipline before joining a group course, you can book a 1-to-1 personal training session. This gives you the opportunity to try the apparatus with dedicated tuition while becoming familiar with our studio and equipment. Our group classes are structured monthly courses with students allocated to equipment, so we don't offer drop-in trial places to prevent overcrowding on our equipment. Please note due to the size of our main hall and availability of multiple instructors smaller 1-1 bookings may occur simultaneously in the studio. This will not affect your dedicated 1-to-1 tuition, as your instructor will still be booked exclusively for your session.

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Question: Can I join a course after the month has started?

EPAT Answer:

Yes! If you wish to join mid-month we can arrange this for you, please contact us and we can walk you through how our monthly system works and we can arrange for you to join for the remainder of the current month and continue into the following month.

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Question: Can I attend more than one class per week?

EPAT Answer:

Absolutely! Many of our students train in more than one discipline. Depending on availability, you can combine pole with aerial hoop, aerial silks, heels, flexibility and conditioning or other classes to develop different skills and areas of fitness. Check our current timetable and prices for available courses. We even offer discounts for students wishing to do multiple classes.

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Question: How much are classes?

EPAT Answer:

Our prices vary depending on the class and course. Current prices and special offers can be found on our Prices & Offers page. We also offer 1-to-1 tuition and private party/ studio hire bookings. Please check the current Prices page for up-to-date pricing!

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Question: Do I need to read your policies before booking?

EPAT Answer:

Yes! By booking and/or making payment for a class or session, you agree to our current studio policies and terms. Please make sure you read them thoroughly before booking, particularly our cancellation, payment, lateness and filming policies. Our polices can be found here. You must follow our policies and studio etiquette. A detailed disclaimer is also required to be signed before attendance online and in person to confirm you have understood and agreed.

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1-1 Sessions & private bookings:

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Question: Do you offer 1-to-1 lessons, private bookings or parties?

EPAT Answer:

Yes! We offer 1-to-1 personal training sessions, private/group bookings and pole and aerial parties for birthdays, hen parties and other occasions.

1-to-1 sessions are available across a range of disciplines, including pole, aerial hoop, aerial silks, heels and other specialist apparatus. Contact us to discuss your requirements and availability. Please note that 1-to-1 tuition is different from a private booking or studio hire. Private party bookings and studio hire are quoted on a case-by-case basis depending on the number of participants, instructors required and your specific requirements.

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Question: What does a 1-to-1 session mean & include?

EPAT Answer:

A 1-to-1 session gives you dedicated tuition with your instructor, with the lesson focused specifically on your individual goals, ability and chosen discipline. It's ideal if you're completely new, want to work on a particular skill, need help progressing a move, or simply prefer individual tuition. A 1-to-1 does not automatically mean that you have exclusive use of the entire studio. Other students, instructors or studio users may be present elsewhere in the studio at the same time. This will not affect your dedicated 1-to-1 tuition, as your instructor will still be booked exclusively for your session.

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Question: Are 1-to-1 sessions completely private?

EPAT Answer:

A 1-to-1 session means that you have dedicated individual tuition with your instructor. It does not mean that you have exclusive use of the studio. Other students, instructors or studio users may be present or training elsewhere in the studio at the same time. This will not affect or impede your session (1-1 with an instructor) in any way due to the size of our main hall and having multiple coaches/instructors. If you require exclusive use of the studio, please ask us about private studio hire when making your inquiry. 

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Question: Do I need to have a 1-to-1 before joining a group class?

EPAT Answer:

No! Complete beginners can join our beginner group classes without having a 1-to-1 first. A 1-to-1 is optional and is particularly useful if you'd like to try a specific apparatus before joining a group course or would prefer individual tuition. However, it is not necessary and many clients go straight into our group classes.

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Question: Can I hire the studio privately?

EPAT Answer:

Yes. Our studio is available for private hire, subject to availability. Studio hire includes use of the main hall, large changing room, toilets and on-site car parking. Please contact us for availability, pricing and booking requirements.

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what to wear & what to bring:

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Question: What should I wear to my class?

EPAT Answer:

For Pole: 

Bare skin is needed to grip the pole so wear shorts and a supportive bra and top. No footwear or jewellery and please refrain from putting any moisturiser, body oil or other creams on the skin that day as these can affect your grip. Clean dry skin is best for safe grip to prevent slipping. Pole leggings, gloves and grips can be purchased directly from the studio if required.

 

For Aerial Hoop:

Leggings or jogging bottoms, supportive bra and top/hoodie. Thicker clothing can help reduce friction burns, which are common in Aerials. Socks or leg warmers can be worn to avoid burns or bruising of the ankles/feet. 

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For Aerial Silks:

Close-fitting clothing that covers your legs, torso and arms is recommended as this will help to protect the skin and reduce friction burns. Leggings, long sleeve tops, sports bra, jumpsuits etc.

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For Pole Heels:

Pole-dancing specific heels and/or boots (such as Pleasers, Hella Heels) are required for our heels classes, this is because the design of the shoe, the platform and the angled fronts are specifically made to make dancing easier with more support and comfort than your average high heel. As a bonus they will make your legs look longer!

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For Children:

Loose fitting clothing is highly recommended with multiple layers if possible. Legs and arms should be covered to protect from discomfort. We sell our own line of Essex Pole & Tone / MGM Movement children's clothing, including onesies which are highly recommended as the thick padding helps protect and keep warm while also aiding safe spotting techniques.

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Question: What should I bring with me to classes?

EPAT Answer:

Please bring a bottle of water (we also sell drinks and snacks on site if you prefer), suitable clothing for your chosen discipline and, most importantly, a positive attitude! Please remove jewellery before pole and aerial classes and avoid moisturiser or oils before pole

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Studio, parking & practical information:

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Question: Is there on-site parking?

EPAT Answer:

Yes! We have our own studio car park outside our studio with space for up to 6 cars. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis with our instructors getting priority. Additional parking is available nearby, including free parking via Ringo at Cottons Park Car Park, paid street parking on London Road and Romford Brewery Shopping car park is also a few minutes walk away. Please check current local parking restrictions and payment requirements when parking.

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Question: How early should I arrive for my class?

EPAT Answer:

If you're new to the studio, we recommend arriving around 10–15 minutes before your first session so you have time to park, get changed, familiarise yourself with the studio and sign any relevant forms. Please allow enough time to be ready to start promptly. If you arrive late and miss part or all of the warm-up, our lateness policy may apply (see our policies page for more info).

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Question: What happens if I'm late to class?

EPAT Answer:

Please arrive in plenty of time to be ready for the start of your class. If you arrive late and miss the warm-up, you will be required to complete an appropriate warm-up before participating as overseen by the instructor. However, depending on how late you are, you may not be able to participate in the class. This is a safety requirement and is not at the instructor's discretion. If you are running late please let us know as soon as possible. Please note our sessions run on the hour back to back so if you are late it will not be possible to extend or move your session past the previously agreed time-frame.

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Question: Do you have changing facilities and toilets?

EPAT Answer:

Yes. Our studio has a large changing room, two toilets and a kitchen area with refreshments available for purchase.

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Question: Can I bring someone with me to watch my class?

EPAT Answer:

Please contact us before bringing anyone who is not participating in the class. Please don't assume that additional spectators can attend without prior permission. Our studio is an active training environment and we need to consider the privacy, comfort and safety of everyone training therefore, we cannot allow non-participating individuals to watch a group class. We don't generally offer class observation as our studio is an active training environment and we want our students to feel comfortable and have their privacy respected. If you'd like to experience a discipline before committing to a group course, please contact us about a 1-to-1 taster session.

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Question: Can I book for a friend?

EPAT Answer:

You are welcome to book a course alongside a friend or family member, subject to availability and payment. If you are booking on behalf of another person, please make sure you provide their correct details and that they are aware of the class, level, date and studio policies before payment is made. Moreover, each person has to sign our disclaimer before taking part and you cannot sign on their behalf they have to sign for themselves.

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open training:

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Question: What is Open Training?

EPAT Answer:

Open Training is included for all of our monthly course members free of charge! Open training gives you access to the studio to come in and train on our variety of aerial, pole and gym equipment unassisted. This means you can practice the skills you have learned in our classes.

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Please note that open training is completely unassisted, meaning there is no instructor teaching or supervising your training and you are responsible for ensuring that you are training safely and within your own level/ability. Our instructors will happily put up any of our Aerial Equipment for you whether you want to train Pole, Silks, Hoop, X-Pole Stage Lollipop, Chair or Flying Pole.

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Please note our timetable for open training here. Open Training must be booked in advance (24hr notice where possible) and is subject to the current timetable as well as availability, you will need to contact our studio owner to book in to ensure the studio is open for your preferred time. Open Training cannot happen during group class times but outside of group classes, please note open training is not the same as a private booking and there may be others in the studio at the same time slot, however this is not a problem due to the size of our main hall and bookings are done on a first come first basis by the studio manager to avoid overcrowding.

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Question: Can beginners use Open Training?

EPAT Answer:

Open Training is intended for practising skills you have already been taught. As there is no instructor providing tuition or spotting during Open Training, you should only practice movements that you have been taught and are confident performing safely. You are responsible for your own training and training safely at your level. If you need help learning a new skill, please book a class or 1-to-1 session.

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cancellations, absences & payments:

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Question: What happens if I miss a class or need to cancel?

EPAT Answer:

We require a minimum of 48 hours cancellation notice if you need to cancel a session. This 48 hours notice applies to ALL classes (including 1-1s). If you give less than 48 hours' notice for an individual session, the session will be lost from your course / cost of the class will still be required and cannot be swapped or used at another time.

 

With sufficient notice you may be able to swap your session to another suitable class, with 48 hours' notice as long as spaces are available in the requested alternative class. If you give less than 48 hours' notice, the session will normally be lost and cannot be swapped.

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Monthly courses require two weeks' notice if you do not wish to continue into the following month. Monthly course payments are due on the 1st of each month and your place is reserved for you. Simply not attending does not cancel your course or future payment obligations. Quitting or cancelling on the day of next course payment/start date will result in full course (monthly) payment being due.

 

1 to 1 bookings are considered final.

 

All payment is considered final and non-refundable once made. Refunds will not be given once paid.

 

In certain circumstances, and at management's discretion, a gift voucher may be offered where cancellation is made before a course has started. This is at the discretion of Essex Pole & Tone management. These vouchers can also be gifted to a friend or family member. 

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Please see our full Policies page for the complete cancellation, payment and course terms.

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Question: What happens if I need to change my class?

EPAT Answer:

Class swaps may be possible with at least 48 hours' notice subject to availability in another suitable class. Please contact us as soon as you know you need to change your session. Please see our policies page for the most up-to-date information on how our class catch up system works.

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Question: When do I need to pay for my next monthly course?

EPAT Answer:

Payment for your next monthly course is due on the 1st of the next month to reserve your place. If you decide not to continue, please make sure you follow our cancellation requirements before the next course payment is due. We have a two-weeks' cancellation notice for monthly courses - i.e. if you are not going to continue the next month you must let us know two weeks before the 1st of the month. Please see our Policies page for the full terms.

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Question: Are payments refundable?

EPAT Answer:

Our payments are non-refundable once made. Please ensure you are happy before booking and making payment. Different terms may apply depending on the type of booking, so please read our current Policies page before booking. Where permitted under our policies, management may offer a gift voucher at its discretion in certain circumstances. Please see our full Policies page for the current terms.

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Question: What happens if I can't continue my monthly course?

EPAT Answer:

Please let us know in accordance with our cancellation requirements before your next monthly course payment is due. We have a TWO WEEK Cancellation Policy. Our monthly courses reserve your place, so simply not attending does not automatically cancel your booking or future payment obligations. Please see our Policies page for the full cancellation terms.

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SAFETY, HEALTH & PRIVACY:

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Question: Is Pole & Aerial Fitness safe?

EPAT Answer:

Safety is our top priority! All classes are led by instructors who are certified and trained in proper spotting, appropriate techniques and safe progression. All our equipment is the highest industry standard and regularly inspected and maintained. Safety mats are provided for all classes! At EPAT we focus heavily on technique and safe progression, and students are taught to work within their individual ability

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Question: Can I attend if I have an injury, medical condition or physical limitation?

EPAT Answer:

Please contact us before booking if you have an injury, medical condition, recent surgery or any other concern that may affect your ability to participate. You should always follow advice from your healthcare professional where appropriate. Our instructors can provide suitable modifications where possible, but cannot provide medical advice.

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Question: Can I Take Photos Or Videos During Class?

EPAT Answer:

We encourage celebrating your progress! Just make sure it’s done respectfully and doesn’t interfere with others' experience / disrupt the class. Instructor permission is required for filming during class. Make sure you are not filming with anyone in the background without their permission. Do not post photos or videos to social media if someone is in the background and has not consented.

 

Please note - All choreography is the intellectual property of the studio and cannot be used without permission / consent of the studio and relevant instructors. It must not be used or reproduced without authorisation (in competitions, on social media etc), this applies to videos and photos taken at the studio also.

 

Everyone must get permission/consent from other students if they are taking videos/photos with anyone else in the background, the studio is a private place so there is an expectation to privacy from filming. You must get permission whether for personal use or for posting online. No one (apart from studio coaches/owners) have consent to take photos during kids classes or with under 18 year old's in the background as this is a safeguarding issue.

Question: Can I film myself for social media?

EPAT Answer:

You may share footage of yourself where you have permission to film and no other student appears without their consent. Please do not upload footage containing other students without their permission. Choreography created by the studio or its instructors must not be reproduced or used elsewhere without permission.

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children & young people:

 

Question: Do you offer classes for kids and teens?

EPAT Answer:

Yes! We have dedicated junior aerial youth classes in aerial silks and hoop (lyra) through MGM Movement Junior Aerial Arts Academy. They're designed to build confidence, strength, flexibility, and body awareness. All while having fun in a supportive environment! Check out our MGM Movement for more information on our kids classes!

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Question: Can parents stay and watch children's classes?

EPAT Answer:

Please contact us as we usually do not allow the parents to stay in the main hall for the entirety of the class. Our children's classes have specific safeguarding procedures and we need to make sure that any potential spectators comply with our studio requirements to protect all of the children in the class.

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performing, competitions & progression:

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Question: Do you offer competitive training or performance opportunities?

EPAT Answer:

Yes! Students have opportunities to develop their performance skills, take part in showcases and, where appropriate, train towards competitions.

We have opportunities for both adults and juniors, with students able to progress according to their individual goals and experience.

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Question: Can I progress from beginner to advanced at Essex Pole & Tone?

EPAT Answer:

Absolutely! Our classes cater for different experience levels, allowing students to develop progressively. You can build strength, flexibility, technique and confidence over time and move into more advanced skills as your ability develops. Our instructors can advise you on which class is most appropriate for your current level and offer advice on which additional training would best benefit your progress.

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studio information:

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Question: How many days are you open?

EPAT Answer:

We are open 6 days a week - Sunday to Friday, with group classes, 1-to-1 sessions and Open Training available throughout the week depending on the timetable. The studio is generally closed to regular classes on Saturdays, although private studio hire may be available. Please check the current timetable for class and Open Training availability.

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Question: Is there a dog at the Studio?

EPAT Answer:

Yes! Our friendly studio dog Bruce is often at the studio. He is well-behaved and loves meeting new people! If you have allergies or prefer not to be around dogs, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to make arrangements or better advise you of dates and times that the dog won't be there! Please note that we do our best to meet these requests but it may not always be possible.

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Question: Can I pick a specific instructor for 1-1's?

EPAT Answer:

Yes, you can book in with a preferred instructor and we will always do our best to accommodate your request. However, please note that this is subject to change, sometimes our instructors cannot work due to illness, etc. Our instructors are only human and therefore while we do our best to accommodate your requested instructor of choice it is not always possible and is subject to be changed without notice.