Whether you find those mesmerizing pole videos inspiring or always dreamt about becoming an acrobat, there is a place in Taipa that can help with your dreams. Previously known as Hidden Talent, Warrior Pole and Aerial Studio in Taipa established itself as the place where anyone can be an acrobat–it doesn’t matter if your day job is way more down to Earth than those hoops suspended from the ceiling. Read on to learn what the studio is all about and how to start your journey!
Flying high
Warrior Pole and Aerial Studio was founded in 2012 by UK pole and aerial artist Varie Anderson and her husband Tim Sanders, who has a vast performing experience, too. Among many hats, Varie consulted Franco Dragone Entertainment Group on the former City of Dreams show TABOO. Since 2012 the company has gone through various challenges and changes, dropped the old name, and became a part of the big and welcoming Warrior family. However, what stayed is its core of enthusiastic professional trainers and a diverse range of activities, including pole, aerial hoop and silks, contemporary dance, and air flow. Additionally, the studio offers stretching and flexibility training where you can work on the physical parts required for pole or aerial disciplines. Every class starts with a warm-up, finishes with a cool down, and features some conditioning that will help you perform better.
Sessions are suitable for all levels, from complete beginner to advanced. You can choose which membership works for you and book your session online. Some of them are more popular than others, so a reservation is required–at times weeks in advance– and pay when you get to the studio. All of the updates, timetables, and other valuable information you need about classes can be found on their Facebook page. When you look at the schedule, on the right side of each training icon, you will see which languages instructors speak–English, Portuguese, or Chinese.
The studio is conveniently located in Taipa at Avenida Olimpica in Fabrica Na Vam. After passing through the parked vehicles, come inside and walk down the stairway to the basement to find the place where your hidden talents will find their way out. To see what Warrior Pole and Aerial Studio has to offer, we took a couple of classes, one being pole dance for beginners taught by Josephine, and aerial silks.
Photo credit: Ksenia Kuzmina
Aerial silks
Briefly, aerial silks is a form of acrobatic art where an artist uses fabric suspended to the ceiling to perform various tricks without the use of safety lines. If you have ever watched any Cirque du Soleil shows, you have probably witnessed one or two aerial acts of that kind. Just as pole practice, aerial silks requires upper body strength and flexibility. And yet again, don’t discourage yourself if those are not your strongest features. As Ana, the trainer for beginners, claims, you will get better and stronger every week, growing muscles and improving the stamina. As we attended her session, we noticed that the students that have been into this art for months have stunning muscular arms, shoulders, and back. Fitness goals!
The process is entirely safe, and Ana is the number one priority to keep it this way. One of the ways to ensure it is careful and meticulous planning of every session. Before the training starts, she has everything mapped out–the list of participants, their levels, and experience with the studio, the plan, and tricks she prepared for everyone. This system also helps to track every member’s progress.
Photo credit: Ksenia Kuzmina
A session has a limit of eight people so that Ana can keep an eye on them. When she teaches, she is attentive and can explain each trick in detail, paying extra attention to safety, even in the upside-down position. Every member gets a task to practice depending on their level. She firmly believes that everyone can progress in this discipline. It doesn’t matter the fitness level or age–the secret is to set the mind on the goals. And these are not just beautiful words for her! Notably, Ana only discovered silks at the age of 33 on her way to lose weight after giving birth to her daughter. With dedication and hard work, she has grown to become a professional aerial silks and hoop instructor. How inspirational is that?
Tip: Contrary to pole dance, shorts and a top wouldn’t be a good idea for silks. The fabric tends to burn your skin, so better put on a pair of leggings and a T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt. Bare feet are required too.
Photo credit: Warrior Pole and Aerial Studio
Pole Dance
When performed by experienced professionals, pole dancing looks lightweight, effortless, and graceful. However, the reality is it requires significant strength, flexibility, and endurance. But don’t you worry and don’t get upset if you don’t have Madonna’s biceps and triceps! As Warrior Pole and Aerial studio welcome students of all levels. Under the attentive supervision and guidance of Josephine, beginners will build up the upper body and core strength. First, you would start from basic moves and tricks, then gradually progress to spinning on that pole like a pro.
Josephine is a perfect teacher for those who feel a little shy and unconfident. She has her eyes on all the participants, would give everyone a different task depending on their level, and will explain what exactly they are doing wrong and why some tricks are not turning out as sexy as they should. Naturally, during the first session, you might not feel as confident on the pole as J Lo, but don’t let it intimidate you. Enjoy yourself, release your inner queen, and work it!
Tips: Try to avoid lotions and oils before coming as it will make you slide down the pool even when you don’t intend to. Before approaching the pole, wipe it with some alcohol (available at the studio). Don’t wear long pants as you will need your body to be in contact with the pole. Shorts and a top would both look hot and work well!
This article was originally written by Bel Faustino in December 2016 and updated by Ksenia Kuzmina in June 2020.
Warrior Pole and Aerial Studio Fabrica Va Nam, Avenida Olimpica, +853 6360 9579, www.facebook.com/warrioraerialstudio, www.instagram.com/warrioraerialstudio
