“Why are pole dance and aerial arts classes so expensive?”

This is a concern we hear again and again from aspiring aerialists, and it’s a fair question! 

Let’s talk about the cost of an aerial arts and pole dance program and where your tuition dollars are allocated, because at a quality studio, your investment can—and should—go a long way. 

There’s an age-old phrase “you get what you pay for,” and while some studios may come with a lower price tag, that is often accompanied by less time on the apparatus, less instructor training, and lower-quality equipment. 

While we can’t speak for every studio, as the only pole dance and aerial arts studio in Frederick, Maryland, our tiered program prices are designed to reflect both class frequency and individual skill level so every student receives the instruction they deserve.

So when you enroll in a program, here’s what you’re really paying for:

1. Professional instruction tailored to your skill level.
   Instructors should be highly-skilled aerialists who not only excel in their apparatus, but have completed extensive hours of training to deliver the highest quality of instruction and uphold a standard of safety. Anyone can get certified, but that doesn’t make them a good instructor! That level of quality comes from years of experience and knowledge. This means years of being a student, of being a performer, and of instructor training to ensure curriculums are clear, consistent, and based on student safety and proper mechanics. From aerial silks to pole dance, your tuition helps the studio invest in the best instructors. Because we want to keep you safe and aware so you can continue evolving your artistry and reaching new heights! 

    

2. An individualized level of attention.
   At our studio, we cap our sessions at six students so everyone gets proper training time and personalized instruction that mirrors their unique progress and goals. Some studios may pack in more students to lower prices, but in doing so, you’re cutting more than just the cost—you’re also cutting time and quality. 

    

3. Consistent studio time.
   With any aerial apparatus, it takes time, dedication, and hard work to build the skills and control needed to progress safely and confidently. This type of skill building requires a level of consistency that only intentional, instructor-led training can provide, so tuition-based programs factor in weekly classes (often multiple times a week) to ensure continued growth, community building, and evolving challenge. Of course, foundational and comprehensive program introduction series are also offered for those who are just getting started! 

    

4. Top-quality equipment.
   With decades of experience in their chosen apparatuses, a quality studio will invest in quality equipment to ensure safety and confidence with every session. But not all poles, aerial silks, lyra hoops, trapeze bars, etc. are made equal…so higher program prices often mean higher-quality performance equipment. When you’re hanging 10–15 feet up in the air, you need to trust that your apparatus is secure and designed with your safety in mind! 

    

5. Dedicated space for artistry.
   Some studios may share their space with other disciplines, which muddies the attention to detail that a dedicated training area provides. Students developing skills in apparatus-specific movement benefit greatly from a consistent, reliable space that focuses on the artist’s needs without fail. So while multi-functional spaces may cost less per session, the lack of intention can make a studio less safe. That’s why we believe in creating an environment tailored to your apparatus’s unique functions. 

So how much does it cost to take pole dance and aerial silks or lyra classes? 

In short, it depends where you are and how much you want out of it—not much unlike other disciplines like gymnastics or dance. 

Students stick with Luna Aerial for a reason—because they build strength, confidence, and community with every single class. And you can, too!