Dancer extraordinaire Karen Walker founded Bodybarre Manchester in 2005 and has since inspired countless dancers and dance enthusiasts to embrace dance fitness. If you’re looking to learn pole, burlesque, or aerial arts, this is the place to be!

Bodybarre is renowned for the high quality of its lessons. The studio offers classes for everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned experts. 

Conveniently located in the Northern Quarter, Bodybarre is easily accessible for those seeking a post-work workout after a day in the city centre. With daily classes available on both weekdays and weekends available on its website, scheduling is a breeze.

Karen, Penny, and Flo, the instructors at Bodybarre are not only highly skilled in dance and teaching but also maintain the highest level of professionalism. 

Since emotionally connecting with instructors can sometimes be a hit or miss (as with any interaction), we don’t mind the occasional feedback on miscommunications from members. However, we truly appreciate the management’s efforts to consistently improve on this front.

Great beginners pole class

“Me and a friend did the beginners pole-fitness class ran by (the amazing) Flo last month and just had the most amazing time. The most welcoming space and freeing environment. Wanted to book on for another course but fully booked up which is not surprising with how incredible it is. Will definitely be returning!”

Brooke Allott, Google Review

Hooked and doesn’t regret it

“Started pole here to try something new and meet new friends in Manchester. Didn’t realize I’d get completely hooked. Such a friendly, welcoming studio with lovely students and an awesome way to get strong having fun and laughing. The teachers are awe-inspiring women. You won’t regret it!”

Katy Plantovsky, Google Review

Cloud Aerial Arts is a leading name in Manchester’s dance and fitness scene. Starting as a modest two-class-a-week studio in 2013, it has grown into one of the city’s largest aerial and pole dancing studios.

We appreciate how the studio offers a wide variety of classes and schedules to fit even the busiest lifestyles. So, whether you’re a novice or an expert refining your aerial dance skills, Cloud Aerial Arts has you covered!

We also love the open vibe of this studio, especially with the “Rig Room”—there’s plenty of space for the intense manoeuvres in pole and hoop routines. 

However, we think this setup can sometimes compromise comfort and teaching quality, especially when multiple classes are happening simultaneously. So, your actual satisfaction in each class may vary.

Also, if you’re unsure about committing to pole dance classes when budget is a concern, you can easily plan your membership as the rates are conveniently listed on Cloud Aerial Arts’ website.

Coaches work closely with members

“I had no prior experience to anything I currently do at Cloud Aerial Arts, but there’s an entry-level class for absolutely every discipline. The coaches all work very closely with you when needed, the classes are dynamic and push you to your limit and I have fun every single class. I eventually would love to try everything, but for now, I just stick with the two I’m currently doing.”

Mae Luna, Google Review

A fun, safe space

“I have recently moved to Manchester for a highly stressful job and Cloud Aerial Arts has become my safe space. All of the teachers and staff are so nice and encouraging, and they work well with a variety of skills. Whether you are looking for fitness, fun, new friends, a break from reality or all of the above I would highly recommend.”

Chloe, Google Review

GFFDamian Dance Studio, established in 2014, is conveniently located just around the corner from Manchester Victoria Station (great when coming via train or tram) and AO Arena on Corporation Street. 

This prime location is great, but we wish the studio to come up with better ways for customers to spot it from the outside.

Renowned for its instruction and professional facilities, GFFDamian offers a wide range of dance, including pole fitness classes. We noted how it serves beginners to experts!

From observing the classes in the studio, we like how the instructors can even teach complex routines using spinning poles or combining pole with other aerial fitness techniques.

In our books, GFFDamian’s solid reputation in the dance community is clear, as it has been a repeat venue of pole dance camps over the years. 

But, what we truly love about GFFDamian is its inclusivity. The studio welcomes all ages (including kids), genders, and ethnicities. Here, the only barrier to learning pole dancing is fear itself, and the supportive staff is always ready to help you overcome it.

Studio is lovely, and classes are challenging enough

“Had my first class this afternoon with Nadia and came out so happy! I’d been doing pole fitness for around 2 years, but needed to find a new studio after moving. The studio is lovely, everyone is so friendly, the class was nicely structured and just the right amount of challenging. I’m so excited to go back!”

Alexandra Laurie, Google Review

Recommended pole camp studio

“Lovely studio. Everyone is warm and nice. I attended pole camp with this studio. I can’t recommend it more. Amazing lineup of instructors and fabulous orgnaisation [sic]. It is also the most reasonably priced pole camps in the entire world. I can’t wait for the next camp.”

Stella Quian, Google Review

Although Blush Dance in Stockport is far from the city centre, it’s an aerial dance studio worth trying. It offers a variety of classes in aerial arts—pole, hoops, and silks—as well as burlesque and heel sessions for kids, teens, and adults.

Upon observing the classes here, we appreciated how Director Becky Campey and Blush’s highly qualified instructors are proactive in making every class inclusive and fun for all participants. And this is true whether it’s a paid or a free “taster” session!

We also noted how the studio is fantastic at maintaining the high quality of its facilities—quite the feat!

Group classes are open to everyone, but if you’re an introvert or prefer a private session with friends, Blush can accommodate your preferences (regardless of your fitness level). No judgment here!

Finally, for those with a flair for performance, Blush Dance regularly holds public themed showcases where members can show off their dance moves. We share the excitement with Blush members, as we’re particularly thrilled for this year’s shows.

Amazes with pole silks

“Pole silks-who knew? Absolutely loved this workshop. Amy explains everything so clearly and gives alternative moves (easier or more challenging) so everyone can access and enjoy. Think pole silks might be my new favourite thing!! Thanks again Blush for another fantastic workshop.”

Sarah Field, Google Review

Great place to learn aerial skills

“A brilliant place to learn aerial skills from beginner all the way up to certified instructor training. The blush staff are encouraging, patient and friendly. Broadstone is a great venue with onsite cafe, shops and free parking.”

Kathryn Tarr, Google Review

If you’re familiar with the defunct Polefire studios in the city centre, you’ll definitely appreciate its successor, Siren Asylum. Although now in Salford, it keeps the fiery spirit of Polefire.

Siren Asylum caters mainly to women and those who identify as such, offering a wide range of dance and fitness classes. You can explore aerial arts like pole, hoops, and silks, as well as traditional exercises like weights and circuit training, all in one location.

We love the trainers here, including Karen, Lauren, Precious, and Ruby. Each trainer brings their own quirks and experiences to the classes, adding spunk and flair. They all hold standard certifications, of course, ensuring high-quality instruction that’s worth the bank.

The Siren Asylum community’s spirit is powerful, regularly showcasing members’ skills in carefully crafted programs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, Siren Asylum offers a welcoming space to grow and thrive.

Will always be recommended

“Siren asylum is my favourite place in the world. Ive [sic] been going since 2019 and I’ve never been happier. They offer a variety of aerial classes and workshops as well as housing a traditional gym set up, with different levels of payment and membership options. Every instructor here is an absolute angel and is so patient, capable and passionate. I will always recommend sirens ❤️”

Megan Hoy, Google Review

Nice, accessible, and inclusive space

“One of my new favourite places! The ladies here are really nice and it’s a very inclusive space. Great choice of aerial/pole classes, bicycle friendly, changing room with bathroom and kitchen. A wheelchair ramp is available. There is a cute cafe. This is a space that really makes you feel welcome!”

Alex Appleby, Google Review