Frequently Asked Questions.

 General FAQs

  • At Rise Above, we maintain a strict no refund policy for all classes, workshops and private parties. If you are unable to attend a class, we recommend you go to your confirmation emails and select reschedule for no additional fee.

    We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. In such cases, we offer class credits (to be used within 60 days) on a case-by-case basis, which can be applied toward future sessions.

    This policy ensures that we can continue to provide high-quality instruction and maintain a consistent schedule for all our students. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

  • We are a transgender, non-binary, queer affirming women's space. Women ages 18 and over with all fitness levels can safely engage in pole classes! If you have an existing medical condition or are pregnant, please see your doctor before participating. Additionally, since we are a woman's studio, men cannot participate in series or drop-in classes but can participate in private parties.

  • Anyone aged 18 and older can take any training on our schedule. Under 18!? Please provide your parental consent

  • We only use high-quality studio-grade aerial equipment (pole, hoop, silks) that is designed for men and women of all ages, sizes, shapes, and levels. The poles we use in the studio are from Lupit (use the promotion code RiseAbove5 to get 5% off on your Lupit purchase).

  • While we understand life happens, if you are running over 15 minutes late, you will not be able to participate due to the instruction setup and disruption to the overall class. Unfortunately, we do not provide refunds for late arrivals.

  • A positive attitude and a mindset that you'll leave the studio feeling stronger, healthier, and amazing. We recommend you bring water or a hydrating beverage of choice.

  • We host classes at ACRO: 6822 Oak Hall Lane, Columbia, MD

  • While we ask that you do not record anyone else, students are welcome to record themselves performing a move or even the choreography!

  • Our classes are open for any shape, size, and fitness level. Most people start with beginner classes and build all the muscle, stamina, and flexibility they need in our series classes or over time.

  • Our studio uses stage poles, aerial silks, and aerial hoops (Lyra) manufactured in the EU by Lupit Pole, leveraging mechanical engineering and high-end design. You can use the promotion code RiseAbove5 to get 5% off on your Lupit purchase.

  • Self-guided open practice time in the studio, where we have poles or aerial hoops available for your training. In addition, we have a multimedia setup to allow you to connect your music or stream a virtual class. During open practice, there is no formal instruction. Instead, use this time to develop and fine-tune your technique.

 Pole Class FAQs

  • Clothing:

    Shorts are encouraged for pole classes but feel free to layer shorts under leggings, sweat pants, or other leg coverings you can move in and a comfortable top such as a sports bra and tank top or t-shirt.

    Jewelry:

    Please also do not wear jewelry on your hands, wrists, arms, or legs as it may damage the pole or your jewelry.

    Lotion & Perfume:

    You should NOT wear ANY lotion on your hands and legs on the day of your pole class. Sweating will release the lotion back to the surface, and you will be sliding off the pole.

    Shoes:

    All classes are taught barefoot. Advanced students may choose to incorporate pole-appropriate shoes, these shoes must have an ankle strap or be boots.

  • Yes, we do share poles. Sign up for your class online by purchasing a series package or a drop-in class. You must pre-register and pre-pay to hold your spot for the class. The only exception to pole sharing is pole play where students reserve their own poles for practice and therefore won't be sharing poles.

  • Our drop-in classes are 60 minutes long and capped at ten people. We start each class with a stretch warm-up and a quick pole terminology walk-through. Following the introduction, we cover basic moves such as the fireman spin, chair spin, pirouette, back-hook spin, and others (the pole moves listed above serve as a reference and are in no way exhaustive). Once we’ve learned the pole moves of the session, we wrap up the class with a small choreography and a cool-down stretch session.

    Note: While drop-ins are meant to provide an introduction to pole, we encourage students of all levels to attend our drop-ins as we always ensure that everyone leaves class feeling empowered and challenged!

  • All backgrounds are welcome. Class music is often based on the instructors’ individual preferences, and therefore you will notice our classes are suitable for all backgrounds.

  • Skills: focus on moves solely, safely getting into them. No performance, just skill building

    Performance: taking moves and tying them into combos, working on a variety of entrances and exits. Adding combos to detailed choreography piece to be performed during a showcase

Aerial Silks Class FAQs

  • When attending a Silks class, we recommend wearing leggings and long sleeve shirts. We do NOT recommend wearing shorts for this class. Your clothes should not be overly loose; rather, they should be able to stay in place. Workout capris and fitted shirts are great options

  • While we do not currently offer Silks, drop-in classes, in addition to our Silks series classes, we frequently provide workshops. Please keep an eye out on our website for the most updated information

  • Our Silks workshops are intended for beginner and beginner-intermediate students. Some of the silks skills we will be covering include:

    • Slip knot elements (including mounts, basic inversions, static skills)

    • Wrist & foot lock

    • Basic inversions

    • Other skills/movements

 Private Parties FAQs

  • No. Please request a date 2-3 weeks in advance so we can ensure a time slot is available and for staff scheduling purposes. A $50 deposit is required to hold the time and date but the deposit is applied towards the total balance. The amount remaining is due 2 days in advance of the party date.

  • In addition to pole parties, we also can accommodate private chair parties.

    Note: private silks or aerial hoops parties are not available at this time

  • Private parties are priced for groups from 2-5 people. Groups of six of more are additional. The studio can accommodate parties up to 25 people