I really enjoy Brass Ring's classes and instructors. There are so many classes to choose from and everyone is supportive of exactly where you are at. You may have to share a pole depending on how full the class is but it's a friendly and diverse community. I feel very gender affirmed at Brass always. read more

A newly renovated space, but the same amazingly queer community! This stunning studio offers all-gender classes and has a TON of variety with awesome instructors. Community-driven and a safe place to take on pole dancing at any level! read more

The Brass Ring - Dance Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been to two Intro classes and I loved how welcoming and normalized it felt to be a male-identifying and male-presenting person in that space. The instructors were different and I appreciated their different approaches to warmup and floor work. I have no prior experience and only have been doing indoor climbing in terms of athletic conditioning, and I really was just going to safely play around on a pole and liberate myself. I thought I'd be just silly and awkward in any pole/floor work (being a very bony and angular man disidentified with sexiness), so I was totally surprised when I found my groove and actually started feeling myself! It was totally an experience of exploring my own sense of sexiness for myself rather than any perceived audience. I really felt like I was in my own bubble (even with the entire East wall being a mirror), which I felt was made possible by virtue of the style of instruction and the safe and encouraging space held by the instructors (I loved Sunny's generous use of "Gorgeous!" as encouragement to the class). Clearly a stage is not in my future if I need padding to move, but this was never about performance for me. If you have bony hips or other skeletal protrusions without padding, I do recommend bringing a yoga mat or other soft mat to help protect yourself while doing floor work. Also I recommend long pants/tights if you have hairy legs like me! I'm looking forward to going back soon. read more

Been attending classes here since the beginning of this year (I've taken 11 classes so far) and they have all been great! Super welcoming environment, students and instructors are friendly and helpful. They have a wide variety of classes and I'm excited to take lots more. read more

This studio is great. The teachers are encouraging and classes are fun. The space is inclusive. Plenty of classes are offered throughout the week at varying hours to accommodate busy schedules. read more

I can't tell you why *you* should start taking your first class at the BR. Every students starts for their own reasons, comes with different artistic and physical backgrounds, has different goals and progresses at a different rate and falls in love with pole for different reasons. It's not my job to write a review to convince you that joining the BR family will be the most amazing ride of your life but if you're offered a seat on a rocket ship to the stars you don't ask, "which seat" you just jump on. So... you've made it this far to read and consider reviews... sit down and buckle up because you're about to have the best ride of your life. (sans pants) See you in class! I can't wait to meet you. read more

The Brass Ring - The Russian layback is finally mine! Learned in advanced tricks class - Dance Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great studio! It only has about 8-10 poles so classes fill up fast. Each class cost about $20, which for any type of studio (i.e. Orange Theory Fitness, Core Power, etc) that's about normal. They offer options such as an unlimited membership and a 10 class pack as well, which can make it a bit cheaper. You can book classes through their online portal, which is probably my only complaint about Brass Ring. Two of my gfs and I try to coordinate booking classes together, but it makes it difficult because in the portal it won't show you how many spots are left in the class. Otherwise the instructors that I've had were great, definitely recommend it here! In terms of the studio location, there is plenty of parking on North Ave. I believe headed west is free parking and east is Pay for Park. When I first came to the studio I was a bit sketched out because it looked like this abandon building with paper covering up the windows and a caged black door. I thought to myself "what the hell did I sign up for?" I thought it was funny considering I was going to a pole dancing class. read more

Really nice instructor and was fun. This was my second class, the other one from a different studio. I had to share the pole with my gf and so did everyone else with another person, I didn't like that, I got my own pole at a different studio. I don't mind sharing but for $20 I expected to have my own and do moves as a group- it took up some time showing moves to 2 groups. There's a single bathroom to change in, no locker room so come prepared. read more

Finally there is a quality pole dance studio in Chicago that is actually affordable. Most of the classes are $20, I've taken a lot here and the instructors are always nice and patient with you. The classes are small - I think they have 9 poles? Which is great, you can actually ask questions and they will help you individually. Take a class! See if you like it! read more

The Brass Ring - Photo borrowed from their website - Dance Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My friends and I had a couple of private group classes here and it was a blast. We had a scheduling conflict for the first class but Melissa more than made up for it and I still give The Brass Ring 5 stars. It was tons of fun. For the first class we learned the basics like poses, sexy walking, dancing and swinging around the pole and for the second class we learned some advanced moves like climbing and clapping our heels. We even got to wear some clear heels! The champagne and strawberries after is a lovely way to end the class. I highly recommend this for a fun time with your girls! read more

The Brass Ring - Dance Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was so nervous to try pole dancing for the first time (because I am fat and in terrible shape), but something about it really called to me. I am so glad I ended up at The Brass Ring, because the teachers there know exactly how to make this intimidating art accessible and fun for everyone! I have learned things I never imagined myself being able to do, and I get stronger and stronger all the time. I would go every day if I could! read more

The training at the Brass Ring is a ridiculously good deal for the options and the quality of instruction. There are so many different passes and deals to choose from depending on if you want to train hard to enter pole competitions or if you just want a fun new fitness workout. There are unlimited monthly passes or punch cards. You're never locked into a long term membership so you can adapt how you pay to your schedule and budget. The amazing thing about the staff at the Brass Ring is that there is such a variety in the instructional staff. If you want to dance sexy, there are options. If you want to mix pole with contemporary dance, there are options. If you want to get really strong and learn crazy tricks or just stretch out and be really flexible, there are options. Or if you want to do all of these things and get them all in one place for whatever payment option works best for you, then you've got it. If you want to learn a skill, it's incredibly likely that at least one or two instructors on the staff can help you. On top of the all the knowledge and skill of the team, every instructor is friendly and excited to teach all levels. When I started classes, I didn't have any flexibility or strength for pole or aerial and no one ever made me feel unwelcome or bad about that. No one ever even seemed to think it was an issue. Open level classes are often a mix of levels, but the instructors can always find something for each person to work on. If I'm not ready to do something difficult, the teacher gives me something I can do that will get me ready for the harder moves. The atmosphere is always encouraging with not only the staff but also the other students. With the family-like atmosphere, it's easy to think that it would be hard for new students to break in, but it's completely the opposite. It seems more like everyone at the Brass Ring is simply so in love with what they are doing that they just can't wait to teach it to every new person who comes in the door. read more

Had my bachelorette party at The Brass Ring yesterday and I was NOT disappointed!!! Walked up to the building and I didn't think much of it... If I didn't know it was there I would have walked right past it. It looks like an empty space! You have to ring a doorbell to get in which I LOVE because it makes it feel personal and also safe--if you're self conscious, you know that no one is just going to walk in during your class. Once we walked in I was very pleasantly surprised by how beautiful the space was! It was large, a good amount of poles, and a nice seating area with space for your bags and shoes. Our instructor's name was Rachel and she was so sweet and patient with us since none of us knew what we were doing. She laughed along with us and made us feel super comfortable. She taught us more than I was expecting to learn, and then she gave us about 15 minutes to just play around on our own and try the moves and the sequence she taught us, which was super fun. We tried on the super high heels and took fun pictures, and then Rachel brought out champagne and strawberries to celebrate the occasion which was a sweet touch!!! Before we left we asked if she could show us a routine because she told us she competes nationally, and oh my goodness she was amazing. Basically I've found my new life calling: pole dancing. I will be coming back to The Brass Ring. I was THOROUGHLY impressed and my bridesmaids and I had a blast! read more

The Brass Ring - A little look at the studio. - Dance Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Super cool atmosphere and decor. However, the class was very full and almost everyone shared a pole. Between nervously taking turns and fast pace the class felt overwhelming. read more

An amazing place to get aerial arts training! The owner is a gem with a big heart and talented staff. I highly recommend The Brass Ring Chicago! read more

This place is incredible. I've been going here for the past month and I feel so at home. I used to be a dancer several years ago but never picked up a lot of tricks. The instructors are so friendly and encouraging! Even the girls that take the classes there are very sweet. I found my workout place here. It's a good way to stay in shape and yet feel sexy/confident about yourself. read more

I haven't taken any group classes at The Brass Ring, but I do private lessons with Melissa and she is an amazing teacher! She is super friendly and encouraging and always makes sure you are enjoying yourself and actually having fun! She also spends time going over the mechanics of each move, which is important for beginners and advanced students alike in order to prevent injury. The studio itself is spacious and clean, and I've never had any problems with scheduling or communication. I highly recommend this studio! read more

Just got back from my first class - if you're thinking about it, do it! This is way out of my wheelhouse and I'm a complete beginner. Physically I couldn't keep up completely, (or at all, in some places :)) but Melissa was so friendly and encouraging I never felt uncomfortable at all. Great workout and an even better atmosphere - highly recommend!! I'll be back for sure. read more

Last weekend, The Brass Ring hosted my sister's bachelorette party with 7 of her closest friends, none of which had the slightest dancing experience - pole or otherwise! The class was phenomenal, super entertaining, and the perfect bachelorette party activity. I found it easy to book, with excellent communication from Melissa. She was flexible, friendly, hilarious, and very, very talented. She tailored the class to our limited skillset, and was unfailingly encouraging. And she made sure the bride-to-be had the best time of all! I would HIGHLY recommend! read more

The best pole studio in Chicago! They offer more than just pole dance. There are strength and flexibility classes, different level tricks classes, beginner silks, lyra and straps, workshops from some of the top pole and aerial artists around the world, and so on! Melissa Schrader is one of the nicest and talented studio owners I know. They make it a lot of fun learning new skills while making your body stronger and more flexible! read more

I came to the Brass Ring after my first pole home closed down. I was skeptical of finding another community that was as supportive and energizing, but the Brass Ring did not disappoint. The instructors are top notch. Many of them compete professionally, put on shows together, and all have beautiful dance styles. I love seeing them attending each others classes and learning from one another's strengths. As a teacher, I whole heartedly appreciate how much they are able to differentiate their instruction to gear it towards your goals, style, and ambitions. The classes are challenging, but staggered in a way that motivates you to reach higher than you thought you could. I haven't been to a single class that I didn't enjoy. Whether you are a complete beginner or a pole expert, the Brass Ring will continue to help you grow in your practice. read more

Took this class for my sisters bachelorette party and this was one of the parts of the whole party! Highly recommend for someone looking to have a good time and workout ! We got champagne and chocolate covered strawberries at the end! Our instructor was amazing and helped us out with different versions of moves we couldn't do ! Anyone looking to have a good time needs to take a class here! read more

I can't love this place more! I found it on Groupon and decided to give it a try. It's something I've been wanting to do but have been hesitant because I'm so bent out of shape. But from the moment I walked through the door I've never felt more empowered and sexy! I took the basic pole class and the instructor Melissa was amazing. She's very helpful and I feel like I've learned so much from her already in this short time! I also have taken the Twerkology class and all I have to say is yasssssss.....The instructor Lindy is ! I look forward to every class and I hate when it's over! So much fun! read more

I've been poling for a while and wanted to stop by for a class while visiting Chicago. I came to the Pole Tricks class and loved it! The students and instructor were all super friendly and inviting; I felt at home right away. The tricks were easily adjusted to everyone's individual skill level, so everyone was appropriately challenged. The instructor was very approachable with questions and was happy to offer to spot to anyone who needed one. I learned some new moves to take home and had a blast! I'm looking forward to stopping by again. read more

I went to the brass ring tonight for a twerk class and was not disappointed. It was easy to follow and a serious work out. The most enthusiastic student in the class ended up being the owner, Melissa, which I thought was seriously awesome. I liked it so much that I ended up signing up for the unlimited month of classes. I can't wait to see what the other classes are about(and the names for most of them are hilarious). Can't recommend this place enough! read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE! Melissa is amazing as are the rest of the instructors here. The studio is spacious yet intimate and offers the perfect locale for an amazing workout and pole experience. The classes are the perfect combination of strength training and cardio, yet so fun you forget you are working out - the hour is up before you know it. I have tried a few pole studios and this one is my favorite. I just wish I could make it there more often! Highly recommended!!! read more

This place is awesome. Since I've been taking classes at the Brass Ring I've gotten so strong, physically and mentally. The instructors are so knowledgeable and it isn't intimidating at all--even if you're a complete beginner. They offer flexibility classes, dance classes, strength-building classes, and non-pole aerials, including silks, straps and lyra. Their unlimited specials are the best deal you'll find. The owner, Melissa, is one of the nicest people I"ve ever met--and one of the best dancers and teachers. This is a great place for beginners and advanced students alike! read more

It's so rare to find a place that's high quality and low cost but I found exactly that in this studio. I fell in love with it from my first class. The space is gorgeous and feels like a safe and private environment, and the instructors are amazing. They're incredibly knowledgable, friendly, and make you feel like part of a family. They have a little bit of everything- Not just pole, but contortion, aerial silks and straps, floor dance, etc. It felt so challenging and different when I started and I felt so clumsy and unattractive, but the instructors are so supportive and you get stronger and leaner very quick, so don't give up! I've watched my body and abilities change over the 6+ months I've been coming here and I feel amazing. I dare you to take a class and not love it. read more