Imo Studio

Imo Studio is an aerial dance and movement studio in Areeiro, Lisbon, founded by Joana Silva in June 2021. After teaching pole dance in various studios since 2008, Silva established Imo as a dedicated space for aerial dance and movement. The studio occupies a modern, spacious 140 m² room with lots of natural light, seven chrome X-Pole poles (45 mm diameter, approximately 3.15 m high), tall mirrors, and air conditioning.

Classes run Monday to Friday evenings, structured by technical level. Pole dance dominates the schedule with offerings ranging from Intro to Pole and Policious (floorwork) through Pole Level 1, 2, 3, and 4 & Up. You'll also find Aerial Yoga, Body & Mind Prep, Floorstyles, and Open Training sessions where you can work on whatever you choose under instructor guidance. The studio uses an 8-week cycle structure for many programmes, supporting progressive, safe learning.

Imo Studio explicitly promotes a non-competitive, body-positive, all-genders-inclusive environment. The FAQ directly addresses newcomer concerns: you don't need to be strong, flexible, athletic, young, or of any specific gender. No prior aerial dance experience is required for beginner classes. Classes are taught in Portuguese by instructors who all speak English.

Beyond regular classes, the studio offers private lessons (1 hour at 60€, or packages of 3 or 5), self-practice sessions, studio rental for workshops, photoshoots and events, and Pole Dance Instructor training. They also host celebration parties—bachelorette, birthday and gathering events—with options including Intro to Pole or Intro to FloorStylicious classes at 25€ per person (minimum 5, maximum 12). Past events include the Experimental Pole Gathering with guest instructors and Summer Pole Intensives.

The studio has one co-ed dressing room and one co-ed restroom (no showers). No reception desk is staffed; booking and payment are handled online. The venue is accessible via Areeiro subway station (green line), Roma-Areeiro train station, nearby buses (49B, 208, 720, 756, 793), and free parking in front after 7pm on weekdays or all day weekends and holidays.

Arrive 5–10 minutes early to settle in. Classes are organised by technical level; arrive dressed and bring two small towels, ethyl alcohol to clean the pole, and water. The studio has no reception, so book online in advance. Instructors teach in English and promote a welcoming, inclusive environment regardless of your experience or body type.

Joana Silva founded Imo Studio and teaches; she has been teaching pole dance since 2008. The website mentions instructors have several years of experience in teaching pole dance, and past workshops have featured guest instructors including Yvonne Smink, Marlo Fisken, Joana Silva, and Camille DeHaas.

Yes—Intro to Pole and Intro to Policious classes require no prior experience, and the studio explicitly welcomes people of all fitness levels, body types, ages, and genders.