Pole Factory MKE

Pole Factory MKE is a pole dance studio at 117 W. Walker St. in Milwaukee offering classes 7 days a week across a 4-tier level system, with some levels divided into half levels. The studio features chrome, stainless steel, and brass poles suitable for both spin and static work. Class sizes are kept medium with no pole sharing.

The curriculum ranges from Beginner to Advanced group classes. Specialty offerings include monthly pop-up classes, workshops with guest instructors, Open Pole for independent training, and both private and public performance opportunities. The studio also offers Pole Parties for bachelorette parties, birthdays, and private group lessons, plus Studio Rentals for private training sessions, photo shoots, and dance teams.

What sets Pole Factory apart is its integrated wellness approach. The studio has an on-site physical therapist, Stacy, who holds a doctorate in physical therapy and has special interest in strength and conditioning. She leads Strength for Pole, a circuit-based cross-training class emphasizing proper technique and injury prevention. The studio also offers Aerial Sling Foundations led by head aerialist SJ, focusing on cross-training to improve grip strength, active flexibility, and safer inversions. Open Gym provides access to dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, and a choice of pole, aerial sling, hammock, or flying pole.

Beyond classes, Stacy provides on-site Physical Therapy & Strength Programming with expert care focused on improving mobility and tailored support for pole dancers' bodies. Elements of Life MKE offers in-studio massage services, including traditional and Thai massage therapy crafted to relieve tension, enhance flexibility, and support recovery.

The studio emphasizes from day one that it teaches students how to safely navigate their pole journey with careful attention to their bodies' needs, emphasizing the importance of proper cross-training to minimize injury risk. Pre-registration is required for all classes. Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome to participate with a signed waiver. There are no meaningful weight limits on the poles.

Start with Intro to Pole if you're new; no prior strength or flexibility is required. Classes require pre-registration and run at medium size with no pole sharing. Wear comfortable workout clothes, go barefoot or wear socks, and avoid lotion, skin oils, and metal hand jewelry on class day.

Stacy holds a doctorate in physical therapy with special interest in strength and conditioning; she began pole in early 2021 and leads Strength for Pole classes and provides Physical Therapy & Strength Programming. SJ is the head aerialist and leads Aerial Sling Foundations. Terri teaches Intro to Aerial Essentials and Aerial Essentials II/Intermediate Pole. Named instructors for pop-up classes include Mox Lee, Gabby, and Bri.

Intro to Pole is designed for first-timers; no strength or flexibility is required, and the studio emphasizes safety and proper technique from day one.