South Pole Studios
Pole, aerial and flexibility classes from beginner to elite in Cape Town.
A pole dance and aerial fitness studio offering classes for all levels.
Before your first class
Absolute beginners with no dance, strength or flexibility background are welcome in beginner and trial classes across all disciplines.
Wear short bottoms exposing the back of the knees for grip in pole classes; leggings or sweats can layer on top.
For pole classes, wear comfortable clothing with short bottoms exposing at least the back of the knees (leggings or sweats can layer on top).
Trial class R120; drop-in R250; 6-class pack R1200 (6 weeks); 10-class pack R1680 (10 weeks); unlimited month R2270; practice time R300 (non-students) or R150 (active students); flexibility packs R510
About this studio
South Pole Studios, established in 2019, teaches pole dance, aerial arts and flexibility training in Salt River, Cape Town. The studio offers classes across eight pole levels (beginner through elite), plus aerial hoop, aerial sling, contemporary pole, classique pole with heels, and dedicated flexibility work in backbends, splits, and general stretch and flex.
Founded by Tiina O'Connor, a certified pole dance instructor, 200-hour qualified yoga teacher, and certified fitness trainer from Hamburg, Germany, the studio brings together professional ballet and contemporary dance training with international competition and performance experience. Tiina started her dance journey at age five and has trained and taught pole locally and internationally before opening the studio as a longtime dream.
The teaching team includes 13 named instructors with diverse backgrounds. Imke, the first homegrown instructor, began pole and aerial arts at South Pole in 2019 and now teaches most aerial classes. Sara is certified as a contortion, flexibility and acrobatics coach, with experience in dance and pole competitions. Lia trained in fine art and circus before discovering pole. Ziyaan placed in her first pole competition in 2023. Anja trained in rhythmic gymnastics, modern dance and water polo before progressing to pole in 2019. Neo is a studied teacher drawn to dance from a young age. Quanita acquired an honors degree in anthropology and is an aspiring dance and movement therapist. Jade joined at age 35 after recovering from chronic lower-back pain, proving aerial is for everyone. Chanda holds certifications in Sports Science and Biokinetics. Rowan was a gymnast in primary school. Anna began their pole and aerial journey at South Pole in 2021. Additional instructors include Quanita and Manya.
Classes run across multiple studios with different focuses. Pole classes emphasize building all-round dancers and performers through technique, choreography, dance and flexibility work. The studio stresses that flexibility is essential from beginner and intermediate levels onwards, requiring focused floor-based training alongside pole and aerial classes. Flexibility classes take place in Studio 3 and are open to all levels.
Beyond regular classes, South Pole offers pole parties for birthdays and bachelorette celebrations, either at the studios or hosted at your location, with options ranging from pole dancing and floorwork to lap dance routines with optional bubbly. Private sessions are available for working on specific moves, routines, performance preparation or faster progression. Workshops are listed on the Octiv booking app. The studio also offers studio rental for events.
What to expect
Your first visit
Your first beginner or trial class covers basic pole tricks, spins and dance moves around the pole to teach core foundations. Wear comfortable clothing, but the studio recommends short bottoms exposing at least the back of the knees for grip; you can layer leggings or sweats on top. No strength or flexibility is required to start.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Tiina O'Connor, founder and first instructor, teaches beginner to elite levels with roots in professional ballet and contemporary dance from Germany. The studio employs 13 named instructors including Imke (aerial specialist), Sara (contortion and flexibility certified), Lia, Ziyaan, Anja, Neo, Quanita, Jade, Chanda, Rowan, and Anna, each bringing backgrounds in ballet, contemporary, gymnastics, circus, sports science and dance therapy.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Absolute beginners with no dance, strength or flexibility background are welcome in beginner and trial classes across all disciplines.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear short bottoms exposing the back of the knees for grip in pole classes; leggings or sweats can layer on top. Long pants recommended for aerial hoop and sling. Knee pads required for sensual floor flow and tricks.
What to bring
For pole classes, wear comfortable clothing with short bottoms exposing at least the back of the knees (leggings or sweats can layer on top). For aerial hoop, wear long pants and consider legwarmers for leg protection. For aerial sling, wear long clothing. For contemporary pole, wear comfortable pants and be barefoot or in socks. Classique pole does not require pole shorts; you can dance in heels or socks in the beginner class.
Studio history
South Pole Studios was established in 2019 by Tiina O'Connor, a certified pole dance instructor and 200-hour qualified yoga teacher from Hamburg, Germany. Coming from a professional ballet and contemporary dance background that began at age five, opening her own studio to share her love of pole dance fulfilled a long-time dream. Having trained, taught and performed pole locally and internationally, she focuses on developing all-round pole dancers and performers.
Styles offered
11 dance styles taught here
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Class schedule
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Frequently asked about South Pole Studios
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does South Pole Studios teach?
South Pole Studios teaches Pole Dance, Classique Pole (with heels), Contemporary Pole / Pole Flow, Sensual Floor Flow & Tricks, Pole Conditioning, Aerial Lyra (Hoop) and 5 more.
Where is South Pole Studios located?
South Pole Studios is located in Cape Town. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does South Pole Studios offer private lessons?
Contact South Pole Studios directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does South Pole Studios teach kids and adults?
Contact South Pole Studios directly to ask which classes suit your age and experience level.
How do I sign up for classes at South Pole Studios?
Sign up through South Pole Studios's website, or contact the studio directly.
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Upcoming opportunities
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