Blog Written by Aerial Alaina & Kasey Valdivia

Ready to Take the Stage? Here’s How to Elevate Your Training and Prepare Like a Pro

You’ve been putting in the work—taking classes consistently, refining your transitions, and feeling stronger and more confident in your movement. Now you’re craving a challenge. Maybe you're dreaming about your first competition or simply wanting to push your boundaries as a performer in one of Vertical Pole Studio's Showcases. So... where do you start?

Private Lessons: Your Competitive Edge

While group classes build a solid foundation, private one-on-one instruction is where you can truly accelerate your growth. Whether you're choreographing a competition-worthy routine or fine-tuning the technical elements of your flow, private lessons provide tailored feedback that targets exactly what you need. This focused attention can be the difference between placing and winning.

Open Practice: Make Time to Train

Consistency is key—and so is practice, practice, practice. Open practice sessions are an ideal way to log those critical hours on the pole or aerial apparatus. Just a heads-up: music is shared during open practice, so if you're preparing to a specific track, bring your headphones and lock into your zone.

Want full control of the sound system and space? Ask about studio rentals for uninterrupted, personalized training time.

Invest in Yourself: Start Smart

If you’re serious about competing—or simply want to see how far your dedication can take you—it’s time to start thinking like a pro. Private lessons, open practice, and intentional training habits will pave your path to success.

We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

How to Choose Your First Pole or Aerial Competition: A Step-by-Step Guide

"Is it time to compete?" If you’re ready to take your passion for pole or aerial arts to the next level, entering a competition can be a powerful motivator and an unforgettable experience. But with so many competitions out there—how do you even begin?

Let’s break it down and guide you through the exciting (and slightly overwhelming) process of choosing the right pole or aerial competition for you.

Step 1: Understand the Competition Levels

Each competition has its own set of rules and level systems, which typically reflect both your experience and technical ability. Here’s what to look for:

• Amateur to Professional – Some competitions use simple tiers like “Amateur” or “Professional.”
• Numeric Level Systems (1–5) – Others use levels (often 1–5), with 5 representing the most advanced, professional-level athletes. (Fun fact: VPS class structure is based on these numeric competition levels!)
  

Competitions may also group performers by:

• Age brackets
• Solo, Doubles, Trios, or Group Acts

Performing with others can ease stage nerves and add creative flair—but remember, synchronization with a partner adds an extra layer of challenge!

Step 2: Choose a Competition Style

Most pole and aerial competitions fall into one of the following styles:

• Sport – Focuses on technical execution, strength, flexibility, and clean transitions.
• Artistic – Emphasizes storytelling, emotion, and performance quality.
• Exotic / Floorwork – Combines fluid movement and sensuality, often using heels and props.

Select a category that aligns with your strengths—or challenges you to grow!

Recommended Competitions for Florida-Based Athletes

Here are some of the top pole and aerial competitions we recommend for Vertical Pole Studio students and performers along the Gulf Coast:

USPSF – U.S. Pole Sports Federation

• Categories: Pole, Aerial Hoop, Aerial Silks
• Divisions: Age, Level (Amateur, Competitive, Para-Athlete), and Style (Sport or Artistic)
• Bonus: Virtual option available! Great for those nervous to compete live.
• Why USPSF? They're pushing for pole sports to be globally recognized—yes, even in the Olympics!
  

PSO – Pole Sport Organization

• Levels: Amateur 1–4, Professional 5
• Categories: Solo, Doubles, Groups – across a variety of styles and themes
• Educational Support: Tons of eBooks and tools to help you prepare
• Local Option: PSO Nationals are held in Orlando, making it a top pick for our VPS community
• Pro Tip: Their online quiz helps first-time competitors choose the right level—no guesswork needed!
  

Florida Aerial Arts Championship

• Location: Orlando, FL
• Apparatuses: Aerial Silks, Hammock, and Hoop
• Divisions: Solo or Doubles, split by age; Semi-Pro & Professional
• Application: Requires video submission for acceptance
• Follow for Updates: Check their Facebook and Instagram
  

USA Aerial Federation Championship

• Location: Miami, FL (Early Winter)
• Apparatuses: Pole, Aerial Hoop, Aerial Silks, Aerial Pole
• Levels: Amateur, Semi-Pro, Professional
• Categories: Includes Exotic and Floorwork options (18+)
• Unique Feature: Doubles routines available across apparatuses
  

Want Even More Competition Options?

The International Pole Industry Association (IPIA) created a global directory of pole competitions. While it may not be 100% up-to-date, it’s a fantastic resource—especially for performers with a travel bug!

Final Thoughts: How to Choose What’s Best for You

• Start local if you're new to competing
• Match the level to your experience to avoid disqualification
• Choose a style that fits your performance vibe
• Practice regularly with private lessons, open practices, and studio rentals
• Ask your instructors—we’ve helped students win, and we’d love to help you succeed too!
  

At Vertical Pole Studio, we’re here to support your competition journey—whether you’re performing for the first time or going for gold.

💥 Ready to compete? Schedule a private or ask your instructor today for guidance on the next steps!

Not Ready to Compete Yet? Try a Showcase Instead!

Does all of this sound exciting and challenging—or maybe a little scary and intimidating?

If you're not quite ready for the pressure of being judged or critiqued, but you’re still curious about performing in front of an audience, we have the perfect alternative for you: Showcases!

Why Showcases Are the Perfect First Step for Performers

Showcases are a fantastic way to:

• Refine your technique
• Experiment with choreography
• Express your artistic side
• Build stage confidence—without the pressure of scores or rankings
  

Whether you're planning to compete someday or simply want to show off your love for pole or aerial arts, participating in a showcase is an empowering and joyful experience.

Vertical Pole Studio Showcases: Where Art Meets Community

At Vertical Pole Studio, we host several showcases throughout the year—including our iconic Halloween event, Flight Night, known for its theatrical performances, spine-tingling creativity, and full-out fun.

Here’s what to expect when you join a VPS showcase:

• 🎭 Choose your apparatus, song, theme, and costume
• 💃 Sign up for solo, doubles, or group acts (everyone must register individually)
• 🎉 Perform in a supportive, high-energy environment that encourages growth and celebrates effort
  

Showcases, including Flight Night, are open to adults 18 and older, including participants from outside our studio community.

Ready to Step Into the Spotlight?

Whether you're prepping for a competition or just want to see your hard work shine on stage, VPS showcases are the ultimate low-pressure performance opportunity.

Stay tuned for upcoming showcase announcements, and get ready to unleash your inner artist!

✨ Because performing isn’t always about winning—it’s about celebrating who you are and how far you’ve come. ✨

Want Even More Stage Time? Take Your Showcase Piece on the Road

If you're loving the idea of performing but still not ready for a competitive spotlight, you're in luck. Some national competitions also offer non-judged showcase divisions, giving you the same stage experience without the stress of scoring sheets.

✨ PSO & USA Aerial Federation Showcases

Both Pole Sport Organization (PSO) and the USA Aerial Federation host showcase categories designed for first-time performers or those building stage confidence. These divisions allow you to:

• Perform in a professional competition setting
• Gain valuable experience in front of an audience
• Share your love for pole and aerial arts without the pressure of being judged
• Travel with your VPS community and represent your studio with pride!

Take your showcase routine on the road and enjoy the thrill of performing at a larger event.

VPS at Bad to the Chrome: An Annual Florida Showcase Highlight

One of our favorite performance opportunities is Bad to the Chrome, a dynamic and inclusive pole and aerial showcase held annually at Buttercup Pole Dance in Tampa, FL. This multi-studio collective performance is a chance to see (and be part of) the most diverse and creative acts in Florida’s pole and aerial scene.

🎪 Visit the Bad to the Chrome website to learn more.

Here’s why it’s a must:

• 🖤 Open to all studios—students and instructors alike
• 💡 New themes every year mean endless opportunities for musical and costume creativity
• 🧩 Must apply to participate—making it a curated and quality production
• 👯‍♀️ A chance to perform with your pole and aerial friends as a group—a powerful and heartwarming experience
• 🌟 Studio pride on full display—show the world what the Vertical Pole Studio community is all about!

This showcase isn't just about performing—it's about connection, expression, and celebrating the magic we create together.

Find Your Stage, Your Way

Whether you’re:

• Training for your first competition
• Exploring performance through a showcase routine
• Traveling to represent VPS at Bad to the Chrome
• Or simply want to shine under the lights for the pure joy of it
  

There’s a stage for you—and we’re here to help you find it.

💫 Your journey is unique. Your performance path is yours to create.
Vertical Pole Studio is proud to support every step—from beginner spins to show-stopping solos.

Your Journey, Your Pace—And We’re Here for It

Still feeling a little queasy at the thought of performing on stage? That’s totally okay.

At Vertical Pole Studio, we believe that pole and aerial arts should empower you—not pressure you. You don’t need to compete or perform to enjoy the benefits of this unique and exciting movement practice. For many, pole and aerial fitness is about building confidence, gaining strength, and finding joy in every spin, climb, or inversion—with or without an audience.

Even if the spotlight isn’t your thing (yet), you can still be a part of the magic.

Show Up, Support, and Soak It All In

Being an audience member, clapping loudly, and cheering for your pole and aerial family is just as important as being on stage. There’s something incredibly inspiring about watching your peers shine—their courage and creativity may even plant the seed for your own future performance. 😉

Plus, attending Vertical Pole Studio showcases or local competitions helps strengthen our community, celebrate the diversity of our students, and keep the spirit of pole and aerial arts alive and thriving in the Gulf Coast area.

There’s No Wrong Way to Be a Pole or Aerial Artist

Whether you're:

• Training for your first competition
• Performing in your first showcase
• Attending to support your friends
• Or simply showing up to class each week to move and feel good in your body...
  

You belong here.

❤️ Your pole and aerial journey is uniquely yours. It can be powerful, playful, quiet, bold—or all of the above. You get to decide.

And whatever path you choose, Vertical Pole Studio is cheering you on every step of the way.

✨ Start Your Journey with Us Today

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