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Bees Knees Burlesque and Pole Academy

5 ★★★★★ 9 Google reviews · Pole studio in Cortland, New York

Pole studio

Plan your first class

Hours

Monday 5–9 PM
Tuesday 5–9 PM
Wednesday 5–9 PM
Thursday 5–9 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday 10 AM–3 PM

Hours shift for holidays, workshops, and class schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they teach

Pole and aerial classes on the schedule at Bees Knees Burlesque and Pole Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🤸 Flexibility & Stretch

“I even joined her for a Strength & Stretch class with Jess, and I was honestly impressed—not just with the class itself, but with the positive, supportive atmosphere.”

All studios teaching flexibility & stretch →

What's on offer

Amenities students name in their reviews of Bees Knees Burlesque and Pole Academy — the fastest way to tell what to expect before you book your first class.

🤸 Flexibility Training

“I even joined her for a Strength & Stretch class with Jess, and I was honestly impressed—not just with the class itself, but with the positive, supportive atmosphere.”

Other studios with flexibility training →

Amenities are mined from reviews and the studio's own info — they tell you what students have experienced, not a formal guarantee. If something is a dealbreaker (grip aids, showers, private parties), confirm it with the studio before you go.

What students say again and again

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 9 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

💜 body-positive & judgment-free 2 mentions

“Tessa really tries to keep a diverse and inclusive portfolio of talent and it shows.”

strong community vibe 3 mentions

“I even joined her for a Strength & Stretch class with Jess, and I was honestly impressed—not just with the class itself, but with the positive, supportive atmosphere.”

From the reviews

This is a beautiful dance studio on the third floor of the corset building. The ladies are warm and friendly. I have had a great time taking classes here! Danielle St. Velvet's Burlesque class is amazing!

★★★★★ — Jennifer, May 2019

As a dad, it’s been really meaningful to see how much my daughter has grown since joining Bee’s Knees Burlesque Academy. She always has such great things to say about her experience there.

★★★★★ — Todd, Jul 2025

I have been an active student and collaborator with Tessa and Jo of Bees Knees Burlesque Academy for two years, and known them much longer. Taking Burlesque classes with them changed my life for the FAR better!

★★★★★ — Stacey, Feb 2023

Great studio, positive energy, with tons of options for all styles of dance. Pricing is reasonable with lots of options for class packs or memberships to fit a majority of budgets. The instructors themselves have experience and backgrounds in performing, working, and can teach all kinds of levels and body types.

★★★★★ — Bryce, Mar 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 9 reviews →

Your first pole class at Bees Knees Burlesque and Pole Academy

Nervous about your first pole class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects total beginners to walk in the door. Here's what to know. You don't need to be strong, flexible, or thin to start — pole builds all of that, and your first class is about learning to spin, walk the pole, and hold on, not inverting on day one. What to expect: a warm-up, some conditioning, and a few basic spins or a short combo — it's a real full-body workout, so expect to sweat and to feel it in your arms and core the next day. Rest whenever you need to; no one is watching or judging. What to wear: shorts and a tank or sports bra — bare skin on your arms, legs, and stomach is what grips the pole, so save the leggings for aerial or floorwork. Skip the lotion the day of class; it makes the pole slippery. Grip aids: most studios keep grip liquid (Dry Hands / iTac) on hand, and knee pads make floorwork comfy — ask at the front desk. What to bring: water and a small towel. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign in and meet your instructor. It clicks fast — most people leave their first class already planning the next one.

Pole is for every body, and it's about strength, artistry, and confidence — not performing for anyone else. If you're pregnant or working around an injury, check with a doctor and let your instructor know so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Bees Knees Burlesque and Pole Academy

3rd Floor, Cortland Corset Building, 75 E Court St, Cortland, NY13045

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.