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Rise Above Aerial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Pole studio in Columbia, Maryland
Plan your first class
- Memberships monthly memberships and unlimited plans available — ask how an intro offer credits toward a membership
- Parties hosts bachelorette & private parties — a favorite for birthdays and bachelorette groups; ask about private group bookings
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule riseabovedance.com — book classes and see the live schedule
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they teach
“It was a great strength training workout with fun choreography and great music!”
“I've taken a 6 week pole class, a 4 week aerial silks class, and various drop in classes at RAAA.”
What's on offer
“I've taken a 6 week pole class, a 4 week aerial silks class, and various drop in classes at RAAA.”
“We did a private party class for a group of 14 women during a bachelorette weekend.”
“I feel so confident in these classes and it's such an amazing feeling to be free to dance and have a supportive community around you.”
What students say again and again
“I feel so confident in these classes and it's such an amazing feeling to be free to dance and have a supportive community around you.”
“Of course, she had no prior knowledge of my abilities, but her calm spirit and sincere heart to be inclusive of all of her students made me feel right at home.”
“Of course, she had no prior knowledge of my abilities, but her calm spirit and sincere heart to be inclusive of all of her students made me feel right at home.”
“Did an hour long intro pole dancing class with a group of Mom friends and we had a blast!”
From the reviews
Where do I start? Kathleen is one of the most talented individuals that I have ever met! She is extremely intuitive. Of course, she had no prior knowledge of my abilities, but her calm spirit and sincere heart to be inclusive of all of her students made me feel right at home. I had sooooo much fun laughing at myself!!
I've taken a 6 week pole class, a 4 week aerial silks class, and various drop in classes at RAAA. I honestly can't get enough. The instructors are so kind and so caring. I feel so confident in these classes and it's such an amazing feeling to be free to dance and have a supportive community around you.
Kathleen is amazing! She created an atmosphere that felt comfortable for all experience levels and body types. The class challenged me but was so much fun! She was great at giving little tips that made the movements easier and more smooth. I left feeling strong and sexy.
Had a wonderful experience doing the pole dancing and chair work class. The instructor was easy to follow and the atmosphere was so fun! I can't wait to try it again and maybe even do some of the longer session classes.
Bachelorette & private parties at Rise Above Aerial Arts
Rise Above Aerial Arts comes up for private parties — confirmed on their own site. A pole party is one of the most-booked ways to celebrate a bachelorette, birthday, or girls' night, and it's a blast even if nobody in the group has ever touched a pole. A few things worth asking when you reach out. First, group size and what's included — most studios run private parties for around 6–15 people with a dedicated instructor, a beginner-friendly routine, and time for photos. Second, the vibe you want — sassy heels-and-flow choreography, playful spins and tricks, or a mix; a good studio tailors it to the guest of honor. Third, booking and pricing — parties are usually a flat package booked in advance, and popular weekend slots fill up fast, so ask about deposits and what to wear (shorts for grip, no lotion). It's beginner-friendly by design, judgment-free, and genuinely fun — exactly the kind of thing everyone talks about afterward.
Your first pole class at Rise Above Aerial Arts
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.
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