🙃🍑It’s Ass Over Head Month at CED. There’s a way to get upside down, or for sure ass up, for every body from forward folds and inverts, to handstands and shoulder rolls. Backbends and barrel turns count too. Build your strength in HIIT for inverting, find your balance in Handstand 101. Also catch Tayste.dance’s guest classes, work on your number for the Winter Soirée, and more in this month’s newsletter.
Questions? Text 440-941-7653
November is officially Ass Over Head Month! Remember cartwheels in the backyard, hanging off the monkey bars, or lying upside down on the couch with your feet up the wall? Somewhere along the way most of us stopped flipping our world upside down just for the fun of it. This month we’re inviting you to play again.
Upside down doesn’t only mean inverting on the pole. Handstands, shoulder rolls, backbends, barrel turns, and even a deep forward fold with your hips higher than your head all count. There are so many ways in our classes to look at the world from a new angle, and we’ll meet you wherever your upside down is today, whether that’s your very first shoulder roll or your next aerial invert.
Turning upside down isn’t just fun, it’s good for you too. When you flip, your inner ear, eyes, and body have to figure out where you are all over again, which sharpens your balance and body awareness. Getting your legs above your heart also gives your circulation and lymph a gravity assist, which is part of why some inversions feel so calming, for some people if their body is secure in that position. That same rush can feel scary for others, on the pole, in the hoop, or even on the ground, and the difference is often the feeling of being supported so you can start adjusting to a new view. So this month we’re bringing out the tools to help you explore the world upside down: chairs, stability balls, the wall, the pole itself, and some other tricks we have to help you get your ass up!
In this edition
- Supporting the Local Community: Aminah is hosting a Belly Dance Brunch Show in Lakewood!
- Featured Classes: inverts, handstands, and letting go of the pole, with a way to flip for every level.
- Guest Spotlights: Taylor Steen this month, and Christina in December.
- Beyond the Movement: Craft & Chat in the studio, and Unwrap the Gift of Pleasure online.
- Get Ready for the Winter Soirée: Save the Date!!!! Sunday, December 20th.
- More Specialty Classes & Series: starting in November thru mid December.
Quick Calendar
Tap any listing for details.
SPECIALTY one-time class
SERIES multi-week, builds each class
EVENT show or community gathering
* can also join online
| November | ||
| Wed 11/4 | 6:00pm | Burlesque Choreography (waitlist) SERIES |
| Wed 11/4 | 7:00pm | Stripper Style Choreography (waitlist) SERIES |
| Thu 11/5 | 6:30pm | Lyra Flow & Combinations SERIES |
| Sun 11/8 | 12:00pm | Intro to Hardstyle with Taylor Steen SPECIALTY |
| Sun 11/8 | 1:45pm | Dark Hypno Flow with Taylor Steen SPECIALTY |
| Mon 11/9 | 7:10pm | HIIT: High Intensity Invert Training* SPECIALTY |
| Tue 11/10 | 5:45pm | The Art of Heels SERIES |
| Tue 11/10 | 7:00pm | Belly Dance Choreography SERIES |
| Sun 11/15 | 1:15pm | Floorwork Choreography SERIES |
| Mon 11/16 | 7:00pm | Handstand 101 SPECIALTY |
| Wed 11/18 | 6:00pm | Look, Ma, No Hands: Sit to Layback SPECIALTY |
| Sun 11/22 | 12:00pm | Belly Dance Brunch at The Winchester EVENT |
| Mon 11/23 | 7:00pm | Lyra Flow Lab SERIES |
| December | ||
| Wed 12/2 | 8:00pm | The Art of Fluidity with Christina SERIES |
| Sun 12/6 | 12:00pm | Craft & Chat EVENT |
| Wed 12/9 | 6:00pm | Training for the Dark Side SPECIALTY |
| Sat 12/12 | 1:15pm | Lap Dance & Striptease SPECIALTY |
| Mon 12/14 | 6:00pm | Unwrap the Gift of Pleasure* SPECIALTY |
| Sun 12/20 | 5:00pm | Winter Soirée (save the date!) EVENT |
Supporting the Local Community
Spice, Sips, and Shimmies: A Belly Dance Brunch Show
Sunday, November 22nd
Doors 11:00am | Show 12:00pm
The Winchester Music Tavern, Lakewood
EVENT
Our belly dance instructor, Aminah Louise, is hosting her very first Belly Dance Brunch! Aminah created this show because belly dancers haven’t been a regular sight in Cleveland restaurants and hookah lounges since before 2020, and belly dance shows as entertainment for the general public have become hard to find. She’s looking to change that, and we are so proud to support her.
Grab your friends, order some brunch, and enjoy an afternoon full of shimmies. $20 in advance | 18+
The Winchester Music Tavern, 12112 Madison Ave, Lakewood
Featured Classes for November
HIIT: High Intensity Invert Training
Monday, November 9th
7:10-7:50pm In Studio & Online
SPECIALTY
This class will teach you a circuit workout full of exercises that will help you with various inversions in pole and lyra including but not limited to High V, Straddle Mount, and Reverse Mount.
We will start with a gentle, mobility warmup, and then jump into three rounds of exercises, each with four exercises per round. You’ll work hard for 40 seconds with 20 seconds of rest between exercises, then repeat.
All moves can be modified to your fitness level, but be prepared to sweat and work hard.
Handstand 101
Monday, November 16th
7:00-8:00pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
Handstands are more than just flipping upside down. Learn all the mechanics. When you take this class, you will learn a variety of exercises at varying comfort levels to achieve proper positioning for a handstand. Even if you do not get a handstand on your first day (not that you are expected to) you will certainly get an amazing workout.
Look, Ma, No Hands: Sit to Layback
Wednesday, November 18th
6:00-7:00pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
This class is appropriate for pole students of all levels, not just Level 4 students that are already working on laybacks! Lisa’s goal is to give you a good foundation in your sits and get you training the weight shift for laybacks so that you master these moves quickly when they come up in your upper level pole classes.
Among other things, we will explore Figure 4 Layback, Thigh Hang, Ankle Hang, Remi Layback, and Russian Layback. We’ll start out with the corresponding sits for each, discuss muscle engagement, strength training exercises, and how to transition from sit to layback.
Guest Instructor Spotlights
Taylor Steen (November)
Taylor is a dynamic and passionate pole artist with 6+ years of experience and 3+ years of teaching. Known for her ability to embody any style she takes on, Taylor is particularly recognized for her high energy movement, musicality, and unmatched stage presence. Whether she is executing hard style, hip-hop inspired movement or flowing through smooth, sensual transitions, she seamlessly shifts between a menace and a muse, infusing each movement with emotion.
Taylor creates a space for dancers to explore the full range of their expression and embodiment, all while staying connected to the music and the moment. She is passionate about sharing her craft, with a strong focus on refining technique, developing skill, and empowering dancers to embrace their creativity.
Intro to Hardstyle
Sunday, November 8th
12:00-1:30pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
Get a taste of all the hardstyle flavors!
This workshop introduces dancers to hardstyle movement through mini combos and sequences focused on musicality, sharp accents, attitude, and dynamic movement. Expect to explore different textures and energies while building coordination, control, and confidence in your movement.
Prior heels experience recommended. Students should feel comfortable with basic spins and pirouettes/hand holds as well. CED Pole levels 2/3 and up with those prerequisites.
Dark Hypno Flow
Sunday, November 8th
1:45-3:15pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
Dark Hypno Flow is a heels choreography workshop set to dark, bass-heavy music with hypnotic, ambient undertones. This class blends fluid transitions with grounded, dynamic accents, focusing on musicality, presence, and intention while embodying a darker, more hypnotic energy.
(Must have solid experience with Pirouettes, one handed spins, and Heels)
Christina Loper (December)
Christina Loper, aka Professor X-tina, is a dancer, instructor, and actor based in NYC with over 15 years of dance experience and 3.5 years of dedicated pole training. She specializes in Edgework Technique, Low Flow, and Freestyle movement. With a background in performance art, Christina blends technical precision with creativity, encouraging students to explore their own unique ways of moving. She focuses not just on the “how,” but on the “why” behind each movement, helping others connect deeply with their bodies and artistic expression.
The Art of Fluidity
Wednesdays, December 2nd – 23rd
8:00-9:15pm In Studio Only
SERIES
Each week will focus on a specific concept surrounding fluidity, using a pole sequence to dissect the technical aspects, followed by conceptual exploration to incorporate it into your unique way of moving.
This pole series is beginner friendly, but some pole experience is required. CED students Level 2 and up.
Beyond the Movement:
Social Events & Sexual Wellness
Our sensual, erotic, and sexual health directly impacts how we move in the world and how we take up space. These class offerings create a space to decenter the external gaze and the performative pressures that so often dictate how we show up. Additionally, we are creating a safe space for conversations about things we “aren’t supposed to” talk about. Sex Ed is severely lacking among all age groups. Pride & Pleasure is here to give you the resources you might be missing, the space to talk about it, and way to bring more joy and healing to your life.
Craft & Chat
Sunday, December 6th
12:00-3:00pm In Studio Only
EVENT
Come as you are and bring whatever you’re working on, whether that’s finishing a delicate lace shawl, blinging out a costume for the upcoming showcase, or crocheting something disturbing, it’s all welcome.
Bring any portable craft you are currently obsessed with: fiber arts like crochet and knitting are easy, but feel free to bring your rhinestones, sketchbooks, or that weird DIY project you’ve been procrastinating on. I will be around to help with some beginner crochet stitches and maybe even basic knitting in a low pressure, informal way, so this is a great chance to hang out, share snacks, and make some progress on your WIPs (works in progress). Good company and creative energy.
Unwrap the Gift of Pleasure
Monday, December 14th
6:00-7:00pm Online Only
SPECIALTY
This holiday season, give your partner a different kind of gift.
Unwrap the Gift of Pleasure is a one-hour virtual workshop all about the good stuff. Dirty talk, oral sex, and practical strategies to bring more pleasure, connection, and excitement into your intimate life. Real tips, real talk, no shame.
Whether you’re looking to try something new or just level up what’s already working, this one’s for you.
All bodies. All identities. All experience levels. Come ready to learn something good.
Get Ready for the Winter Soirée!
As we head into November, you’ll start to notice many new choreography series hitting the schedule. These all wrap up the week before our Winter Soirée on Sunday, December 20th at 5:00pm. SAVE THE DATE!
You can always take a choreography class just for the fun of it with no pressure to perform. However, if you want to share the art on a very welcoming stage, now is the time! We accept all acts, not just those from the choreography classes. Start working on your number now and let us know if you need any help bringing your vision to life.
You have loads of time to plan and decide, but please fill out the performer form when you are ready.
Deadline for sign-ups is Thursday, December 10th.
Not ready to perform yet? We highly recommend coming to watch the Winter Soirée or volunteering as a pole or stage kitten! There is a unique rush to being cheered on by the crowd just for cleaning the poles and prepping the stage for your friends. The supportive energy in the room is incredible, and it is the perfect way to dip your toes into the showcase experience.
More Specialty Classes & Series
Burlesque Choreography
Wednesdays, November 4th – December 16th
6:00-7:00pm In Studio Only
SERIES
You’ve got your bumps and grinds down. Your walk is on point. You’re evolving and improving in your burlesque persona. What’s next??
Take the burlesque basics to the next level! Throughout this 6 week course, you will learn choreography, explore musicality and emotion, and complete one entire routine from start to finish!
Stripper Style Choreography
Wednesdays, November 4th – December 16th
7:00-8:00pm In Studio Only
SERIES
In this round of Stripper Style Choreography, Roxi is building on the Floor Fuckers workshop from earlier this year. We will piece together a full routine to an entire song, featuring stripper style floorwork through the lens of a lap dance, with a few lap elements woven into the mix. You are welcome to join just for fun, or prepare to perform the routine at the Winter Soirée in December.
This series welcomes dancers who have taken stripper style movement classes or have equivalent experience. It remains beginner friendly, and moves can always be adapted to match your individual skill level.
Lyra Flow & Combinations
Thursdays, November 5th – December 17th
6:30-7:30pm In Studio Only
SERIES
Ready to take your lyra practice beyond single tricks? This class focuses on stringing moves together, exploring fluid combinations, and revisiting sequences to build seamless flow, stamina, and confidence on the hoop. We’ll break down transitions step-by-step so you can connect foundational skills into beautiful, continuous movement.
Prerequisites & Suitability: Great for students with some lyra experience who have a foundational set of tricks and are ready to start putting things together into complete sequences.
The Art of Heels: Performance Series
Tuesdays, November 10th – December 15th
5:45-6:45pm In Studio Only
SERIES
Dancers will learn and develop one full heels choreography, focusing on musicality, precision, fluid transitions, and confident stage presence. Each class will build on the last, allowing you to fully embody the movement while strengthening your balance, control, and performance quality in heels.
The goal is not only to learn choreography, but to explore the artistry, expression, and power that comes with dancing in heels.
Belly Dance Choreography
Tuesdays, November 10th – December 15th
7:00-8:00pm In Studio Only
SERIES
We welcome all students with belly dance experience either from completing Belly Dance 101 at CED, or from training elsewhere, to learn a group belly dance choreography number!
We’ve worked on a short number to “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” during our Belly Dance Drills class in years past, and now we’re turning it into this year’s Winter Soirée choreography!
Since this is a choreography class that builds to a full song routine, please make sure you start attending no later than the second week of class to give you plenty of time to learn the dance.
Floorwork Choreography
Sundays, November 15th – December 13th
1:15-2:15pm In Studio Only
SERIES
Join us for a 5-week Floorwork Choreography Series held every Sunday, designed for dancers looking to build confidence, artistry, and fluid movement through floor-based choreography. Throughout the series, participants will learn a complete routine that explores musicality, transitions, performance quality, and floorwork technique in a supportive and empowering environment.
The choreography learned in this series will be performed at this year’s Winter Soirée, giving participants the opportunity to showcase their hard work and celebrate the season on stage.
Whether you’re looking to expand your movement vocabulary or take part in a memorable performance experience, this series is for you. Come ready to move, create, and perform!
Lyra Flow Lab
Mondays, November 23rd – December 14th
7:00-8:00pm In Studio Only
SERIES
Lyra Flow Lab is a 4-week lyra series where we build a flow sequence/ choreo, (depending on how you want to use it ) together, session by session.
No performance experience needed
This is open to anyone who wants to explore flow and be part of building something as a group. If you’d like to take what we create and perform it at the Winter Soirée, it’s encouraged!
However there’s no obligation. Come for the community, the movement, or both.
Training for the Dark Side
Wednesday, December 9th
6:00-7:00pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
“You do not yet realize your importance. You’ve only begun to discover your power! Join me, and I will complete your training! With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict, and bring order to the galaxy.”
Ok, maybe not that dramatic, but Lisa can certainly help you get that move you just can’t get on your “Dark Side.”
This class will involve examining common pole progressions and identifying where you are on each side so that you tailor your training to the level each side is actually at.
Lap Dance & Striptease
Saturday, December 12th
1:15-2:45pm In Studio Only
SPECIALTY
Build a private routine to wow your significant other. Dance techniques, setting up the space, striptease tips, and up close and personal moves. The perfect class if you want something to take home for you and your partner.
Even though we have a set routine using those articles of clothing, feel free to wear anything you want to learn to strip out of. For instance if you have a certain outfit you want to learn to strip out of for your next date night, then you should certainly bring it!!!