| Tue | 12:00 pm -11:00 pm |
| Wed | 12:00 pm -11:00 pm |
| Thu | 12:00 pm -11:00 pm |
| Fri | 12:00 pm -11:00 pm |
| Sat | 12:00 pm -11:00 pm |
| Sun | 12:00 pm -11:00 pm |
Kiska is exactly what they market themselves as - a super cool, trendy, kickass Russian exotic studio. They have an awesome pole dance boutique stocked with up-to-date styles that they revamp often. Lots of options for shoes/sizes and they often have items on clearance which I like to stop in and check out.
I hate to bring it up.. but hopefully this will help people that, like me, may have been on the fence about attending Kiska as a stripper:
Despite some whispers I've heard in the past about strippers not feeling welcomed here, I'm so happy to say that I've been met with nothing but kindness and they've provided super high quality training.
Moving on... this is NOT the least expensive studio. Keep in mind that classes are based on credits purchased and the money can add up very quickly. The credits are kind of "use it or lose it" as they eventually expire which is disappointing. They offer a lot of open pole time which is reasonably priced, and I think that the advanced level classes are also a reasonable value for the long class time and advanced-but-very-usable tricks. I am constantly challenged and encouraged here.
I appreciate that Kiska has both chrome and another type (stainless??) poles to use based on preference. The white floors/walls/couch/literally EVERYTHING is very aesthetically pleasing.
I so appreciate Lauren and Christa who have both been lovely to me.
xo
I started at Kiska when they were on the East Side, and kept up when they moved to the Pearl District. I fell behind when I was graduating college but fully intend to start going back. The instructors work very hard to make students feel capable of improvement, and don't teach through embarrassment, as I've seen in some dance disciplines (I've studied ballet, belly dance and yoga before pole dance). Russian Exotic compliments these styles, and through pole dance I've improved flexibility and bodily awareness.
This place is incredible! Welcoming body positive truly loving people. There is a ton of heart here and if you are interested in learning about dancing Or advancing your skills this is the place to do it!
If you want to learn all there is to Russian Exotic in a judgment free space then go to KISKA. The owners Lauren & Christa have created a beautiful space that you can feel empowered, supported, strong, and welcome. I highly recommend Kiska to anyone and everyone considering pole dancing.
Disgusting uninspiring space. They make a big deal about having a stark white studio, but it just looks grimy and gross. And this studio has only been in the current location for less than a year. It also smells gross. They don't seem to care at all about even trying to clean the floors. The photos are of my feet after stretch class . I wanted to go out with friends after class, but I couldn't bare it as I was so disgusting. The other photos are of the studio just before stretch class (filthy floor) and the group photo is a perfect example of how filthy you will get during class. Don't ever wear nice outfits or shoes to this place! They will get destroyed! I also don't appreciate the narrow minded view on pole dancing. There is so much more to pole than Russian low flow. Another questionable thing that they keep doing is using the term exotic. It is offensive and racist! The fact that they're holding on to it speaks volumes!! If they cared about being inclusive they would stop! Yet another conversation I heard thrown around during pole practice. The owner thinks it's ridiculous that anyone would be offended by this word. Honestly, I don't think a bunch of privileged white women have the right to determine if this is offensive. I would have hoped that they would have ran away from this term the moment conversations started happening in the community over a year ago. It requires zero effort for you to stop! I am never going back!
Edit: There have not been any changes to the cleaning. I have friends that took a few classes there this summer, and it still continues to be disgusting. It does not smell like cherry almond. It smells like disgusting filthy feet. This shouldn't be shocking as the floor doesn't get cleaned and has had a ton of filthy feet on it. The "spring" floor is also a joke. My joints did not notice any difference. They make it sound as if they have gymnastics flooring. They DO NOT! If you spend enough time rolling and slamming on your knees, they are still going to get major wear and tear. I am not surprised that you didn't address the fact that exotic is a racist term. Choosing to ignore it again speaks volumes to the type of business you want to create.
Disgusting uninspiring space. They make a big deal about having a stark white studio, but it just looks grimy and gross. And this studio has only been in the current location for less than a year. It also smells gross. They don't seem to care at all about even trying to clean the floors. The photos are of my feet after stretch class . I wanted to go out with friends after class, but I couldn't bare it as I was so disgusting. The other photos are of the studio just before stretch class (filthy floor) and the group photo is a perfect example of how filthy you will get during class. Don't ever wear nice outfits or shoes to this place! They will get destroyed! I also don't appreciate the narrow minded view on pole dancing. There is so much more to pole than Russian low flow. Another questionable thing that they keep doing is using the term exotic. It is offensive and racist! The fact that they're holding on to it speaks volumes!! If they cared about being inclusive they would stop! Yet another conversation I heard thrown around during pole practice. The owner thinks it's ridiculous that anyone would be offended by this word. Honestly, I don't think a bunch of privileged white women have the right to determine if this is offensive. I would have hoped that they would have ran away from this term the moment conversations started happening in the community over a year ago. It requires zero effort for you to stop! I am never going back!
Edit: There have not been any changes to the cleaning. I have friends that took a few classes there this summer, and it still continues to be disgusting. It does not smell like cherry almond. It smells like disgusting filthy feet. This shouldn't be shocking as the floor doesn't get cleaned and has had a ton of filthy feet on it. The "spring" floor is also a joke. My joints did not notice any difference. They make it sound as if they have gymnastics flooring. They DO NOT! If you spend enough time rolling and slamming on your knees, they are still going to get major wear and tear. I am not surprised that you didn't address the fact that exotic is a racist term. Choosing to ignore it again speaks volumes to the type of business you want to create.
I started coming to Kiska in February and started working at the studio about three months ago. As a plus sized, woman of color I felt apprehensive about coming here and being judged, but everyone at the studio was wonderful at helping me feel more confident in my own skin. Both of the owners are incredible and I hope they know what a supportive, healing and beautiful environment they've created. This place has changed my life and I can't recommend coming here enough!
I started coming to Kiska in February and started working at the studio about three months ago. As a plus sized, woman of color I felt apprehensive about coming here and being judged, but everyone at the studio was wonderful at helping me feel more confident in my own skin. Both of the owners are incredible and I hope they know what a supportive, healing and beautiful environment they've created. This place has changed my life and I can't recommend coming here enough!
Disgusting uninspiring space. They make a big deal about having a stark white studio, but it just looks grimy and gross. And this studio has only been in the current location for less than a year. It also smells gross. They don't seem to care at all about even trying to clean the floors. The photos are of my feet after stretch class . I wanted to go out with friends after class, but I couldn't bare it as I was so disgusting. The other photos are of the studio just before stretch class (filthy floor) and the group photo is a perfect example of how filthy you will get during class. Don't ever wear nice outfits or shoes to this place! They will get destroyed! I also don't appreciate the narrow minded view on pole dancing. There is so much more to pole than Russian low flow. Another questionable thing that they keep doing is using the term exotic. It is offensive and racist! The fact that they're holding on to it speaks volumes!! If they cared about being inclusive they would stop! Yet another conversation I heard thrown around during pole practice. The owner thinks it's ridiculous that anyone would be offended by this word. Honestly, I don't think a bunch of privileged white women have the right to determine if this is offensive. I would have hoped that they would have ran away from this term the moment conversations started happening in the community over a year ago. It requires zero effort for you to stop! I am never going back!
I came to Kiska specifically to train Russian Exotic and absolutely loved my experience with all the instructors and students! I would highly suggest the studio to anyone wanting to get into exotic pole in a fun, welcoming environment.
I came to Kiska specifically to train Russian Exotic and absolutely loved my experience with all the instructors and students! I would highly suggest the studio to anyone wanting to get into exotic pole in a fun, welcoming environment.
I love coming here. I was so nervous and everyone was so friendly and made my experience top notch. I will always come back. Thank you
I love coming here. I was so nervous and everyone was so friendly and made my experience top notch. I will always come back. Thank you
My girlfriend has been going here for about a week. she convinced me to go in and take a class with her. I was very nervous about the fact that I was a guy, I assumed I was going to thought of as creepy. I am also not comfortable not wearing a lot of cloths. When i showed up everyone was nice and had a smile on there face. Everyone was smiling the whole time and was very supportive. I think if you are looking for something fun and new, with a supportive community behind it you have found the right spot. THANKS to all the people who made me feel welcomed!
My girlfriend has been going here for about a week. she convinced me to go in and take a class with her. I was very nervous about the fact that I was a guy, I assumed I was going to thought of as creepy. I am also not comfortable not wearing a lot of cloths. When i showed up everyone was nice and had a smile on there face. Everyone was smiling the whole time and was very supportive. I think if you are looking for something fun and new, with a supportive community behind it you have found the right spot. THANKS to all the people who made me feel welcomed!
