October is always a vibrant month at Positive Spin, and this year holds extra significance. We’re not just celebrating the arrival of fall, but also a double birthday! It was in October 2016 that we hosted our very first class, and just a year ago, we joyfully unlocked the doors to our studio at 124 N 103rd st. So, join us as we reflect on our journey and give a Happy Dancing Birthday shout-out to Positive Spin!
My name is Alyssa, and as the founder and owner of Positive Spin, I’ve been thrilled to see our community grow. For anyone who’s reached out or visited, you’ve likely connected with me! This post is a heartfelt look back at the challenges and triumphs that have shaped Positive Spin into the welcoming and energetic space it is today.
Alyssa, owner of Positive Spin Pole Dancing studio, smiling warmly in her studio.
Positive Spin: By the Numbers
Before we dive into our story, let’s celebrate some milestones that make us especially proud as we mark our happy dancing birthday:
- October 21st, 2016: The date that marks the beginning of Positive Spin classes – our very first happy dancing birthday!
- 800+ Individual Students: We’ve had the pleasure of introducing over 800 individuals to the joy of movement and dance.
- 2,000+ Classes Taught by Alyssa: In the past 3 years, I’ve personally led over 2,000 classes! That’s a lot of happy dancing!
- Seattle’s Premier Teen Pole Program: We are proud to host the only dedicated teen pole program in the Seattle area, fostering a love for dance in all ages.
- A Diverse and Talented Team: Our teaching staff has expanded to 6 incredible instructors, bringing a wealth of expertise and passion.
- 83% Queer Staff: We are committed to inclusivity and celebrate the diversity within our team and community.
- 35 Unlimited Members: We have a strong base of dedicated unlimited members, alongside many drop-in students who are equally valued members of our community.
- 25+ Weekly Classes: Our schedule is packed with over 25 classes per week, catering to various styles and skill levels.
- Private Lessons & Celebrations: Beyond regular classes, we offer personalized private lessons and unforgettable party experiences, perfect for a happy dancing birthday celebration or any special occasion.
From Bedroom Dreams to Studio Reality: The Early Spins
Positive Spin’s journey actually began three years prior to opening our studio, evolving through different stages. It started unexpectedly when I was laid off from my non-profit job. When a friend asked about my next steps, I jokingly wished I could just teach pole dancing from my bedroom. To my surprise, he encouraged me to do just that! Within two weeks, I had a business license and a start date. This initial venture meant sacrificing my bed and embracing floor-sleeping for two years, a small price for pursuing my passion.
So, at 22, armed with an 8ft pole, a musical theatre degree, and an LLC, I started teaching in a shared house. Business ownership was uncharted territory, and honestly, I didn’t have grand expectations. My motivation stemmed from a genuine love for teaching pole – something I had enjoyed doing even as a college RA and for friends in Seattle. I envisioned it as a fun side hustle while seeking more stable employment.
Those first three months in my bedroom studio were humble beginnings. While many students came and went, a core group discovered the magic of pole dancing – the unique blend of community and personal challenge. (Huge shoutout to Megan and Lian, who attended our opening weekend workshops and are still active, cherished students today!).
Building Community, Expanding Horizons: The Middle Spins
Our student base organically attracted queer, open-minded, and progressive individuals. They arrived with a shared enthusiasm for building a supportive and uplifting community. Positive Spin naturally evolved into a space where people could not only become skilled dancers but also grow as individuals. While I facilitated the classes, it was truly the students who shaped the heart and soul of Positive Spin.
Witnessing the emergence of this close-knit community, I realized the immense potential of what we were creating. However, we had clearly outgrown my bedroom studio. The next step was moving to the basement of a community house. In those early days in the basement, student numbers were small. (Special shoutout to Will, who consistently attended Monday classes for years, often being the only student!).
Over the two years in the basement, our small group steadily grew to around 40 students, necessitating the need for additional instructors. (Another shoutout to my 221 roommates for their incredible support during this unexpected growth phase!). To sustain this expansion, I juggled up to seven part-time jobs simultaneously – a demanding period I certainly don’t miss!
October 2017 marked a significant milestone: the launch of our membership program and an expanded class schedule. (Gratitude to Kat for being our very first unlimited member, signing up within minutes of the launch!). Simultaneously, the search for a permanent studio space began.
The Studio Search: Twists and Turns
Seattle’s real estate market is notoriously competitive, a fact well-known to anyone in the city. However, I was unprepared for the stigma we would encounter due to pole dancing’s association with sex work. Many landlords dismissed our proposals outright, deeming our activities “scandalous.” Even when we secured a meeting, being a 24-year-old woman without substantial funds or wealthy cosigners presented additional hurdles.
Rejection after rejection became the norm throughout that year. My house lease was nearing its end, and the future of Positive Spin felt uncertain. By this point, Positive Spin was far more than just my personal venture; it had become a sanctuary for countless students and instructors. That year was emotionally draining, to say the least. (Endless thanks to Tai, our patient real estate agent, who endured my frantic 2 am emails throughout the entire year!).
Just when we thought we had secured a location, something would invariably go wrong – landlords would disappear, buildings would fail inspections, and so on.
Then, finally, two months before my lease expired, we received the life-changing “yes” for 124 N 103rd st. I excitedly unlocked those doors on October 1st or 2nd, marking the beginning of a new chapter and another happy dancing birthday for Positive Spin in a new home!
1, 2, 4 Action! Building Our Dream Studio
Overwhelmed with excitement, I quickly set up a temporary space to hold classes in our new studio that very night! It was mostly empty, but it was officially ours.
Just three days later, Positive Spin achieved another incredible milestone, winning both “Best Woman-Owned Business” and “Best New Business in the PNW” at the Impact Pitch competition – a regional Shark Tank-style event. These awards came with the crucial $12,000 in funding needed to fully build out our dream studio.
Smiling group of pole dancers in a brightly lit studio, showcasing a diverse and inclusive community.
Owning a small business is never without its challenges. Since moving to 124 N 103rd st, we’ve navigated:
- A contractor who absconded with our upfront payment.
- A burst pipe that left me soaked just before teaching a class.
- A cyber theft incident resulting in a significant financial loss.
- A severe snowstorm that unexpectedly shut down all business for nearly two weeks.
Yet, despite these hurdles, we have also achieved incredible things:
- Successfully completed the studio build-out (Eternal gratitude to Gene!).
- Hosted our first two exhilarating studio showcases.
- Organized workshops with nationally acclaimed pole stars.
- Partnered with numerous local organizations, including SWOP, NW Network, Gay City, and Project HEAL, to contribute to vital community work.
- Celebrated Pride with a month-long extravaganza of workshops, performances, and complimentary food!
- Expanded our teaching team to include six of the most dedicated and inspiring pole instructors imaginable.
Most importantly, together, we’ve cultivated a space that goes beyond mere acceptance, genuinely celebrating the unique essence of each individual.
And here I am today, at 26, standing in a beautiful studio, surrounded by the most enthusiastic and supportive community I could ever wish for. (And yes, happily, I no longer sleep on the floor!). I can’t imagine doing anything else, with anyone else.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who has contributed to Positive Spin’s journey. It wouldn’t be the magical space it is without you. Here’s to many more years of happy dancing birthdays and community growth! We can’t wait to see what the next year brings!
