Who can join?

Defy Gravity welcomes movers of all gender identities, sizes, and adult ages to enjoy our classes.

Click here for information on young adult lessons and participation in select drop-in classes. Young adult students must schedule a meeting with the studio manager and their parent / guardian before signing up for any classes.

Email contactus@defygravitycu.com with questions.

Do I need dance experience?

No dance experience is required. We teach everyone from the beginner to the expert.

What should I wear to pole class?

• Fitted short-sleeved shirt or tank top

• Athletic shorts that end above the knee

• No jewelry

• No hand or body lotion; it will cause you to slip off the pole

As you advance, more skin is exposed for grip. We teach without shoes and socks, excepting Embrace Your Sexy. Students are welcome to wear platform dance heels (such as Pleasers) to any pole class. Body piercings should be taken out or taped.

What should I wear to aerial class?

• Wear leggings or tights

• Snug fitting short-sleeved shirt or a looser-fitting top that can be tucked in

• No jewelry

Be sure to dress in a way that protects your knees, armpits, and waist. No clothing with zippers, hooks or anything that may catch and tear the fabric or your skin. Body piercings should be taken out or taped.

How do I know which pole class to take?

Students with zero pole experience are required to take 8 Pole Fundamentals classes. All students need instructor approval before progressing to leveled classes.

If you have prior pole experience, please email contactus@defygravitycu.com to set up an assessment to be placed within our level structure.

Read about our pole classes here.

How do I know which aerial class to take?

Students with zero aerial experience are required to take a minimum of 3 Aerial Fundamentals classes. All students need instructor approval before progressing to leveled classes.

If you have prior aerial experience on any of our apparatuses, please email contactus@defygravitycu.com to set up an assessment to be placed within our level structure.

Read about our aerial classes here.

What should I bring to class?

For all classes: bring yourself, a water bottle, and an open mind. If you are taking a longer class or back-to-back classes, you may want to bring a small snack. Warmup clothes like leg warmers, long socks, leggings, or a sweatshirt are great for winter months.

Can I take pictures or video in class?

Only when the instructor gives you permission to do so. DO NOT post video or photo content to social media if others appear in your video background without their consent.

Where are classes held?

Classes are held near UIUC campus. We are located at the north end of Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana.

Enter the mall and head towards the food court. We are on the right side of the Aikido gym, just down from Baldoratta's.

Our address is 158 Lincoln Square, Urbana 61801.

Do I need to submit proof of COVID vaccination?

As of December 11, 2023 we no longer require proof of vaccination. We offer periodic discount codes to all who choose to submit proof of recent vax or booster. Click here to see our list of current COVID precautions.

Where can I park?

Our studio is inside the Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana, which provides 2-hour free parking. You may also park for free inside the parking garage on Main Street after 6 p.m.

Is there a weight limit for your pole and aerial equipment?

No.

Are you all strippers?

Defy Gravity exists because workers in the sex industry passed their pole knowledge and expertise to the general public. Any derogatory language about sex workers, strippers, and/or sex work erasure is grounds for disciplinary action up to expulsion. We facilitate a sex-positive, no-judgement environment.