FORGING SOFTNESS & STRENGTH
POLE DANCE CLASSES IN CHICAGO
STEP INSIDE THE SANCTUM
Our Story & Philosophy
Soft Steel Sanctum is a sanctuary for the sensual. A haven motivated by softness and strength, safety and support, authenticity and celebration. Created with the idea that everyone deserves a space to be supported and thrive.
Yes, we are a pole dance studio, but we are so much more. Our mission is to build community. To allow people into this space with nothing but openness, embracing one another. No competition, no social hierarchy, but the celebration of every person and their own individual journey.
Mission
Statement
1 / Honor the body
as a vessel of strength, sensuality, and self-knowledge — not a project to fix.
2 / Make space for every body
every shape, size, ability, gender, background, and experience level. Queer, trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive folks are not just welcome here; you are central to who we are.
3 / Treat sensual expression as a practice
not a performance for anyone else's eyes unless that is a conscious choice
4/ Hold a community
where support is the default and judgment is not tolerated.
5/ Respect pole as a serious discipline
strong, artistic, and worthy of real study
6/ Center consent, safety, and bodily autonomy
in every class, cue, and interaction.
7 / Welcome you at every stage
from first your first touch of steel to advanced flow, every milestone big and small is celebrated.
8/ Build the kind of room you don't have to shrink yourself to enter
and don't have to perform to belong in.
What we expect from Everyone In The Sanctum
A word from the owner—
What makes Soft Steel Sanctum different than the typical pole dance studio is not just our approach to pole dancing but how we run our space.
As a BFA graduate, I am accustomed to having an artist's studio. As my career has shifted, how I treat this space is much like my art studio. My medium? pole dancing. I welcome my clients and students into my creative space. I exclusively teach here with no one else.
I have been pole dancing on and off since 2011. For a total of about 9 years and teaching for a total of approximately 8 years. I grew up Irish dancing and competed at a championship level for 9 years. Those years attributing to my technique and work ethic. I've had the opportunity of teaching all over the country and virtually all over the world.
Before you ask, yes, we are stripper owned and operated, so we assure you this is your space as much as anyone else's. We encourage folks of all races, ages, backgrounds, disabilities, genders to step into our refuge. To come as you are and be as you are.
There is 0 tolerance here for disrespect. Our morals are practiced and enforced. Our sanctuary is for the outsiders, misfits and unconventional. We deserve a space where we are protected. YOU deserve a space where you are protected.
Pole Dance is a catalyst. A catalyst for exploration of self amongst others. To explore our body's in the sensual realm through movement. To let this part of us thrive is an act of rebellion.