Captivate Performance Program
What is Captivate?
The Captivate Performance Program offers pole training and performance opportunities for artists of all levels. Under professional guidance, students develop their performance skills while enjoying unlimited access to technique classes, workshops, and practice sessions. This comprehensive training culminates in professionally produced showcases held throughout the year.
Perform in Victoria, BC
Unleash your artistry with performances that suit your personal style through opportunities produced by the Lucent Productions team, community partners, or prep for your own performance goals. Whether you’d like to join a group or pursue a solo piece, we offer a variety of opportunities and venues to participants of the program.
Create your own Artistry
The Captivate Program empowers your artistic journey, whether you’re preparing for go-go dancing or developing a stage concept. Our specialty classes and group choreography sessions blend pole dance with various styles including contemporary, burlesque, and commercial dance. Our heels-focused classes explore authentic erotic techniques from club and sex work culture, taught by experienced sex workers and allies.
Specialty Performance Workshops
All Captivate Participants have the option to attend performance-focused workshops. These workshops cover topics such as musicality, choreography, stage presence, and dance styles specific to solo or group pieces. Additionally, all PoleCoven-produced or co-produced performances include Directors Workshops led by the production team.
Why Join Captivate?
- You’re an new to pole performance or new to performance and ready to enter your performance era
- You’re an emerging pole performer interested in regular pole training and finding performance opportunities that fit your schedule.
- You’re interested in performances the PoleCoven Captivate students participate in throughout the year.
Captivate Program Dates
- Annual Annual Membership
- September 2025 – August 2026
- Upcoming Seasonal Sessions
- Winter 2025 (September – November 2025)
- Shows:
- Pole and Pastries (produced by Lucent Productions)
- Dance with the Devil (produced by Pandora Box)
- Shows:
- Winter 2026 (December 14, 2025 – February 22, 2026)
- Shows:
- Pole and Pastries (produced by Lucent Productions)
- Absinthe (produced by Luminesque Dance)
- Shows:
- Winter 2025 (September – November 2025)
Programs & Pricing
Captivate Program – Annual
The Captivate Annual Program is a comprehensive year-long training and performance opportunity where students develop their pole and performance skills with professional guidance. The annual program gives you access to all shows throughout the 2025-2026 season (September 2025 – August 2026).
For a full 12 months, participants receive unlimited access to technique classes, in-house specialty workshops, performance workshops, and practice sessions while having the flexibility to participate in performance opportunities throughout the year.
Opportunities to participate in professionally produced events such as
- Reoccurring student showcases at Artemis Whiskey Bar or other community venues
- Spring show at the Dance Victoria facility.
- Guest performance opportunities with community partners such as Glow Studios/Luminesque Dance, Pandora Box Productions, and more!
This annual membership gives you priority spots in all showcase and performance opportunities, allowing you to choose which shows align with your personal goals and schedule. Simply sign up by the designated deadlines for each performance to secure your spot.
This annual program is ideal for:
- Students committed to their artistic journey as well as their pole, dance and performance technique and skills.
- Students dedicated to consistently improving their technical pole, dance, and performance skills over an extended period
- Students looking for an immersive training experience with the freedom to participate in performances offerings if they fit their capacity.
- Students interested in additional small and large group pieces in pole, floorwork, burlesque and more
- Performers seeking the flexibility to choose from various showcase opportunities based on their availability and creative interests
Small Venue Showcase (Audience of 50-80)
Autumn Series 2025 – Sept 2-Oct 31st
Winter Series 2025 – Sept 21-Nov 30th
Winter Series 2026 – Dec 14- Feb 28th
Large Venue Show (Audience between 100-200)
Dates are TBC. Estimated 2026 plan:
- Dance Victoria Show
- Luminesque Dance/Glow Studios produced shows
- More details to come!
Although this is a performance program, we understand and encourage you to have a life outside of it. Having a job, family, relationships, hobbies, and health needs that take up time isn’t just normal and expected—it’s encouraged. This program is meant to provide you with an artistic space where you can grow at your own pace.
You can fully embrace your performance era and immerse yourself in training and performance demands throughout the year. Alternatively, you can comfortably train and improve your strength, endurance, and skills year-round, choosing performance opportunities during times that fit your schedule. You might also set one major performance goal for yourself and spend most of the year working toward it, or find a balance between these approaches. Perhaps you don’t yet feel ready to perform or currently lack the capacity, but still want to train—that’s perfectly fine! We simply ask that you commit to your personal growth, whatever form that takes for you.
Pricing Information:
Payment Plan: $220/month for 12 months with one month deposit required at signup.
Includes:
- Unlimited Classes and In-house Specialty Classes at PoleCoven
- Performance Workshops
- Unlimited Open Practices
- Discount to In-house Speciality Workshops & Speciality Guest Choreography Series
- Note: If accepted into a performance series, each show requires a $50 performance administration fee
Does not include:
- Special programs run by other businesses at Studio 4 Dance (such as Rebellious Movement Specialty Workshops or Luminesque Progress Program)
- Classes, workshops, or series independently operated by Special Guests at Studio 4 Dance
- Guest Workshops outside of the Captivate Program (typically featuring out-of-town guests)
Application Process after October 1st:
Programs & Pricing
Captivate Program – Seasonal
The Captivate Performance Series is an intensive short-term training program where students develop performance skills with professional guidance. Over 2 months, participants receive unlimited access to technique classes, in-house specialty workshops, and practice sessions while preparing for a showcase. The Captivate Program runs all year, and members of the annual program have priority spots in each showcase/performance opportunity but if spots are available in an upcoming show this option will be available.
This short term option is for:
- Students who are looking for an intensive style format to work on a performance piece.
- Students who are committed to an artistic process and willing to put in the time commitment to conceptualize a piece, dive into their character’s intention, and polish their technical pole, dance and performance skills.
- Student available for the show date, tech run, and weekly performance workshops. Please see dates below.
- This application-based program combines technical training with performance development, culminating in a professionally produced showcase experience either at Artemis Whiskey Bar or other venues in the community.
Autumn Series 2025 – Sept 2-Oct 31st
Winter Series 2025 – Sept 21-Nov 30th
Winter Series 2026 – Dec 14- Feb 28th
Pricing Information:
- No deposit required.
- 2-month commitment.
- No refunds after one week after purchase/start date.
- Two instalments of $300
- Total: $600 + $50 per show produced or co-produced by PoleCoven
Includes:
- Unlimited Classes and In-house Specialty Classes at PoleCoven
- Performance Workshops
- Unlimited Open Practices
- If purchasing as part of a performance series, please note that each show has a $50 performance administration fee upon acceptance into series/show.
Does not include:
- Special programs run by other businesses operating out of Studio 4 Dance (e.g., Rebellious Movement Specialty Workshops or Luminesque Progress Program).
- Classes, workshops, or series independently operated by Special Guests at Studio 4 Dance
- Guest Workshops outside of Captivate Program (typically featuring out-of-town guests)
- Costumes, shoes, hair and make-up is the financial responsibility of each participant. However, we do encourage accessible options
Training & Performance Requirements
The below requirements apply for all students participating in PoleCoven’s Captivate program. They are designed to ensure all performers maintain a consistent training schedule, develop safe technique, and contribute to the professionally produced productions. These standards help maintain the artistic integrity of our shows while supporting your growth as a performer.
Whether you’re new to performance or a seasoned artist, these guidelines will help structure your training journey and prepare you for successful performances. Please review all sections carefully and reach out to us with questions.
Minimum once a week attendance in pole technique classes.
- Performance students are required to attend weekly technique classes that they can fit into their schedule to support their performance goals
- Students signed up/accepted to perform in an upcoming show must follow the performance training schedule and agreement which commences 6-8 weeks leading to a show
- Performing students will self-report their training schedules & ensure they are meeting requirements
- Performing students will demonstrate the combos & skills they wish to perform 4-6 weeks out of each show
- A PoleCoven instructor will approve skills and make training recommendations leading up to each show
- Fundamental classes recommended to build strong foundations
- Recommended cross-train through other forms/classes of movement to support your strength development
Minimum once a week of open training (Gather) leading up to performance
- The best pole strength development is simply to practice on the pole
- Use this time to find your personal movement style & artistry
- Refine pole combinations within your current personal strength, mobility, flexibility, endurance and interest
- Train skills on the alternating side to balance body
If intending on performing in any type of heel or special footwear:
Requirements:
- Novice: If you are new to heels training, please discuss your goals with us so we can build a plan to support your training
- Artistry: Regardless of how long you’ve worn heels, you’ll only be permitted to perform in them if you can demonstrate safe movement both on and off stage
Recommended:
Novice:
- Weekly classes or open training focused on the foundational movements
- Noticing how the shoes change your movements, and exploring this new craft with patience
Artistry:
- Heels performers still require regular training to build endurance for maintaining safe technique throughout an entire piece
- Incorporating heels drills and heels fundamentals into your open training sessions
- Combining your pole fundamental skills with heels technique
- Consistent Training
- Open Communication
- Respect for Performance Process & Deadlines
- Follow Performer Guidelines
- Active Participation
- Attendance in required Tech, Directors, Dress, and Rehearsal Runs (indicated on a show by show basis)
- Attendance in performance classes or workshops
- Supplement with styles of dance and performance related to your performance goals
- Ex: If doing burlesque, find classes to support your goals
- Apply what you learn in other classes or from your lived experience into your pole journey
Student performers must follow pre-show attendance requirements or work with the program lead to come up with a solution.
Please note that unwillingness to improve your overall performance artistry and grow your performance toolbox will impact the value of the program to your journey & may prohibit you from participating in productions or events run by Lucent Productions (PoleCoven)Personal commitment to performance growth
Class Attendance
- See above
Weekly Captivate Commitment (per season)
- Novice (new students) will meet on Sundays from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Artistry (returning students) will meet on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Performance Workshops:
- Attendance to performance workshops within the season you are committed to performing is mandatory
- Workshops include topics such as character development, flow techniques, & audience engagement
Pole Skill and Combo Review Sessions
- Attendance to performance workshops within the season you are committed to performing is mandatory
- PoleCoven instructors will review the progress of chosen pole skills, combinations and transitions in the footwear you intend to wear
- This includes:
- complex low flow and transitions at base of pole.
- floorwork skills beyond a crawl.
- heels technique (if wearing)
- venue specific demonstrations (stage pole use, stairs in footwear, etc)
Directors Workshops or Sessions
- Attendance to production specific workshops or sessions for the show you are committed to performing is mandatory
- This may only relate to a co-produced shows or a show we are invited guests
- If not scheduled in a timely fashion, this requirement can be waived for work or family commitments
Tech Run
- Attendance to a tech run for a show you are a soloist performer is optional
- Attendance to a tech run for a show you are a in a piece with more than one performer is mandatory
Development of new skills or learning new skills for performance
Students interested in learning technical skills and combinations not taught in drop-in class curriculum are encouraged to discuss their goals with the program lead and instructors.
- The Captivate Instructor team will guide you through how to safely achieve your goals
- Suggestions likely will include: recommended classes, cross-training, and possibly a 1-1 time with an instructor to coach you through transitions, combinations, or a skill itself
Specialty classes taught by the instructor team & guest workshops will also be available to inspire new ideas. This includes technique in pole, floorwork, heels, and dance. We acknowledge that we cannot fit everything on our studio schedule, but we hope to help you find a way to build the skills needed.
Choreography and Style of Performance
- Student Showcases will have a broad theme, but any style is welcomed
- Students will receive support in building their pieces using resources built by the instructor team
- Special stylized choreography/combos including any form of commercial, traditional, or cultural dance may require additional support if outside the skillset of the current instructor team
- We ask all students to avoid cultural appropriation and to make thoughtful choices when choosing music, building a piece, deciding on costume, and embodying a character
- We will ask about your previous experience/training in your chosen style or performance genre & collaborate on how you can incorporate pole into it
- If a performance style or genre is completely new to you and we do not have the staff expertise to support a successful process, we will request you take the time to respectfully explore that performance art form prior to committing to a piece
- Even if you are confident in a particular style or genre of performance, there will still be opportunities for growth
Info here
Frequently Asked Questions
Solo Performance FAQs
No, all students performing in official performance opportunities must be enrolled in Captivate.
Yes! Check out the information about group pieces here.
No, all pieces are collaborative efforts with the production and instructor team.
Yes, but the producer will determine the number of solos/vignettes within one show.
Yes, but we’ll create a plan for you to safely prepare and train, which you’ll need to follow. You’ll need adequate time to train and workshop each piece before it goes on stage. If this aligns with your other commitments, we’re happy to support your goal.
Absolutely! We just ask that you credit the team who supported the creation appropriately.
The timeline for solo creation will be determined at the start of the program based on performance opportunity interest. All solos will begin with a concept creation workshop soon after the program starts, and we’ll develop a plan for each solo participant.
Not at all! If live audiences aren’t your thing, we’d love to support you in creating a video project that showcases your artistry and concept instead.
Group Performance FAQs
No, all students performing in official performance opportunities must be enrolled in Captivate.
Yes! You can participate in a group piece instead.
Yes, but it’s at the discretion of the producer.
General FAQs
The following are not included in the payment plans:
Special Guest Workshops
- We may occasionally offer discounts or exclusive workshops for Captivate Students, but this isn’t guaranteed and depends on the special guest. These workshops are typically more expensive to cover travel expenses.
Costumes & Makeup
- We recommend a high-quality black pole outfit. Most costumes will have a standard all-black base. We’ll discuss costumes for group pieces and try to share internally to minimize costs for participants.
- We suggest a simple base makeup look to ensure stage lights don’t wash out your facial features. Different stages and lighting may call for bolder eye or lip makeup. We may provide additional supplies if needed for the overall vision.
- If wearing heels, we recommend a sturdy pair of platform heels that fit well and make you feel confident. While we prefer black to create a uniform look in group pieces, we don’t require a specific color. A neutral shoe is a good alternative if you don’t own black. We won’t prevent anyone from performing due to shoe color, and we may offer black shoes to borrow if available and safe for the dancer.
Travel Expenses or Accommodations
- However, we are happy to help facilitate as much carpooling and sharing of hotel rooms if that is of interest to participants.
- While the opportunity has not presented itself to date, we do hope to be able to provide the opportunity for some Captivate participants to travel and perform if the opportunities arise.
- This is strictly optional, and we cannot provide coverage of travel expenses or accommodations at this time.