Grading provides tangible feedback for the student on their progress and gives them something they can show off to their friends!  It shows that they are learning a recognised sport at a reputable school, which should help to dispel some of the misconceptions their friends and family may hold.

Students are graded according to criteria that have been decided democratically by all PDC Approved Schools. All PDC Approved Schools may grade students according to the agreed criteria. Grading test sheets and notes are provided to the schools to facilitate this. They can obtained from your NPD instructor by request.

Students are provided with an official AAP book (their pole dancing passport) in which their grading is recorded.  On request, the PDC can also provide a certificate acknowledging the student’s success.

Grading (instructors)
For students wishing to grade as an instructor, or for existing instructors looking to enhance their recognition within the industry, the PDC has introduced three levels of instructor excellence.
The requirements for each of the three grades have been decided democratically by all PDC Approved Schools

Instructor Level 1. By complying with Approved School criteria, all PDC Approved School instructors are automatically awarded Instructor Level 1 status.  All level 1 instructors have; provided the PDC with copies of their insurance and first aid certificates, confirmed that they are using safe poles, agreed to teach no more than three students to a pole and have promised to keep their charges reasonable.  This, along with a PDC requirement for instructors to have three years experience means that over 60% of schools who have applied for PDC Approval have been turned down.
A PDC Level 1 instructor represents the highest level of professionalism and teaching quality within the pole fitness industry.  

Instructor Level 2. Instructor level 2 is achieved by providing a suitable pole dancing CV to the PDC.  The CV should detail such things as; time spent dancing/teaching, number of students taught, competition success achieved by the instructor and/or her students, copies of press or other media articles relating to the instructor, provable commitment to career development i.e. courses attended.  In addition, the application must be supported by at least two other PDC Approved Schools.  In general,  Level 2 instructors should exemplify excellence in teaching quality and have extensive pole fitness industry experience.

Instructor Level 3. A level 3 instructor grade will be achieved by very few and represents the very highest possible standards in the pole fitness industry. Level 3 instructor status is awarded based on a mixture of experience, teaching quality and industry recognition and must be democratically voted for by the PDC Approved Schools.  PDC Level 3 instructors are ambassadors for the industry.

Here are just a few comments we received from PDC Approved Schools regarding the AAP.

“LOVE IT!!! Everything about it is so professional and it’s so nice to have a pole record of achievement that will be recognised nationwide!” Tracy Huckfield, Pagan’s Pole

“yayyyyyy this is awesome!!” Deanna Michelle Wallace

“I showed the girls the sample booklet, they love it and the whole grading idea” Karen Chandy – Body Barre

I have just ordered my booklet online ……  I can’t wait to have a look through everything and, although I have my training through KT, I will look forward to working my way through the book too!  I love the pieces of paper telling me that I can actually do stuff properly!  Karen – Princess K

Q&A

How much does it cost?
Membership to the AAP Program costs £30/year and includes free personal accident insurance while training at any PDC Approved School. It is free to any NPD student to be graded at NPD. It costs £5 to any non-NPD student wanting to take a grading at NPD.

 
Do I have to train at a PDC Approved school to become a member?
No.  You can train wherever you like but your gradings must be taken at a PDC Approved school.  We understand that many pole dancers train at home or do not yet have a PDC Approved school in their area and we do not want to exclude you.  Please note that the PDC Personal Accident insurance only covers you while training at one of our Approved schools in the UK.
 
BUY YOUR PDC AAP HERE NOW! 

 

A lovely demonstration of Level 1 moves by Emily Smith of PDC Approved Emily’s Pole Fitness (thanks Emily)