Brass Ovaries

I’ve been taking classes at Brass Ovaries for some time now and I’m always impressed as to how much fun the classes are. The great atmosphere really does make the workout less like work and more like a game. The instructors are professional and attentive. This is one of the best places to work out in Austin.

I’ve been a member of Brass Ovaries for almost 5 years and have loved it. The classes are fun and challenging. Never boring.
It’s not just pole classes– they offer any kind of aerials, dance, ballet, hip hop, and you can suggest classes that might just happen!
You think you’ve met your match with exercise classes? Well, you haven’t tried Brass Ovaries. Never dull and the classes go by so fast you wish they were longer :)

Came here for my bachelorette party and it was a blast. We had a private group pole and aerial loop class. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful, making sure that everyone had fun while maintaining proper technique. I only wish we could have done a more difficult routine.

Love this place and the friendly staff. Planning to go back as soon as my budget allows. Haley’s stretchy splits and ballet tone classes rock and I like when they just have open pole practice sessions, which aren’t available on a regular schedule. I wish it were a little more affordable (the only reason I’m giving 4 instead of 5 stars) Because of their level system, I sorta opted to focus on their non-​pole classes and open pole practice sessions. I saw that one of their main instructors, Sophie, was leaving, which is too bad, cause her stretching classes were great. I get a really sore lower back and shoulders from figure skating, dancing etc… so the stretching classes at BO help both with flexibility and unwinding the tightness from my other physical activities. Poles make a great prop to stretch with, especially if you need work on back flexibility and a great shoulder stretch. Ballet tone had my calves in a world of pain and it’s a great class for my posture, balance etc… which helps for my figure skating. I wish open pole practice was more available, cause it’s the most affordable and flexible class. Their schedule is a bit unpredictable and changes a lot week to week. I’ve definitely lost money to cancellations, but oh well. I can see the other side of that. Shakia is really cool for open pole practice and will help you figure out whatever pole moves you’re working on; I liked attending those so the level system wasn’t limiting me as I got back into pole shape. I have experience with it, so I didn’t want to test my level before doing some practice, so I could test at my actual level, not out of shape level! I did do a few pole level one classes, even though I can definitely do more advanced stuff, and level one routines actually hit on stuff I’d never really done. They seem to make an effort to keep stuff fresh. I’m hoping to go back to expand my repertoire a bit. I kinda have the same old go-​to pole moves and have to mix it up.

I was not impressed with their work ethics. If You pay for a class and miss it, they keep your money and also charge you a no show fee. I have never heard of somthing so absurd and it just goes to show their intentions as a company. They are also very pushy about getting you to sign up for more classes, which is very annoying because it seems like they care more about getting your money then actually Satisfying you as a customer. I wasn’t impressed and they would not give me my money back. I ended up giving my left over classes to someone else. I was really excited about my membership and I would have been a long term customer. They have money hungry attitudes and bad work ethics they need to improve on as a company. I won’t be back and I wouldn’t recommend it to anybody.

This place is amazing. I’m somebody who loves being active. However, I’m not a huge fan of going to gym, and with Austin’s blazing heat, it hard to do things like hiking and biking. I decided to try Brass Ovaries with a groupon. I was instantly hooked. The classes are SO FUN. The instructors are not just talented, but super funny and lovable. There are so many classes to choose from! Pole fit gets your body and core strong for the pole, the pole classes go from beginner to advanced at a really manageable pace and you see progress fast, the burlesque class is not just a workout but theatrical expression, and I can’t even tell you how awesome twerk fit and BUTI yoga are… and what they do for your booty! After three weeks my body is already so much stronger and I can physically see the difference, which makes me happy, because I feel like I’ve just been dancing and having a blast.
I honestly can’t say enough good things about this place. When I leave the gym, I feel tired and rarely feel like I pushed my body to any limits or made much progress. But when I leave Brass Ovaries, I feel empowered and energized. I will definitely find a way to budget this into my lifestyle. I’m a happier person overall since I’ve been going, which is a mix of the fun, the physical activity, and confidence boost I get when I make progress.

Great instructors, a wide variety of classes, and an all-​around fun environment. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite places to be in all of Austin. :)

I love this place! The classes are so much fun, and the instructors are friendly and genuinely care for their students.

All the instructors are friendly, knowledable and down to earth. I got a Groupon for their business and was able to try different classes, needless to say I’m definitely a fan.

The perfect bachelorette party day activity. We did one hour of pole dancing and one hour of aerial hoop. Sophie was an amazing instructor and beautiful dancer! I would definitely recommend giving it a try and would love to go back next time I’m in Austin.

NEW EXPERIENCE:
I finally spoke with the owner of the studio on the phone.
The only reason I am so frustrated with this place is because my problem will not be resolved.
All I need as a customer is to have my initial problem resolved. That is — the $ 10 taken from my credit card refunded back onto my credit card.
Well, I spoke with the owner and we got absolutely nowhere. She mentioned my Unilocal review and said that now SHE has a problem.
I told her that the reason the Unilocal review exists is because I am an unsatisfied customer who cannot get her problem resolved.
It makes sense to think that once my problem is resolved the negative experience no longer exists. Right?
The owner has turned this whole thing into an even more complicated issue.
She claims that her credit service «doesn’t let us just give refunds all willy nilly like that» (exact quote).
They have given me a $ 10 class credit because of the issue. I explained that it doesn’t change the fact that ten of my dollars from my credit card have now been transferred into money that benefits them. The ten dollars they took was money that was mine to spend how I chose fit — not to be taken by their company and used as class credit for an issue they caused.
She tells me that she wants to have my friend and me come take an hour long class and we will walk away «feeling a hell of a lot better about Brass Ovaries» and «with ten dollars in [my] pocket».
I told her: «As of right now, I have written off taking a class at Brass Ovaries. I have now had to dedicate hours of my time trying to resolve an issue that was put upon me when all I tried to do was sign up for a class.»
She condescendingly responds: «I’m saying I want to change your mind about the problem that you’ve had to dedicate hours of your time to trying to resolve that was put upon you when all you tried to do was sign up for a class.»
Really? Really?
We go on for about 20 minutes. I try to make it perfectly clear that the problem isn’t the Unilocal review. It isn’t that I didn’t get to try out a class. It’s that I JUST WANT MY INITIAL PROBLEM SOLVED.
What should have been a 10 minute conversation has turned into a week long ordeal.
I told her that, since her credit service apparently «doesn’t allow» them to give refunds (what service is she using? I’ve never experienced a business database like that), that she could mail me the refund. Nope.
She says that the only way that I will get my refund back is if I go physically to the studio and take an hour long class taught by her.
I get what she is trying to do. I get it. She wants me to take down my Unilocal review and probably doesn’t want to just refund my money because there’s a chance that I will leave it up.
She wants an opportunity to put on a show after the poor-​handling of a situation was made public.
But, as a business owner, all she needs to do is fix the problems that her business has caused for her customers and THEN worry about changing opinions.
We end the conversation with:
Me: «So you are saying that ONLY way you will give me my money back is if I go down there and take a class. THEN and only THEN will you give me the ten dollar refund?»
Studio owner: «Yes ma’am»
Me: «Okay, thank you so much for your time.»
Studio owner: **Silence**
Me: «Bye?»
Studio owner: **Silence**
Like I told her, she and her employees have successfully exhausted me from trying to get my problem resolved — even though it has the simplest of solutions:
1) Customer does not receive email automated system was supposed to send.
2) Customer gets charged $ 10 for missing class.
3) Customer calls in and explains situation.
4) Business apologizes and refunds money.
5) Customer never has negative feelings about business and then utilizes what the business has to offer.
6) Peace and harmony in the world.

Be careful when giving your credit card information to this place!!!
I was informed that I would be notified if my credit card was going to be charged for any reason but they charged me without notification.
My friend and I registered for a class that had a wait list, but their email system wasn’t working properly so we didn’t get notified when we got into a class.
Their email system is automated and they refuse to take any responsibility for their mistake on my friend’s behalf. My main problem is that I was not even notified before they charged my account even though they thoroughly explained they would notify me before charging for any reason. I would not trust this place. It was a hassle to deal with Brass Ovaries from the beginning.
If you check other reviews, you will find that many people have problems with this place. It’s not worth it. I would go elsewhere!

I bought a Groupon as a gift for someone else. Due to health issues, she wasn’t able to use it in time and they refused to extend the time period.
I think that’s petty and mean-​spirited. It doesn’t cost them any more to accommodate a person in February than it would have in January.
Sixty bucks wasted.

This place is great! My instructor Haley was very friendly and took the time to make sure everyone was doing well in the stretching class. I also loved the added mind-​body relaxation stretching at the end.
I also love that they have various options for dance/​exercise, and I will definitely be going back!
Oh, and I was greeted by two pet pigs when I walked in, how cute! I’m guessing this place is animal friendly too, at least for well-​mannered animals (in the front area, not in the classes obviously), so that’s a plus! My only critique is that, without a groupon, I find it to be slightly pricey, as a person on a tight budget. So when my groupon runs out, I will probably not be able to afford to go back any time soon.
Great experience for getting in shape while having fun!

I love Brass Ovaries so much! The instructors are fierce, the workouts intense, and I always have a ton of fun. I am so glad I found this place.
The price may seem steep, but there are never more than 10 people in a group class. Think about how much yoga costs and the teacher-​to-​student ratio for most of the yoga classes in Austin. I think this is a steal!
I would have to say that Sophie is my favorite instructor so far, but I’ve taken classes with Sophie, Haley and Odette and they’ve each brought something very different and useful to the table.
Thanks Brass Ovaries! I’m hooked.

I was in Austin for work and wanted to take an aerial class in my time off. The facility was easy to find, clean and fun. The staff was very friendly and gave a quick tour. It’s a pole dancing facility that seems to be incorporating more aerial classes.
I attended the Hoop 101 class on Tuesday. The class was small, 6 people and there were only 2 hoops. It was fine sharing but would have been nice to have at least a third available. The people in the class were great. Some had been several time I while for others it was their first class. Everyone was very encouraging. The instructor was nice and professional.
I do think the $ 35/​hour class is a lot. In Los Angeles I can chose from several studios who have more equipment for $ 20/​hour class. Besides that it was a great experience.

I’ve been going to Brass Ovaries for approximately 2 years now. I love their classes! I forgot I’m working out! Going to classes there is part of «me» time, a time to forget about the rest of my shitty week. My favorites are Twerk and Qigong. Danae, Sophie, and Kia are fabulous instructors.
They’ve worked with me when I injured myself and didn’t charge me my annual membership fee during that period of time as well.

I’ve been going to classes at Brass Ovaries for over a year now. They offer so many different types of classes and it has transformed my life since I started! I was really nervous at first but they were so welcoming. I am in much better shape now, lost a little weight, and have more confidence and that is soooo rewarding. The instructors are amazing and the classes are always very supportive. If you can’t do something right away, they give you modifications to help you get to the next step and stay safe while still building your strength and flexibility. I have an annual limited membership and it makes my average class cost less than $ 10 usually. Totally worth it… if you consider even taking 2 classes a week, the cost is the same or less than any yoga or fitness class on a pass. And I have way more fun!
For those complaining about cancellation fees… if you no-​show, or cancel less than 24 hrs (brass ovaries gives you 12 hrs, btw) at any service-​related appointment (massage, doctor, hair appointment, etc), most businesses expect you to pay a fee of 50−100% of the service for taking up their space and then wasting their time. Standard practice, folks. Most people know within 12 hrs if they’ll have to miss. And of course they take special circumstances into consideration.
Brass Ovaries is my home away from home. The staff is awesome and they offer more than just fun, sexy fitness. It’s a family where everyone is welcome and uniqueness is encouraged. I highly recommend this place if you want to get in shape, be a monkey, have fun, and meet new friends who share the same goals.

Never go to this place its a rip off I pay for four sessions and never got to use it
This place will be shut down

The quality of the classes/​instructors are not worth the price at all. I went there about a dozen times as it’s so close to my home, but the place is a poorly run business. The instructors don’t seem as knowledgeable/​able to teach for the price of a class. If it was a ten dollar class, then I would excuse the quality.
And not only are the classes not worth the cost but if you cancel within 24 hours, you not only lose the class fee (which is understandable) but they also tack on a extra $ 10 fee. It’s bad enough I had to miss the class and the money the class cost because I had to work late (beyond my control) but then for them to add on another $ 10 fee on top of it? Again: poor service all around.

I love this place! Instructors are AWESOME and the classes are super fun. 3 things:
First, I’ve only taken pole 1 (and graduated, yAy!). BUT, they have a variety of classes that look like they are enjoyable and a good workout.
Second, the instructors are all cool. I’ve had a few different ones but everyone there is approachable and has a good attitude. They really make the classes fun and you lean a lot!
Third, I didn’t take off a star, but my only critique is that they are effing expensive. However, they do often have deals on Groupon! I would take more classes here if it were less expensive but my wallet just won’t afford me any more pole lessons *sad*.
Tip: if you have the $ and time, ask about their «fast track» classes! It gets you through a level of pole real quick but it tends to cost more money. ;)

So I get a phone call from Brass Ovaries mentioning my class pass I bought from Groupon a year ago expired last month. I didn’t know that it expired just recently and I decided it would awesome to try and go to a class. It’s like giving a second chance and I’m glad they gave me that chance.
I waited until taking an actual pole dancing class to write this review. It was my second time here but the first time I came was for a stretching class. I just came from a weekend of running 8 miles in total and I needed to stretch out. Brass Ovaries is a tight knit community but very welcoming. The instructor introduces herself to me and mentions that she hasn’t seen me before. I felt kind of embarrassed by that. The stretching class helped me a lot.
Sunday, I took a beginning pole dancing class, Pole 1 Routine 6. It was tough. You hear squeaks which is my skin sliding down the pole. If you couldn’t grip the pole then they had this spray which really dries up your skin.
Odette was way awesome and patient with me and the rest of the class. I can handle certain moves (not well of course) thanks to boot camp and half-​marathon training. Pole dancing is something way different. There’s athleticism but more importantly grace to pole dancing. It is tough and much more difficult. Anyone could do squats, burpees and push ups? But pole dancing shows different positions your never knew your body could do.
I had a great experience and I’m bummed that I only have a 10 class pass. It seems that I’m hooked on this class and I’m eager to go back and go to another class. I wish they had more beginners classes but of course I’m in the middle of my half-​marathon training. After I end my training I hope to continue with going to more classes. It’s a good thing to work your body from your usual routine.