Jordin’s Paradise

I can’t say enough great things about Jordin’s Paradise! I love to try different types of workouts, and the variety here is great! Best of all, the classes are fun and the instructors are both nice and knowledgeable. They have some great package deals that make it very affordable too. Along with the classes, there are special events including nutrition and energy workshops. You can even bring fundraising groups or bachelorette parties here!

I decided to give Jordin’s a try when a groupon-​type deal for 5 classes popped up in my inbox. Jordin’s Paradise offers a variety of classes, but their primary focus is pole dancing classes.
Unless you have experience in pole classes, you should take the Intro class. That’s where I started, and it was an excellent introduction to the studio. If there is a Groupon-​type deal available, it is definitely worth a try, since you get to sample the different instructors’ classes to figure out what you like, whether you can make it to classes, etc. After taking several classes at both locations, I decided to spring for a 20-​class special. There were at least 2 classes a week that I could see myself taking — one at each location — so it seemed like a good deal to me.
My biggest disappointment with Jordin’s Paradise since I signed up for the 20-​class package is that there has been the reduction in the number of classes and studios. They recently closed their original location, which is close to my job. They say they will be opening in a new location close to their old location this Spring, but for the moment, this means that there are fewer class options & fewer locations. It means that one of the two classes a week that I planned on taking is no longer feasible due to the location change.
Additionally, the instructor I like the most, Tavon, used to teach Wednesdays & Fridays, but now he only teaches one class on Wednesdays. So while I had planned on taking class with him on Fridays, that is also not an option now. Another instructor teaches on Fridays. She’s totally fine, but I love Tavon’s classes, and I only take classes when I like the particular instructor.
If I had known that there would only be one location & that Tavon wouldn’t be teaching as often, I would not have purchased a 20-​class package. Now it will be virtually impossible for me to take all 20 classes at the single location before the classes expire. I have contacted the company twice to see if they would extend the expiration date of my classes due to the closure of the Mt. Vernon studio & the schedule changes, but I have not received *any* sort of response.
I also think that their record-​keeping is hit or miss. Once their system said I owed payment for a class because it said I took a class which I never actually took. Another time their system said that I was a «late cancel» for a class that I actually took. If you sign up for a class package here, you must be vigilant about making sure they keep accurate track of how many classes you take.
Another downside is that Jordin’s does not offer regular classes on Sundays. Almost all the other pole dance studios in the DC area offer classes on Sundays. As a studio for adults, I think Jordin’s would be wise to offer regular classes (not just the occasional workshop or special class, which cost substantially more than a single regular class) on Sundays. Not offering regular classes on Sundays is another way that Jordin’s fails to meet my fitness needs.
Finally, there are a few things about the studio that bother me:
1. They don’t seem to clean the floor between classes or enforce a «No Street Shoes» policy. If you take any class with bare feet, your soles will be black by the end of class. And all that nastiness is getting all over your hands & whatever other parts of your body touch the floor. It’s gross.
2. You have to walk *through* the studio to get to the bathrooms and changing room. This means you either have to awkwardly walk through the studio while a class is being taught to use the facilities, or you have to wait until the class is over to change for the next class. It’s a really annoying setup.
3. They don’t have a water fountain and they charge $ 2 for a bottle of water. Even if you bring your own water bottle, you won’t have a place to fill it other than the sink in the bathroom.
Overall I give the studio & the company itself 2 stars, and I give Tavon 4 stars, so it averages out to 3 stars. It’s a decent exercise option IF you find instructors & classes there that you like AND are actually able to make it to their classes, and if you can put up with all the annoying things. Unfortunately for me, Jordin’s has not replaced rock climbing or cycling. I guess I’ll have to keep looking…

I am so happy Jordin’s Paradise recently opened a second location between Dupont and Farragut North. The original location in Mt. Vernon was difficult for me to get to, especially right after work. The new location is perfectly convenient for those of us who work Downtown. This also means more classes throughout the week.
The space is larger and more accommodating to large groups than the original studio. Same great instructors. I highly recommend this location if you’re looking for a quick and fun workout in the evenings.