One Year Wrapped: Redd Light Therapy’s First Year as a SW-Owned Online Pole Studio
Our birthday technically passed in July, but we couldn’t let our first year as the first SW-owned and operated studio go undocumented.
Better late than never!!
So here’s what we built together in Year One.
A Year of Impact
When we launched Redd Light Therapy in July 2024, we were on a mission: create a virtual pole and movement studio that centers sex workers, dismantles stigma, and offers community without censorship, shame, or gatekeeping. In just one year, we’ve seen what’s possible when a community shows up and builds something truly incredible together.
By the Numbers (July 12, 2024 – July 12, 2025)
$97,000+ paid directly to sex worker instructors, staff, and collaborators
563 live virtual classes hosted across pole, twerk, heels, conditioning, somatics, floorwork, and more
2,221 app signups across 28 countries
66 one-off workshops hosted with instructors from around the world
1,484+ emails answered with care and intention
91 love notes and reviews received from students and community members
Every one of these numbers represents people, whether that be dancers, instructors, or movement lovers who chose to be part of this experiment in building something new with us. We couldn’t have done it without our community, and we thank you all SO MUCH.
Why We Pay Differently
All weekly instructors at Redd Light Therapy are current or retired sex workers. Our core team instructors often earn more teaching online with us on our weekly schedule than they would at a traditional in-person studio — all from the comfort of their own home. When they host workshops, they also receive some of the most competitive splits in the industry, and we extend those same opportunities to guest instructors as well.
Across the industry, pay for pole instructors is and has been low, especially compared to the value they provide. Most in-person pole studios pay instructors $30–$50 per class. At RLT, instructors earn between $45–$250 per weekly class depending on sign-ups, and workshops can bring in anywhere from $50 to $1,000+. (source: 7 years in the industry, asking around, and two Reddit threads [one][two])
From the beginning, RLT was built to redistribute wealth and pay instructors fairly. Every membership, class pack, and credit sold goes directly back to our team of active and retired sex workers. Our goal is to move closer to a living wage for dancers and instructors, and to show that an online studio can uplift sex workers in a sustainable and supportive way.
Community Care in Action
In our first year, we also gave back to the community in tangible ways:
Over $1,800 in prizes during our 10K Instagram giveaway
$1,500+ in free class credits during launch month
100+ free classes and recordings gifted through birthday week and other promotions
At RLT, we believe everyone deserves access to movement and the chance to be part of this family. Giving back in these ways is one way we keep our doors open to more dancers! While we can’t make every class free, we’re committed to balancing accessibility with sustainability — giving back through free credits, recordings, and prizes, while also ensuring our sex worker instructors are paid fairly for their work.
What Our Community Says
The proof is in the voices of our students:
“The instructors at Redd Light Therapy are truly like no other. Every class is taught with such care and attention to detail, and I always end up with a deep understanding of technique and execution that you can’t get anywhere else.”
“This app makes it possible to train with my favorite polers from around the world. It’s accessible, inclusive, and the recordings make it easy to keep learning even if I miss the live class.”
“The design is simple and community-oriented. Whether you’re brand new or advanced, it has something for everyone.”
Looking Ahead
The first year was about proving what was possible. Year Two is about building sustainability and deepening our impact.
That means:
More free classes and offerings for our community in late 2025 and into 2026
Ongoing giveaways and community events
Continuing to pay sex workers at some of the best rates in the industry
Growing the app into a long-term resource for the pole and sex work community
Explore More With Redd Light Therapy
Take a class on the Redd Light Therapy App (IOS),(ANDROID) – Online pole dance classes and movement workshops, recordings included with every sign-up.
Free Community Circle – Weekly connection and journaling space, hosted live on Zoom through the Redd Light Therapy App.
Workshops and Weekly Classes – Pole, floorwork, twerk, conditioning, and more.
YouTube Channel – Free tutorials, stripper tips, and behind-the-scenes vlogs every Thursday.
Shop the RLT Store – Poles, heels, bikinis, and dancer essentials.
Pre-Recorded Tutorials – On-demand lessons you can keep forever.
Join Our WhatsApp Community Chats – Connect with dancers, strippers, and babes from our community.
Thank You
To every single person who signed up, taught, collaborated, donated, shared, or believed in this project: thank you. You made Redd Light Therapy’s first year unforgettable.
This is only the beginning!!!
