Pony Sweat FAQ — Pony Sweat Aerobics

FAQs

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GENERAL INFORMATION

What is Pony Sweat?

Pony Sweat is a dance-aerobics class, a performance, a movement practice, a community, artful aerobics videos, a dance ensemble, a newsletter, a zine, an IG account, an art project, a brand, and a business + organization started by Emilia Richeson-Valiente in 2014 based in Los Angeles.

Who are we?

Creator/Director

Emilia Richeson-Valiente

Artistic Producer + Operations Lead

Michella Rivera-Gravage

Social Media Manager

Isabel Osgood-Roach

Where are we?

Pony Sweat is based on unceded Tongva + Chumash traditional lands, so-called Los Angeles, CA. We also have classes and events on the internet.

CLASS FORMAT

Can you explain the two different class formats?

The monthly Mixtape Routine is Pony Sweat’s original class format that consists of a series of dance routines set to a mixtape-style playlist! The mix is emotive and meaningful and hopes to stir and inspire expression, and over the course of a month, we explore the same movement. The choreography consists of many basic dance aerobics movements, with slightly more complex combinations that we are encouraged to learn OR not learn at whatever level we are at! Take what you like, and fuck the rest! Monthly Mixtape class runs 60 minutes long and includes a warm-up with stretching and isolations, strengthening exercises, dance, and cooldown. Sneakers are recommended!

Does Emilia break down moves and choreography?

Our O.O.O.B.N.A video zine includes our “Headed 4 A Breakdown” series which breaks down our basic movement patterns.

Pony Sweat routines consist of repetitive movement patterns based in foundational dance and aerobics moves (step-touch, grapevines, chassés, V-steps, knee-lifts, turns, hip rolls, body rolls etc etc…) In the style of classic aerobics, everything you do one way you do again the other way! The patterns we do in Pony Sweat are meant to be supportive and suggestive. We learn from repetition/experimentation/+ taking what we like and fucking the rest.

IN-PERSON CLASSES

Are there in-person classes?

They are! Check out our class schedule to sign-up.

MASKS ARE OPTIONAL DURING CLASS.

We will announce any updates to in-person and online schedule on our website, in our newsletter and on Instagram.

Where do in-person classes happen?

Athletic Garage, Stomping Ground LA, and Sibling all in Northeast Los Angeles, California SIGN UP

LIVE CLASS ONLINE

How do I sign up for live stream class?

Please visit our class schedule. There you can enroll and pay or use a NOTAFLOF (No One Turned Away For Lack Of Funds) code. See below for more info on our NOTAFLOF offerings.

How do I take classes online?

Currently we livestream class in zoom. You can use zoom in a browser or in the zoom app. We recommend downloading the Zoom client app and using that for class. You will need an internet connection and a way to access zoom.

Do you have a best practice guide for zooming class?

Why yes, we have a tips + tricks page! Thanks for asking.

Where is my zoom link for class?

Momence will email you a link to the class one hour before class time, or right away if it is less than an hour before class. If you are logged in, you can also find it in your Momence account under My Events > Upcoming Events.

Do I have to have my video on during class?

No! If you want to, if you choose to! Whatever that is on the given day.

I have trouble remembering when class is and usually when I see the Instagram posts it’s too late - do you have an email reminder system?

Yes! Please sign up for the weekly newsletter.

What is your class cancellation policy?

We don’t do refunds, but you can be credited for a future class. In order to be credited, you must cancel at least 1 hour before class-time.

If I miss a live stream class, can I get the video?

Sorry, we cannot send you a recording of class if you miss it. You can cancel up until 1 hour before class in order to be credited the amount you paid. You can either contact us or create an account in Momence and you can cancel your class enrollments in your Momence account under My Events > Upcoming Events.

CLASS ENROLLMENT

Do you have packages or subscriptions?

No we do not offer packages but we do have a video subscription.

Can I use my old package (from before March 2020) from in-person classes?

Not anymore. It is administratively and financially impossible for us to maintain the expired packages that people had before the pandemic. If you are experiencing financial hardship please contact us and we can work something out.

How do I create an account in your enrollment system (Momence)?

If you have signed up for a class before, when you are on the class sign-up page (the page you land on after you click “Sign up”) do these steps:

Click on “Sign in” in the upper right corner,
Click on “Forgot your password?” (even if you don’t think you have an account) then
Enter in the email you have either used before on our site, or the email you want to use to register for classes.
Follow the instructions in the email you get from Momence.

If you have never signed-up for a class before an account will be created for you when you sign-up.

WHAT TO PAY

How much does class cost?

Currently, Pony Sweat is taught in-person and online. In-person class is suggested $18 with a sliding scale $10-$25. Live stream class is sliding scale $10-$25. Please see below for more info about sliding scale to help you assess how much you are able to pay.

We offer a No One Turned Away For Lack Of Funds (NOTAFLOF) option for livestream class and video rentals. If you are unable to afford class, please contact us and we will send you the code for livestream or video-rentals.

Why Sliding Scale?

In 2020 Pony Sweat moved to a sliding scale to further realize equity into our pricing model. We did this to keep the classes accessible to all people regardless of financial situation as well as acknowledge the inequitable distribution of wealth, and the U.S. history of stealing from BIPOC communities. Pony Sweat also recognizes how injustice impacts how much money people can earn and the wealth that they have. Our pricing model acknowledges the history of oppression, colonialism, physical and psychic violence against BIPOC communities, queer people, folks with disabilities and those who exist at the intersections of identities.

Pony Sweat upholds a philosophy of abundance with the knowledge that there is enough for everyone when it is shared! We collectively acknowledge financial impermanence and fluidity!

Please assess where you fall on the scale today. The Green Bottle Sliding Scale Tool is very helpful!

Thank you to Alexis J. Cunningfolk for creating this graphic! Read more about The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice.

VIDEOS ONLINE

Check out Pony Sweat’s digital aerobics-video zine, On Our Own But Never Alone (O.O.O.B.N.A.) a monthly subscription that includes a growing library of 50+ videos, newsletters, and special transmissions. Sliding scale $15-$30/month. Learn more!

How do I rent a video?

We also offer single video rentals. Please visit our video rentals page. CThen click on the video you want to rent and sign-in or go straight to renting by clicking on the button “Rent this Video.”

Please note, if you are looking at the video rental page incognito or block 3rd party cookies then you may not be able to see the video rental store on the page.

How long is the video rental period for individual videos?

3 days starting from the time of purchase.

Do you have a video subscription service?

Yes and it is called On Our Own But Never Alone (O.O.O.B.N.A.)! Learn more about O.O.O.B.N.A..

Do you offer any free videos?

There are a few short videos on Youtube to get an idea of what class is like.

What if I can’t afford class right now?

We recognize the wide income disparity between the rich and the poor in this country, and how that overwhelmingly affects BIPOC, Trans + Non-Binary + Intersex Folks, Undocumented Peoples, Queers, Femmes, and People with Disabilities.

MUSIC

Is there somewhere I can find all the playlists?

There is a selection of playlists on Spotify.

Do you take song requests?

No, thank you<3! Emilia’s selection of songs is a personal part of the project. She loves sharing songs though, and if there’s something you want to share with her you’re welcome to.

QUESTIONS OF THE HEART + GUT

What if I am totally uncomfortable in dance or fitness classes?

One of our Core Values: We acknowledge that dance/fitness spaces can bring up shame, embarrassment and fear. Our mission is to create a safe container and ritual where we can work through those experiences in order to feel more empowered/grounded/at home in our bodies.

Many ponies understand and share this experience, you are not alone! When Emilia started Pony Sweat she was craving a space that felt more comfortable to embody her full self through movement, to music that would inspire deeper expression. We hope you find that at Pony Sweat, and also -- you might not! If it’s not right for you check out some rec’s we have of teachers/instructors/facilitators we love. We hope you find the practice you need.

What if I can’t jump or do a body roll?

We are practicing and exploring movement from present bodies! This means, for all of us, meeting our bodies where they are at every time we come to Pony Sweat. That IS the practice. We hope you will feel supported and empowered to “stay with your body” to “fuck the moves” to jump or not jump, and to do whatever the fuck a body roll FEELS like and not what it LOOKS like. Emilia will show various expressions of low to high impact with some moves, but the ownness and responsibility to take care of our bodies and to make choices that are nurturing and not punishing to our bodies is on each one of us to practice.

Can I take class if I have no dance experience?

Yes, you absolutely can take class at whatever level of experience you have. The moves will be easier to pick up for folks who have previous dance experience, however, Pony Sweat is not about getting the moves down, or doing anything “right.” The choreography is there to learn if you want to, if you choose to, through repetition and practice. Pony Sweat is a space to explore and express movement at whatever level your body is at on that given day.

Do you have advice on how to get back into or start a movement or exercise practice?

To approach it with as much gentleness and curiosity as you can muster one moment at a time. To let your desire and your imagination lead you to a practice that feels supportive. Maybe it’s choosing 3 songs that you love to dance to just for yourself by yourself once a day or once a week. Maybe it’s walking for 20 min a couple times a week and naming the things you see to yourself. Or stretching on your floor however the fuck feels good and watching tv or listening to Bjork. Whatever it is, keep exploring until you find something that helps u feeL more grounded in your body. And try not to put expectations on how often or how long u do it for. It's reeeeeeally challenging to get back to or to find a new movement practice. You deserve to give yourself a LOT of gentleness and compassion.

Do you have any recommendations for other spaces that hold similar philosophies?

Check out this newsletter we sent out January 2021 with some of our fave teachers.

What if I haven’t exercised for a long time or have never done aerobics?

If you are curious about trying Pony Sweat, we encourage you to come try it out with a generous beginner’s mindset! That means holding space for yourself to practice at whatever level your body is at in the moment. Some actions to help with that include: noticing your breath and reducing your range of motion if you feel winded, taking breaks when you want to, fucking the moves and doing something different that maybe feels more supportive (step-touch, wiggle in place, arm swings, etc etc) Know that everyone at Pony Sweat WANTS you to do what feels right for you on the given day.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO CLASS

What shoes do I need?

The Live Arts Los Angeles studio requires us to wear "indoor-only" shoes, free of the oils, toxins, and debris our "street shoes" pick up and track on the dance floor. Please bring separate sneakers to dance in when you come to the studio.

Emilia wears sneakers to do aerobics and recommends Ponies to do the same, especially if you are dancing on a hard floor. However, for folks ponying at home on a rug or carpet, probably best to go in socks or bare feet to decrease friction.

What equipment do I need?

No equipment is needed for most Pony Sweat classes. If you are ponying at home, we recommend you using the best or loudest speaker you can, because dancing to loud music is often helpful.

How much space do I need to take class?

Emilia choreographs the routines in a space in her living room that is 4’ x 5.5’. You can do it with less, but we encourage you to move what you can out of your way so that you have as much space as possible for your body’s full expression.

MERCH

What is your exchange and refund policy?

Due to the size of our business and team, we cannot offer refunds. If you require an exchange for a different size, contact us, we are happy to help but will require you to cover all additional shipping and handling costs.

What are your shipping options?

We ship through USPS domestically and abroad.

You are out of stock of what I want, will you get more?

Maybe! Sign-up for a newsletter and you will be informed about the latest merch releases when they happen.