Save Solstice Studio🌞🌚

Aim

Save Solstice Studios from going under by helping with moving costs as we find a new home and a better future for our community. 🌞

Save Solstice Studio

May Update: Unfortunately the matter has recently escalated. The landlord has changed the locks and limited our access to the studio in an aggressive and potentially illegal action.

Whilst we try to constructively resolve this matter, our new home is not finalised meaning we cannot offer classes for some time and the studio has to close for the foreseeable.

We know that our amazing students and the wider Margate community will rally around us at this difficult time (and we are so grateful!) but the reality is that it is still going to be very precarious financially for the Studio over the next month or two.

If you are able to help us make it through this time, we appreciate any donation that you are able to make.

🌓Solstice🌓

February Update: Despite the Studio’s best attempts to get clarity on the legal position and how to constructively resolve the matter with the various landlords, it has been unsuccessful in finding a way through this that could have resulted in a) feeling safe and comfortable to stay in the current location and b) securing the money owed to the studio under its existing legal arrangements.

Ultimately this leaves the Studio no choice but to move out of the current premises and bear the significant costs of moving to a new location.

Whilst firmly of the view that what has happened is illegal, Ro (as the sole driving force behind the studio) has to take a practical view on how much time, energy and money they have and whether that would be better spent trying to work towards a brighter future. This path feels like the right choice to make in the round, even though it carries with it a sense of unfairness and injustice.

What does this mean for the crowdfunder?

I always knew that we would probably have to use some of the funds for moving costs - but we are getting a sense of just how much this will be. Deposits, legal fees, renovating a new space - all of this adds up to thousands of pounds. I know so many of you have already contributed and Ro and the community are so grateful. 

Without that kindness and generosity, the future of the studio would be in a very precarious position.

As it stands, if we can continue to raise the amount needed, Solstice can survive.

Please do encourage others to donate if they can - every single donation received makes a real difference to the Studio’s ability to weather this storm and for the wider community it supports to be able to look forward to sunnier times.

December
As a long-term student at Solstice Studios, myself and fellow students have been fortunate to benefit from this beautiful inclusive community which has created a safe, fun, non-judgemental space where everyone can experience the joys of pole dance and fitness.

Ro and their teacher's classes offer holistic health benefits as people build strength and confidence, exploring their relationships with their bodies, and finding self-expression through movement. The Studio has a special place in the Thanet LGBTQ+ community, standing in proud alliance with non-binary folks and the Trans+ Community. 

So far, so good. 

However... 

The home of this studio for the past 2 and a bit years has been 107 Ramsgate Road premises which Ro' has poured all their efforts into making a welcoming and inviting space. The premises are enjoyed by many students and performers as a place where they can leave their troubles at the door and find respite and joy, which are both getting more needed and rarer in this increasingly bleak political environment... 

Ro has just received notice that they have to vacate the premises shortly - over 2 years earlier than their lease and with no costs to help them move or compensate them for the breach of tenancy. 

This is through no fault of their own and is entirely down to the actions of their landlord. 

This is where you come in.

We are raising money to help Ro move the studio to another location and then get legal advice to bring a claim against the previous landlords who's actions have had such a huge negative impact on a tiny but mighty local business and its owner. 

The details: 

Legal Fees: We will spend the crowdfund on legal fees to help Ro pursue their landlord for breach of contract and damages. We have an estimate from a commercial property lawyer for at least 5 hours of work at £340 + VAT per hour (£1700 + VAT) which will be enough to get the claim started. 

Moving costs: We will spend the crowdfund on costs of hiring vans (specialists to move our mirrors) and people to move all of the dance equipment to new locations, a storage facility if needed whilst somewhere new is being found, the cost of hiring temporary places for classes whilst we find a new home, and if there is any left over, to replace the lost income for Ro as this all plays out. 

The why:

This a chance to directly do an act of good in today's confusing and depressing political landscape. Ro is a beautiful person and the Studio is a lifeline to many people across Thanet who depend on the classes to get through life's other challenges with their mental and physical health intact. By donating whatever you can afford, we can keep a small special, local business afloat until the summer.

Please donate - anything you can give will mean so much to Ro, the other teachers and instructors, and the many students. 

Student testimonials:

"Since I am doing pole with Rosie, I evolved so much. When I started I had a chronic fatigue and my body felt unrecognisable to me. Since then my body got much stronger, more flexible, energy started to come back and I feel much more confident and sensual in my female body :)" Eva

"I started pole at Solstice Studio in September, and at the time I was struggling badly with anxiety, and going through an autism assessment. I wanted to find something that would support both my physical and mental health. 

Walking into the studio was honestly daunting at first, but from the very beginning it became a safe, non-judgemental space where I could just be myself. The instructors have been truly amazing — kind, supportive, and encouraging in a way that has made me feel comfortable and welcome every step of the way. 

The studio is more than a place to exercise; it’s an escape from everyday stress and a place where I feel accepted and understood. Being part of this community has given me confidence, routine, and a genuine sense of belonging. Losing this studio would mean losing a space that has had a hugely positive impact on my mental well being and my life." Emma

"I’ve been attending Solstice Studio for about a year now, and it has been such a positive experience. The pole dancing classes are run by Ro, who is an outstanding teacher—knowledgeable, encouraging, and truly passionate about what they do. As an introverted and shy person, these classes have helped me gain confidence and reconnect with my feminine side again. Solstice Studio feels like a safe, empowering space, and I’m so grateful to be part of it." Sabina

“It’s been an instant love story with Solstice, Ro, Emily and all the people who attend the classes are a ray of sunshine and so encouraging. My 3 months at Solstice have given me heaps of body confidence, strength and connection to my body than ever.” Chloe

 “The studio is a great place to strengthen and condition my body, complementing my other fitness activities. It also gives me a skill that has led me to perform at Boomtown, London Burning Man parties, Margate Pride and more, putting a smile on many people’s faces!“ Ady

“Having been in Margate just over a year Solstice was the first place I signed up to go, a true no judgement zone with the sweetest community of babes! A safe haven of self expression and encouragement, where I can safely get out my head and into my body.” Jess 

“Pole and Sensual Dance are the absolute highlights of my week. It’s a chance to reconnect with my body and be silly with the incredible people and good friends I’ve met through these classes. Thoroughly wholesome, always a challenge and pure joy 🌞” Holly

“Solstice has helped my confidence grow in ways I never expected. It’s a safe, non-judgemental space full of encouragement and inspiration. The sense of community is amazing—everyone supports each other, and every win is celebrated together.” Ellie 

“Solstice gives me a space to think of nothing else but moving my body in a way that brings me joy. It's a community I love, that uplifts everyone and has allowed me to grow in so many ways - with Ro at the heart of it all, providing the most welcoming and caring space for all.” Rachel 

“What Solstice means to me: it means strength, community & commitment to loving myself. Solstice makes me feel physicallly & mentally stronger. Life feels brighter. The community is so supportive, caring & very happy place 💜✨” Molly 

“Solstice is really special. I was so nervous before my first class, but everyone has been incredibly welcoming, warm, and encouraging. In just a few months, I’ve grown stronger  and gained more confidence and trust in my body than I’ve ever had before. I came to learn a new skill and challenge myself, but I also found a genuinely supportive and inclusive community.” Siofra

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made