123poling.com was created to provide safe and clear pole dancing instructions for all levels of pole dancing. Create a source of knowledge base for student, instructors, and studio owners. Help pole dancers of all levels to grow and improve their pole skills, as well as give ideas and inspiration for pole competitors.
All our lessons designed so you would learn everything about each separate move from one pole dancing tutorial.
Most of your lessons start of with a spinning intro. We try to demonstrate each pole pose from all the angles so you would have a better idea of how the move looks like before you start learning it.
The next section of our lessons is the ribbon placement( Learn more about the Red Ribbon Technique here). We guide you at the beginning of the lesson which leg or/and arm to place the ribbons on.
Position from the floor( if any) is another important part of the learning process. This way you get familiar with the body orientation and position while on the ground.
We break down each pole move step by step closer to the floor then explain to get into it higher up.
Some moves require more preparation then others so we included pole drills in some of the tutorials.
We understand each poler has a preference on entering pole moves and exiting them as well. That’s the reason we try to give as many options for entries and exits as we can!
We are here to progress your pole skills as fast as possible so we included easier variations, and more advanced variations.
Spotting technique is our new section of our lessons. Every pole instructor has her/his own spotting methods. We offer you an idea how you can safely spot each other. Most pole dancing courses and tutorials give you just a general idea of spotting without showing it on each particular move. It becomes handy for new instructors, for students working in pairs when instructor in not available, and for your non poling spotter when you practice at home.
All our series are separated by colors:
all white for absolute beginners;
teal and white fro beginners;
neon yellow for intermediate;
red for advanced;
black for expert;
orange and yellow for warm up;
hot pink for sexy transitions series.
Your Instructors
Amy Hazel
Amy Hazel is known for both her extreme flexibility and strong pole style, making her one of the most versatile pole tricksters in Australia to date. She has blasted onto the Aussie pole scene and made an impact with her innovative pole shapes and transitions and has firmly planted herself as one of Australia’s most bendy pole artists.
Amy’s titles include:
- ★ 1st place Aerial All Stars 2015
- ★ 1st place Miss Pole Dance Victoria 2015/16
- ★ 1st place Pole Theater Classique HK 2015
- ★ 2nd place Victorian Pole Championships 2014
- ★ 2nd place Miss Pole Dance Victoria 2014/15
- ★ 3rd place Miss Pole Dance Australia 2014/15
- ★ 3rd place Beijing International Pole Championship
- ★ 1st Place – PPS Aerial Performance Tournament – Professional Pole Champion 2013
- ★ 2nd Place – Ms. Bikini Australia – Musclemania Australia 2013
- ★ 3rd Place – Model Australia – Musclemania Australia 2013
- ★ Official Bad Kitty® Brand Ambassador
- ★ Official Pole Ugg Brand Ambassador
- ★ Official Bling It Heels Brand Ambassador
Anna Antonova
Anna Antonova (Kyiv, Ukraine) is a recognized pole dancer, performer, and instructor with more than 12-year experience. She is well known for her immense strength and flexibility. She started her dance career at the age of 10 with hip-hop, street and folk dance. They led her to the National Ukrainian Academy of Arts of Ukraine where she earned a degree in Contemporary Dance.
Anna has passionately dedicated to the pole sport for 6 years already. Along with her full-time pole dance career Anna is practicing and teaching yoga. She is specializing in pole fitness, modern choreography, stretching, and yoga.
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- Winner of the Grand Prix Reward “Glimpse Into Future”
- Title of the Top Ballet Master of Ukraine (2007)
- Winner of the prize provided by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.
- Two-time champion of Ukraine in the Pole Sports 2015 and 2017
- Champion of Ukraine in the Pole Art (2015)
- Silver medalist in the “Doubles” category and the cup winner for the best tricks in the World Championship (2015), China.
- Presenter of exclusive Pole Sports workshops in the countries of Eastern and Western Europe, North America and Africa.
- Cup winner for the title of “The Best Pole Sports School”, Ukraine (2015).
- Production director of the Ukrainian Pole Show “Pole Stars”.
- Founder and director of Pole Sports and Dance Studio “Antonova Pole Sport Studio”
Anastasia Skukhtorova
This world-famous pole athlete Anastasia Skukhtorova was born in Moscow. An 18-year-old girl began pole dancing in December of 2008 with neither ANY experience in sports nor dance background. She trained at the Moscow Pole School and fell in love with pole dancing with a first class.
At the beginning, this Russian talent trained 3 days a week for about 6-7 hours. After a couple months, her instructors offered her to become an instructor. She trained all weeks for many hours, having paid close attention to details with choreography, basic tricks and stretching. Her back flexibility is natural and extreme.
In July, 2009 Anastasia (Nastya) began preparing for the first Russian Pole Fitness Championship, which was held in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. She won second place in the professional category. But the girl won first place at the first Russian Pole Dance and Fitness Competition. The next step for her was the World Pole Dance Championship 2010 in Zurich, Switzerland. She represented the Russian Federation.
She went thru the finals there and competed with amazing Felix Cane and Jenyne Butterfly on the same stage. That was a historical moment for her.
It was just the beginning of her long way.
After that championship, Anastasia started traveling around the world. She taught, inspired people, developed new pole dance techniques in different countries.
She kept working on her flexibility, strength and dance skills.
Anastasia was taking private lessons with amazing Russian circus artists who had aerial silks, ballet, gymnastics, trapeze, contortion and many more.
Nastya set a goal to become one of the best artists in the world.
In the year of 2011, she first went to one of the most important and artistic competitions – the Pole Art. It was held in Helsinki, Finland.
This talented athlete took 3d place there. That was a great start. Her video from that competition has more than 4,600,000 views on YouTube. This is the biggest number that everyone ever had in pole dance competitions.
But one of the most important things for her was a marvelous winning in the 2nd Pole World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Anastasia is traveling and inspiring people to believe in themselves.
She proved the world that if you believe in yourself and work hard you can achieve any goals you want even with no background.
Hard work, patience, belief in yourself and all your dreams will come true.
Awards:
Winner of the 2nd Pole World Cup 2012/2013
2nd runner-up in the Pole World Cup 2011/2012
2nd runner-up in the Pole Art 2011
Most photogenic pole dancer of the world by PWN awards 2014
The Finalist of the World Pole Dance Championship 2010/2011
The Best Russian Pole dancer 2009/2010
UPA’s Pro Pole Dancer of the June 2010
Aerialist, aerial silk and hoop
International Pole Dance/Fitness judge.
Angelina Gelios
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
✔ 1st place in the Miss Pole Dance Championship, Russia, Central Federal District, 2014: category “Professionals”
✔1st place in the Catwalk Dance Festival, 2014: category “Pole Artistic Professionals”
✔3d place in the VI Cup of Russia in Air-Sport Equilibre, 2015: category “Pole Art Professionals”
✔1st place in the VIII Cup of Russia in Air-Sport Equilibre, 2016: category “Pole Art Professionals”
✔Finalist in the Zodiac 2016 Black Edition Championship, category “Stars”
✔1st place in the ExoStyle Championship, 2017: category “Duets” (Angelina Yunusova and Kristina Yurchenko)
✔Finalist in the international competitions – the Pole Art, Spain (2015), the Pole Art, Cyprus (2016). Category “Professionals”
Ashley Fox
Ashley Fox has been a true pioneer in the Pole Community. Her accomplishments are remarkable. As a competitor she has won 1st Place at the 2015 Atlantic Pole Championships and the 2014 Pole Expo, as well as Silver at the 2015 Pole Championship Series at the Arnold’s Sport Festival and the 2014 North East Aerial Arts Championships. In 2014, she was chosen for the 2014 Mighty Grip and X-Pole People’s Choice Award. Also, winning 3rd Place at her 1st ever competition at the 2012 American Pole Fitness Championship. As an owner, she has ran 2 successful pole studios in NYC & NJ for the past 4 years, and has brought almost 10,000 students through her studio doors. She currently employs and trains a group of 6 Foxy Instructors that have been with her for a year and more. As a producer, coach, & choreographer, she has put on 2 successful student showcases in NYC with turnouts of 200+, and currently has choreographed and put together the largest competition team in the country (24 competitors at 2015 APC), of which, 12 competitors placed top 3 in their respective divisions.
Brandon Grimm
Brandon was born in Ft.Lauderdale, Florida. At the age of 5 he began training in Gymnastics and then in Dance just a few short years after while continuing his tumbling training. He trained and competed Nationally as well as assisting the world-renownded choreographers and teachers of Tremaine Dance Convention.
Brandon then spent six years in New York City. Four of them obtaining his BFA in Fashion Design with a specialization in Intimate Apparel at the Fashion Institute of Technology, one year designing for Victoria’s Secret, and his final year dancing professionally and commercially. It was here in NYC where he founded Circus Arts and Pole at Body & Pole. During his time at FIT, Brandon trained as an Aerialist and Acrobat focusing on Aerial Fabric, Net/ Hammock, Straps, Contortion and Stretching techniques, and Hand-Balancing. This is also where his love for Pole Dancing began. Brandon loved the idea of being able to perform in the air but also expected to dance on the ground; melding all of his talents into one art form.
In 2011, Brandon moved to LA to join with Diavolo Dance Theater: Architecture in Motion, a nationally and internationally touring, acrobatic dance company. For three years he traveled with the company as well as co-creating new repertoire works with the other company members under Artistic Director, Jacques Heim. It was in these years where Brandon really grew as an artist. The company’s works were based mostly with the human element in mind and the human experience at play. Diavolo pulled inspiration from reality with emphasis on experiences, gestures, and everyday movement seen day to day. Here is where Brandon discovered his niche, as it pertained to Pole: The Human Experience…
Today, Brandon teaches at the famous BeSpun in Los Angeles as well as Cirque School LA in Hollywood, California. He uses all of his experiences and training in his teachings as well in his performances. His love for teaching and sharing knowledge as well as his drive constant growth and evolution keeps him motivated.
Brandon is looking forward to what the future will hold and cannot wait to travel the world sharing his skills with others as well as being able to learn from the limitless number of talented artists across the Globe.
Brittnai Pytlar
Brittnai is originally from Seattle, WA and began her pole journey over 5 years ago. She is proficient in both power pole and base work. Her favorite moves are anything dynamic and surprising – bring on the drops, tumbles, and sassy heel clacks! Brittnai is proud to be a Pole Art USA world finalist, USPDF Pro Cardholder, and two time Dance Filthy USA finalist. Sponsorships: Beastly Built Home Pole Studios
Elizabeth Carmine Black
With over 10 years of experience in movement and bodywork, Elizabeth specializes in improvisational dance and performance art. She was a professional ballroom dancer for over 5 years and has experience in belly dance, salsa, hip-hop, and contemporary movement. In 2013 she started taking pole classes, became Xpert certified and has been obsessed with pole dance ever since. Her ultimate goal is to create a safe and creative environment where students can learn different techniques while exploring an authentic expression of their own body movement. Through sensuality and awareness, she believes that dance can be empowering, and encourages each student’s journey individually.
Carlos França
Carlos was born in Sao Paulo Brazil in 1980. He began practicing Thai Chi Chuan, karate, and ballet. At 15 years-old he started Capoeira and was introduced to breakdancing. He participated in break dancing and Capoeira groups for the next 8 years. At 23 he entered a circus staff called Circo Roda which lasted for three years. He learned how to use the trampoline, trapeze, aerial cradle, and aerial straps in the circus where he performed with various Brazillian companies (Grupo Ares, Acrobatics Fratelli, Circo Fractais, and Trix Mix Cabaret). At the age of 28 he toured in Turkey and Egypt and in 2011 he moved to Germany to dedicate his time to Chinese Pole. In 2011 he discovered pole dance after a workshop and just days after won his first competition, Mr. Pole Dance Germany. Ever since he has been teaching, performing, and traveling as a workshop teacher, judge, and guest performer all over the world. He has recently moved to the USA and looks forward to the new opportunities he will encounter here in the states.
Colleen Jolly
She is an award-winning business owner, formally recognized by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia for “her vast achievements, leadership in the community, and character and dedication as a Woman in Business in the Commonwealth of Virginia” and had her company listed on the “Inc. 5,000 List of Fastest Growing Companies” three times. Additionally she has lead several association and non-profit boards, improving processes and growing their membership/donor bases.
She has won awards for fine art, graphic design, and writing and was the youngest person to win the lifetime achievement award in the proposal industry after being certified at their highest, professional level (http://www.APMP.org). She is currently on staff for the Bad Kitty® blog (http:///www.badkitty.com/news) and is an international speaker conducting seminars, trainings, and keynotes on creativity and business topics to more than 4,000 people on 5 continents.
Colleen came to fitness later in life after suffering a severe motorcycle accident that crushed her right leg between her knee and ankle. Despite being told she would never walk again, she dedicated herself to learning about the body and found a passion not only for her own fitness but helping others achieve their goals.
Pole Dance titles:
2015. Third place PSO, APC, Entertainment Level 4 Senior division, Pole Dance Competition, NYC
2015. Second place PSO, APC, Entertainment Level 4 Senior division, Pole Dance Competition, DC Metro
2014. Second place PSO, NEAAC, Entertainment Level 4 Senior division, Pole Dance Competition, Greater Boston area.
2014. First place Candy & Chrome Pole Dance competition, Northern Virginia
2014. Second Place PSO, CPC, Entertainment Level 4 Senior division, Pole Dance Competition, Chicago
For a full list of awards, publications, and other information: http://www.colleenjolly.com
instagram: @colleenjolly
twitter: @colleen_jolly
Crystal “CryStylez” Belcher
Athleticism, adventure and artistry have always been recurring characteristics of Ms. Crystal Belcher aka “CryStylez.” Crystal has an extensive history of dancing, cheering, co-ed competitive sports and dance fitness. Since 2010, she has been a student of pole, an instructor, personal trainer and choreographer.
“CryStylez” thrives on fluidity and showmanship, alongside the thrill of expression and transformation. Her aspirations are to inspire clients to enhance their visions of fitness, performance and/or dance with style! Not only does Crystal work to leave a lasting impression, she aims to spread that insight and perspective of performance to up and coming artists.
It is not just about the tricks and transitions, hyper-flexibility and strength moves,
it’s about creating moments and evoking emotions.
Notable Mentions
- Paragon – An International Pole Dance Competition: 2015 Latin American Female Championship Winner, Best Choreography & Overall Highest Score (tie) ;
- Paragon – An International Pole Dance Championship: 2015 Australian Female Championship 2nd Runner-Up
- Miss Pole Dance America 2015 Finalist
- Karol Helms presents “Odd Ones Out 2015” featured performer
- 2014 National Aerial Pole Art Female All-Star Runner-Up & 3rd Overall Highest Score
- 2013 Featured Guest Artist for AERA, a Brooklyn, NY based aerial dance company
- Artista Activewear, Black Girls Pole! and Pole Sport Organization Ambassador
- 2013 U.S. National Pole Championship Professional Division Finalist and Top Noted Performance; Professional Entertainment Division Champion
- 2012 Pole Sport Organization Southern Pole Championship Artistic Dramatic & Professional Division Winner and Voted People’s Choice Winner
- 2012 Miss Texas Pole Star Ultimate Division Champion and Voted Miss Flexibility
- 2012 Girl’s Next Door: A Pole Dance Soiree performer
- 2012 AERA presents Polesque LA Winner
- 2012, 2013, 2015 & 2016 International Pole Convention Performer, Host and Workshop Instructor
- Creator of Melee on the Bayou: Houston’s Premier Pole Dance Competition in Houston, TX
- 2010 Miss Georgia Pole Dance Competition Voted Miss Creativity
Estefanía Jiménez
Estefanía Jiménez is an Exotic Pole Dancer from Mexico with five years of experience. She has been nominated as Best America Pole Dancer for Pole Dance Awards two years in a row. Her sensual style fuses the exotic with the old school pole dance with perfect lines, innovative and spectacular transitions on the floor as well as exotic and unreal movements with legs and tricks of extreme flexibility, resulting in a style which has led it to be recognized nationally and internationally.
Frances Ann
Frances Ann is a professional educator with a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education/Biology and over 20 years experience in the health and fitness industry. Holding multiple certifications in group fitness, personal training, yoga, geriatric fitness cardio kickboxing and sports conditioning, she is dedicated to helping others achieve their fitness goals. This former NPC Women’s Fitness/Figure/Bikini competitor found pole dance fitness four years ago and has been hooked ever since. She has performed in showcases and cabarets up and down the east coast, and has been teaching workshops for local studios Earning professional status this year, Frances placed 2nd in the IPSAF World Pole Art Championships in Torino Italy. She is also a competitor and judge with Pole Sport Organization, and is sponsored by RTN Supplements and Trick-Tac Grip.
Torwa Joe AKA FiyaStarta
Xpole Athlete, AFAA Certified Group Exercise Instructor, Xpert Pole Fitness Trainer, professional dancer, choreographer, pole historian and twerk technician. Torwa Joe aka FiyaStarta – named for her burning desire to turn everyday women into “Pole-a-holics” and for her being “fire/hot” on the pole. She has been featured for pole dancing on Lil’ Wayne Concert Tours, Ludacris Performances, The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Braxton’s Family Values and more. FiyaStarta is the owner of Vertical Joe’s Fitness Studio Atlanta’s largest facility for fitness for women, the creative director of The Sexy Circus Artistic Pole Dance Production and the first to bring the Pole Championship Series to Georgia.
Irmingard Mayer
Irmingard is an NYC-based pole dance instructor and performer with a background in music and theater. She discovered pole dancing in 2009 and instantly fell in love with its blend of athleticism and artistry. She is the 2015 US National Pole Art Champion, 2014 Northeast Aerial Art Champion and 2014 Atlantic Pole Championships Dramatic Champion. She was a featured pole dancer with Guns N’ Roses for their residency at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas. She also performed at the official after-party for Alexander Wang’s NY Fashion Week show. She has appeared in several major motion pictures as well as television programs utilizing her pole skills. Irmingard teaches at Body & Pole where she is also the studio’s Assistant Manager. She is a blogger and contributor for Bad Kitty where she assists with coverage of the pole dance industry. She believes pole dancing is an athletic art form that is physically challenging, mentally stimulating and emotionally healing.
Jeni Janover
Jeni Janover is the passionate founder and owner of Liquid Motion®. In addition to being an XPERT and ElevatED certified pole instructor, Jeni has an extensive background in performing and visual arts, ranging from Classical ballet to sculpture and
graduated at the top of her class in the school of Fine Arts at Syracuse University. She began her pole dancing career in 2010, and was instantly addicted. Jeni created Liquid Motion® because she wanted to develop a methodology for people of all levels and backgrounds that teaches students the fundamentals of movement through basic dance theory and exploration of natural instincts. Jeni has taught her signature workshops all over the United States, Mexico and Canada, and is currently teaching Liquid Motion class at Body and Pole. Jeni describes her style of dancing and teaching as a combination of life, love, sex, and raw emotion. She believes that knowledge, exploration, and education are the keys to bringing the aerial arts to the forefront of modern culture and is excited to be a part of the ever-growing pole dance community.
Katie Cooper
Katie began her pole addiction during her first class in 2011 and hasn’t stopped since. She was bitten by the competition bug early on and is the 2016 USPSF pro champion, 2017 PSO Triangle champion, and silver medalist in the 2017 USPSF elite division. She loves the ability to strap on heels, throw on some rhinestones or sequins, and roll around on the floor and not only have that movement be accepted, but celebrated! Her favorite on-the-pole moves tend to involve elbow holds and splits or unique shapes. Katie has taught pole at Bittersweet Studios since 2012 and she especially enjoys creating routines, figuring out new moves to teach, and introducing newbies to pole.
Kaya Blum
- The founder and the owner of a pole dance studio “KAYA BLUM Pole Dance Studio”
- Certified pole dancing teacher
- Instructor of various programs and workshops in pole dance, exotic pole, strip plastic.
- Choreographer and director of many show programs and events
Lina
Lina began her formal dance training at the age of 6. She studied the art of ballet and jazz dance, hip-hop and street dance styles. Lina was a contestant and a prize-winner of numerous national and international dance competitions. She started her teaching career at the age of 19. As a choreographer, she staged a lot of shows and managed several performing show teams.
The experience in go-go, supporting huge worldwide electronic music festivals, acting in video clips, commercials, and even movies, helped raise her professionalism in the performing arts industry. Lina has been teaching pole dance choreography since 2012. Also, she is a lead singer and a performer in “ElectraFly show” band.
Lindsay was born and raised in colorful Denver, Colorado. At the young age of 5, she started gymnastics and was involved in the sport until the age of 12. Later she played nearly every sport under the sun such as soccer, volleyball, field hockey, lacrosse, basketball, and later shifted to music. Lindsay even played bass guitar and tried drums, but nothing quite stuck. She started her undergraduate college career at the University of Colorado Boulder in Boulder, Colorado where she found pole dance. After one class she was obsessed, bought her own pole one week later and she has been practicing daily since. Lindsay now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with my two kitties Illyria and Adia where she trains and coaches other pole dancers. She is currently taking dance lessons and working on developing other acrobatic skills like trampoline wall and aerial straps in the heart of the circus world of the nation. However, the pole will always be her true love. She is currently a 2-time 2016 national pole dance champion title holder and has received various awards in my pole career thus far. Lindsay is taking on new pole endeavors in the coming years in countries all over the world, continuing to compete, judge, train, and give workshop tours. She enjoys meeting new polers all over the world and my greatest achievement is inspiring others to push themselves to achieve their goals.
Marcy Richardson
Marcy Richardson is a professional aerialist and pole dancer who has graced the stages of many of New York City’s premiere entertainment spots for variety shows and burlesque, including Duane Park, The Slipper Room, DROM, Dixon Place, and Le Poisson Rouge. She performs in lyra and silks, and is also a skilled acrobatic pole dancer and the 2014 Pole Sport Organization US Nationals Level 4 Champion. One of her unique talents is singing opera while performing in lyra or while doing acrobatic pole routines at the same time. She is currently performing as a singer, pole acrobat, dancer, and aerialist with Company XIV at the Minetta Lane Theater 6 nights a week in their off-broadway production of the critically acclaimed Snow White. She most recently utilized both her singing and aerial and pole skills at the same time in the roles of Champagne in Nutcracker Rouge with Company XIV, and wicked step-sister in Company XIV’s Cinderella, an adaptation of the classic fairytale incorporate burlesque, opera, ballet, and circus. Also experienced with aerial harness, she recently performed the flying/singing role of the Ghost of Christmas Past in “Scrooge No More” at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. She is available for both ambient and featured aerial performances, including singing and aerial combined, or only aerial.
Natalia Meshcheriakova
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2nd Runner-Up in the World Pole Dance Championship (2016), Romania;
- 2nd Runner-Up in the Arnold Classic Pole Dance competition;
- Three-time winner in the Russian National championships;
- Finalist of the World Pole Dance Championship (2015), China and the Pole World Cup (2016), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
- Presenter of various workshops in Russia, Europe, Latin America, and Asia:
- Judge in many national and international competitions in Russia, Europe, Kazakhstan, Israel, Latin America, the Pole World Cup in Brazil.
Nicole ThePole Willams
Rihanna made it rain on her in the Pour It Up video. Her pole tricks stopped Ne-Yo dead in his tracks in a scene from the music video for She Knows. She performed on stage with Bruno Mars at the 2013 MTV European Music Awards. Thought Freida Pinto was working that pole in the Bruno Mars Gorilla video? Nope. It was her body double, the aerial phenomenon otherwise known as “Nicole ThePole.”
Nicole Williams aka Nicole “ThePole” has a media heavy resume that reads like an A-list celebrity. There are appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Access Hollywood, The Insider and Ricki Lake. She taught Nick Lachey how to pole dance on VH1, showed the crew from Cosmopolitan magazine her moves, even gave the Grammy winning gospel group Mary Mary pole dance lessons. She has appeared in Diesel’s campaign for i-d Magazine, was the first African American to create a pole dance instructional DVD series and has one of the biggest studios in Los Angeles.
Nicole’s alter ego was born in 2007 when she saw women pole dancing at a Los Angeles house party. She immediately bought a pole and taught herself tricks by watching YouTube. At the time, she was a personal trainer and co-owner of a Personal Training gym and quickly began telling clients about her newfound obsession.
A tomboy and athlete in high school, she fell in love with the fitness aspect of pole dance. Her new outlet also offered something else… the freedom to be sexy. She learned to step into her femininity, point her toes and be graceful, learn fluidity and musicality, traits she didn’t posses prior to her pole dance training.
Nicole had a vision. She believed pole dance could be a powerful movement for women and for fitness. In 2008 she opened Allure Dance and Fitness, one of LA’s pioneer pole studios. Nicole excels as an instructor because she connects with her students, breaks down moves and most of all – makes it FUN! She reminds us if we keep a positive mindset and “Can Do” attitude anything is possible.
Olga Spezia
Olga Spezia is professional pole dance and exotic pole dance teacher, choreographer, winner and finalist of numerous pole dance competitions. Olga was born in Russia, currently living in Greece (Thessaloniki). Started with pole dance in 2012. Olga fluently speaks English, German, Russian, Greek. Olga is teaching workshops in Greece, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Cyprus, Italy, Poland, Serbia, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Croatia, Egypt, France.
Contestant and winner of following pole dance championships:
- Pole Theatre Greece 2017 (Athens, Greece), finalist of Classique Pro category
- Greek Pole Dance Championship 2017 (Athens, Greece), 4th place in Pro category
- Pole Theatre Greece 2016 (Athens, Greece), Winner in Classique Pro category
- Greek Pole Dance Championship 2016 (Athens, Greece), finalist
- Greek Pole Dance Championship 2015 (Athens, Greece), finalist
- Pole Theatre Croatia 2014 (Pula, Croatia), 4th place in Pole Art category
- Greek Pole Dance Championship 2014 (Athens, Greece), Runner-Up / 2nd place
- Pole Dance battle “Euphoria 2013”, (Krasnoyarsk, Russia), 3rd place in Exotic category
- Miss Pole Dance Russia 2013, (Krasnoyarsk, Russia), 3rd place in Exotic category
About Phoenix
Phoenix Kazree is native of Los Angeles, CA. She is a former gymnast and is trained in classical, contemporary and ethnic dance styles. Her dance training includes the Alvin Ailey American Dance School, Joffrey Ballet, The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, and 2 years on scholarship with Bella Lewitzky. Phoenix has been dancing professionally and teaching dance since graduating high school. She traveled the Americas with the touring company of a hit Broadway show for 13 years. Her latest accomplishments are earning the title of Female Elite Champion of Pole Art Italy 2015 and Vice Champion of the female professional division of the Pan-American Pole Championships 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Phoenix was also 1st Runner Up at 2014 Pole Stars Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She is the 2011 California Pole Dance Champion, and the 2nd place winner of the 2011 and 2012 American Pole Fitness Championships. She was a finalist in the 2011 and 2013 Pole Art Competition in Helsinki, Finland and she placed 4th in Pole Art 2012 in Stockholm, Sweden. Phoenix was also a finalist in the 2014 Pole World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Phoenix was awarded for “Best Show” at Aerial Pole International Competition 2012 in Bern, Switzerland. She also earned the award for “Pole Athlete of the Year” at the APFC 2011 and La Pole Battle Montreal 2011.
Rafaela Montanaro
Rafaela Montanaro was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, into a family of athletes. Her mom was a long runner and sprinter, while her dad was a volleyball player. She stated her career at the young age of 3 when she was taken to her first gymnastics class. She then went on to compete several times in the Brazilian national competition. Then at the age of 11, she moved to Oklahoma for better training opportunities. Unfortunately, the following year she suffered a bad knee injury and decided it was time to give up gymnastics. Rafaela then dedicated herself to different styles of dance and a few different sports but missed the acrobatic side. It was always calling to her. Therefore, at the age of 16, she joined the local circus school. At 17 she was accepted at the prestigious Ecole Nationale des Arts du Cirque in France. But due to family issues, she only got to attend the school for 1 year. She then trained kungfu and even made the national team in 2006! She found pole in 2009 while surfing online looking for circus videos and ran into Felix Cane’s performance from 2006. She immediately went to look for a pole class and on the first day, the teacher saw potential in her. The teacher then asked her if she wanted to compete in nationals that were only 4 months away. She said yes and the rest is history…
Her biggest accomplishments so far are being World Champion in 2 different Pole Sports Federation in the same year, as well as having the world record for highest score ever achieved in both!!
Rebecca Stokes
Rebecca is an ACE certified personal trainer and a RYT with Yoga Alliance from Yoga Fit. Rebecca has trained endurance athletes; action sports athletes, and cardiac rehab and injury rehab clients. She began pole and aerial arts in 2006 and began instructing in 2008 and was certified with the PFA. Rebecca opened her own fitness studio specializing in pole and aerial arts in 2010. She holds education as a continuing journey and is currently getting her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with the idea of merging exercise science research and mental health resiliency.
Jessica Bogdanov
Since the age of 4, Jessica has been involved Rhythmic Gymnastics, for 14 years of her life. She competed at World Championships in Moscow (2010); World Championships in France (2011); World Cup in Russia, Italy, Portugal, and Israel (2011); Pan American Championships (2010) and Pan American Games (2011). She also competed in 6 Nationals (2007-2012) and was on the National Team three years straight (2009-2011). Jessica had coached children in Rhythmic Gymnastics for 6 years.
She was introduced to pole dancing through a video of Anastasia Skukhtorova on YouTube and was amazed by the power and grace of pole dancing. She started practicing pole dancing in 2013. After 5 months of practicing, she became a pole dancing instructor at Sugar Dance Studio. Jessica had performed solo at North Pole Express pole dancing showcase (December 2013). Jessica took 2nd place at National Pole Dance Competition (August 2014) by Pole Dance Organization. She says,”Pole dancing is definitely an amazing experience and gives you an overall remarkable feeling.” In 2014 Jessica got involved into bar workout, became a member of “The Showoffz” group and actively competing. She recently took 1st place in Female World Bar Star Championship.
Samantha Amblard
Sammy began her pole journey 2 years ago. When a medical diagnosis left her in search of an alternative means of mental and physical healing, pole dancing came to the rescue. Pole has been her most reliable form of healing ever since. The meditative and therapeutic qualities of pole dancing are what Sammy strives to open students’ eyes to through teachings.
Outside of pole, Sammy is currently a graduate student at the Tri- State College of Acupuncture. She hopes to be able to one day use the practice to help pole dancers– and athletes in general– when dealing with an injury.
Tara Meyer
Tara Meyer has studied dance for 23 years, turning her passion into a career, she became a professional dancer at age 16; leading to many competitions, awards and scholarships.
From her days dancing, on pointe, as a prima ballerina, she is now an
X-POLE Athlete gracing the Pole World with her fluidity and killer feet! It is this finesse, which has seen her take home many Canadian, US and International titles, over the last few years.
While Tara continues to travel the world Teaching, Judging and Competing; she is also the Canadian XPERT Pole Fitness master trainer and the proud owner of VogueFit, an elite studio located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Titles Won:
2016 PCS, Champion
2015 International Pole Sports Federation- Pole Sports Industry Award: Athlete Runner Up of the year
2015 PCS, 1st Runner up
2015 U.S Aerial Championships, 1st Runner up
2014 CPFA, Champion & Best Tricks Award
2014 NAPDC, Champion & People’s Choice Award
2014 Paragon International Amateur Pole Dance Championships, Champion
2013 CPFA, 1st Runner up Pro
2012 CPFA, 1st Place Semi-Pro
2012 Miss Pole Winnipeg, Champion & People’s Choice Award
2011 Miss Pole Dance Canada, 1st Place Amateur & People’s Choice Award
Certifications:
NAIT Personal Fitness Trainer diploma
XPERT Trainer
AERIALATIES
ZEN•GA
STOTT Pilates
Canadian Pilates Institute
Selected Guest Feature Performances:
Cast of Jenyne Butterfly’s Virago Society (current)
Cast of Oscillations Art (current)
Cast of Alethea Austin’s Ink N Iron 2015
Girl Next Door Soiree, Los Angeles, 2014
Vegas Pole Expo 2015
Vegas Pole Expo 2014
Vegas Pole Expo 2013
Judged:
2016 Pole Theatre UK
2016 North American Pole Dance Championships
2016 CPFA Alberta Championships
2016 Erotic World Pole Dance Championships
Shaina Cruea
Originally from Virginia Beach, VA, Shaina has studied various forms of dance for over 25 years. Her professional training began in high school when she was selected to attend the VA Governors School for the Arts. After performing in numerous productions, Shaina decided to further her knowledge of dance and its history by attending Old Dominion University and obtaining her BA in Dance Performance. While in college, Shaina continued to hone her technique and performance abilities with Virginia-based contemporary ballet/modern dance companies from 2004-2009. In 2010, Shaina made the move to NYC in search of new opportunities in the dance world. In October of 2012, Shaina took her first pole dance class at the infamous Body & Pole of NYC. She immediately fell in love with the combination of athleticism and grace and was selected to participate in the 2013 work/study program at Body & Pole of NYC. After completing the program, Shaina joined the Body & Pole staff as an elevatED-certified pole instructor. Known for her “legs for days” and stylized contemporary pole dance choreography, Shaina shares her passion through the aerial dance company AERA, her competitive performances and with her students.
Awards
2014 United Pole Artists Contemporary Category video challenge Winner 2014 United States National Pole Champion 1st Place – Professional Division 2014 Atlantic Pole Champion 1st Place – Professional Division 2014 Florida Pole Fitness Championship 3rd Place – Professional Division 2013 Super Shag Pole Fitness Championship 2nd Place – Level 3 2013 United States National Pole Championship 2nd Place – Level 3 2013 Atlantic Pole Championship 2nd Place – Level 2Tea Srsen
Tea started pole dancing at the beginning of 2014 at the age of almost 28. Immediately at the first class, she fell in love with the pole. Soon she began to practice pole dance every day at home while at the same time learning other aerial arts such as aerial silk and lyra. She became an instructor, and at the end of August 2016, she opened her own pole dance and aerial arts studio “Star House” in Zadar, Croatia. She finds the greatest compliment when other dancers think she has been doing ballet or gymnastics since the truth is just the opposite – she has no sport or dance background. Her motto is “Work hard, dream big, do more” and with her example, she wants to encourage people to believe in themselves and their dreams.
Tia Jax
Tia has been pole dancing since 2013. As a trained dancer (jazz, tap, ballet, acro, modern, lyrical, hip hop) and dance teacher of 12+ years, she had adapted to pole dancing quickly, especially being that her first teaching opportunity was at age 16. Surprisingly she taught Erotic Dance and Chair Dance classes for a local women’s fitness facility.
Tia started as a Student at Brass Vixens in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Five months into her pole journey she had been qualified to compete in the Ontario Regional Canadian Pole Fitness Championships. Competing in an amateur division, she won 1st place, champion.
Tia started pole dancing for the sport of it but then soon found a passion for Erotic Pole Dance. Just one year later in 2014, she decided to compete at TGWN (The Great White North) Pole Dance Competition. She had won 2nd runner up in a Semi-Professional division.
By this time Tia was now a top instructor and was getting noticed and popularized for her Erotic Choreography both Pole Dance and Chair Dance. Tia has created curriculums/teacher training-manuals for Erotic Chair, Erotic Pole, and Flexibility classes.
In 2015, Tia competed in Chicago, Illinois for the Midwest’s NAPDC (National American Pole Dance Championship) and won 2nd place in the Erotic Division. It was there that her talent was beginning to be recognized.
In 2016, Tia competed at Ontario’s TGWN Pole Dance Competition in the Erotic Division and won 1st place.
Also in 2016, She was qualified to compete in Orlando’s Dance Filthy Pole Dance Competition being viewed by International Pole Stars Michelle Shimmy and Maddie Sparkle. Though she didn’t place, Tia was honored to have been chosen and was elated to have shared the stage with such talent.
By 2017, her popularity was blossoming, eminently after competing in the Pole Sport Organization (PSO) Competition in Los Angeles, California where she won 2nd place in the Level 5, Erotic division. She was recognized by many dancers and studio owners.
Tia offers her signature workshops, internationally. She loves to travel whether it is to train for herself or to train others. Additionally, she is the proud Ambassador of 123 Poling and Polehearted Activewear.
“My style of erotic dance combines physical strength, stamina, and flexibility. It requires a sense of grace and technique. It promotes mental strength and confidence. I feel the most powerful when I can be sensual/sexy, not for any man, FOR ME.” -Tia Jax
Stella Fink
Stella is a pole dance artist and movement instructor.
Many years ago she made the leap to leave her Engineering career for a life of dance and teaching. Currently, Stella teaches pole dance, Liquid Motion, flexibility, and CoreAerial at the world renowned Body & Pole in New York City. As a Liquid Motion Master Trainer, Stella leads certifications and workshops on the Liquid Motion method of movement which is a stylized form of dance providing tools to understand the body’s natural movement. Also a passionate performer, you can regularly see her in Schtick a Pole In It, national pole dance competitions, conventions & more. In addition to her live work, she loves to create pole dance music videos and tutorials. Stella’s goal is to share her experiences and knowledge to help her students develop power and confidence in their movement.
Pole Dance Discovery
Stella discovered pole dancing at a Montreal strip club during her spring break in college. She was a lofty 18-year-old looking for a good time, only to realize later that she witnessed a style of dance that would greatly influence her life. Instantly drawn to the dancers’ strength and eroticism, she desired to exude the same qualities as the dancers confidently displayed.
Stella’s Pole Journey
In 2007, Stella purchased her own pole and set it up in her bedroom. She began learning from watching YouTube videos and pole fitness DVDs.
Every practice would leave Stella exhilarated. When she strapped on her heels and danced around the pole, she felt this different part of her come alive. Pure enjoyment came from taking flight during spins and undulating her hips and spine to the music. Every time Stella danced, drastic changes were made in the way she felt. She set out to master this style of dance and also share it with others so they too could feel empowered in their own bodies.
In 2009, Stella enrolled in pole classes at Body & Pole. It was like stepping into the big leagues. At the studio, she witnessed a new level of athleticism and dance technique which motivated her to take her training to the next level. She began taking classes weekly, then enrolled in an unlimited membership.
Via Facebook, Stella connected with a studio owner looking for a pole dance instructor. Stella began teaching pole dance on Long Island in 2011. In 2013, she entered into Body & Pole work-study program where after only four months she was hired as a resident pole dance instructor!
Teaching and movement have been Stella’s life ever since.
Zhenya
Zhenya
Zhenya got heavily involved in fitness in 2013. She began training twice a day and was amazed by the results. Shortly Zhenya started entering various fitness bikini competitions.
Yumiko
Yumiko Harris started gymnastics at the age of 7 which then introduced her to dance. In high school, she studied a range of dance techniques and also trained in Horton, Dunham, and West African at the Alvin Ailey School of Dance, NYC. In 2009 she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. After discovering the world of pole fitness in 2012, Yumiko began working at Foxy Fitness and Pole Training Studios. Here, she is currently the General Manager at the NYC location where she does group instruction, coaches the competition team and choreographs for bi-annual showcases. After a year of pole training, she began competing in the professional division and was 1st runner-up at the 2015 Atlantic Pole Championships (APC), 2016 Northeast Pole Championships and 2017 APC. She has danced in various music videos and has been featured on popular TV shows such as Barmagedon, Married at First Sight, Blue Bloods, a Nike YouTube series and also performed in the 2016 Alexander Wang after party. Yumiko believes that pole heals the mind, body, and spirit and hopes to always inspire and help others find their greatness through teaching.
Meet the founders
Irina was introduced to pole dancing in 2007. After taking only several classes she fell in love with pole dancing and began to master new techniques with particular persistence. In 2010 Irina decided to share her secrets of pole dancing with others and opened up a pole dancing studio(Sugar Dance Studio). Since then she has taught hundreds of women how to pole dance, trained new pole dance instructors, and coached pole dance competitors.
Irina says: “ Pole Dancing is a new quickly developing type of fitness. There is always something new to learn even though you think you know everything: you’ll always see new moves, different types of grips and interesting transitions. There is so much to play with, improvise, develop your own style and even invent new pole dancing moves yourself.”
Devon is a professional cinematographer and photographer with over 15 years experience. He is a founder of Devon T Productions Corporation that offers wide range of video and photo services such as music videos, promos, artists, events, fashion. He 1st took interest in shooting pole dancing in 2012 producing a promo video for Sugar Dance Studio.
Since then Devon has shot numerous pole dancing artists, got familiar with moves and poses, but never even climbed the pole. Devon’s creative vision, shooting and editing skills, and passion in film making lead to production of easy to learn pole dancing lessons.
Our Friends
We are Gold Sponsors of The International Pole Convention since 2015 providing video coverage of the entire event.
We are Prize sponsors of Pole Sport Organization providing complimentary memberships for all 1st place winners of all their events.
We are collaborating with Lupit Pole.
We are Gold Sponsors CPSAF providing memberships to all 1st place winners and support in developing Canadian pole community.