Why we're here...
"The arts are a challenging and under-appreciated field. However, I believe very deeply in the importance of creative work for individuals/communities and for social change. We need more art in the world - not merely for entertainment, but for the well-being of our communities, to reconnect to the self, and to foster a more universal and inclusive language. Being an artist is a constant risk, but one that is well worth the moments of inspiration that allow us to create, perform, share, teach and inspire."
-- Ruth McConnell, owner
.png)
Meet your Instructors
Ruth
Owner, Lead Instructor
Ruth has been immersed in the world of arts from the age of 4, beginning with ballet, tap, and jazz. She brings fifteen years of instruction and competition to her teaching with concurrent yoga, ballroom dance, and fitness pursuits. She believes in movement as both a healing art and as a form of personal expression. There is a strong focus on correct alignment and form. Variations for poses and sequences allow for all levels to find an appropriate balance of challenge and comfort while developing inner awareness.
"No matter what shape, size, age, or skill level... everyone supports each other and becomes a family. It is important that the students taking a pole class feel comfortable with their bodies and external interpretation of who they are inside. If there is any way to help improve your self-awareness and confidence, I will strive to get you there."
Affiliations: PoleStrong - lvl 1 & 2 conditioning specialist
United States Pole Dance Federation
Pole Fitness Alliance
American Pole Fitness Association
Baptiste Power Yoga Methodology
Certified! Ruth is also available for private and semi-private instruction.
Contact me!
Ashley
Pole 2
Low Flow (lvl 2)
Ashley's pole journey began in 2016 while exploring different dance styles in an effort to explore movement and gain flexibility. She fell in love with the versatility that pole dance offered and loved how it helped her to build strength, grace, and confidence. Her personal teaching philosophy focuses on "safety, style, and smiles" as she aims to help her students discover and develop their own personal dance style while remaining safe and having fun.
Ashley is XPERT 1 & 2 certified.
Emerald
Pole Play Choreo
Returning Oct 2024...
Tess
Pole 2
Pole Mechanics (lvl 2+)
Hi, polers! My name is Tess or Sunnii (sunny). Either way I'm here to brighten your day! I've been poling for 4 years going on 5 and I love it! It is everything fitness and finesse for me -- empowering and *so* much fun. I love teaching and I'm excited to be back at the home studio where I started my journey. Let's dance!!!
Tess is Discoveries Dance Certified, all levels.
Athena
It's Tricky!
Meet Athena, a passionate pole dancer who discovered the power of pole at the age of 38 while looking for a life beyond the role of mom and corporate professional. What began as a fun hobby quickly turned into a profound physical, mental, and emotional outlet. Athena finds immense joy in pole dancing and is dedicated to helping others find their own unique connection to this empowering art form. As an instructor, Athena is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in the studio. She strives to ensure that every student, regardless of their background or experience level, feels supported and encouraged.
Athena is PFA Level 1 certified.
Hana
Pole Intimacy
Slinky Sirens
Hana began her exploration of dance with ballet and lyrical in high school. After graduating, she discovered her love for pole dancing and transitioned in a whole new journey of creative expression. Hana taps into the sensuality and beauty of pole dancing while also respecting its origins. She loves art, nature, and her black cats.
Valkyrie
Specialty Workshops
Valkyrie discovered her passion for pole dancing during the pandemic and was instantly hooked. After competing in pole sport for a while, she started learning from Pole Kitten and found her true love in heels. She’s competed both nationally and internationally, earning Top-3 spots in Exotic Generation USA and Euphoria in Cancun, Mexico, and placing in the top 5 at Exotic Paradise 2023 in Barcelona. Valkyrie's style blends flow and Hypno Pole (a signature style developed by Pole Kitten), incorporating tricks from her pole sport days into her flow.
As an X-Pert-certified instructor with three years of experience teaching levels 1-4, Valkyrie is all about technique and proper engagement to prevent injuries. She loves to incorporate conditioning and active mobility work into her classes, ensuring her students feel both safe and strong on their pole journey. Valkyrie also encourages her students to experiment and discover their own unique style in their dance, striving to make each class a fun and empowering experience.
Valkyrie is XPERT 1 -4 certified.
Claire
Pole Tricks (lvl 3)
Claire started pole dancing in 2015, coming from a background of gymnastics and pole vaulting. High-flying flippy tricks are her favorite things about pole, but she has dabbled in many aspects of pole, from the heels and sultry side to flowy barefoot dance. She loves to help students on the path to nailing that next big move and is here to spot, physically and/or emotionally.
Claire is Elevated Levels 1 & 2 certified.
Maya
Adore Choreo
Maya (she/they) is a Kenyan-American multi-disciplinary artist. Their discovery of pole in
December 2022 has led them to perform and complete their first artist residency in
Montreal,QC titled "In my room", a solo performance piece examining the power of pole
as a meditative practice. Drawing inspiration from different movement disciplines such as
capoeira, animal flow, and yoga, Maya strives to create work that explores themes of
radical vulnerability and intimacy while living in a black body and how movement can be
used as a tool to bring us back home to our bodies. As an instructor, they hope to
cultivate a supportive environment for students to discover and explore their unique
movement style.