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
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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!
Ann
Fierce Freestyle & Flow
Pole Play
I attended my very first pole class in 2017 in Center City Philadelphia. A month later, I purchased my home pole! I started teaching classes in 2021 at a studio in Philly and also in my home. The number-one thing I often hear from people that are interested in taking classes is that they aren’t strong enough... and I say that that couldn’t be the furthest thing from the truth! In pole, there’s a level for everyone -- you start where you are. For me, I was always interested in learning different tricks and I thought it looked really cool . That’s why I decided to try it. But I’ve witnessed it not only helping me in a physical way, but in many other ways as well. My purpose as a pole instructor is to guide my students into achieving their own individual goals with a positive, fun, and supportive experience.
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.
Ashley
Low Flow (lvl 2)
It's Tricky! (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.
Tess
Pole Mechanics (lvl 2+)
Inversion Training (lvl 2.5)
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.
Brittaney
Soft Strength: Pole Stretch & Flow
Brittaney Valentino is an E-RYT 500, YACEP and Mindfulness meditation teacher and owner of Rooted Nest LLC, a Yoga and Meditation company based in Wilmington, DE. She is also the co-founder of Embodied Mind LLC, a mindfulness-based consulting company.
Along with offering online and in person classes nationwide, she moonlights as a Senior Teacher and the Programs Coordinator at Dharma Moon Incorporated, an online mindfulness-based learning platform, and global community under the direction of her mentor, Senior Buddhist teacher David Nichtern.
When not teaching or practicing, she enjoys making memories with her family with traveling, being in the woods, hanging out by lakes, cooking, and gardening. For more, check out rootednestyoga.com
Thea
Flex Appeal
Thea started pole dancing in 2022, and has performed burlesque since 2021. With a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science, she brings a deeply evidence-based, body-literate approach to pole conditioning. Her classes focus on building strength, mobility, and resilience through science-backed progressions that support safe, sustainable skill development. She is passionate about helping dancers of all levels understand WHY we train the way we do—so they can move with power, confidence, and artistry both on and off the pole.