Our Instructors

When it comes to Pole Fitness, we know what we're doing

Find out more about our amazing team of Pole Fitness Instructors by clicking on their names.

Angela VaughanShow/Hide Details

Dancing since
2009
Teaching since
2010
Favourite move
Inverted Thigh Hold
Move you love to teach
Leg Curl
Pole idol
Pantera
Pole ambition
To compete one day

I’m Angela from Leeds and I work as an Office Manager for a firm of Financial Advisors in Watlington. I made the move down south 6 years ago after falling in love with the man of my dreams which is also where I met my partner in crime Jemma Carman.  After starting a street dance class in January 2009 as part of our get fit plan, we spotted the ad for pole dancing for The Pole Fitness Academy at Inspirations and thought it sounded like fun, which it was and so we started as beginners in February 2009. I absolutely loved it, it’s always great fun, a good workout and so satisfying when you finally nail a move that’s been bugging you!!

Damian ScottShow/Hide Details

Dancing since
2014
Teaching since
2015
Favourite move
Twisted Grip Handspring
Move you love to teach
Broken Arrow
Pole idol
Sam King
Pole ambition
To gain more flexibility, master the splits and achieve my Phoenix

I have always been a massive fan of dance and have danced for many years trying all different forms. Before starting pole I used to be a street dancer competing in national and regional competitions and being part of our annual dance school showcase.

Unfortunately in 2013 I injured my knee which required surgery, this meant that I was no longer able to dance at my current level. After rebuilding the muscles and strength I had lost I decided it was time for a change and decided to go for a trial at PFA and I haven’t looked back since!

My passion for pole has just grown and grown and to now be on the other side and being able to share my knowledge is rewarding and worthwhile.

I have found it very interesting and challenging from a male perspective being the only guy in class and having to change things slightly to adapt to my strength and weakness. But I find this pushes me to achieve my goal and also to encourage other males to give it ago.

Jemma CarmanShow/Hide Details

Dancing since
2008
Teaching since
2010
Favourite move
Twisted Grip Handspring
Move you love to teach
Scorpio
Pole idol
Jenyne Butterfly
Pole ambition
To Train, Teach, perfect and perform to the best of my Ability

My love for dancing started when I was just 6 years old when I learnt Tap Dancing and Gymnastics and then at 11 moved onto Disco and Break Dancing, I competed for OAYP (Oxfordshire Association for Young People) Dance Regional’s in 1996 and again in 1998. I took up Street Dancing when I turned 18 and then found Pole Dancing and Street Jazz again in 2008.

I have thoroughly enjoyed passing on my knowledge and love for Pole Dancing to the girls that I teach in my weekly classes. One of the best things about pole dancing is the bond I share with the other girls in both my class and the classes I teach. We go through a whole range of emotions from nervousness on assessment days to excitement when pulling off a new difficult move, but we go through them together.

I absolutely love teaching and find it very rewarding teaching the girls in my class new moves and watching them blossom into more established dancers. I am very proud of them all.

Julia ThompsonShow/Hide Details

Dancing since
Jan 2009
Teaching since
October 2010
Favourite move
Knee hold
Move you love to teach
inverting for the very first time!
Pole idol
Jenyne Butterfly
Pole ambition
continue to challenge myself and conquer my nemesis moves

I first started pole dancing as a New Year’s resolution to get fit and meet new people, I managed to do both and have never looked back! I took a break to have my little boy but was back on the pole as soon as I could manage and it was a great way to get back in shape and re-build my core strength. I like to think of pole dancing as secret exercise as it is so much fun! Also I love the social aspect of pole dancing and that special “pole bond” that exists between fellow polers!

I am extremely passionate about pole fitness and love the challenge of learning and mastering new moves and combinations that I never thought I would be able to do. I would encourage anyone to give it a go, it doesn’t matter what shape or size you are it’s about having fun and getting fit, and even a thousand mile journey starts with the first step!

It is a real blessing to be able to teach pole and watch my students develop and grow in their own strength and confidence!

Julie TaylorShow/Hide Details

Dancing since
Dec 2007
Teaching since
2008
Favourite move
Jezzabelle
Move you love to teach
Inverted Thigh Hold
Pole idol
Jeneyne Butterfly/Felix Cane
Pole ambition
To win a title

At the age of about five years old I was hooked on Gymnastics, the way people moved, the agility, strength and gracefulness of the gymnasts, I was captivated, so I begged and pleaded with my parents to let me join a team. They relented, and let me and I joined a gym. Once I hit my teens however, it took a bit of a back seat!

As an adult, I came across a clip of someone Pole Dancing, and it was then that I knew that pole dancing HAD to be in my life. Being completely obsessed with this new ambition to learn everything that I had seen, I got a pole and started teaching myself, which I could do to an extent but only got so far before I needed that extra pair of eyes to ensure I was doing it properly. I started with a few private lessons then worked my way into a class, where eventually I ended up teaching for the school I was attending at the time. Now I work for The Pole Fitness Academy and absolutely love it, great girls, great studios and good fun.

Seeing the complete transformation of the girls you teach, the creativeness that they come up with in dance routines and creation of new moves, not to mention the physical change and obvious toning, strength and agility that is achieved in the process is priceless and; the confidence that is gained is a beautiful by-product.

I strongly recommend anyone to try it, it's such good fun, and after all, if its fun, it doesn't seem like exercise anymore does it? Dare I say, once you start, its kind of addictive!

Justine WortsmanShow/Hide Details

Poling Since
2008
Teaching since
2008
Favourite move
Twisted Grip Handspring
Move you love to teach
Inverting
Pole idols
Currently - the other instructors at The Pole Fitness Academy!
Pole ambition
To be brave and keep trying to learn more.

I'd never been sporty as a child, but I had always danced and after qualifying as a Fitness Instructor, my confidence had grown and I was looking for new challenges.

I persuaded a friend to try a taster session with me in Edinburgh where I was living at the time. I was completely addicted! I also teach Aerobics, Zumba, Body Pump and Body Balance - and pole is my favourite!

I love working with new students as I remember what it's like to feel apprehensive and the worries that you have at the start of your pole journey.

Classes are such a positive place to be - nobody is worrying about the size of their bum or whether or not they get a move first time. Students quickly make friends and encourage & support each other.

Classes are the highlight of my week - what more can I say!

Lenka Morgan-WarrenShow/Hide Details

Dancing since
2009
Teaching since
2012
Favourite move
Dragonfly and Extended Butterfly
Move you love to teach
Superman
Pole idol
Anastasia Skukhtorova
Pole ambition
Perform a routine publically

I have always been into fitness and dancing so last year I decided to pursue my passion and trained and qualified as a personal trainer and fitness instructor, including pole fitness.

I started attending pole dancing classes at our local gym 3 years ago and I found myself wanting to do more and more so I purchased a pole so that I could practice at home. 2 years later, I started to work for Pole Fitness Academy in Reading and now I am a part of a great team.

Pole dancing was a natural choice for me as I can express my love for dancing and gymnastics through it. I absolutely love teaching it! It gives me a great sense of achievement to see students enjoying our classes. It is amazing to see the improvements they make and the smile on their faces when they master new moves.

Pole dancing is not only great for improving fitness and coordination through working on dance routines and increasing strength through doing spins and inverts but it also brings out the creativity and playfulness in you!

But mostly it is a lot of fun. Once you try it, you will be hungry to learn and challenge yourself even more with every class. And with a bit determination, hard work, good guidance and encouragement you will achieve great results.

Come and try it for yourself!

Mikey CookShow/Hide Details

Poling Since
2011
Teaching since
2014
Favourite moves
Elbow Grip Iron-X / Crossover
Move you love to teach
Flag
Pole idols
Magnus Labbe / Julio Peixoto / Dmitry Fedotov
Pole ambition
To become as advanced as possible and get more men into pole!

I’ve always been into fitness and staying healthy. Gymnastics and trampolining were my passions as a child (hence the pointed feet, flexibility, and poise) as well as anything that involved crazy death defying tricks!

I’m currently studying Dance and Fitness at University which has opened up so many possibilities. I am now a qualified Lvl 2 Gym Instructor and on my way to completing my Lvl 3 Personal Trainer qualification. Dance has always been a hobby of mine but it is only recently that I’ve taken it up professionally.

I started pole a few years ago on a whim after a friend introduced me to it and have been hooked ever since. Pole fitness is so different to so many classes out there and it incorporates everything a person could want from a fitness class; strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, core stability etc.

It is a great way to burn fat and tone muscle at the same time. I took to pole quite naturally but there are still things that escape me and it is my mission to become even better. There is a lot of stigma out there about pole and being a male doesn’t help. However, it is my aim to help change this perception and show people that pole is for everyone!

Natalie Watkins

Samantha BlakeShow/Hide Details

Dancing since
December 2013
Teaching since
January 2015
Favourite move
Thigh Hold
Move you love to teach
Invert
Pole idol
Bendy Kate
Pole ambition
To properly compete again.

I was really nervous when I booked my taster session but after 5 minutes I loved it. I went straight home and signed up. It was the highlight of my week. After a while one session just was not enough so I doubled my classes and bought my own pole. I was addicted.

I've never had a proper hobby and fell in love with pole. Just before my one year poleaversary I competed in my first competition. I didn't place anywhere but I was super proud I actually got up and took part. One day I hope to do it again.

It was shortly after my poleaversary that I started to teach. I love teaching pole as much as I loved learning it. Watching students progress and joining in their joy when moves are achieved is fabulous. Passing on the love of pole :-)

Pole has done wonders for my self confidence and has introduced me to many lovely people. It has also made me at the age of 30 achieve things I never thought possible :-)

Tarryn ChingShow/Hide Details

Dancing since
November 2010
Teaching since
January 2013
Favourite move
Iguana
Move you love to teach
Scorpio
Pole idol
Jenyne Butterfly
Pole ambition
I would like to get more and more people to do pole dancing to change the public's perception of this form of art

Growing up I did all kinds of dancing, as well as gymnastics and ice skating.  A few years ago I really wanted to get back into some kind of dancing.  I tried a few different types of dancing which I felt were just not for me.  I was then invited to a Pole taster session in 2010, and I have been addicted ever since!

Pole is not only a great way to get fit, increase flexibility, improve posture, tone up, burn calories and improve confidence, but is such great fun!  It's the best part of my day!!

Josie GoodallShow/Hide Details

Dancing since
2011
Teaching since
2012 (2014 with PFA)
Favourite move
Shouldermount to brass monkey
Move you love to teach
Invert
Pole idol
Zoraya Judd
Pole ambition
To pass on my love and addiction for pole dancing to as many as possible

I started Poledancing because when a friend suggested it for a laugh. I was worried I wasn't fit enough and that I would need more upper body strength but I quickly became addicted and had installed a pole at home within 6 weeks. I never looked back from that first taster; having finaly discovered an exersise and hobby where I couldn't wait for classes and was constantly trying to sqeeze in more classes. there was always a new challenge and something to master.

I started helpingout at my studio and progessed naturally to instruction and discovered a new love - teaching Pole Fitmess! Pole dancing changed my life and I love being able to help other people find that fun, fitness and confidence.

Anna Hart (AKA Belle)Show/Hide Details

Dancing since
2013
Teaching since
2014
Favourite move
Cacoon and batwing
Move you love to teach
Superman
Pole idol
Anastasia Sokolova
Pole ambition
To compete one day

Pole fitness was something I always wanted to try, as I had heard many great things about it. I was a fitness freak before I started pole and used to go to the gym six days a week to work on cardio and core strength. Then came the day that I had my first taster session. I was completely hooked after my first lesson. I soon then came to realise that I was benefiting more fitness and strength wise, in my one hour a week pole lesson then I was six days a week in the gym. Not only that, I found myself achieving new goals all the time. Everything in pole is so challenging, even now as an instructor and it is also greatly rewarding. There is never an end to it. With some things you hit a brick wall and then give up. Pole isn't like like.

I am doing things that I never thought I would possibly ever do and have gained so much flexibility. Beats my same routine in the gym any day. It was and still is also nice to meet new people, have a laugh and socialise. Everyone of my lessons were fun for me, and my classes are even more fun. I love teaching so much because I get to share my passion and love for pole. I feel so privileged to be able to help others. I get to help and follow their journey of getting fitter, more confidant and watch them achieve their goals as well, just like I did on my own journey and it's amazing and makes me so proud of them.

I would recommend pole to anyone. It's a great, fun way to exercise and keep fit and has a great sense of achievement.

Kristine NavvaroShow/Hide Details

Dancing since
2012
Teaching since
2013
Favourite move
Jade splits and Handspring
Move you love to teach
Superman
Pole idol
Anastasia Sokolova (not to be confused with Skuhhtorova)
Pole ambition
To keep getting stronger and do more dead lift moves like Pheonix and Iron

Kristine was already an established yoga teacher before starting pole. She was already strong as a student and enjoyed going upside down very early on. The sense of achievement and empowerment she derives from her pole classes and her love for teaching got her interested in becoming a pole instructor. Now as she teaches both classes she can only attest to how much these two complement each other and how both of them are now two of her greatest passions. She has now been telling her yogis to try pole as well!

Alexa StraughanShow/Hide Details

Dancing since
2011
Teaching since
2015
Favourite move
Gemini/Aysha
Move you love to teach
Gemini/Scorpio
Pole idol
Annie Norris
Pole ambition
To compete in a competition, to achieve my splits, and increase my strength and stamina

I've been dabbling in and out of different styles of dance since I was 3. As I got older and went to uni I took more of a passion for street dance and hip hop, and was part of the Coventry Cougars dance team from 2010-2012, competing and coming 2nd in a national BCA competition.

Whilst studying to become an Occupational Therapist I joined one of the qualified therapists in a session of pole with Annie Norris, who then showed me how beautiful and graceful pole dancing can be, and is steering it away from the stigma associated with it.

Since then I became a pole junkie and was completely hooked - even with relocating several times around the country I did my research and found a pole class! My passion for pole is continuously growing and I can never get enough.

I get an enormous kick out of teaching others what I know, encouraging them and praising them. Pole is a tough sport and massively underestimated, and I love how enthusiastic polers can be and I love sharing both my enthusiasm and passing my passion on to others.

Pole is a special community where everyone accepts one another for who they really are, and there is no judgement. Everyone is their own self and it's amazing!

Ashlie Edwards

Steph Monk

Guilia Mancano

If you are interested in becoming an Instructor with The Pole Fitness Academy, wherever you are in the country, please get in touch

Features

  • No long contracts
  • Various venues available
  • Easy payment methods
  • Experienced Instructors
  • Currently offering over 50 classes/week

For more information please call us on 07759 476023