Teacher Blurbs | Pole Dance Academy

Michelle Shimmy and Maddie Sparkle

Michelle Shimmy.

Michelle Shimmy is a Sydney-based, internationally-renowned pole performer, entertainer, judge, MC and instructor. Shimmy co-owns the Pole Dance Academy with her sister Maddie Sparkle. Shimmy is the co-creator and co-owner of two international competitions, Pole Theatre (the world's largest competition with over 16 countries participating), and Dance Filthy.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

APDM Top 5 pole dancers in Australia 2016/17,
IPDFA Industry person of the year award 2015,
UPA Poler of the year award 2015
Miss Pole Dance Australia finalist 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016 & 2017
Miss Pole Dance Australia First Runner Up 2013
Australian Pole Dance Champion Doubles Division
Australian Pole Fitness Championships Doubles Champion
Guest Performer at countless events around the world
International Judge
Xpert Teacher Trainer & Pole Dance Academy Training
Teaches International Workshops
Series of Pole & Stretch Tutorials

Pole dancing since: 2006

Teaching since: 2009

What is your teaching specialty: Breaking down moves and identifying small corrections that need to be made for students to achieve their nemesis move.

Maddie Sparkle.

Maddie loves pole dancing, the splits, pizza and her dogs. Maddie's grace and physique are a source of inspiration for her students. She is known for her amazing flexibility and strength and is a patient and encouraging teacher, always ready to guide you through a new move. Maddie tours internationally and performs, judges and teaches workshops all over the world.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

APDM Top 5 pole dancers in Australia 2016, 2017
2nd in MPDA 2015, 2nd MPDA NSW
3rd at the ACPC 2011
Semi-finalist at IPC 2012
1st place Pole Dance Universe Public Competition in Denver
Miss Pole Dance Australia Finalist 2016, 2017, 2018
Guest Performer at countless events around the world
International Judge
Xpert Teacher Trainer & Pole Dance Academy Training
Teaches International Workshops
Series of Pole & Stretch Tutorials

Pole dancing since: 2006

Teaching since: 2009

What is your teaching specialty: Breaking things down and making hard things seem achievable.

Maddie Sparkle

Moni

Moni.

Moni first started pole 2007 while traveling Argentina. It was love at first sight so when she returned to Colombia she and her bestie opened the first pole studio in Colombia. She loves sharing how pole brings so much fun and positive change to lives. In 2010 Moni competed in Miss Pole Dance SA which encouraged her to then create Miss Pole Dance Colombia. Moving to Sydney in 2014, Moni started teaching at PDA. Sexy style is her favourite and she loves to freestyle!

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Judge Miss Pole Face Glamour 2011
Guest performer Miss Pole Face Glamour 2011
Judge Miss Pole Dance South America (Brazil) 2011
Pole Club Judge
Choreographed Dance Filthy opening number 2017
Dancing in Mario Turco's Pole Theatre show 2018
Danced in numerous Dance Filthy & Pole Theatre opening numbers

Pole dancing since: 2007

Teaching since:

What is your teaching specialty: I love teaching Pre Advanced, Pole Choreo, and sexy fluid routines.

Magda.

Originally from Poland, Magda first tried pole for fitness in 2013. It instantly became her biggest addiction! Once she moved to Australia she soon discovered pole could be feminine and sexy. Her style now ranges from trickster to beautiful exotic dancer. Students love her bubbly personality, funny accent, and passion for pole. She loves seeing students grow and become better versions of themselves. Don't let her trackies and jumpers fool you, she transforms from tomboy civil engineer, to one sensual kitty.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Podium Goddess 2018 - winner (freestyle division)
Sexy's back 2018 - winner
Choreographed dance filthy opening number 2017
Dancing in Mario Turco's Pole Theatre show 2018
Danced in numerous Dance Filthy and Pole Theatre opening numbers
Choreographed Dance Filthy Opening Act 2019

Pole dancing since: 2013

Teaching since: 2016

What is your teaching specialty: Floorwork

Magda

Sarah

Sarah L.

Sarah has been part of PDA since her first lesson in 2015. She fell in love with the combination of flexibility, strength and freedom of expression that makes pole so beautiful. Sarah is a supportive and encouraging teacher who believes that every student has untapped potential to be discovered and shared. She believes that pole can add purpose to your life and that it is never too late to start!

Titles | Performances | Awards:

PDA Certified Teacher

Pole dancing since: 2015

Teaching since: 2016

What is your teaching specialty: Flexy tricks

Naty.

Naty started pole dancing in Peru in 2011, one year later, it became more than a passion, but a way of life. By 2014 Naty had visited Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, and New York pole studios to build her knowledge and expertise. As a pole dancer and studied psychologist it was Naty's dream to start her own pole studio to help other woman improve their self-esteem and confidence, empowering them to do what they love without caring about stereotypes around pole dancing. In 2016 she decided to travel to Sydney to take classes at PDA to improve her style and discover more things around “dancing in heels”.Following her dream, she was one of the first promoters of the sexy style in heels (Classique) in Peru and also diffused chair dance, lap dance and strip dance. Thanks to this, she has now become one of the most renowned exponents of this style in Peru.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

PDA Certified Teacher
Multiple Dance Filthy opening numbers
Back up dancer in Mario Turco's Pole Theatre

Pole dancing since: 2011

Teaching since: 2013

What is your teaching specialty: Classique or sexy style, slow choreos on the pole and floorwork

Naty

Zaneta

Zaneta.

Zaneta discovered pole dancing in 2010, in her hometown - Rockhampton. While feeling very uncoordinated and completely out of her comfort zone she quickly became obsessed with the art of pole and not long after began instructing. In 2016 Zaneta moved to Sydney to manage and instruct at PDA. As an instructor Zaneta is very patient and loves helping & seeing her students grow each week! She has since taken to the stage in multiple competitions. Zaneta loves the freedom and confidence pole brings.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Pole Theatre Amateur Finalist
Pole Superstar Finalist
Sexy's Back Finalist

Pole dancing for: 9 years

Teaching for: 7 years

What is your teaching specialty: Breaking down movements so that they are easy to understand

Siggy.

Siggy began pole in 2013, as a way to get fit and have fun. After a year, she moved to PDA where she fell in love with the sexier style of pole. She began teaching in early 2015 and is an encouraging & passionate instructor. Siggy loves to watch her students grow in confidence, and helping them to achieve amazing gravity-defying tricks they never imagined possible! Never dancing without heels, Siggy is a beautiful dancer, amazing her audience with the fun and sexy side of pole she loves so much.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Dance Filthy 2nd Runner Up 2018
Sexy's Back Finalist 2018
Mid Summer Nights Dream 2nd Runner Up 2018
Dance Filthy Finalist 2019

Pole dancing since: 2013

Teaching for: 5 years

What is your teaching specialty: Breaking down moves, focussing on technique, and conditioning

Siggy

Arabelle

Arabelle.

Arabelle is a pharmacy nerd by day and pole dancer by night. She took her first pole dancing class at PDA in 2018, wanting to try something different after having been a competitive cheerleader for 6 years. Pole quickly became Arabelle’s passion, spending as much time as possible in the studio to improve her skills. Arabelle has a love of all aspects of pole dancing, especially flexy tricks up the pole and sensual floorwork. She also loves the pole community and the many friendships she has made along the way. Arabelle believes teaching is the perfect way to share this with others who are new to pole dancing.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

PDA Certified Instructor
Pole Club Alexandria 2019 champion
Risqué pole competition Miss Flexibility 2019

Pole dancing since: 2018

Teaching since: 2020

What is your teaching specialty: Back bendy tricks but most importantly being friendly and relatable

Chloe

Chloe.

Having a background in ballet, jazz and contemporary dance led Chloe to try pole dancing 7 years ago, which ignited her love for dance all over again. Quickly becoming pole obsessed, she jumped back into training, focusing on strength and flexibility. After a couple years of dancing at different studios, she fell in love from the first class at Pole Dance Academy and hasn’t looked back. Combining sensual and contemporary movement learnt over her time in the studio, Chloe has developed her own style of alluring and fluid choreography which she loves to share with her students. As a qualified personal trainer, she has a very focused approach to training, always working on balancing strength and flexibility. Chloe also loves to see her students succeed and smile through each class, helping students achieve goals and breakthroughs with challenging moves is why she loves to teach.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

PDA Certified Instructor
Cert IV in Fitness and Personal Training

Pole dancing for: 7 years

Teaching for: 4 years

What is your teaching specialty: Breaking down moves and pole choreo

Lenka

Lenka.

Lenka discovered pole dancing in London, when an antigravity yoga Groupon voucher led her to a pole studio, which has quickly become her daily retreat from the stresses of a big city corporate life. Since moving to Sydney in 2017, she has found love for skinny brass spinning poles, sexy style and heels! She finds flexibility training to be the most exciting part of her pole journey, understanding how our bodies can transform through correct training and perseverance. Having started teaching in January 2018, she finds nothing more satisfying than seeing her students grow from baby polers to confident, strong, mesmerising pole goddesses.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Spin City Pole Dance Instructor/Flexibility/Physiology & Anatomy
ElevatED Flexibility

Pole dancing since: 2013

Teaching since: 2018

What is your teaching specialty: Breaking down moves into key technique points, looking for those little things that can change a nay to yay

Lisa

Lisa.

Originally from London, Lisa first discovered pole when she was gifted one by her husband for Christmas when their youngest child turned two. She soon discovered that you could learn tricks and link them together until she was no longer asking her husband to watch her but rather spot her! Finding a studio and pole family was like finding herself again. A mother of three and a registered nurse left her zero time for herself but pole dance gave her back the things she had forgotten about, namely body confidence and feeling sexy again!

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Certified Instructor The Pole Studio London
Certified Instructor Pole Dance Academy Instructor Training
2020 Classique Certification
Pole Club Manly 2019 finalist
Ecole de Pole Amateur Comp 2017 Winner
1st Runner Up Pole Club Manly 2020

Pole dancing for: 7 years

Teaching for: 4 years

What is your teaching specialty: I love helping other mums get their sexy back, and nurturing Beginners and watching them grow

Becky

Becky.

Becky loves pole dancing! Her bubbly and welcoming teaching style, provides a safe space for her students to grow as dancers. She loves sharing her passion and nurturing that same spark in her students. Becky is also a qualified Pilates instructor, an animal trainer and owner of two beautiful cats.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

PDA Certified Instructor Beg-Elite
APPI Certified Pilates Instructor
KX Academy Certified Pilates Instructor
2020 Step Up Semi Pro 2nd Runner Up
2019 Dance Filthy Amateur Finalist
2019 Mid Summer Nights Dream Amateur 1st Runner Up
2018 Preformer Heart Stoppers
2018 Pole Club Crows Nest Amateur 1st Runner Up

Pole dancing since: 2014

Teaching since: 2018

What is your teaching specialty: Beginners, sexy flow, flexibility tricks and performance skills.

Aliky

Aliky.

Aliky loves anything movement, dance, pole and all things floorwork, split based, and exotic. She loves to share her passion for dance, as it’s nourishment for anyone's soul and an ever replenishing source of contentment and joy. Aliky has been pole dancing since 2016 during sneaky lunch time breaks at work and became obsessed. She has competed in a few floor and pole based competitions and recently placed as sponsors choice in Sexy's Back. Aliky is a former competitive gymnast at state and national levels and aerobic competitor and is now based in Sydney, living by the beach with her son. As a certified Yoga Alliance teacher, Aliky is a knowledgable instructor at Pole Dance Academy and has a through understanding of the body and movement.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Sponsors Choice Sexy's Back
2020 Classique Certification
Champion Pole Club Manly 2020

Pole dancing since: 2014

Teaching since: 2019

What is your teaching specialty: Splits, static, and bendy stuff. I also love Russian style and exotic choreography

Dirdy Birdy

Dirdy Birdy.

Dirdy Birdy started her pole journey in 2008 and has inspired many to start their own. She is known for her sexy routines, strength and pole tricks and flow combos. She loves the sensuality of pole dance as well as the physical challenge it provides, and of course the friends that she has made along the way. She loves teaching and loves seeing pole students achieve their goals and have fun!

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Guest Performances in numerous shows, including Pole Dance Academy's Dance Filthy and Step Up.

Pole dancing since: 2008

Teaching since: 2010

What is your teaching specialty: Pole Choreo

Marta.

Marta started pole dancing in late 2014. She needed something that was going to be both fun and a good complex training. Coming from a gymnastics background, her main goal was to train into something that was going to be challenging, but also exciting and definitely not normal....not everyone can do a horrible split .. with a smile!

Titles | Performances | Awards:

PDA Instructor Training
Pole Club Manly 2020Finalist

Pole dancing since: 2014

Teaching since: 2021

What is your teaching specialty: Making my classes very fun and also making sure every person involved gets the move we’re working on.

Marta

Shirley

Shirley.

After relentless encouragement from her best friend, Shirley tried her first pole class at PDA in 2018 and began teaching in 2020. She became infatuated with the beauty and sensuality of pole and is obsessed with refining her own dance flow. For Shirley, pole dancing is a form of both strength and femininity and wants her students to continuously feel empowered in themselves and their progress. Her specialty lies in flowy choreo, and a bendy back. Shirley is a sassy and patient teacher and will be sure to make you laugh in her class!

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Pole Club Bondi Champion 2020

Pole dancing since: 2018

Teaching since: 2020

What is your teaching specialty: Any back bendy moves and making bad jokes in class.

Sarah S.

Sarah first tried Pole Dancing over 10 years ago but shortly after moved overseas and never pursued it until late 2018 when a friend of a friend (who used to teach at PDA!) suggested it might be a good way to start rebuilding strength after 4 years rehabbing a shoulder injury and the rest as they say was history. Sarah not only loves the physical challenges Pole provides but the way allows you to mentally disconnect from everything else while you focus on your training, and the incredible (& diverse) community of people that make up the pole world. She loves to see others fall in love with Pole as she did, and to work with and champion students on their own Pole Journey.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Certified PDA Instructor
Dance Filthy Amateur Finalist 2022
Sexy's Back Amateur 2 Finalist 2022

Pole dancing since: 2018

Teaching since: 2021

What is your teaching specialty: Helping students understand that training is a journey not a destination and to enjoy the ride and celebrate all pole victories big and small.

Sarah S

Scarlett

Scarlett.

Scarlett was in awe of how pole dancers moved so effortlessly which inspired her to take her first class in 2014. She felt a little clumsy and uncoordinated, but that was just the challenge she needed. Pole has helped Scarlett gain confidence and body positivity. She is known to be a goofball and trickster who loves trying to nail any move she comes across! When she isn't twirling around the pole she is studying Psychology, binge-watching Netflix and cruising around on her scooter. Scarlett truly believes that pole dancing is for anybody, and teaching is the best way to share her passion.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

PDA Certified Teacher Beginners- Intermediate
PDA Certified Teacher High intermediate- Elite
Pole Classique Certification

Pole Dancing since: 2014

Teaching since: 2020

What is your teaching specialty: Providing a positive and fun environment where everyone feels welcomed.

Hayley.

Hayley first started Pole dancing back in 2010 and has been in love with Pole and the Community ever since. Hayley gives Pole credit for the woman she is today. Starting at a young age, she found body confidence and a creative outlet that nourishes her soul (and keeps her out of trouble). Whenever a Pole athlete/idol was teaching workshops – Hayley was there to learn. This includes attending Pole camps, Pole Cruise, Las Vegas Pole Expo and dancing in different studios throughout Spain. Hayley has been actively teaching for 10 years and loves the creative side pole has to offer, anything with splits and helping people achieve moves they once thought not possible. She finds the process very rewarding.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Winner of Floorplay (doubles routine), 2019
Guest Performer and Pole Superstar Judge
Co-organizer of Pole Superstar (Hillside Pole Competition)
Various Movies, Music film clips and performances
Performer at “The Club” Sydney
2nd place, Northies Pole Comp
3rd place, Black Cherry Pole Comp

Pole dancing since: 2010

Teaching since: 2011

What is your teaching specialty: I specialise in Private lessons and Choreography. I love working with people one on one and tailoring privates to suit their needs, style, and goals. I also love the energy in a class environment.

Hayley

Aimee

Aimee.

Aimee has a background in Irish Dancing where she competed around Australia for 10 years and taught children in primary school on her lunch breaks. A few years after she quite Irish Dancing (and also going through a break up), she was dragged along to her trial Pole Dance Class with 6 friends! During the first couple of years, she didn't wear heels (as it was frowned upon) and was only tricks base. She took a year off when she moved to Sydney but then started at PDA to try make friends and instantly found her passion for pole dancing! She's now made many friends through PDA, who encouraged her to dance in heels, and says pole dancing helped her through some of her struggling years. PDA has made her feel sexy and comfortable in her own body (with heels!) and her main inspo for teaching is to give everyone the same experience she had! She says if she can go from stiff Irish Dancer to feeling like a sexy Pole Dancer, anyone can be made to feel sexy and comfortable in themselves!

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Certified PDA Instructor
Competed at State and Australian Irish Dancing Championships

Pole Dancing since: 2016

Teaching since: 2021

What is your teaching specialty: Breaking down moves into relatable terms and encouraging students that they can invert and go upside down! Making everyone feel welcome, confident and comfortable, which includes laughs and pretty lights (especially in choreo)!

Signe.

Originally from Sweden with over 13 years experience of coaching gymnastics in both Australia and back in Europe, Signe has a big passion for teaching. Signe had her first beginners trial at PDA in 2021 and fell in love with the sport straight away. With Pole dance involving both strength, flexibility and coordination she couldn’t resist starting teaching this sport as well. Signe is all for a fun workout and bubbly class environment. She thinks life is too short not to explore what our amazing bodies are capable of!

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Certified PDA Instructor
Certified gymnastics coach

Pole dancing since: 2021

Teaching since: 2022

What is your teaching specialty: Good at breaking down skills and demonstrating funny versions of what not to do.

Signe

Caz

Caz.

Caz's pole journey started in 2014 when she was the friend that was dragged along to do a trial. She was instantly hooked by the amazing skills required to do these strong and flexible tricks all the while in sparkly costumes and heels. It was the first time she felt like she found something active where she was totally comfortable and belonged. She started pole at Pole Dance Academy and having learnt from many amazing teachers at PDA, she began teaching which brings her so much joy.

Pole Dancing since: 2014

Teaching since: 2019

What is your teaching specialty: I love a good solid strong foundation so strength and a really good invert is what I specifically like for focus on along with sexy flow choreo of all types bringing out the confidence and sensual movement is my teaching goal.

Yungie.

Yungie has been pole dancing and teaching for well over 10 years now. Addicted to pole after her first lesson, she now spends most of her waking hours practicing pole. Yungie is known for her fluid and sensual dance style and has expertise in tricks, transitions and floorwork. She has competed in a large number of Australia’s biggest competitions. While she loves performing & competing, she's equally passionate about teaching. In Yungie’s class you can expect to sweat and be pushed past your limits. Yungie loves choreographing routines and broadening her artistic range. (And she's a crazy cat lady!)

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Miss Pole Dance Australia Sponsor’s Choice 2019
Pole Theatre Classique Pro Winner 2018
Pole Theatre Finalist 2017
Miss Pole Dance Australia Finalist 2016
Pole Theatre Finalist 2014, 2015
Pole Candy Semi Pro Winner 2013

Yungie

Miranda

Miranda.

Miranda's pole journey started back in 2020. Miranda has been dancing since the age of 4 and is a fully trained classical dancer having completed all levels of RAD Ballet. After spending many years in the ballet environment, she was sick of the competitive nature and wanted to dance in a more welcoming and encouraging environment. Pole has been a great place for her to continue dancing and building strength. One of Miranda's favourite things about pole is when someone gets a move they have been trying for a while and everyone in the class cheers!

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Certified PDA Instructor

Pole Dancing since: 2020

Teaching since: 2021

What is your teaching specialty: Pole Choreo and creating a fun pole environment filled with very average jokes

Tamia

Tamia.

Tamia came to Pole Dance Academy in 2020 for her first class and immediately fell head of heels in love with pole dancing (luckily not literally!). In awe of her instructor's level of strength, flexibility, and confidence, Tamia was hooked. Taking a year off study in 2021, Tamia focused entirely on refining her pole dancing skills and technique. Currently studying a Master's in Music Therapy, Tamia is a knowledgable musician who utilises her musical knowledge when dancing and teaching. Tamia is a passionate teacher who is invested in her student's pole journeys and will be cheering you on all the way! She loves helping her students work towards achieving their goals and unlock new and exciting moves. Always aiming to create a fun and supportive class environment, there’s never a dull moment in Tamia’s classes.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Certified PDA Instructor
PDA Classique Certification

Pole dancing since: 2020

Teaching since: 2022

What is your teaching specialty: Strength conditioning for challenging moves and creating a fun and warm class environment.

Kate

Kate.

Kate's life has been centred around dance since she was young. She went to a performing arts school for dance, she then went on to study a bachelors degree in dance and dance choreography at the University of NSW. Kate has since taught ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance in various high schools. Kate fell in love with pole in 2017. She loves it because it combines a few of her favourite things: gymnastics, dance, and pushing her body to its extreme.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Completed her Pilates certificate and taught at Elixr Health Clubs
Completed Antigravity Yoga Instructor Certifications 1, 2, and 3
Completed Pole Dance Academy Instructor Training

Pole Dancing since: 2017

Teaching since: 2020

What is your teaching specialty: Being a former ballet teacher I love correct technique, breaking down moves for students to easily understand. Empowering students to feel comfortable in their own bodies so they can blossom in confidence.

Quynh.

Quynh started pole at PDA in 2019, craving for a new way of movement after her previous 10 years in competitive gymnastics. Quickly into her journey, she fell in love with everything pole and has been addicted ever since. Quynh loves the challenge pole brings, the perfect combination of sexiness, strength, and flexibility. Most importantly, she loves the boosted self-confidence that pole offers and is driven to share that with all of her students. Also working as a gymnastics coach, she is skilled in breaking down technique, and facing the fears of going upside down and doing crazy things. Quynh is most fulfilled with seeing her students achieve their goals, realise the full potential of their bodies, and move sexy in them!

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Certified PDA Instructor
Pole Club Alexandria 2022 Champion

Pole dancing since: 2019

Teaching since: 2022

Favourite Pole Trick: Extended Ballerina

What is your teaching specialty: Breaking down technique, acro, finessing flow in movement, and creating a welcoming friendly environment in class. I will be your biggest cheerleader in every win!

Quynh

Riva

Riva.

Riva began pole dancing in 2019, after her first trial she was totally hooked. Mesmerized by the way her instructors made everything look effortless, she began her journey pole journey as a student, until she began teaching in 2021. She loves to see her students progress and achieve tricks they never thought they could.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Certified PDA Instructor

Pole Dancing since: 2019

Teaching since: 2021

What is your teaching specialty: I love to create a really fun and laidback environment for my students. It's important to me that everyone feels comfortable! I encourage everyone to give things a go, and I'm determined to help all of my students achieve their pole goals. I also like a bit of sneaky conditioning in my warmups, that way we can skip the gym!

Favourite pole trick: Jade split. I thought I would quit pole once I got it, but here I am, onto the next.

Jinx.

Jinx has been pole dancing since the dark ages – which in pole terms is more than 10 years ago! She has trained all over Sydney and has been a PDA student from very early in her pole journey. After taking a short hiatus from pole, she found she couldn’t stay away! Jinx loves putting on a show, and is known for wowing the audience with her heel bangs. She started teaching at the beginning of 2021 and loves helping her students reach their splits goals. Jinx loves all things splitty and the great pole community she’s become part of since starting pole dancing.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Judge All Class Pole Competition 2022
All Class Pole Competition – Winner 2021 (Advanced division) and Sponsor’s Choice recipient
Danced in Mr Pole opening show 2021
Miss Pole Dance New South Wales finalist 2018 (did not compete due to injury)
Sexy's Back – Winner 2018 (Amateur 2 division)
Kaleidoscope Pole Competition – 1st runner up 2018 (Advanced division)
Danced in the Dance for a Difference opening show 2018
Pole Superstars – 2nd runner up 2015
Miss Pole Dance New South Wales finalist 2014
PDA “Thugs and Fairies” Pole Competition – 2nd runner up 2014

Teaching since: 2021

Jinx

Tayla

Tayla.

Tayla has been pole dancing since she was 16 years old. Her aim was to find a sport that she could commit to and enjoy. From her first class she was absolutely hooked and pole has become her passion. She loves all the various dynamics of gymnastics, flexibility, strength and stability that are incorporated within pole dancing. Tayla has competed in various pole competitions around Sydney and qualified for the finals of NSW Pole Championships and Hardcore Pole Championships. Tayla has performed in Sydney's Encore Pole Show numerous times. Tayla has a background in gymnastics, jazz and physical culture from a young age. Tayla’s main focus is to continuously encourage students and help them develop a level of confidence that exceeds their expectations.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

2014 Performer Encore, Sydney pole show
2015 3rd Runner Up, Crows Nest Pole Princess
2016 Amature Pole Finalist NSW Pole Championship
2017 Amature Pole Finalist NSW Pole Championship
2019 Performer Encore, Sydney pole show

Pole Dancing since: 2012

Teaching since: 2015

What is your teaching specialty: Strength based tricks and holds

Favourite pole trick: Janeiro

Georgie.

Georgie began pole dancing when she moved to Australia in 2013. From the first class she was absolutely hooked and pole has become her passion. She began teaching in 2016 and the studio soon become her second home. She loves seeing students fall in love with the sport and achieve their goals. A qualified dental nurse and practice manager by day, when Georgie is not at pole she is is a keen horse rider and coach.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

X factor award Vertical Limits 2015
Australian Pole Candy Finalist 2018
Encore Sydney Pole Show performer 2018 and 2019 Vertica Belles
NSW Pole Championships Amateur First Runner Up 2020
Australian Pole Championships Finalist 2020
Cert 3 Qualified Gym Instructor

Pole Dancing since: 2013

Teaching since: 2016

What is your teaching specialty: Always bringing energy and fun to class. Love static pole and splits.

Georgie

Kate V

Kate V.

Kate fell in love with pole dancing since she discovered it was the next best thing to joining the circus. She loves to choreograph routines with strong musicality and splitty moves. She loves to teach and see her students fall in love with pole as they progress their skills and nail nemesis moves.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Vertica Dance Time To Shine Competition 2017 - Advanced Division 1st Runner Up
Pole Candy 2018 - Amateur Division 1st Runner Up
Encore Sydney Pole Show Performer - 2019
Flaunt It Pole Dancing Championships 2022 - Amateur Division - Chorey Queen
Amateur Finalist in NSW Pole Championships 2018, 2019 and Hardcore Pole Championships 2021

Pole Dancing since: 2013

Teaching since: 2020

What is your teaching specialty: Musicality in choreography and breaking down movements

Favourite pole trick: Broken Doll Split

Betty.

Betty started pole at the beginning of 2019 after some gentle encouragement from friends and has never looked back since. Coming from no dance background she felt a little clunky and awkward at first, but quickly fell in love with the supportive studio culture at PDA. Betty found pole was an amazing way to work on her self confidence and body positivity, and now nothing makes her feel better than putting on some heels and having a dance. While Betty is always working on her tricks and strength, her real love is choreo classes – she can often be found doing several in a day! Exotic choreo is definitely her favourite, but she is always developing her dance skills in all styles. She loves helping people find what they love about pole, while also learning to love themselves at the same time.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

PDA Certified Teacher
Pole Club Crows Nest 2020 competitor

Pole Dancing since: 2019

Teaching since: 2023

What is your teaching specialty: Working through nemesis moves (hello inverts) and breaking down tricky choreo transitions

Betty

Ari.

Ari started pole dancing in 2018. She had wanted to for a while but was too scared but with the encouragement from her best friend she finally tried a class. After her first class, Ari was immediately hooked and knew it was about to take over her life. Pole dancing made her feel confident and really made her love herself and she wants her students to feel the exact same way!

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Certified PDA Instructor
1st place Glimmer 3.0 Amateur Beginner 2021
2nd place Amateur edited of the Pole Circus International 2021

Pole Dancing since: 2018

Teaching since: 2023

What is your teaching specialty: Choreo and freestyling plus creating a fun and comfortable environment in a class is very important to me.

Ari

Liv.

Liv started pole dancing in 2018 and became an instructor six months after stepping foot in her first Beginners class. She is a trained dancer, graduating from the McDonald College in 2015 where she studied performing arts (with a focus on ballet and other dance styles). One of the many reasons Liv fell in love with pole dance is due to its empowering nature. It was a mile stone on her self love journey and it fills her with so much joy and purpose watching her students bloom on similar paths, upon their own discovery of pole.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Pole Club Champion - Crows Nest, 2022

Pole Dancing since: 2018

Teaching since: 2018

Favourite pole trick? Spatchcock

What is your teaching specialty: Technique on and off the pole for beautiful, seamless lines

Liv

Aimee Wolff.

Aimee started pole in 2019 with the intention of becoming a performer. One year later she performed with her dream group Celestial Circus at Esoteric Festival. In 2021, Aimee started her own performance company, The Charmed Ones, who are now the resident pole dance performers at Home The Venue in Darling Harbour.

Pole Dancing since: 2019

Teaching since: 2023

What is your teaching specialty: Empowering her students to feel confident and sexy

Favourite Pole Move: Ayesha and Split Drops

Aimee Wolff

Holly.

Holly took her first pole class during her final year of highschool. That first class was so much fun but with the end of school she was too busy to make a commitment. It wasn't until a year later that she met PDA instructor Becky while doing volunteer work, they got chatting and onto the topic of pole. Becky encouraged Holly to start again with pole, which she did, and she hasn't stopped since. Holly felt welcomed and nurtured by the PDA community and she aims to bring that same energy into her classes. Holly has other hobbies outside of pole including skiing, drawing, baking, playing with her dogs and working out at the gym. She is currently undertaking her cert III and IV in fitness with a goal to do personal training.

Pole dancing since: 2019
Teaching since: 2023
Favorite pole trick: Jade Split

Holly

Tammy.

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Tammy is an actor, singer and dancer. Who was cast in a show as a Stripper and completely fell in love with the role and realised she could combine two of her favourite things - performing and pole dancing. Two and half years later whilst still working in the adult entertainment industry she has found a love for teaching and helping women channel their inner stripper and sensuality.

Titles | Performances | Awards:

Certified PDA Instructor

Pole Dancing since: 2021

Teaching since: 2023

What is your teaching specialty: Booty and banter

Tammy

Nicole

Nicole.

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Nicole has been dancing since she was a little kid, busting moves in modern, hip-hop, jazz, and even cheerleading. But then she stumbled upon pole dancing and BAM! It was love at first spin.

Nicole always saw herself as a weakling, but pole dancing proved her wrong big time. It not only sculpted her body into a powerhouse but also boosted her mental and emotional strength.

When she's teaching, Nicole loves showing cool ways to nail those tricky moves and gracefully get in and out of 'em. But you know what her top priority is? Fun, fun, fun! She wants her students to have an absolute blast in her classes. That's what it's all about, after all—dancing, sweating, and laughing together.

Pole Dancing since: 2018

Teaching since: 2022

Favourite Pole Move: All the flips and tumbles

Titles: NZAPP 2020 1st Runner up

Pole Theatre Art 2023 Winner

Sammy

Sammy.

Sammy’s pole journey back in 2019 while she was looking for an expressive outlet from her corporate day job. After one class, she knew she was in trouble! The empowerment, sensuality, and creativity of the pole world had her head over heels in love with it, and she knew that she had found her people. She pursued the passion project of becoming an instructor to share her love and enthusiasm for this world with others, and to help them see that their bodies are capable of incredible, gravity-defying, beautiful, and sexy things!

Titles: 1st Runner up in Pole Club Brookevale 2023, Certified PDA Instructor

Pole dancing since: 2019
Teaching since: 2023
Favourite Pole Trick: PD Cocoon
Teaching Specialty: Perfecting the little things.

Annette.

Annette started pole in 2014 after being gifted a trial class for her Birthday. After those initial 60 minutes she was hooked and she hasn’t stopped poling since!

Growing up Annette spent most of her time training Gymnastics and now as an adult finds pole challenging and rewarding and the perfect playground for an ex-gymnast.

Annette loves the community of friends she’s made through pole dancing and how everyone celebrates and supports each other through their pole journey.

Pole Dancing since: 2014

Teaching since: 2023

Favourite Pole Move: Anything strength based as well as flips and somersaults.

Titles: Vertica Dance 4D’s Club Champion Award 2022

Teaching Speciality: She focusses on correct technique and building a strong body to help you reach your pole goals.

Annette

Diva

Diva.

Diva's dance journey began at age 5 – fast forward through life,
and dance became her ride-or-die passion. Then the pandemic threw a
curveball, hitting pause on her groove. She stumbled upon PDA in 2022
and bam! The blend of pole dancing's elegance and strength had her
completely spellbound right from her trial session.

Now, Diva couldn’t imagine her life without those skinny brass poles.
It's not just about getting strong (although she's the first to admit
the gym isn’t her natural habitat). It's about embracing your feminine
side, boosting that confidence, and having an absolute blast along the
way. As an instructor, she's patient and brings a vibrant energy to
every class. And when her students nail those moves? Jackpot moment,
every time.

Diva isn't only about dance: she's also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
enthusiast. And when she's not at pole or the mats, you'll find her
curled up with a good book, sipping tea, and enjoying the company of
her two cats.

Titles etc: Certified PDA Instructor
Pole dancing since: 2022
Teaching since: 2023
Favourite pole trick: Allegra and jade split
Teaching speciality: Flowy choreo, splits and being the biggest
cheerleader for all my students!

Jess.

Jess comes from dance background with varied commercial performance and teaching experience.

She thinks she’s tried a class in every dance style at least once (still struggles to twerk though)! So, when a friend told her about about pole dancing back in 2011, it didn’t take much convincing for her to give it a go the first time, let alone being convinced a second time to try it at Pole Dance Academy in 2020, where she’s been in love ever since!

Jess is passionate about all things pole and believes that there really is nothing like the pole dance community, not only in Australia, but internationally! She loves encouraging people to challenge themselves, be inspired, and watching students go from “I can’t do it” to “I can’t believe I actually did that”.

Titles | Performances | Awards

Certified PDA Instructor
2nd Runner Up - Pole Club Crows Nest 2023
Sexy’s Back pole competition finalist 2023
Risqué pole competition finalist 2023
1st Runner Up - Pole Club Bondi 2021
Various national dance competitions (tap, jazz, contemporary)
Global Dance Convention scholarship winner

Jess L

Ruby.

Ruby took her first ever pole class with her mum in 2015 and it was love at first sight. She was never a sporty girl and pole was the best form of exercise for her as it didn't feel like exercise at all! She committed to pole in 2019 and fell in love with exotic pole, specifically the old school style. She loves exotic pole as it is all about self expression, empowerment and embracing the stripping industry as its roots.

Ruby desires to bring out the power of self expression in each of her students. She aims to inspire them to explore different styles and find the one they love and make it their own. Getting stronger is a great bonus!

Pole dancing since: 2019

Teaching since: 2023

Favourite pole move: any splitty handstand shape

Titles: step up amateur 1 champion 2024

Ruby