TJ

tj (any pronouns)

IG: @thetjuniverse

Instructor: levels 1 & 2 pole

party Instructor

TJ doing a remi sit on the pole against an orange background.

Hey y’all! I’m TJ — born and raised in Knoxville, now living it up in the Pacific Northwest since 2019. I first fell in love with pole back in 2013 while searching for something to spice up my Drag performances and let me tell you, that journey has been anything but boring! From pole to silks, Lyra, stilt walking, and everything in between, I’ve explored so much… and now I’m back to where it all started: the pole!

My classes are all about BIG energy, fierce positivity, and unapologetic fun (yes, booty shaking is 100% included). Whether you’re brand new or seasoned on the pole, you’ll walk in feeling welcome and leave feeling empowered.

Can’t wait to dance, laugh, and slay with you — see you in class!

Trainings:

Kenni

Kenni (She/her)

IG: @monkeami @kendolewhip

Instructor: level 1 pole, Handstands

Kenni doing a pole sit in dramatic dark lighting and a mask on.

I attended my first pole class in March 2017 and have loved every minute of my unconventional pole journey. In 2021, a skiing accident pressed pause on my progress and reset my baseline. After surgery and physical therapy, I finally felt ready to return— and when I walked into Positive Spin for the first time, I struck gold! I was able to rehabilitate my skill set in an accommodating space with supportive instructors, and I hope to honor my students in that same way. 

For me, pole is an essential outlet for creativity and empowerment. It’s my goal to provide a safe and accessible environment for pole exploration, so that others may navigate this space with confidence and find community! So— come as you are and let’s have fun together!

When I’m not pole dancing— I’m doing handstands around the world, kissing every animal I see, singing every song I hear, trying every hobby I can, and holding hands with my friends & family.

Trainings:

How do we measure pole progress?

We can think of pole dancing progress as hitting harder and harder tricks, but that’s pretty one dimensional, and if we fixate on only measuring our experience by this standard, we’ll miss out on all the other ways we grow through our pole dance practice, potentially leaving us frustrated.

So what are some other ways we can measure our progress in pole dance class? In a world of social media videos, how do we make sure we’re celebrating the ways we grow that don’t necessarily show on IG?

More strength in our day to day life

Pole dancers are strong AF! Sometimes we forget because we get caught in a trap of comparing ourselves to whoever is more advanced than us in our pole dancing classes.

Particularly as we age, we develop an appreciation for strong bones and muscles that allow us to spend more time moving with less pain and independently. This looks different for different bodies, but for most people strength is protective. Plus, who doesn’t get a little confidence boost when they’re the one asked to open the tricky pickle jar!

More connection to our community

Pole dancing can be incredibly social. Connection often forms from regular opportunities for engagement. Remember when we were kids and it was so easy to make friends at school? We have less opportunities for consistent connection, but if you commit to regular pole dance classes, these connections start to form!

Consistency in prioritizing our joy

Sometimes our jobs, families, etc., really do demand all of our attention. Other times we fall victim to the pressure to always be productive in capitalism, and we miss out on joy that we could be experiencing. Your joy is important, and if pole is giving you more access to that, we think that’s incredible!

Improved Mental Health

Perhaps as the culmination of all these benefits, is the improvements pole can bring to our mental health. The process of learning new things, moving our bodies, and making new connections with ourselves and others can really help our mental health. Improved mental health makes nearly every aspect of life more enjoyable, so this is definitely progress to celebrate!

This is not a comprehensive list! How do you celebrate your pole dance journey?

BabyCakes

BabyCakes (any)

IG:@babycakes_creates

Instructor – twerk, choreo

party Instructor

BabyCakes has a hand on their hip and an arm up in the air and they are smiling at the camera.

BabyCakes has been instructing since January 2023, blending styles with pole, floorwork, twerk, and the occasional chair dance! They love exploring and playing with musicality, contrasting movement with music. Since first approaching pole in late October 2019 and reigniting that passion in the spring of 2022, BabyCakes has come to love and respect this practice for its blend of athleticism and artistry. They approach this practice through a QTBIPOC lens, welcoming movement pathways that challenge traditions and encourage expression.

BabyCakes also cares to break the stigma surrounding twerking and pole dancing, spreading awareness on the roots of Black culture and $krippa influence. Empowered by the creativity of dance, BabyCakes likes to create choreography that embodies a vibe. Whether it be sassy, sensual, energizing, ethereal, powerful, playful, dramatic, daring, the goal is for you to leave class feeling inspired by the many possibilities available to you as a dancer, and feeling inspired by the many things that you can do. Your practice is what YOU want to make it, and BabyCakes just wants to meet you where you’re at to support it while having some fun in the process!

Wombat Summer Camp 2026

Wombat Summer Camp banner

Details

Wombat Summer Camp is for building community, moving together, and having some fun outdoors! 

Our group will have exclusive use of this incredible space in Maple Falls, WA.

Dates: Thursday, June 11, 2026 – Sunday, June 14, 2026

Location: Camp Saturna 9514 Silver Lake Road Maple Falls, WA 98266

Please note: We have limited spots available so you’ll want to register quickly! (6 month payment plans are available)

Registration Information

Registration is open! Last Chance for payment plans: sign up by February 11,2026.

Please submit the form below to secure your spot for camp!

This experience is open to any Positive Spin student (past, present, or future) and there are no level requirements to participate!

Register for Camp!

updates to camp

Here are some of the changes we have made to camp based on your feedback from last year:

  • Camping costs less than bunkhouse accommodations
  • We will have 2 Polaris (gas-powered golf carts) for transport
  • Lanyards to differentiate worktrade and camp staff
  • More photoshoot and aerial workshop spots
  • More open pole and outdoor stage pole time
  • HEPA filters for the bunkhouse and updated covid and sick policy
  • There will be fewer workshop credits included, but many more activities that don’t require credits to attend: archery, rock climbing, handstands, flex, yoga, etc. 
  • The schedule has more time between meals and workshop slots
  • Lots more structure, training, and support for the kitchen worktrade and staff
  • A separate (from the commercial kitchen) food preparation space for those bringing their own food

Workshop Offerings

Please note: Changes in the sequence, the line-up, and the workshop schedule are possible at any time. Off-pole and on-pole workshops will be run simultaneously in most timeslots on Friday and Saturday. Schedule to be released in early 2026.

Workshop registrations are first come first serve and participants are not guaranteed to get into all the workshops that they want. Registration will open in May of 2026 after the schedule has been released.

Off-Pole Workshops:

  • Burlesque 101 with Actin Up
  • Connecting Movements to Emotions with Actin Up
  • Taking up Space with Katya
  • Floorwork with Clara
  • Legs 4 Dayz with Nyx
  • Lap Dance with Clara
  • Self-touch, Sensuality, and Hedonism with Katya 
  • Tassels and Assels with Katie (crafts)
  • Silk Fans Flow with Emily

On-Pole Workshops:

  • Mindful Dance with Clara
  • Raunchy Choreo with Clara
  • Inflatable Antics with Kat
  • Feral Goblin Pole (L2+) with Nyx
  • Doubles Low Flow with Jennie and Emily
  • Photoshoot with Whitney (stage pole set up outdoors)

Aerial Workshops (all with Emily):

  • Intro to Flying Pole
  • Intro to Lyra
  • Intro to Aerial Chains
  • Intro to Aerial Hammock

Included Activities

These are activities we are already planning to include but camp participants are encouraged to think of their own and create spur-of-the-moment experiences as well! 

Planned (will likely require pre-registration but not workshop credits):

  • Rock Climbing
  • Archery
  • Handstands with Jennie
  • Flexibility with Katie
  • Nervous system reset and stretch with Jennie
  • Pole Karaoke & Freestyle
  • Cozy morning yoga
  • Challenge course groups
  • Supervised aerial rig time
  • Open Pole time (indoor and outdoor poles)

We will also have full use of recreational facilities and amenities for Camp Saturna!

There are rustic campfire sites available for use IF there is not an active burn ban in effect.

Recreational Facilities & Amenities 

  • Open air, enclosed 32’ climbing wall 
  • Low challenge course 
  • Archery range 
  • Boathouse with stand-up paddle boards, canoes, and row boats 
  • Swimming docks and roped off, in-season swimming area
  • Low-profile dock for launching watercraft 
  • Stocked trout lake for in-season fishing 
  • Hiking trails and extensive forested areas 
  • Large lawns perfect for field games, pick up soccer or volleyball matches, or other group activities

Main Facilities & Amenities

  • Rustic lodge with stone fireplace and dining for up to 140
    • Meeting space and classrooms 
    • Projector and screen available 
    • Commercial kitchen with all appliances and kitchenware 
    • Outside deck with picnic tables 
  • Quaint outdoor “Chapel in the Woods,” in a stand of cedar 
  • Outdoor amphitheater and fire pit on Silver Lake 
  • Covered pavilion for meals and other activities 
  • Lakefront deck with picnic tables 
  • Fire pits with dry wood and kindling 
  • On-site camp superintendent

Lodging Options

Bunkhouse!

Modern bunkhouse with accommodation for up to 44 in four bunkrooms with three separate showers and bath facilities.

Please note the bunks are small and creaky. Recommended to bring extra bedding/mattress topper, noise cancelling headphones, and a good pillow.

Camping!

One lakeside group campsite with a combination of tent sites, limited small cabins, and a block of restrooms.

Wombats will need to bring their own camping gear for this option and note that it is at least a 30 minute walk from the main lodge area and bunkhouse. Polaris shuttles will be available for transport as well as canoes and paddleboards to cross the lake directly. 

Cost and inclusions

All registration tiers include the same number of workshop credits. 

Bunkhouse Wombat ($575) tier is the standard tier with bunkhouse accommodations.

Camper Wombat ($525) tier is the standard tier with camping accommodations.

Sponsor Wombat ($675) tier is for wombats that can afford to (and want to) pay a little bit extra to keep the cost more affordable for others.

General Helper Wombat ($375 -worktrade) will be given a discounted spot in exchange for 10 hours total of work helping out with the retreat. We only have 5 spots available. Please only select this option if you would not be able to afford to go otherwise so we can keep the retreat as accessible as possible! Can choose either bunkhouse or camping accommodations but price will be the same.

Kitchen Helper Wombat ($345 -worktrade) will be given a discounted spot in exchange for 10 hours total of work helping out specifically in the kitchen. We have 12 spots available. Please only select this option if you would not be able to afford to go otherwise so we can keep the retreat as accessible as possible!  Recommended to choose bunkhouse accommodations to be close to the kitchen.

Kitchen Lead Wombat ($250 -worktrade) will be given a discounted spot in exchange for 12 hours total of work helping out specifically in the kitchen as a lead. We have 3 spots available. Please only select this option if you would not be able to afford to go otherwise so we can keep the retreat as accessible as possible! This would also be a good fit for someone that has previous kitchen experience. Recommended to choose bunkhouse accommodations to be close to the kitchen. This position will include interviews before acceptance.

Included in the Cost

  • Lodging for 3 nights 
  • 4 workshop credits
  • Access to all planned community activities & the freedom to run your own activities.
  • Free parking
  • Camp Wombat Bandana
  • We will provide snacks as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner to participants. Gluten free and vegan options will be available. No guarantee of a kitchen free of cross contamination for highly gluten sensitive individuals. Full meals start with breakfast on Friday and end with breakfast on Sunday.
  • Access to all outdoor amenities listed in the “Camp Saturna Information” section (with the potential exceptions listed in that section.)

Other important considerations

  • No alcohol or recreational drugs will be permitted.
  • Masking is optional unless symptomatic.
  • Covid-19 rapid testing will be required.
  • Limited wi-fi available only in Main Lodge. Due to the remote location of Camp Saturna, cellular service is not available on camp property.
  • Check out our FAQ doc (we will continue to add to this as more questions come up!)

Katie

Katie (they/she)

IG: @_poledancingbugg_

Admin staff

Instructor – Intro to pole, Beginner Flexibility

Katie is doing a lunge facing away from the camera and next to the pole. They are looking over their shoulder and illuminated in black light neon pink.

Hi! My name is Katie!! I am so excited to be joining the Positive Spin staff! I have been a member at the studio for two years this Halloween! I had no clue what I was doing or that I would even become an instructor! As an autistic fat person, I have had trouble finding community and being comfortable in my body. I love feeling empowered in my development with flexibility and I love taking the choreography classes (especially a nice slinky low flow.)

I’m excited to help other neurodivergent folks of any body type realize that there is space and community here for you.

Trainings:

Should I stretch my sore lower back?

While stretching is often good- passively stretching a sore, tight, or injured area is not always the answer, and can sometimes be harmful, especially when it comes to the low back!

Low back soreness, which sometimes feels like tightness, can often be caused by too much mobility and not enough support in the low back, as well as a lack of mobility in surrounding areas, which makes extra stretching counter productive! So what can you do instead?

💜 Strengthen your core, especially your low core, with stabilizing drills. (Not a million crunches!)

💜 Strengthen your glutes and use them to stretch your hips into hip extension.

💜Work on isolating upper back mobility, especially if you’re training to increase flexibility or do pole.

If you want more explanation and some drills you can try at home, here’s a video with a few examples to help you get started!

Want more guidance on how to do these things? Join us for flexibility class, which happens 6 days a week! This class is not just passive stretching- we work on things like end range strengthening and stability so that you can increase your range of motion while preventing injury.

We recommend that everyone try out flex class, even non pole dancers, because it will help minimize pain in your day to day life.

Pole Dance Class Grip Guide

There are so many different pole grips out there, and while it may seem like they are all variations on the same thing, there are actually several categories of grip for totally different purposes! Read our 2024 pole dance grip guide to figure out which ones might help you have the best possible pole class!
 
We carry our favorite in several categories. Here’s what each is for, and who might need them, along with similar alternatives if you want to try something different!
 

Dry hands

For sweaty hands that are making you slide off the pole in class!
This grip starts as a clear liquid and dries slight chaulky. It’s primarily used on your hands, but can be used on other gripping points as needed. There are several other brands of liquid chaulk (Better Grip & Envirogrip for example). Everyone has their own preference, but we’ve found most wombats prefer dry hands!
We sell dry hands for $15/2oz bottle at the studio. Don’t be fooled by cheaper prices online, they are likely 1oz bottles!

Dew Point

For slightly dry skin that doesn't stick super well to the pole when you dance.

This is a body spray for when your skin is feeling a bit dry and you’d like to feel a bit more tacky. We carry it in 2 strengths- medium and ultra, so you can find the perfect balance for your skin. You can spray it on your body right before or during your training session as needed. We sell Dewpoint for $25 per 4.5oz bottle. Like with dry hands, cheaper prices online are likely a smaller bottle.

Corn Huskers Lotion

For dry or ashy skin that makes it very difficult for your legs and torso to stick in pole class.

This is for you if you have dry or ashy skin. It was originally made for corn farmers, but turns out it works great for pole dancers! Traditional lotion
can be too oily and make you slide off the pole, so this glycerin based lotion might do the trick. You can apply
it daily like regular lotion, or during your training session, but you’ll likely want to wipe it off your hands and cover your hands with dry hands after applying.

This one is used most often in the winter when skin is drier, but some people use it year round. Some people also use shaving cream for similar purposes. We sell corn huskers for $10 per bottle.

You can purchase any of these grips at our front desk! Just ask a front desk wombat or instructor for assistance next time you’re in class!

What pole grips do you use? Give a recommendation for a newer pole dancer!

Still struggling to stick?

Sometimes a liquid grip doesn’t quite do the trick, and that’s okay! We recommend trying grippy gloves and leggings if your grip woes are killing the vibe in pole class! Grippy clothes can help you continue building other strength and learning new skills while you work on your grip, so we highly recommend them if they might help you!

Check out Superfly Honey for grippy clothes up through size 3XL!

2024 Valentine’s Day Guide

Singles, Polycules, and Couples of all genders- we've got you covered!

Polyam Lap Dance

Who?
Triads, polycules, and polyam couples that want to dance and celebrate love with other like minded folks. Choreo provided for various group sizes!

When?
Sunday 2/11 or 2/18 at 4pm

Queer Lap Dance

Who?
Anyone who self identifies as any flavor of queer! Come on your own or with a friend/partner!

When?
Friday 2/16 at 7:30pm

Lap dancing for all

Who?
All! Obviously! But especially couples and solo students who want to pair with someone in class or learn the choreo on their own.

When?
Saturday 2/17 at 3pm

Sign up is $40 per person. Email us at info@positivespinpoledance.com if you would like to register for multiple people. Sign ups are non-refundable.