Category: Staff

Zoe

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Zoe (They/them)

IG: @xirfiend

Admin staff

A picture of Zoe doing a scissor sit on the pole in a blue outfit.

I’m Zoe, and I’ve been pole dancing since 2021, though my first class was in 2018 in one of Positive Spin’s first locations.I started pole because pole dancers are cool and strong and badass, and I wanted to be those things. In the years since I have remembered how much I enjoy movement, strengthened a lot of muscles, and expanded what I thought possible for my body.I love that pole has so many facets, that it can become what you want it to be.I am a writer, and storytelling is integral to how I experience the world. Where pole intersects with storytelling, it can be a great way to destigmatize sexuality, and queerness. Pole is fun, but it is also meaningful because we give it meaning.

I am invested in having conversations where pole intersects with labor, sexuality, queerness, and history. It is important to me to normalize sexuality, both in that most things are not inherently sexual, and in that sexual things are not inherently dangerous.I am excited to be part of this studio and this community where I can have an exceptionally silly day on a pole, and where we can talk about the work required to get us to a better world.Outside of pole I’m a casual professional theatre nerd, and you can find me writing optimistic fantasy stories involving extra spice, unusual bargains, and queer joy.

Trainings:

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, L2 Pole handstands

A picture of Kenni doing a pole handstand glider against a purple background.

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:

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:

Anna

Anna (Anna/They)

Instructor – Intro to pole, Level 1 pole tricks, Freestyle and Flow, sexy basics, beginner floorwork

Anna smiles toward the camera while holding the pole with both hands above. They are faintly basked in rainbow lighting.

Anna (anna/they) is a college educator who started taking pole classes at Positive Spin in 2020.  Anna started taking pole lessons because it both excited and scared them, and also because they wanted to build a better relationship with their body. In building that relationship, pole has taught anna to let go of perfectionism, to show themselves kindness and compassion, and to love the journey more than getting a specific result.  Anna is also committed to creating antiracist, body affirming spaces in class and in the pole fitness industry.  In all of their classes, anna tries to help students find joy in what their bodies can do, and embracing the very nonlinear journey to becoming a pole dancer.

Trainings:

Elle

Elle (Any Pronouns)

IG: @elle.lectrum

Admin staff/Outreach Coordinator

Instructor – all Levels pole tricks, flex

Party instructor

A white fem-presenting person does a true-grip ayesha in dark rainbow lighting on the pole. They have long hair and you can see part of the Positive Spin logo behind them.

I’m absolutely stoked to be on the staff at Positive Spin! I’ve dabbled in various sorts of dance since I was a kid, and I decided to add pole to my roster in 2018 when I took my first class from Alyssa at the original Positive Spin location. I love how pole incorporates fitness with dance, musicality and sensual expression.
The Positive Spin studio is exactly the kind of inclusive, supportive community I’m always in search of, and I’m honored to be a part of it. 

My personal mission is to increase sex worker inclusivity (and decrease stigma around sex work) in the world of pole fitness, which sadly isn’t always a given despite the art form itself having been created by and for sex workers.
When I’m not on a pole, I can be found adventuring with my dog, dancing or DJing at blues and fusion dance events, or curled up with my cat watching horror movies.

Trainings:

Lauren

Lauren (They/Them)

IG: @laurenhummingbird

Community Engagement & Accessibility Specialist

pole leadership program mentor

White non-binary person with short brown hair doing a pole sit facing the camera and smiling. They are having a blast on the pole!
I’m Lauren, and I’m the community engagement and accessibility specialist at Positive Spin. I started pole several years ago with no dance background or athletic experience whatsoever! As a blind kid, I wasn’t encouraged to try physical things. As a blind adult, I’ve found community, positivity, and exhilarating joy in many types of movement including rowing, cycling, ballet, and, most especially, pole dance. 
 
 

I love building community with other adult beginners, and I’m always excited to talk learning strategy and tips for developing dance skills. I’m a life-long student! Pushing for diversity and accessibility in dance communities is close to my heart.

Trainings:

Clara

Clara (She/Her)

IG: @clara_Nadja

Instructor: Floorwork, Low Flow, sexy basics

pole leadership program mentor

A photo of Clara doing a single-leg dive on the pole.

Hello! My name is Clara. I am a queer femme with a background in aerial arts specializing in dance trapeze, and have been pole dancing off-and-on since 2016. Pole has become an important creative outlet in my life and helped me to connect with my body no matter what shape I’m in. I have seen pole dancing help people be present in their bodies, take pleasure from their experience, channel their emotions, and tap into new forms of expression. I am particularly fond of finding fun and captivating ways to roll around on the floor.

I am grateful for the opportunity to teach at Positive Spin and be a part of this inclusive community that has been so welcoming to me. My hope is to help other dancers find and express sensuality in whatever ways feel honoring for them. When I’m not pole dancing I’m probably working as a clinical therapist, practicing trapeze, studying tarot or writing emo poetry.

Trainings:

Rey

Rey (She/They)

IG: @_Rey_Soley

Instructor: level 1 pole, low flow

Pole leadership program mentor

BIPOC femme person with long dark curly hair does a jasmine on the pole against a white background. They are wearing a white pole top and flowery colorful pole bottoms. They are also smiling and looking at the camera.

Hi! I’m Rey, and I began trying every dance style I came across since 2008. I tried pole for the first time in 2013, and loved it! But got out of it after a year and have been so excited to pick it back up again in October of 2021. I have never been a strength-y person, and I love that pole helps me feel stronger even though I’m just having fun!

I am so excited to be teaching with such a wonderful group at such a welcoming and inclusive studio! I love moving my body in new ways, and as an instructor, I love helping people find ways of moving that they didn’t think was possible for them. Whether it’s salsa or pole, anyone can dance!When I am not dancing I am usually coaching people with money or chasing the last rays of sunshine on my patio.

Trainings:

Sophie

Sophie (She/they)

IG: @sophie.spinning

Instructor: Levels 1-3 pole Tricks

party Instructor

Hi I’m Sophie! I have been actively pole dancing since the beginning of the pandemic and previous to pole did gymnastics for almost a decade. Pole dancing at Positive spin has been a huge creative and social outlet for me!  Both in the studio and behind the camera as a photographer I love making people feel confident about themselves!  

My goal as an instructor is to inspire my students with the creative potential I believe they have and pole has to offer them. When I am not pole dancing I am probably taking photos of my friends or other Positive Spin instructors and students.

Training: