Our Team

Our supportive and encouraging team of instructors are here to help you with everything from learning the basics to refining your most advanced skills. 

Danette

IG: @ROLLERPOLER72

Age 50

Mommy Of 3

Other passions: Roller skating, true crime podcasts, and chalk painting anything I can get my hands on.

Many times in life, the small, seemingly insignificant moments can offer us unprecedented awareness.  My epiphany came 9 years ago when, as a wife and mother of three small children, I was searching for an exercise routine that would keep me challenged and engaged. I had tried several local gyms and fitness classes, but none of them seemed to be the right fit.  I found myself becoming bored with the same predictable expectations-not just from the exercises, but from myself as well.

Then, one day, quite by accident, I came across an ad for something called "pole dancing".  Like most people, I almost immediately dismissed it; after all, I was 38, not in the greatest shape, had absolutely no dance background, and was afraid of heights. I allowed myself a moment to consider the intriguing prospect.  Then, I did what most people do-I returned to my old, comfortable routine. The idea, however, became a tiny, quiet voice in my head.  Could I do it?  Could I ever have the confidence to be one of those women who threw caution to the wind?

A few weeks later, when another ad for pole classes came across my computer screen, I decided to take a chance.  I apprehensively took my first class.  From that moment on, I was absolutely hooked. Thus began my journey-a journey of self-discovery, sensuality, dance, strength, courage and exploration. Pole strengthened my mind, my body, and my spirit. I have done many challenging things in my life; after all, I had a previous career in law enforcement.  I was also familiar with the rigors of raising three young children...but this challenge was different.   It pushed me on a personal, introspective level.  Each minor achievement was so incredibly rewarding that I couldn't wait for each class.

This experience was about me helping myself to become better.  It wasn't dependent on a supervisor's assessment, or on another's satisfaction. It was about allowing myself time without apologizing for it. It's not selfish and it's not trivial, though we sometimes allow ourselves to believe that.  I've learned that a better me means I can emotionally and physically be a better wife, mother, caretaker and person. Many years later, my love for pole is just as great as my first day, and I am grateful to be able to help other women begin their journey.

IG: @GRACEMCPOLER

Age 35

Mom of a bird named Nibbler

Other passions: puzzles, mystery novels, adorable animals

I took ballet and tap classes off and on as a child (I was mostly in it for the recital costumes, so many sequins!) and continued my ballet training throughout my high school and college years. After graduation, I moved to Orange County and didn’t keep up with ballet or really any kind of regular “fitness regimen” for several years. I was in the midst of searching for an activity that would be something I actually enjoyed and stayed with when I was introduced to pole during a bachelorette party in Vegas. I was immediately hooked and started classes at a local studio soon after. Pole became not only my way of staying active but grew into an outlet for exploring and developing movement and dance as a way of expression. I continued my pole and movement journey over the next five years, joining a wonderful community of both mentors and new friends, before deciding to take a short break.

For various reasons, that short break stretched into years. I returned to pole when Uplift opened and I fell in love all over again, finding an even deeper passion and connection than I had had at the beginning of my journey. With pole, I have learned to celebrate my curves, laugh at my mishaps, and allow myself to get lost in movement that can be flirtatious, fiery, sensual, and emotional but above all fun! As a teacher, I am honored and excited to help others begin their own path down a journey that has brought so much depth and joy to my own life.

Melanie

Instructor

Age: 36

IG: @MSJANAI

Mom of a puppy named Sunny

Other passions: My passions outside of pole are eating, photography, and helping others reach their goals. 

I've been pole dancing since 2010 however I wasn't always a dancer. I played soccer for most of my life and throughout my college life. I'm a competitor by heart and it's what drew me into pole. Pole was hard and painful, however, it's a challenge that I wanted to succeed in. Little did I know, there's no finish line in pole. Not only did I enjoy the difficulty and challenge, I enjoyed the self encouragement, and self fulfillment that's needed. I've competed since I started pole dancing and it was a long road to winning medals, but I enjoy every moment of it and the growth and friends that occur from it. That growth is what encourages me to teach pole dancing to both new and seasoned dancers. It's the students' journey that I'm most proud of. I want to be one of the people to help them find their passion.

MINDY

INSTRUCTOR

IG: @POLEMOVEMINS

AGE 34

Other passions: trying new foods, urban hiking, murder and true crime podcasts

I began my pole dancing journey in 2013. I was scared to go to my first class because I didn't know what to expect. However, I am so glad I went because I immediately fell in love with pole dancing! I loved how everyone was extremely supportive and the instructor encouraged us to freely embrace your own sensuality and movement. I began taking more classes and with each class, my strength and confidence grew. Pole dance quickly became my new passion.

Over the years I learned different movement styles including pole spins and tricks, low flow, floorwork, heels, chair choreography, and I am always looking to learn more. As I continue to expand my personal pole journey, I also hope to share my passion and experience with others. I am excited for the opportunity to help others build confidence, explore movement styles, and express themselves through pole dance. 

KAYCIE

INSTRUCTOR

IG: @KAYCIEKOALA

AGE 27

Mommy to 2 kitties name Bubba and Luna

Other passions:

Kaycie’s pole journey began at Uplift in early 2020 when she took some introduction series classes on a whim. After that, she was hooked and couldn’t get enough of pole and sensual movement. She’s been a group fitness and pilates instructor since 2012 and loves helping others achieve their fitness goals. Her favorite part of teaching pole classes is watching her students find their own groove and let loose as they connect with their bodies. When she’s not teaching, she’s finishing her master’s degree in speech pathology and loving on her fur babies.

AMANDA

INSTRUCTOR

IG: @AMANDA_IVORYROSE

AGE 27

Mommy of 1

Other passions: yoga, boxing, roller blading, and being a mom

I did ballet as a kid but spent most of my youth competing as a gymnast. Although I loved gymnastics it was missing something for me. As I got older I wanted to do something similar where I could be fit and challenge myself but not have the same repetitive workout everyday. I came across videos of aerialist on YouTube. After researching all the different aerial apparatuses I came across a pole dancer named Jenyne butterfly. I watched her video and was absolutely amazed. I took my first class 2 days later and the rest is history. I started competing and winning national and international competitions. One thing lead to another, and I started touring the world. I got the incredible experience of performing and teaching workshops as my full time job. When I found out I was pregnant I knew I wanted to stop traveling and be home as a mom. I slowed down the touring and went back to my roots. I wanted to just dance again. Teaching other women movement and embracing their sensuality is what I love most about teaching. Watching women build confidence, connect with their bodies, and begin their pole journey brings me so my joy. I am excited to continue to help others fall in love with pole and discover just how movement positively affects every aspect of your life.

lisa

INSTRUCTOR

IG: @LISA.IMKER

AGE 36

Other passions: hula hooping, Disneyland, vegan food, travel, learning languages, painting with Bob Ross

I caught the circus bug when I learned to hula hoop at a festival in 2011. I was instantly hooked, and that was my main prop for many years, including when I trained in circus school in Berlin. I often performed with small circuses and burlesque troupes in Berlin and Nashville, where I went to grad school. I am an educator by trade (my Ph.D. is in German), and I also taught hoop for many years. I have trained other props over the years, such as poi, levi wand, fans, and juggling, but it wasn't until I was led to pole in 2019 that I found my second love beside the hoops. 

Pole was so physically challenging – it demanded and created so much more muscle than previous props I had trained – but it was also somehow also very exciting and motivating once I started to see the progress. I'm so grateful to have found pole, as it has now consumed my life (in the best way possible)! I have competed in two Pole Sport Organization competitions so far, and I just love the process of creating a performance piece and sharing it with the world. My favorite style is on spin with lots of aerial tricks! Low flow and floorwork are gradually growing on me as well. 

I'm honored to have the opportunity to teach others to use this magical apparatus in new and creative ways. Hope to see you in class soon!

SHELBEE

INSTRUCTOR

IG: @SHELBEESTRONG

AGE 32

Mommy of 2

Other passions: Muay Thai, hiking, and acroyoga

ShelBee began her aerial journey in 2010 and has an immense passion for movement of all kind, whether it be aerial, rock climbing, Muay Thai, hiking or acroyoga. Bee is one of the co founders of Queer Polers Collective, and is a huge social justice warrior. She teaches pole and lyra and her favorite style of movement is contemporary/lyrical pole. Bee's goal as an instructor is to create safe spaces for people of all identities and genders by nourishing and enriching self expression through dance and movement. 

GRACE

FLEXIBILITY INSTRUCTOR AND ADMIN ASSISTANT

IG: @GRACE_WILSON006

AGE 17

Other passions: Dance, pep squad, traveling, and hanging out this friends

Grace began her dance journey at the age of 9 and has danced competitively for over 5 years . She enjoys all aspects of dance and truly comes alive when she is performing on stage. Her favorite styles of dance are jazz and contemporary. Grace has a talent for teaching and developing technique, flexibility, and form in all ages of dancers. She has been sharing her love of dance with Uplift for over a year and continues to be an amazing and supportive member of the Uplift team.