Student Of The Month-Alyssa

Name (or nickname) and Pronouns?

Alyssa (she/her)

When did you start your pole journey with Uplift?

November 2019

Why did you decide to try pole dancing at Uplift?

I had a friend invite me to try pole. I took a couple classes at Uplift and absolutely loved it.

What do you love most about Uplift? 

I love the community at Uplift. The people here are always so kind, supportive and motivate me to do my best.

What do you love about pole dancing?

I love that I can be myself and express what I feel in each class. Whenever I leave class, I feel relaxed and uplifted.

Did you have a dance or fitness background before starting your pole journey with Uplift?

I took lyrical dance classes when I was younger but have not been actively taking dance classes since then.

What are your top 3 favorite songs to pole dance to?

'Breathe Out' by MAALA 'Desperado' by Rihanna 'Femme Fatale' by Amanati

What advice would you give to others that are thinking about trying pole dancing?

Just do it and don't forget to enjoy yourself.

What are some of your pole and movement goals for the year?

My goal for this year is to be able to comfortably do a shoulder mount.

What motivates you to keep coming back and pole dancing at Uplift? 

I love the moves and routines taught by the amazing teachers. I enjoy the friendships I have made at Uplift and cannot ask for a more awesome group of people to continue my pole journey.

What has been the best thing you've learned since starting your pole journey?

I've learned to be more confident in myself and do things at my own pace.

Student Of The Month-Tawney

Name (or nickname) and Pronouns

Tawney (she/her)

When did you start your pole journey with Uplift?

August 2021

Why did you decide to try pole dancing at Uplift?

I wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone and feel more connected to my body and sensuality.

What do you love most about Uplift? 

I love the beautiful community of people. Everyone is supportive and kind, which makes me feel safe. It’s a gift to be surrounded by such powerful and magical people.

What do you love about pole dancing? 

I love how no matter how difficult my day has been, I can come into my class and free my mind, body, and spirit. Uplift has had a hugely positive impact on my mental health.

Did you have a dance or fitness background before starting your pole journey with Uplift?

I had zero dance background and had definitely gotten out of shape.

What are your top 3 favorite songs to pole dance to?

‘Why Don’t You Do Right’ by Amy Irving ‘Do It For Me’ by Rosenfeld ‘Reflecting Light’ Sam Phillips

What advice would you give to others that are thinking about trying pole dancing?

Ignore the little voice in your mind telling you that you can’t. You absolutely can. It may intimidating or uncomfortable at first, but you will become stronger and more confident if you give yourself a chance. It’s worth taking the leap and trying it out.

What are some of your pole and movement goals for the year?

I want to become stronger at connecting my movements and feeling the moment versus planning what to do next.

What motivates you to keep coming back and pole dancing at Uplift? 

There is always something new to learn and a new boundary to push. I’m becoming empowered by vulnerability and I use it as fuel to not give up.

What has been the best thing you've learned since starting your pole journey? 

I’ve learned I can only compare myself to me. It’s easy to get defeated when I’m not progressing how I want to be, but I try to remember where I started and to feel proud of what I have achieved.

Student Of The Month- Nova

Name (or nickname) and Pronouns

Nova She/Her

When did you start your pole journey with Uplift?

July 2021

Why did you decide to try pole dancing at Uplift?

I have always been interested in pole dance but was shy and not confident to do it. Last year I have challenged myself to try something new and decided that it will be the year when I start pole dancing. I found Uplift and was immediately drawn in by the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and I have been here ever since.

What do you love most about Uplift?

I absolutely love the community. Having incredible women around me who make me laugh and help me be confident with being me and being open. The sisterhood is amazing and I couldn't ask for better people to be on this journey with.

What do you love about pole dancing?

I love the freedom of expression. I think that it is still a taboo when women express themselves and show their sexual energy. Pole dance allows for this freedom and it is so beautiful.

Did you have a dance or fitness background before starting your pole journey with Uplift?

I have been doing hip-hop dance on-and-off for 5 years.

What are your top 3 favorite songs to pole dance to?

Banks-Gimme Marian Hill-Got It Justin Timberlake-What Goes Around/Comes Around

What advice would you give to others that are thinking about trying pole dancing?

Just dive into it. There is no better way to do it. Some people put it off until they are strong enough or in better shape, but all of this will come as soon as you take the step to just start pole dance.

What are some of your pole and movement goals for the year?

My goals for this year is: confidently and comfortably do inversions. Especially leg hangs. I am very close, so I am confident that this goal will be achieved.

What motivates you to keep coming back and pole dancing at Uplift?

People. I love the friendships that I have found at Uplift and every class is a fun experience that I don't want to miss. I would honestly call Uplift my second home.

What has been the best thing you've learned since starting your pole journey?

The confidence. I have learned to let go of the thoughts in my head and just let my body move. It is such an amazing feeling and I am so happy that I have so much confidence in myself now. I am incredibly thankful for my sisters in pole for helping me open up and be me.

Student Of The Month-Selene

Name (or nickname) and Pronouns

Selene (she/her)

When did you start your pole journey with Uplift?

February 2020

Why did you decide to try pole dancing at Uplift?

Pole dancing is something I've been wanting to do for many years and when I found out there was a studio 5 min from house, I signed up right away

What do you love most about Uplift?

Uplift is my sanctuary. It’s a place where I can unwind and be myself

What do you love about pole dancing?

The feelings I have after a great class, full of energy, happy and stress fee.

Did you have a dance or fitness background before starting your pole journey with Uplift?

I have no dance or fitness background, but I have been doing Zumba for about 10 years.

What are your top 3 favorite songs to pole dance to?

Your heart is as black as night: Melody Gardot Historia de un amor: Tonina Jealous: Labrinth

What advice would you give to others that are thinking about trying pole dancing?

Just do it you will not regret it.

What are some of your pole and movement goals for the year?

My goals for this year are to invert and to do an outside/inside leg hang.

What motivates you to keep coming back and pole dancing at Uplift?

The beautiful ladies I dance with and the incredible instructors.

What has been the best thing you've learned since starting your pole journey?

I've learned so many thing things in pole, but I think the most important is to love what you do, and I am loving every moment.

Student Of The Month-Maxine

Name (or nickname) and Pronouns

Maxine she/her

When did you start your pole journey with Uplift?

January 2020

Why did you decide to try pole dancing at Uplift?

I found a Groupon and thought it would make for a fun Christmas gift for my sisters, but then got hooked

What do you love most about Uplift?

My pole sisters and pole mommy!

What do you love about pole dancing?

It’s my one happy place. Every class is an opportunity for me to challenge what I thought I was capable of.

Did you have a dance or fitness background before starting your pole journey with Uplift?

I had some peewee dance experience as a kid, but just prior to my pole journey, I was training in Muay Thai

What are your top 3 favorite songs to pole dance to?

Gosh this is such a cruel question to ask…but if I had to pick 3: Woman by Doja Cat, Fire for You by Cannons, and Ali Bomaye by The Game

What advice would you give to others that are thinking about trying pole dancing?

See all the polerinas in class you aspire to dance like? That’s going to be you that students will look at and say, “#goals”. Don’t give up and trust the process :)

What are some of your pole and movement goals for the year?

My pole and movement goals for this year would be to up my low pole, floor, flexibility, and movement game. By the end of the year, I hope to be able to caterpillar climb up the pole and maybe even nail Ayesha and start attempting iron x

What motivates you to keep coming back and pole dancing at Uplift?

Whether I’m having a good or bad pole day at Uplift, I can always count on my pole fam to put a smile on my face with their not-so-ladylike jokes, words of encouragement, and support

What has been the best thing you've learned since starting your pole journey?

When in doubt, dance it out. Pain is just temporary-it hurts until it doesn’t hurt. Although I’m constantly using this in pole, I remind myself of this so much more these past couple of years. Lame things in life come and go, but dancing is forever

Student Of The Month-PJ

Name (or nickname) and Pronouns

PJ Fournier

When did you start your pole journey with Uplift?

When the pandemic started!

Why did you decide to try pole dancing at Uplift?

I met Danette at another pole studio that I attended for about a year. After a class at that studio, Danette was just arriving with a camera in hand and pointed to me and said "stay!" LOL... with an invitation like that, how could I resist? She was putting together a video of students to show all the different types of women that participate showing that it doesn't matter how old you are (I am 68 years old), how young you are, how big or small, no matter what your profession. It is an activity for everyone! She also subbed for a class and had us do a stripper routine... wow... was that ever out of my wheelhouse! So when Danette sent out an email saying she was going to start up virtual lessons during the pandemic, I was thrilled! Sign me up :)

What do you love most about Uplift?

Everyone who dances or teaches at Uplift has the same goal... be supportive, be genuine, be kind and dance your heart out!

What do you love about pole dancing?

The heels LOL...Pole dancing has given me a new lease on life. I first tried pole dancing after a gnarly divorce after almost 20 years of marriage. I had always been a tomboy and never really did anything for myself. I intend to keep on dancing for as long as this old body will allow it.

Did you have a dance or fitness background before starting your pole journey with Uplift?

Fitness yes, dancing no... And I must say that my body did not and still does not fully cooperate... but I am learning to let go, modify and push myself past my comfort zone.

What are your top 3 favorite songs to pole dance to?

My top three changes all the time. Danette is always introducing new music and every dancer also introduces me to new music. My top 3 right now are Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers, Give Me One Reason by Tracy Chapman and Rock Me Baby by Blue Cheer.

What advice would you give to others that are thinking about trying pole dancing?

I say do it!!! Forget about waiting for the right time, whether you want to be in better shape or lose some weight or are too shy or think you are too old. No matter your reason, think about what this will do for you. You will get into amazing shape... the amount of strength you gain is amazing. Dancing is all about feeling good about yourself.. letting yourself go and immerse yourself in the music. This is the absolute best thing I have done for myself... it is "me time".... it is learning new things... it is my therapy.

What are some of your pole and movement goals for the year?

I really want to get my ass over my head for an inversion LOL... A serious shoulder injury over two years ago has left me with weakness in my left shoulder... I will keep working on it until I get it!

What motivates you to keep coming back and pole dancing at Uplift?

The students, instructors, music, movement, dancing, learning, being part of a supportive group!

What has been the best thing you've learned since starting your pole journey?

How to walk! Being a tomboy all my life, I never did learn how to move my hips... they still go in the opposite direction sometimes, but I'm learning to actually move my body, slow down, add my own personal touch and have fun with it.... Oh... and how to walk and dance in heels! Also, Jasmine... LOL... I am still terrified of that one, but if I can ride a Harley, I can certainly do Jasmine.

Student Of The Month-Kaycie

Name (or nickname) and Pronouns

Kaycie (she/her)

When did you start your pole journey with Uplift?

February 2020

Why did you decide to try pole dancing at Uplift?

My coworker and I had been talking about trying a pole dance class for fun for the longest time. For Christmas 2019 she surprised us with a Groupon for an intro class series at a local studio, which happened to be Uplift! Little did I know I was about to fall madly in love with pole.

What do you love most about Uplift?

The sisterhood. I had no idea I would establish such meaningful bonds with everyone here. I really appreciate the culture at Uplift because this is the most supportive, encouraging, and empowering environment I have ever been in. It's been nothing short of magical to be able to connect with my body through movement with such incredible like-minded women.

What do you love about pole dancing?

I love the fusion of strength and beauty that pole dancing offers. I used to do heavy weightlifting and that's a cakewalk compared to pole. Pole is the toughest workout I have ever done because we're essentially badass bruised gymnasts taking beatings while looking like relaxed cute twerking ballerinas. I love the challenge!

Did you have a dance or fitness background before starting your pole journey with Uplift?

I took dance classes as a child and have been known to drop it low up in the club most weekends in Hollywood from the ages of 18 to 28, LOL. I've been a fitness instructor for the last 10 years as well; I started with water aerobics and currently teach Pilates which I absolutely LOVE.

What are your top 3 favorite songs to pole dance to?

I could honestly pick 100 but these have been my jam lately: "Breathe Out" by Maalaa "Money Trees" by Kendrick Lamar "Falsetto" by The Dream

What advice would you give to others that are thinking about trying pole dancing?

Please imagine me jumping up and down with fervent enthusiasm as I implore you to DO IT! I am a huge proponent of the mantra "TRY ALL OF THE THINGS" because you never know what passions you may awaken within yourself. I have a pole in my living room and make all of my visitors give it a try when they come over. Call me a pole pusher, hahaha.

What are some of your pole and movement goals for the year?

I want to clean up and slow down my entry into inverts, and be able to hold leg hangs with no hands (and without screaming or cursing which I usually always do LOL). I would also like to smooth out my shoulder rolls and increase my repertoire of transitional moves when going from floor to pole and vice versa. It's funny how seemingly simple floorwork moves end up taking the most time to master compared to a pole trick!

What motivates you to keep coming back and pole dancing at Uplift?

There is SO much that keeps me coming back to Uplift from the instructors and members whom I love so much and want to be around more to learn from (and honestly just hang out with because all y'all are really cool), to the gratification that comes from seeing myself improve over time with my flow and skills, to the cute studio that feels so comfortable with the best mood lighting and awesome eclectic music playlists. Dude I even love the way the Lysol smells when we clean the mats, I'm just obsessed with this place.

What has been the best thing you've learned since starting your pole journey?

PATIENCE and to enjoy each moment, each stage of growth. I have a tendency to be an impatient perfectionist and get frustrated with myself when I can't figure something out immediately. Many thanks to the instructors and members who always encourage me and support me at every stage of my growth. I promise to support your growth too and always scream "YAASSS KWEEN" at you during free dance<3

Student Of The Month-Kat

Name (or nickname) and Pronouns

Kat (she/her)

When did you start your pole journey with Uplift?

November 2019

Why did you decide to try pole dancing at Uplift?

I've always wanted to learn how to dance, but since I was a kid, people have teased me about being uncoordinated, so I was too insecure and afraid to try a dance class. But in November 2019, a friend and I made a pact that we would each face one of our biggest fears by the day before Thanksgiving. I chickened out until the literal last possible second … the morning of the deadline, she texted me: "You have until noon! DO IT!" So I looked up dance classes in Orange County, and there was an intro class at Uplift at 11am. I was terrified. Dancing was scary enough, but sexy dancing? I nearly had a panic attack walking in the door. But by 11:01am, I felt comfortable; by 11:30 I was actually having fun; by noon, I knew I was in love for life.

What do you love most about Uplift?

Honestly, everything. But in particular: as a plus-size dancer who started with zero dance background, it means *everything* to me that Uplift is a completely supportive and inclusive community. I've had moments in class where my body is like, "haha, nope! this move isn't happening!" and the instructors are knowledgable and adaptable enough to help me modify safely and find what works for me. It's so empowering to be in a space where the default mindset is: "You belong here. Your body is capable and strong and graceful. Just be yourself and dance it out!"

What do you love about pole dancing?

It's the perfect marriage of athleticism and dance artistry! Pole tricks on their own are cool and all … but I love that the classes at Uplift go that extra step further and push you to ask: "How do you *dance* that trick? Can you make some element of the movement more expressive? How do you transition it into other tricks or spins? Can you infuse this movement with your own personal style?" You could dance for a hundred years and there would always be something new to learn, because your dance style evolves as you do.

Did you have a dance or fitness background before starting your pole journey with Uplift?

Zero dance background! ZERO! I did some yoga before Uplift, but that's it.

What are your top 3 favorite songs to pole dance to?

"I Put a Spell on You" - Nina Simone "Skinny Love" - Birdy "Me and Mrs. Jones" - Billy Paul

What advice would you give to others that are thinking about trying pole dancing?

Find opportunities to close your eyes when you dance. Don't get hypnotized by the mirror! Those truly transcendent, exquisitely beautiful dance moments don't happen while you're staring in the mirror. They happen when you surrender yourself to the music and let go of the self-judgment.

What are some of your pole and movement goals for the year?

I want to learn to invert! So much core strength…so many conditioning exercises...

What motivates you to keep coming back and pole dancing at Uplift?

All of the amazing people I've met at Uplift! Every single class is a chance to share a laugh, sweat together, take inspiration from each other's style, appreciate a gorgeous dance moment, cheer each other on. Especially after being stuck at home for over a year, I'm so grateful to be part of this awesome community!

What has been the best thing you've learned since starting your pole journey?

Thinking and planning will only take you so far. At some point, you just have to grab the pole, lift your feet off the ground, and trust your body to figure out what to do next. And the more you develop that trust in yourself, the more good things start happen.

Student of the Month-Marissa

When did you start your pole journey with Uplift?

March 2020. Two weeks before the shutdown!

Why did you decide to try pole dancing at Uplift?

I had always wanted to try pole dancing and finally built up the courage to take a class. After my first class, I fell in love with it and have not stopped going ever since.

What do you love most about Uplift? 

I love Uplift because I feel like I can 100% be myself.  As soon as I step through the door I feel at home. A few of the girls started around the same time. It has been amazing to watch each other grow. The pole community is so encouraging and quite literally "uplifting".

What do you love about pole dancing? 

Pole dancing is not only physical but mental as well. I have learned to trust myself a lot more through my pole journey.  We are more capable than we think we are. Sometimes there are tricks or movement that we learn and my initial thought is "there is no way!" but then I am pleasantly surprised every time.

Did you have a dance or fitness background before starting your pole journey with Uplift?

I did not have a dance or fitness background before starting my pole journey.  I could not even do a push up if my life depended on it. Haha

What are your top 3 favorite songs to pole dance to?

Play with me by Rendezvous, All the time by Jeremih, The girl with the tattoo by Jael

What advice would you give to others that are thinking about trying pole dancing?

Get out of your comfort zone, it's good for you! We often times come up with a million reasons to not try something because we are afraid of the unknown. I promise it is beyond worth it. You will not only learn new things in class but also about yourself.

What are some of your pole and movement goals for the year?

Some of my pole and movements goals for the year are to master shoulder mounts and inverts comfortably.  I am almost there!

What motivates you to keep coming back and pole dancing at Uplift? 

My progress from each week motivates me to keep coming back.  I have taken videos from when I first started pole until now and the progress is astonishing. I also love seeing all of my pole girls every week!

What has been the best thing you've learned since starting your pole journey? 

The best thing I have learned since starting pole is that it is okay to be vulnerable and breathe. (Also, classy hoes point their toes!)