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The Pole Academy Team:

 Jax Spencer

 Owner &

Master Instructor

Have you ever wished you were someone else? No matter what age you are or what stage you are in your life, you wish some things were at least different. You can wish to be thinner, taller, or even more attractive. I ask because I went though this all my teenage years – which are especially traumatic. No matter where my confidence level was I would still look in the mirror and hope to see something different and one day, I did. Growing up I was insanely active and took a dance class including tap, jazz and ballet briefly. I guess I did not quite understand the art in it and was too focused on doing my “own thing” at the time. I was never a real dancer, a gymnast, or even a cheerleader. During my teenage years I became less active and my metabolism slowed. My diet turned drastically for the worse and the only exercise I got was walking or riding my bike to my destination before I learned to drive. I was quickly gaining weight and giving myself excuses as to why. I attempted to diet but cheated on it within a week and went back to living off fast food. I told myself that walking to my friends house a block away was my cardio for the day. High school was emotionally destructive and while I carried my weight well for my height I was overall unhappy when I looked in the mirror. After graduation I moved in with my boyfriend at the time. He was into dieting and exercising and really educated me on what I could do to improve my health and body. I wanted to change and finally had some support to start. I began watching what I put in my body – portions, carbs, sugars, etc. I bought fat free or low sodium groceries and cut back on the snacking. I ate 3 or 4 smaller portioned meals a day instead of 1 or 2 huge meals. I started to take a daily vitamin and involve cardio into my daily routine. Everything was going great for about a month – then I was bored. I began to hate my daily routine and eating the same things. I went back to cheating on my diet and skipping my work out sessions. I was on the fast track backwards. I re-gained my weight, my self esteem dropped, and I was back to being depressed. My then fiancee was slowly no help and I decided to move on with a couple different things in my life. Not shortly after I was out when a pole artist caught my eye. I was stunned; I couldn’t take my eyes off of her during her entire performance! I began to investigate the pole dancing and fitness community and to my surprise it was becoming more popular and less taboo. I concluded poling was an intense workout and after talking to many enthusiasts I was willing to give it a try! I bought my first XPOLE from Karol Helms’ site (my first pole crush and new friend). I began to watch YouTube videos of her and everyone that I could find to learn new transitions, tricks, and combos. Being self taught there was a lot of trial and error until I mastered everything I could. I found myself not wanting to get off the pole after hours of sweating and even some close calls of falling! I didn’t care – I wanted to perfect every move, every step, every flip! I didn’t get bored… After 4 years of dancing I can proudly admit I am a complete pole addict! I choose my own music to dance to which really elevates the mood. I get lost in it and feel my body do things I never knew it could! I’ve lost over 30lbs from getting back into dieting and exercising and incorporating pole fitness. It’s a workout but I have so much fun learning so many new tricks, transitions, and combos that it never gets boring. My body started to change and my friends took notice. They wanted to know what my so-called “secret” was and how they could do the same. I was always very open when poling came up in such discussions and my enthusiasm slowly started to entice others! Being self taught, I had to figure out on my own how to break every trick down. I had to become comfortable with the pole to dance gracefully with it – not just on it. This allowed me to understand the process of the fitness aspect of it which in turned helped me to help others. I soon had a high demand for myself to teach others and well, I just thought that was a brilliant idea. I thought, why shouldn’t I help others? It was always fun for me to learn but would have been great if someone was there when I first started! I began to work on a cirriculum that covered everything from dancing and floorwork to actual tricks and combinations. I love educating people about pole fitness and helping them with their fitness needs. I enjoy hearing how pole fitness had helped others and how happy my own students get when they see improvements in themselves. I was once at the same place as many of my students and I want them to know it can be done! I look and feel better than I ever did in high school and not a lot of people can say that! My clothes fit better and I’ve even had to buy new ones because none of my old clothes fit my anymore! My boyfriend of course doesn’t mind how I look in my bikini during summer but most of all when I look in the mirror – I stare – at myself! I flex my arms and don’t see that flabby mess underneath. I turn sideways and back just to check out my own stomach. I stare at my own legs in shorts just because of how lean they look. My self esteem has sky rocketed, I feel more energetic, and I never get bored with my workouts. I dream about pole dancing, I talk non-stop about pole dancing, I enjoy it so much that I teach it, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Training & Education:

15 Years Experience

XPERT Certified Level 1 & 2

Certified Flexibility Flow

Certified CRNP Spinning Tricks Level 1 & 2
Certified CRNP Floor Rocker

Certified Twerk Technician

First Aid Certified

Affiliates:

House Of Twilight Founder

The Aerial Hour Podcast Guest

Pole Sport Organization Unicorn

Get Fit & Pole Trainer

Pole Con Workshop Leader
You Know You're A Poler When Collective Founder

Ambassadorships:

Hoodlum Fang Ambassador

Heaux Apparel Am-Bad-Ass-Adore

Rarr Designs 

Just Strong Ambassador

Popl Ambassador

IPIA Ambassador

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KitKat
Studio Manager & Instructor

I took pole after years of admiring the studio from a distance because I always felt not ‘ready’. I didn’t feel in-shape enough, I was worried about being the biggest figure in the room, and a handful of other reasons. My first Intro I was not the most graceful, but it was like a switch was flipped, and I’ve been hooked since!

Everyone I have met at the studio, from our wonderful Instructors to fellow students, has been so supportive. There are certainly many times where Jax or Kilo have literally held me up, or spun me around so I could land a trick. They want you to feel proud in yourself inside, and outside, the studio.

Besides being amazing teachers, they are also wonderful bosses. Working the front desk is pretty much a dream. I absolutely love it when people call with questions and they just get even more excited to come to class! I can’t wait to see you in class, and I’m here to help anyway I can.

Certifications:

XPERT Pole Level 1 & 2

Flexibility Flow

Competitions:

The Pole Circus 2021

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AllyCat

Instructor

Hey! My names Ally /Ally Cat!  I first started my pole journey with pole at The Pole Academy when they first opened their doors in Greenville . I wanted to try something different & something that was challenging - not to mention to get more confidence in myself ; inside & out. After taking a few classes little did I know I feel in love! Doing pole has opened a door in my life that I can’t go back too! I’ve been able to travel , compete in competitions , perform for fun, meet some awesome pole dancer friends on the way, & met some of my pole idols!! Not to mention I got my Xpole certification Lvl. 1 & 2 , along with CRNP for Floor Rockers! There’s still so much to learn & I want to keep learning as a teacher & student! I’m so excited to help the students thrive at The Pole Academy !

Competitions:

3rd Place - PSO Southern 2017 - Championship Level 3

3rd Place - PSO Triangle 2018 - Championship Level 3

PSO Triangle 2019 - Low Flow Level 2/3

2nd Place - PSO Southern 2019 - Dramatic Level 3

 

Certifications:

XPERT Pole Level 1 & 2

CRNP Floor Rocker

Flexibility Flow

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Niki

Instructor

Hey there!  I'm Niki and my pole journey began in December 2017.  I've danced in one style or another since I was three years old, but I was introduced to the aerial community during a college internship. 

I pursued it further once I graduated, and eventually started teaching in 2018.  I didn't jump into pole right away though.  I come from a conservative background, so I had a lot of negative associations with pole dancing.  In the beginning, I stuck with hammock, lyra, and other non-aerial dance styles.  However, the more I was around pole and saw performances, I realized it wasn't at all what I thought.  It's a beautiful, artistic pursuit that takes a huge amount of strength. 

So I finally tried a class and I fell in love.  I started teaching pole in April 2019, and I competed in PSO Dramatic Level 2 that summer - earning 2nd place in my division.  I love pole because it makes me feel strong and powerful and beautiful.  And I hope I can help you feel that way, too.  

Competitions:

2nd Place - PSO Southern 2019 - Dramatic Level 2

3rd Place - PSO Nationals 2021  - Entertainment Level 3

3rd Place - PSO Triangle 2023 - Entertainment Level 4

Certifications:

XPERT Pole Level 1 & 2

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Ducky

Instructor

Hi. My name is Ducky. Sometimes Red Ducky - but I answer to both.

What brought me to The Pole Academy was wanting to build strength. I've never enjoyed upper body workouts due to issues with my shoulders. I always admired pole fitness and I always knew I would try it one day. Once I tried it, I fell in love.

 

I started my pole journey in 2019. I found The Pole Academy through Groupon and I loved my first class. I am still growing and learning. I love to dance and I particularly love twerking.

 

I have always had passion for teaching and empowering other folks to feel confident, sexy and in charge. This is what TPA represents to me. It is my home away from home and these people are my second family.

Certifications:

XPERT Pole Level 1 & 2

Twerk Technician

Belle

Instructor

My name is Belle and I’ve been poling at TPA since 2014.  Pole has transformed my life in so many ways that I could never have imagined when I first began.  I had no background in dance and minimal fitness experience at all aside from running in high school.  From the moment I learned my first spin, I was hooked!  I became motivated for the first time in my life to work on building strength and flexibility required to climb, spin and do the amazing tricks taught at the studio.  As my skills grew, I became inspired to perform and compete, which is an amazing accomplishment for a natural introvert.  Now in my early 40s, I am definitely more physically fit and confident than ever in my life.  I’m grateful for the ongoing inspiration that pole provides and want to share this experience with the students at TPA.  I’m passionate about conditioning and strength training, but also love teaching students new pole tricks and flows.  I look forward to meeting you in class!

 

I have received XPert certification for Pole Fitness Level 1&2 so that I can share my love of pole by teaching at The Pole Academy.

Certifications:

XPERT Pole Level 1 & 2

Flexibility Flow

Competitions:

2nd Place - PSO Southern 2017 - Entertainment Level 3

2nd Place - PSO Southern 2018 - Championship Level 3

PSO Southern 2019 - Championship Level 3

3rd Place - PSO Cancer 2021 - Dramatic Level 3

2nd Place - PSO Southern 2022 - Championship Level 3

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Novocaine
Instructor

Hi! I’m Lightskin Novocaine AKA Nova! I started my pole journey with TPA back in February of 2020. I was going through a rough time in my life when I stumbled across FKA Twigs music video for her song Cellophane, and fell in love with the way she danced and expressed herself through pole. I was in search for an outlet a place where I could freely express myself and just be, and that’s when I fould TPA.

 

I will never forget how nervous I was walking through those doors for the first time, but that was quickly overcome with how I felt after my first intro class. I felt strong, confident, and even sexy. Something I hadn’t felt in a while due to me gaining weight at that time. Everyone was so nice and welcoming.

 

I have had the honor of meeting some amazing people from TPA and even made some new friends! TPA is my home away from home. The instructors and students are my family, and now I am an official part of their team!

 

Two years later I got hired as one of the Desk Goddesses, and I am working on getting certified to become an instructor someday! I love pole and TPA so much and I want to inspire any and everyone to try it! 

Competitions:

2nd Place - PSO Triangle 2023 - Dramatic Level 2

 

Certifications:

XPERT Pole Level 1 & 2

Twerk Technician

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Bellatrix
Instructor

Hi my name is Bellatrix!

 

I started my pole journey in 2018 after graduating from college. After you leave school it’s hard to find the same level of community that supports you outside of work. The pole community has been one of the most important aspects in my life.

 

TPA has given me the resources to strengthen my body and explore movement creatively. Pole has become my passion and I love that I am able to continue to grow at TPA. The TPA family is so supportive of me and everyone who attends classes, and I could not be happier to join the team to extend that passion and support to everyone!

Competitions:

PSO Southern 2019 - Dramatic Level 2

3rd Place - PSO Nationals 2021 - Dramatic Level 3

2nd Place - PSO Triangle 2023 - Exotic Level 3

Certifications:

XPERT Pole Level 1 & 2

Flexibility Flow

Twerk Technician

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Pinky
Instructor

Hey Y’all, I’m Tiffany a.k.a Pinky.

 

I am 28 years young & I am addicted to pole fitness. I came to TPA to find my sexy & my strength, one year later and I’ve done just that! Being a part of a pole studio has been so beneficial to my mental & physical growth. Pole has driven me to continuously strive to be better than I was the day before, whether that’s on the pole or in my daily life.

 

To know me it’s to love me and hopefully I’ll get to teach you all soon at TPA! 

Certifications:

XPERT Pole Level 1 & 2

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Gizmo
Instructor

Hi friends! My name is Gizmo and I have wanted to be involved in pole dancing for as long as I can remember.

 

My first introduction to the sport was through discovering Jenyne Butterfly’s 2011 performance to the song “Dog Days Are Over”. I was 11 years old and remember just STARING at the video in awe. I couldn’t imagine how one person could do these tricks and difficult transitions. I must have watched that video 3 times before I hurriedly brought my little laptop to my mom’s room to tell her that I wanted to be a POLE DANCER when I grew up. To her credit, she told me I could do that and much more as long as I wanted to (typical mom words).

 

I went in a different direction for a long time though, and got involved with competitive horseback riding through my teenage years. After some heartbreak within the industry, I left 2019 and haven’t looked back since. In 2020, before the pandemic, I finally mustered the courage to take my first pole lesson. I was terrible at it; two left feet, no rhythm, no muscle strength. I was instantly addicted though, and after COVID-19 closed down studios across the country, I bought my own pole and set to work learning as much as I could on my own. Being introduced to The Pole Academy was one of the best things for my mental health and cleaning up my self-taught mistakes.

 

My goals as an instructor are to encourage recognition of what the body can do as opposed to what it looks like and to allow people to find a sanctuary in pole, away from the toxicity of the “normal” world.

Certifications:

XPERT Pole Level 1 & 2

Competitions:

PSO Nationals 2021 - Dramatic Level 3

3rd Place - PSO Virgo 2021 - Dramatic Level 3

The Pole Circus 2021

PSO Triangle 2022 - Dramatic Level 3

1st Place - PSO Triangle 2023 - Low Flow Level 4/5

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Stitch
Instructor

Hi! My name is Stitch. I’ve been attending The Pole Academy since November of 2020.

 

Falling in love with pole dancing was only one of the major changes Pole has brought to my life. It has opened my mind to new levels of confidence as well as introduced me to a community full of encouraging and passionate people.

 

Pole will continue to be a part of my life as long as my shoulders will let it.

Certifications:

Xpert Pole Level 1 & 2 

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Dahlia
Instructor

My name is Dahlia (she/her) and I am your resident socially anxious babe. I am obsessed with cats, candy, video games, anime, art, and as I am sure you have guessed, pole.

 

My pole journey began back in 2015. I was feeling really down on myself at the time, but pole lifted me up and boosted my confidence. I have always struggled with body image. Pole helps me to see beyond this and be proud of all of the progress I have made and the strength I have gained. Over the years, pole has shaped my personal growth and I look forward to encouraging growth in others.

 

One of my favorite parts of the pole community is how diverse it is. It is heartwarming to feel comfortable taking up space with other people from all sorts of backgrounds. I have always been an artist at heart and I am thrilled to start a career in something that is a creative outlet. I am excited to be spinning with everyone in new ways.

Certifications:

Xpert Pole Level 1 & 2 

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