Canadian born Fawnia Mondey is the pioneer of pole dancing instruction as she produced the world’s first instructional video on how to pole dance. Since her start in 94 Fawnia has produced seven instructional DVDs, taught thousands of women worldwide, and owns ‘Pole Fitness Studio’ with two locations in Las Vegas, NV. USA.

Fawnia is respected judge for pole competitions around the world at the highest of levels including the World Pole Dance Championships, the World Pole Sports Championships by the International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF) and the International Pole Championships (IPC) hosted by the International Pole Dance Fitness Association (IPDFA).

With over 25 years experience teaching, Fawnia’s certifications include Personal Training, Group Fitness Instructor with AFAA, Reiki 1 and 2, plus iKick, Zumba, and PiYo. Seeing the demand for safe and effective pole dancing instruction, Fawnia created the Pole Dance Instructor Certification (PDIC) which is a complete training program and guide for running a safe, informative and successful pole dancing school. Fawnia wrote the forward for The complete Idiots Guide to Exotic and Pole dancing Illustrated (Paperback) in 2007 and was voted The United Pole Artists Pro-Poler of the year 2011. In addition to teaching at Pole Fitness Studio, Fawnia instructs pole dancing workshops at the University of Las Vegas (UNLV) and also offer education lectures at UNLV's "Dance 103: Sex, Dance and Entertainment" class. Fawnia is on the board of directors for the Pole Fitness Association (PFA) and on the Olympic committee for the International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF) as an Elite Athlete with efforts towards the pole being in the Olympics. The Pole Dance Community (PDC) awarded Fawnia with the PDC Pioneer Award in 2012. During the International Pole Championships (IPC) in Singapore Fawnia was awarded the IPDFA Industry Leader of the Year award for 2014. Locally she was awarded Las Vegas Top 100 Women of Influence for 2014 & 2015.

In 2011 Fawnia created Pole Expo, which grew to be the worlds’ largest gathering of passionate fitness enthusiasts who are love pole dancing and aerial arts. Though Pole Expo is now closed, Pole-A-Palooza pole dancing competition continues every summer. Follow Pole Fitness Studio on instagram and Facebook or sign up for our Pole Fitness Studio newsletter on our contact page, for updates and special event details.

Fawnia Mondey’s Competitive History

• 1st Place 2019 AAU Fitness Championships Sports Model Overall

• 1st Place 2019 AAU Fitness Championships Bikini Model Overall

• 2nd Place 2016 Tao Night Club - Best Legs

• 2nd Place 2016 Day Dream Pool - Bikini

• Winner 2011 Spy on Vegas Hot100 - Bikini

• 2nd Place 2009 Fitness America – Figure Short

• 2nd Place 2009 Canadian Fitness and Figure Nationals - Figure Medium

• 3rd Place 2008 Canadian Fitness and Figure Nationals - Figure Medium

• 1st Place 2007 Canadian Fitness and Figure Nationals - Figure Medium

• 1st Place 2006 Best Legs Las Vegas, Rainbow Bar & Grill

• 5th Place 2006 Emerald Cup - Figure 5'3"-5'4"

• 1st Place 2007 Canadian Fitness and Figure Nationals - Figure Medium

• 1st Place 2006 Best Legs Las Vegas, Rainbow Bar & Grill

• 5th Place 2006 Emerald Cup - Figure 5'3"-5'4"

• 1st Place 2005 BC Championships Figure Short

• 2005 NPC Pittsburgh Amateur & Pro Show up to 5'4"

• 3rd Place 2005 Emerald Cup - Figure 5'3" - 5'4"

• 9th place 2004 Canadian Nationals Figure medium

• 5th place 2003 Sophie's Swimwear Pageant

• 2nd place 2003 BC Championships Figure short

• 1st place 1999 Muscle & Fitness Mania Women's Lightweight Bodybuilding

• 1st place Miss Nude Internet 1999

• 3rd Miss Hawaiian Topic - British Columbia, Canada 97 and 99

• 1st Miss Nude BC 95-96 (exotic dancing)

• 1st Miss Nude Western Canada 95-96 (exotic dancing)

• 1st N.American Exotic Dance Champion 95-96 (exotic dancing)

• 1st Canada's Rookie of the year 95-96 (exotic dancing)

• 1st Canada's Western Champion 95-96 (exotic dancing)

• 1st Canada's Edmonton Champion 95-96 (exotic dancing)

• 1st Miss Nude Amateur World 95-96 (exotic dancing)

• 4th place 1994 BC Championships Freestyle wrestling

Sarah Anderson

Having been born and raised in Vegas, I’ve seen my fair share of high flying acts and memorable performances. I had been in gymnastics as a child and taken a variety of dance classes, with most of my time spent focused in Egyptian bellydancing, (heavily influenced by my love for Shakira at the time!) At the age of 12, I saw The Beatles Love show and from then on knew that I wanted to get into circus/ performing arts. All through high school, I would always ask my mom if I could join circus camp! I continued to dance throughout high school at Silverado H.S. And participated in their showcases whenever I got the chance. On my own time, I choreographed hiphop dances for my youth group, and every time I performed, I loved the adrenal rush. I finally gave aerial a shot after graduating high school on a day that I felt I had nothing to lose. I started with the silks but I soon fell in love with pole, lyra, and hammock. In Spring 2019, I graduated from UNLV with my Bachelor’s in Nutrition Science. I have also tutored/taught elementary school children for 5 years, and teaching pole & aerial fitness allows me to combine my passions for health, dance, and teaching when I instruct!

What is your most proud teaching or performing moment?
My proudest teaching moment is always when a student achieves their goals, and when I know that I helped them along the way. It could be learning a new spin or just making a transition more fluid! My favorite performing moment was for a Halloween showcase a few years back where I got to dress up as Freddy Krueger and scare my audience with a bunch of drops on the silks!

What pole moves are your favorite?
My favorite pole moves are Superman, Iguana, and Ballerina spin!

Describe yourself in three words:
Encouraging, Enthusiastic, down-to-earth

Why do you enjoy teaching at Pole Fitness Studio?
I love teaching here because we have such a lovely bunch of students and instructors, and it is just a really positive experience every time I walk through the doors. Everyone is always encouraging each other and helping to reach their goals!

Kevin Adams

Kevin Anthony Adams grew up in New York City, where he attended the School for Performing Arts and discovered Dance! Kevin has been dancing professionally after graduation in New York City and San Francisco for the majority of his concert performing career.
Kevin has been fortunate to have worked for the past seven years on cruise ships and he’s delighted to have had the pleasure of visiting seventy five percent of the world. It was while in Budapest, Hungary he was introduced to pole dancing. He immediately gravitated to the sensuality, gracefulness, and full body workout of being a pole dancer. He has recently relocated to Las Vegas and had the pleasure of finding Pole Fitness Studio where he js currently studying under the guidance of Fawnia Mondey and her amazing family of teachers!

What is your most proud teaching or performing moment?
My proudest performing moments are those opening nights when the stage lights comes on, the curtains open, the audience quite down as do the butterflies in my stomach. I love sharing my Art of Dance and hard work knowing that I gave it my all.

What pole moves are your favorite?
My favorite pole moves are the inversions and shoulder mounts, Brass Monkey, Genie, basically everything that pushes my body to get stronger and to its limits. I enjoy bending in ways i didn’t thought possible on the Pole.

Describe yourself in three words:
Magical, Eager, Blessed

Why do you enjoy teaching at Pole Fitness Studio?
I love the welcoming atmosphere and friendliness from the moment I walked into the Pole Fitness Studio. I enjoy the encouragement of the students, teachers and staff along with the feeling of home.
 

Jenny Bascos

Levels 1-7

Jenny Bascos was first introduced to pole dance at a local gym in New York when she was looking for a fun and challenging way to supplement her training as a professional dancer and yogi. She instantly fell in love with both it's physical rigors and potential as an individual artistic form of expression. Upon retiring from performing as a core member and soloist at the Metropolitan Opera and as a freelance flamenco dancer for 15 years, she moved to Las Vegas in 2010 where she currently resides with her family and shares the joy and expression of teaching pole dance technique and fitness to women and men at Pole Fitness Studio while being a full time mom to her one and a half year old daughter. Jenny's style and technique has been influenced by her teachers which include Fawnia Dietrich at Pole Fitness Studio, Wendy Traskos of New York Pole Dancing, Marlo Fisken of Body and Pole and Jenyne Butterfly.

What is your most proud teaching or performing moment?
Watching Students take a movement or choreography of mine and becoming creative with it and making it their own. I get inspired by students who enjoy the physical and creative challenges dance offers and who want to push me as their teacher to give them variety and challenge as much as I enjoy pushing them to get stronger and more proficient with their movement and body mechanics.

What pole move(s) are your favorite? 
Scissor climbs are great for strength and endurance. Jade split, twisted split handstand variations, spins on static pole.

Describe yourself in three words:
Disciplined, creative, joyous

Why do you enjoy teaching at Pole Fitness Studio? 
I enjoy the warm and encouraging environment that comes from the staff as well as the students who take class at the studio.

Natalie Calvo

My name is Natalie. I was born in Italy. I came to the U.S. when I was 5 years old. I grew up in Los Angeles California. Growing up I did a lot of performing in school and church plays. I’ve taken theatre classes, and dance classes. I also grew up singing in a choir. Performing arts has always been my strong suit. I got introduced to pole dancing through a friend of mine who was a dancer. I followed in her footsteps. I started taking pole classes at a dance studio in California to enhance my skills. Pole fitness has become my passion. I love how creative, strong, and flexible you can be all while showcasing your unique individual style. The moment I started mastering the harder tricks I knew this is something I would want to do as my career. In hopes to teach others who are starting their pole fitness journey for whatever reason. We all start somewhere. 

What is your most proud teaching or performing moment? 
I feel most proud when I am able to teach someone a new pole trick or dance move that they have been trying to master for a while. When they nail it. That’s when I feel most proud and accomplished. 

What pole move(s) are your favorite?
My favorite pole moves hands down has to be inversions/shoulder mounts. For me, hanging upside down is an adrenaline rush! 

Describe yourself in three words
Charismatic, loyal, perfectionist.

Why do you enjoy teaching at Pole Fitness Studio?
Being able to help others achieve their personal goals. Whether it be showing them a new pole trick or teaching them a new dance move for the first time, Pole Fitness Studio has a beautiful space and has a great reputation, and teaching there is a very rewarding experience for me.

Heather Foltz

Heather is a Las Vegas based aerialist specializing in aerial silks, lyra, hammock, slings, harness, fire spinning and is currently diving into the world of pole. Beginning her training in 2012, she immediately fell in love with the balance of creativity and strength that aerial arts brought into her life. She started performing at nightclubs and corporate events in Reno and Tahoe in 2013, blossoming from timid to confident performer through working with many talented fiery women in the small city. Over the years she was lucky enough to perform for many festivals, including The Bounce, Coachella Music Festival, Organic Fest, The Untz, Lucidity, Burning Man and more. In 2016 she performed an aerial silks act and starred in a featured film for TedX Reno’s suicide prevention fundraiser and live event at the Leer Theatre. Leaving her hometown and moving to Vegas in 2019, she was enamored with the idea of moving on to bigger and better things. She did her first dance tour of the UK in December of 2019 and began working as an aerialist at the Mayfair Supperclub in 2020. Above all, Heather enjoys the sense of community and togetherness that circus brings to everyone who tries it, from beginner to advanced. Knowing that there’s always more to learn and share with fellow artists is what lights her fire. Come be a part of the circus with Heather!

What is your most proud teaching or performing moment?
My most proud teaching moment is when a student finally gets a trick after working up to it for weeks, because they either got stronger or something I said just made it click in their brain! Their excitement brings me so much joy every time.

My most proud performing moment was probably when my sister and I nailed our doubles silks act as guest stars at the national Reno Rad Fest competition, it was so fun sharing that experience with her!

What pole moves are your favorite?
I love any spinning split move! Maybe Allegra or Bird of paradise!

Describe yourself in three words:
Patient, passionate, and adventurous!

Why are you excited to be joining the Pole Fitness Studio family of instructors?
Every person I’ve met so far at the studio, instructor or student, has been amazing! Every instructor is so talented, and I can’t wait to learn from and share passions with them. I’m so excited to meet everyone and become part of the family!

Michelle Fullam

Michelle has been involved in music and dance from a young age. She graduated Valedictorian from high school and went on to earn her Bachelor's in Dance in just 3 years from Point Park University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 3.9 GPA. She then toured the UK in a jazz company with London Studio Centre before joining Carnival Cruise Lines as a production dancer and sailing through the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Hawaii and Alaska. She became Dance Captain for SAGA Cruises and continued performing throughout Europe, the Baltic, the Mediterranean, and even completed a world cruise before moving to Las Vegas. Michelle has performed in 7 shows on the Las Vegas strip, ranging from Irish dancing in “Spirit of the Dance”, to getting her grove on in “Dancing Queen,” to strutting her stuff singing and dancing in several burlesque shows. Highlights would be working under the direction of Chet Walker of “Fosse the Musical” as well as traveling to Macau for a feature role as a specialty for Franco Dragone of Cirque du Soleil. Michelle has also performed at many night clubs on the strip doing everything from aerial arts to go-go dancing to atmosphere modeling and has been a featured guest artist in one of Celebrity Cruise Line's top rated shows. While in Hong Kong, she earned her Stott Pilates certification in mat and reformer Pilates and set up the Pilates program for Dolly Parton's show Pirates Voyage in Myrtle Beach SC. She continues to teach Pilates and aerial hoop and silks in Las Vegas.

Caroline Godwin

Caroline began performing regularly while attending college in 2015 at age 21, at a variety of venues around the country with her flow arts act and as a pole dancer. After graduating and moving out west to LA, she began studying aerial hoop and hammock. She has been an aerialist since 2018. Now Caroline lives in Las Vegas, performing with a variety of acts and props including fire, led, pole, and aerial! She also owns a marketing agency. She’s come a long way from her hometown of Austin, Texas and is excited to teach the passionate students at Pole Fitness Studio and share the incredible feeling of aerial dance. She also is an aerial photographer who loves to capture the beauty of aerialists in motion. Check her out on Instagram at @carolinegodwin to see more of what she does!

What is your most proud teaching or performing moment?
I absolutely love every moment where I have the stage and can express myself through movement. It sets my soul on fire to have all the lights on me, the music up loud, and lose myself in the moment.

Describe yourself in three words:
Imaginative, passionate, Multipotentialite

What pole moves are your favorite?
The ballerina! It’s so graceful!

Why do you enjoy teaching at Pole Fitness Studio?
Pole fitness studio is a wonderful community of students eager to learn in an environment where they can feel comfortable. Pole fitness studio accepts everyone, from first timers to experienced dancers. I love how we can all learn and grow together to reach our full potential!

Brandon Grimm

Brandon grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It was here where he trained as a gymnast an a dancer at an early age and then continued his education through adolescence. After High School, Brandon attended and graduated from The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. It was during these years, that he found his love for circus and eventually Pole.

After moving to LA to join DIAVOLO: Architecture in Motion's National and Internationally touring dance company, Brandon began training and eventually teaching at BeSpun under the ownership of Leigh-Ann Riley. In year of 2014-2016, Brandon competed in, and won numerous competitions. Of those the 2015 U.S. Men's National Championships and 2016 Miss Pole Dance America: Troupe Winner are his proudest. 

Since these accomplishments, he has gone on to choreograph group pole pieces world-wide for Pole Theatre UK & Scandinavia, and International Pole Championships in Australia to name a few. Brandon is still working to create new and innovative pieces and ideas for the pole world.

What is your proudest teaching or performing moment?
My proudest teaching moment doesn't happen in an instant, and isn't really even a moment. Instead, my proudest teaching accomplishment is watching my students grow and develop into their own artists, with their own style, vocabulary, and point of view. My goal is to coach and teach pole to be better and go further than I have.

What pole move(s) are your favorite?
I love Lyrical style of dancing and pole. I love slow music that you can synch up with your body to tell a story to your audience. I love to envelop myself in the piano, guitar, strings, and vocals of each individual song. I love being able to fill up the space between spaces with movement and story.

Describe yourself in three words:
Highly-Caffeinated, Realist, Scarcasticly-Hillarious

Why do you enjoy teaching at Pole Fitness Studio?
I love Fawnia... Thats it. I think she is the nicest human being I have met in the pole community. She is always quick to reply to emails, and always willing to lend a helping hand when she can. For me, I like working for people that I like, quite simply put. 

Lauren Levine

Owner of PoleDanceFit, Inc., Lauren Levine actively pursues the development of innovative and effective exercise techniques. Her certifications include ACE Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer & Functional Training Specialist. With specialties in Pole and Aerial, the motivating environment she creates in her classes along with her attention to each student as an individual allows participants of all levels to overcome boundaries and achieve results. Lauren loves teaching classes & seminars and performing while promoting pole and aerial dance as an empowering art form.

My most proud teaching moment:
This is a tough question, over 12 years of teaching I can't pick just one! I have to say generally, I love when a student conquers their first nemesis move.  There's something so special about that victory dance when you've watched them work so hard to achieve that success :-)  However every time one of my students performs or competes I am always beyond proud of the journey they took to get there.

What's your favorite pole move?
Machine gun! Because splits are awesome and this one is not done enough!

Describe yourself in 3 words:
Intense,Compassionate, Authentic

Why I enjoy teaching at PFS:
I love the beautiful studio and the energy each and every individual brings to it! To have a place to truly and unapologetically be yourself breeds the most creative, inspirational and incredible feats and friendships <3

Kate Lewis

Kate grew up in the world of dance and performing arts and has experience as a Pilates instructor. She has found her way to yoga time and again since the age of 18. In 2020, she completed both a 200-hour and advanced 300-hour teacher training, and she is now a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher. Her goal as a yoga instructor is to approach each student from an authentic place, helping to facilitate their own discovery and joyful yoga practice.

What is your most proud teaching or performing moment?
My proudest teaching moment came when I was able to help a student relax and let go of thinking about issues with her work life. It meant a lot for her to say she enjoyed taking time out of her day for herself.

What pole moves are your favorite?
I love a fireman or ballerina on spin pole- I feel like I'm flying!

Describe yourself in three words:
Open, loving, free

Why do you enjoy teaching at Pole Fitness Studio?  
Everyone- students and staff alike- truly feels like they're part of a family here. This place is very special to me because of that.

Trixie Lovett

What is your proudest teaching moment?
How can I pick just one, when every day I am inspired, humbled, and proud of my students? It makes me proud when a student steps on the stage in a competition, to be judged by others, and dances her best. It makes me proud when a student performs in front of her family and peers in a showcase, even though she's nervous. It makes me proud when a student goes home and dances for her spouse. It makes me proud when a student says, "I never thought I'd be able to do what I just did." It makes me proud to be a small part of such an amazing studio, that helps empower dancers every single day. 

What pole move is your favorite? 
This is a toss up! I love, love, love a Fireman Spin. I love it for the beauty in its simplicity. It is a foundation move that when you really "get it", it helps you to understand so many other more complex moves. I'll never tire of a well-executed Fireman Spin. My other fave is a Jade Split. The leg symmetry of this move is so clean. It's fun to teach and one of those moves that when it falls into place you feel like a million bucks.

Describe yourself in three words: 
Fun, Loud, Real

Why do you enjoy teaching at Pole Fitness Studio?  
I love the variety that PFS offers.  As an instructor, I have the freedom to teach so many different classes: from beginning through advanced pole dance, flexibility and stretching, to booty camp and conditioning. The variety helps me hone my skills as a teacher and communicator. The studio also has such a variety of students! Everybody is there for a different reason. And there is no set demographic either. Young to old, short to tall, big to little. Gals AND guys! Each student brings something different to the classroom and that makes teaching so engaging.

Ashlynne Mccann

What is your most proud teaching or performing moment?
My most proud teaching moment, was when I taught a class of 10 girls, and everyone loved how sexy and fun the routine was. Experienced and not experienced polers loved it!

What pole moves are your favorite?
My favorite pole moves are mostly anything bendy! I love showing off my flexibility when it comes to pole because I lost my flexibility after covid, and while taking my own pole classes earlier in 2021, I gained all my flexibility back! So bendy shapes and pointed toes is what you’ll see me working on most of my own free time!

Describe yourself in three words:
Courageous. Big hearted. Strong.

Why do you enjoy teaching at Pole Fitness Studio? 
I enjoy teaching because I love helping people find their inner voice. Their true authentic self, that maybe has been told to hide away for reasons work related, family related, male gaze related.

I love to wipe that alllll off your mirror. Clear the fog away. Start you fresh and new, embracing that person you see in the now clean mirror. Loving the person you see in the mirror. Every curve, every roll, every atom that made you is a blessing. And the connection you grow with yourself is the most rewarding one. Cause that’s YOU. ️ And YOU are special. I just pray I can bring my students to realize tist, embody this, and embrace this through pole.

Dani Mitchell

Dani Mitchell is originally from Memphis, TN. She started her dance background as a competitive figure skater at the age of seven. At 18, Dani signed her first contract as a professional with shows including Disney on Ice, Cypress Gardens, Lily Langtry's, Festival on Ice, Snoopy's Summer Vacation, Magic on Ice, and others. In 2013 she moved to Las Vegas and found a passion for pole dancing when she signed up for a class she saw online. From then on Dani has been hooked, performing around town and internationally. She was selected to compete in the Felix Cane Pole Championships (2015) in Perth, Australia. Dani went to her first pole-dancing retreat "StripCastle" in Glasgow, Scotland in 2017. She loves sharing her knowledge of pole and her exotic dance style with her students and pushes her students to see their true potential. She’s also a Liquid Motion certified instructor. Dani had the pleasure of performing as a feature in "Pole Show LA" in Las Vegas/ Sep 2017 for Pole Expo weekend and is now an employee for the new NHL Hockey team the Vegas Golden Knights as an Ice Girl for the inaugural season. 

What is your proudest teaching moment?
Seeing my students confidence radiate through movement, I try to push my students to see their true potential.

What pole move(s) are your favorite?
Eagle, its a gorgeous move and it looks like an ice skating spin.

Describe yourself in three words:
dedicated, passionate, and confident

Why do you enjoy working at Pole Fitness Studio?
I am very passionate about teaching and love seeing my students progress and amaze themselves. I love the community here at Pole Fitness. I've made some great friends here.

Imani Aliyah Montoya

Imani has been dancing all her life. She is trained in Folklorico, Jazz and armature ballet. This Texan has experience in pole but was first introduced to Zumba, Bokwa, Mixxed Fit and the ever fabulous Burlesque the Workout when she moved to Las Vegas in 2013. 

Before moving here, “the gym” and “working out” were words that made her cringe; they were a chores she had to do. But after being lead to the concept of dancing for fitness, her whole world changed. Fitness is now Amazing, Energetic, and Fun! 

It wasn’t long ago that she was an unhappy, unhealthy size 10 shy girl. Now she is a happy, healthy size 2 confident woman. She’s motivated to continue to improve her fitness and skills; Pole Fitness is a big part of that.

What is your most proud teaching or performing moment?
My absolute favorite moments are hearing the words, “Look! I did it!” It’s extraordinary to help someone achieve a goal.

What is your favorite pole move?
The Hummingbird is so much fun.

What’s your favorite form of fitness?
I love Burlesque, but really I’m obsessed with all dance fitness forms from Zumba to Hip Hop- Whoop Whoop!

Describe yourself in three words:
Sexy, Sincere, Supportive

What attracted you to Pole Fitness Studio?
Fawnia has created a “my gym” environment at PFS. From the moment I first walked in I was encouraged to embrace my sensual side while getting fit. The support from the instructors is simply marvelous. The atmosphere is warm, comfortable and intimate. Pole Fitness Studio is a unique health oriented experience.

Kaitlyn Mussio

Kaitlyn is an acrobat, aerialist, and former NCAA collegiate gymnast and certified personal trainer. She is trilingual, and she is also a Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach.

Kaitlyn fell in love with performing at the age of 3, when she began ballet. As she got older, Kaitlyn grew as a ballet and jazz dancer and from being on stage, she felt exhilarated and absolutely loved performing for an audience. When she began gymnastics, a performance in its own right, the sport stood out as her one true love and she committed to the intense training hours required to be a high-level competitive gymnast. Kaitlyn competed as a NCAA collegiate gymnast for 4 years for Centenary College of Louisiana. Shortly thereafter she dove into her career as an acrobat, aerialist and fitness professional. She began training flying trapeze, aerial silks, aerial hoop, aerial rope, and more, falling in love with all the different avenues to learn and grow as an acrobat. In September 2020, Kaitlyn started a contract in Dubai as an artist in La Perle, a production show by Franco Dragone. In the show she was a hand-to-hand flyer, and an aerialist doing silks, hoop, aerial pole and aerial harness. 2021 brought her to Las Vegas for teaching and performing.

Kaitlyn is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). As a personal trainer and fitness instructor she crafts workout & nutrition programs for individuals and groups to help them accomplish their fitness goals. I teach strength training classes as well as flexibility and pilates.

Kaitlyn has a passion for languages and in addition to English, she speaks, reads and writes Mandarin Chinese and French, both with high degrees of proficiency. She has been studying Chinese for 8 years, and studying French for 11 years, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in French during college.

Kaitlyn’s purpose is to give light, love and inspiration to other people, and she loves teaching students and inspiring them to grow in their training, become more confident and most of all have fun. She loves showing her students that limits do not exist!

What is your most proud teaching or performing moment?
I absolutely love looking out into the audience when I’m performing, making eye contact with a young girl in the audience and using my movement and energy on stage to inspire her to chase her own dreams.

What’s your favorite form of fitness?
I love HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) because it’s so efficient! Combining weight training, bodyweight exercises and cardio makes me feel like I’m getting the biggest bang for my buck! I love all forms of dance fitness too!

Describe yourself in three words:
Passionate, determined, loving

Why are you excited to be teaching at Pole Fitness Studio?
I love the vibe and friendly environment at Pole Fitness Studio. The mission behind Pole Fitness Studio to help their students feel empowered and strong perfectly aligns with my own mission.

Ashley Norton

Ashley started pole dancing on her son’s first birthday back in 2011.  The year prior she had just moved to Madison WI, knew no one, and only left the house to go to the grocery store for the first year of her son’s life.  She had become a stay-at-home mom/wife, which was never a goal of hers.  Luckily she made friends with the neighbors who lived in the apartment above her and they recommended she try a pole dance class…

“A POLE DANCE CLASS?!” How taboo. (Lol!  Fast forward a few years and she’s stripping and winning competitions.)

She signed up for her first class and fell in love!  She then became an instructor a few months later and had a community of supportive women as friends for the first time in her life.  A couple years later she got divorced… Congratulations Ashley!  This led to her moving to Chicago to pursue aerial dance as a career.  She did so with her child, and everything she owned in her car, no job, no home, BUT she had a friend to stay with for two weeks while she vehemently and successfully tracked down the necessities.  With little money to spare, she trained herself at the places she taught and at circus open gyms.  Things snowballed into amazing opportunities from there!  She followed what spoke to her, the more risqué and sensual aesthetic coupled with her tomboy love for physicality, which was a hit!  Ashley started performing at the largest nightclub in the city, called Castle Nightclub at the time, just a couple months later, on trapeze.  Although silks and lyra took center stage for most of her performing career.  Ashley spent six years performing mostly in Chicago, but also in Miami, around the U.S. with the Exxxotica Expo, along the East coast with a tent circus, and even on TV a few times.

What is your proudest teaching or performing moment?
Teaching moment would easily be every time a student accomplishes a move they’re surprised they could do! They yell, cheer, cry, hug, and everyone in the room gets taken over by the excitable and relatable good vibes <3

Performing would be a collection of moments that lead to realizing, in retrospect, that I had become the main aerialist at every big nightclub in Chicago. Prysm Nightclub became my home, but I also fell in love with Tao Nightclub, Carnivale Restaurant, Unbridled Supper Club, and Joy District. They all gave me a ton of freedom with either music, costuming, and/or choreography. I’m immensely grateful for the people who gave me the opportunities to express myself. Dance is my salvation. Name that reference and I’ll give you a high five. (Hint: Only polers will get it.)

What pole moves are your favorite?
ANYTHING ON SPIN! (Especially if I’m digging the music)

Describe yourself in three words:
Awkward…

Why do you enjoy teaching at Pole Fitness Studio?
I will start teaching here in November of 2020! So I’ll have to update this in the near future… I walked in, planning on checking out the pole studios in the area, because I was looking for somewhere to teach. I saw Fawnia and just about DIED! I think I’ve been following her since I started pole in 2011! Back when it was “just a hobby” and “I could never do that” were my daily thoughts. I then experienced the classes. I tried to take as many different instructors’ classes to get a really good idea of what this studio is like and I LOVE YOU GUYS! The instructors, the students, the love and support everyone shows each other is insane! THIS is what my first pole studio was like. A home, a safe space… I feel a need to be here at Fawnia’s Pole Fitness Studio now. This is the type of place where souls flourish. 

Jasmine Nyrita

Jasmine Nyrita is a dancer, singer, and full time mother. She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana where she took up gymnastics for 3 years. When Jasmine moved to Austin, Texas where she became very versatile in every aspect of performing arts. She took theatre, show choir, and dance in high school all 4 years. She went to Austin Community College and got into the dance department as well. She then moved to Vegas with her family and began her journey in pole dancing in 2015 and has been been her passion ever since. She brings a fun personality and a boost of confidence to every class! Get ready to have fun with this choir nerd slash drama geek and dance the night away!

What is your most proud teaching or performing moment?
My proudest teaching moment had to be when I walked out of the room and I heard girls talking amongst themselves about how much the love my class and could not wait for the next class to happen!!! 

What pole move(s) are your favorite? 
Butterfly, Flag, Handsprings, and any type of split

Describe yourself in three words! 
Passionate, Outgoing, and Optimistic! 

Why do you enjoy teaching at Pole Fitness Studio? 
I enjoy teaching because I love to see transformations on the body and mind. It brings joy to my life to see growth and happiness from just having a blast doing what we love to do. 

Raeven Ochoa

Raeven started pole as a way to get back into fitness in 2017 and was instantly hooked. Fast forward a couple of months to 2018, she found a studio that offered pole and aerials and fell in love with lyra. She loved the challenges that came with both pole and lyra, along with the feeling of accomplishment after nailing nemesis moves. When the pandemic hit, it shut down all of the studios in the area, so she bought a lollipop and taught herself which landed her weekly gigs in different cities. It’s been a journey for her, but she’s loved every step of the way.

What is your most proud teaching or performing moment?
The first time I was able to explain a move and saw it just “click” and make sense to the student.

Describe yourself in three words:
Adventurous, passionate, creative

What pole/aerial moves are your favorite?
Anything that involves a split!!

Why do you enjoy teaching at Pole Fitness Studio?
I moved to Vegas solo without really knowing anyone and Pole Fitness Studio was the first place that I instantly felt at home at. I’ve made some really amazing friends here, and I love how encouraging the community is.

Brenda Reese-Quaife

Since the age of three I grew up in my grandmother's and mother's dance studio training in jazz, tap, ballet, acrobatics, contemporary, hip-hop... you name it, I did it! By the age of 16 I became a professional dancer as well as I began teaching my own dance classes in Arizona. Shortly thereafter I moved to Las Vegas and dove further into my professional dance career at the age of 19. Showcasing in 12 shows as well as Go-Go-ing in close to every single night club on the strip. I have been in shows from Jubilee to 'X Burlesque' and everything in between. And have Go-Go danced in party venues such as Wasted Space, Light, Foxtail, Sapphire Pool just to name a few.

After performing in Vegas for just a few years I was picked up to dance in a band called '51Fifty'. We traveled the world! We were sponsored by UFC, Monster energy and Tribal Gear. We toured for seven years where I got to Go-Go dance my booty off! Quite literally with all my twerking lol. 

It didn't take long before I fell deeply in love with not just dancing but Fitness of all nature. I recently hung up the ol' g-string and became a personal trainer and dance teacher. 

I began weight lifting seriously by 20yrs old while still concentrating on my dancing. The two worlds melded together perfectly. After some time I decided to run with my passion of lifting and became AAAI/ISMA certified in training and nutrition. 

Simply going through the movements wasn't enough, I wanted to understand why and how to do everything properly and efficiently. I wanted to be educated on health and fitness. And wow, did my certifications improve my dancing skills!

Being in a cut throat world of professional dancing I learned so much about how to meet the standards demanded on us performers in shows. I found my perfect mesh of dance and Fitness and learned to really excel in both worlds. As the years grow on my passion becomes greater and greater. I now am a professional aerialist and moving into the circus world. Talk about well rounded knowledge on pushing your body in every way possible! If lifting isn't for you, let's dance, if dancing isn't for you, let's hang on things, still not for you, let's get stretching! I've got a number of tricks up my sleeve to make your fitness journey as amazing as mine has been.

It's my pleasure, passion and true drive to help others reach their goals just as I have. And not just reach them but to learn to become as passionate about their health as I am. Nearly 30yrs later and I'm still dancing, lifting and now flying through the air. Come join me! What are you waiting for?! 

What is your proudest teaching or performing moment?
I first moved to Vegas to perform in shows. Go-Go dancing came along there shortly after because it fun and extra money. In the beginning I was not all that good at it. People kept telling me I wasn't sexy, I wasn't cute, stop doing choreography, stick to shows, etc, etc. Something inside me snapped and said I won't let people tell I'm not good. I lived in the moment, stopped caring about the negative energy, or maybe that's what drove me. I danced my butt off to some amazing old school rock and roll jams. Next thing I know I'm picked up to perform in a band with a drummer and DJ. We were sponsored by UFC, Tribal Gear Clothing, and Monster Energy. We toured for about 5+ yrs. Not only was it amazing to break out of my shell and show people I could do whatever I set my heart to. But on that tour we performed in the Philippines for over 20,000 people. They were chanting our band name and each of us individually. Hands down the greatest moment I've ever lived.

What form of dance is your favorite and why?
Lyrical/contemporary. The music can really drive you... adding a contemporary element to it adds a rawness. You don't have to be so by the book. If a lyric from the song makes you feel like concaving into yourself and being ugly then you can and somehow it turns into something beautiful and moving. 

Describe yourself in three words.
Understanding, Energetic, Gemini

Why do I enjoy teaching at pole Fitness Studio?
Everyone is so kind. The moment I walked in for my first class everyone was so welcoming. It was like a family. The amazing energy between staff and student makes you never want to leave. It's an absolute honor to be apart of this family.

Jenn Ranalli

Jenn Ranalli is a multi-talented circus performer, instructor, and dancer based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. She specializes in go go dancing, hula hooping, pole dance, stilt walking, aerial artistry, and fire dancing. As an influencer in the social media world, her following @jenn_ranalli inspires the lives on thousands daily and keeps on growing! As a self taught circus artist and dancer, she believes that anything can be accomplished in the world, everything is possible, and most importantly, everything is figureoutable. If you can dream it, you can do it. 

What is your proudest teaching or performing moment?
My proudest teaching moment was when I held a donation based hula hooping class at the park, and there was one girl who was working on knee hooping for years. She never got the move because she was doing the concept wrong, so I decided to show her my way and she got it immediately! She started jumping around and crying from joy, and it was easily the best moment of my teaching career.

Proudest performing moment- When I got the opportunity to dance on main stage for EDC Vegas. Each costume change was a part of the LED visuals and they presented a story, I was wearing these huge owl wings that complimented the music and the lights in that moment perfectly. I turned around and saw myself performing on the big screen, in front of hundreds of thousands of people. So amazing!

What pole move(s) are your favorite?
Pole moves that are my favorite- twisted grip handspring, iron X, broken doll, jallegra, and basically anything from a brass monkey.

Describe yourself in three words:
Adventurous, energetic, driven

Why do you enjoy teaching at Pole Fitness Studio?
I enjoy teaching at pole fitness because I love the entire atmosphere of the studio as a whole. Each time, I am welcomed with such positivity, and the students are always so motivated to push themselves past their limits. I am inspired by my students, and motivated to grow as a mentor and coach each and every day. I want to be the best teacher that I can be, so that my students can excel in everything they do. Together we can all follow our amazing circus dreams.

ChaNel Sellers

ChaNel attended De Anza High School. She was on the school dance team and assisted with choreography. She has a lot of experience with creating choreography. Dance was a tough journey for her because she was known as a Freestyler dancer, which meant her gift was being able to create choreography by just listening to the song for the first time. So ChaNel searched for classes to get he training she needed, and she moved to Las Vegas from California. This is where she found Culture Shock LV. She trained with them for three years and it was an amazing experience for her. She has grown so much from training with choreographers Jawkeen Howard and Prince Mofett; the best choreographers in Las Vegas!! ChaNel has come along way from Black Girls Magic Burlesque to now a pole instructor at Pole Fitness Studio. Visit her @dancerdatb  


What is your most proud teaching or performing moment?
My proudest moments are when students begin to feel more confident and see positive changes in their fitness after just a few classes. This makes me want to help them achieve so much more! I’m also proud when they are consistent and dedicated to their pole journey. I love to hear them say “you're great with details when teaching.” My heart just melts every time!! So I live for those moments and that makes me want to go harder as an instructor to help people continue achieving their goals. I’m so proud when they start to love the conditioning part of pole; building muscle. It makes me feel like they want to be the best at every pole transition and pole tricks.

What pole moves are your Favorite?
I enjoy The Jade Split, Shoulder Mount into transitioning, and Bow & Arrow

Describe yourself in three words:
loving, motivated, energetic

Why do I like teaching at Pole Fitness Studio?

I enjoy the variety and the positive energetic people I am able to meet and work with. I love how big the space is and you can get certified with Fawnia which is an amazing experience!! I feel at Pole Fitness Studio you can grow and also build your craft as an instructor. It feels like a family environment because everyone is so friendly and helpful!! We are Ballerinas of pole!!! We help women embrace their sexy! We help find your pole language!!

Latoya Stephenson aka Isa Danser

Isa Danser grew up in New Jersey, born in Jamaica. Began dancing at a young age and naturally gravitated to teaching dance as a teenager. She continued her love for music and dance by forming a singing duo while living in Japan, competitions, choreographed for shows and events. She moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2009. Teaching fitness classes and was certified as a pole dance instructor here at Fawnia's Pole Fitness Studio. Over the years Isa has earned wellness, yoga, fitness trainings and certifications, enjoyed teaching various classes, workshops, events and is delighted to be back at PFS!

What is your most proud teaching or performing moment?
My most proud teaching moment is when I help someone improve thier strength or range of motivation in order to achieve a pole or dance move.

What's pole move (s) are your favorite?
Carousel, Pole Sit and Superman.

What's your favorite pole?
Other than pole, chair and burlesque, any sensual form of dance where you move your hips.

Describe yourself in three words:
Caring, Adventurous, Creative

What attracted you to Pole Fitness Studio?
What attracted me to this studio was that it was created by a woman, and she was the creator learning pole fitness. Fawnia’s Pole Fitness Studio is a place to learn, meet people who appreciate and enjoy various dance forms, and of self expression through strength, grace and sensual movement. I love the adventure, creativity and support to be imaginative in a fun work environment.

Jade Ortega White

Jade Ortega White is a queer, non-binary US Navy veteran and has over 10 years of performance art experience. Jade specializes in aerial dance, tightwire, boy-lesque and even dabbles in theatrical wrestling. They’ve performed at nightclubs, festivals, circuses, theaters and events around the world. In 2017 they became the subject of the award-winning short documentary film, High Flying Jade, which follows their journey managing bi-polar disorder while becoming the first American to join the Vietnamese Circus. Jade is an advocate for mental health awareness, animal rights and the LGBTQIA community. They are currently pursuing their MFA in Performance Art at School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

What is your most proud teaching or performing moment?
Performing aerial hoop & silks with the Vietnamese Circus and touring around South East Asia. It was my first time in a big top Circus and a truly unique experience.

What pole moves are your favorite?
The Jade Split... 'cause Jade.

Describe yourself in three words:
Artsy Queer Weirdo

Why do you enjoy teaching at Pole Fitness Studio? 
I've always felt welcomed at the Studio from the first moment I wandered in, there's a beautiful sense of inclusivity here. Everyone has a great attitude and we have a lot of fun.