Meet our talented instructors
Ashley
Danielle
Erin
Hillary
Jill
Jolene
Lauren S.
Lily (Lauren)
Lydian
Naomi
Ashley
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Current Founding “BENDY BUNNIES R US” to make you flexy, Liquid Motion Notions, Picture a Sloth and a Scorpion making a baby and that’s what I’m bringing to the table.
Prior to my meta-whore-phasis you could say that I was looking for myself and for an alternative hobby that didn’t involve teaching my cats paddy-cake and would work on my social skills. That’s when I came across a very aggressive extrovert that told me to go take a pole class ,or, dont on my own free will. I decided it was in my best interests to probably go and so I did. In my “deer in the headlights” phase teachers would describe me as awkward and quiet. They could not tell if I was having fun but I kept showing up to class. I was having a great time! Though you have to start somewhere, I started from a loaded mash potato on rock bottom. It took me a while to progress but my instructors didn’t give up on me so I didn’t give up on myself. As my self esteem grew so did my passion for pole. I made a few friends, though somedays she was more awkward than others. As I branched out of intro to Pole I tried a variety of other classes to see where I would fit best. I found love in Liquid Motion, Freestyle, and Flexibility and it only was up from there.
Pole is for every-body. I pole because it made a few people angry and I got some well placed nudges that made me believe in myself. Since haters make you famous I road that wave. So after dealing with the passive aggressive people, uneducated people, and just the trolls of the world. Here I am on the other end to tell you that you can do it too. I told myself when I started if I could make one person change their perspective of themselves for the better and believe in them so they feel safe to explore what they want -so long as it goes with class- and with that it’ll all be worth it. Unfortunately, that feeling is addictive and now I’m just trying to start a cult. As for few things I live by, I stole this from The Pole Comedian but in Amy’s words “There’s no wrong way to do pole fitness – the only wrong you can do is to do it unsafely” and Picasso’s “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist”. So what’s my mission? Explore with me and join my cult ,or, don’t, that’s fine too. Hobbies include – snacking (feed me) napping and world domination.
To book a private lesson with Danielle, please email ashleyt@skyhighstudios.net
Danielle
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Liquid Motion Master & Low Flow
I’m a ballet/jazz/contemporary dancer turned pole dance instructor and performer, Master Trainer and Content Developer for Liquid Motion, as well as a full-time professional ballroom dance competitor and instructor. I’ve danced for over 30 years, starting at the age of four and continuing my education at the University of Georgia, where I earned my B.S.Ed. in Dance Education.
Without pole, my life would have been completely different. Pole dance has given me the strength and self confidence that I wish I had in my previous dance training. It has helped me to enjoy exercise, work toward goals, and achieve the impossible. Pole has allowed me the freedom to unleash my feminine sensuality and to celebrate my body rather than hide it or judge it. It gives me an outlet to express myself creatively and explore movement just for movement’s sake. The pole fitness world is a small one, and it is incredibly supportive to all its members. One of the best ways pole has affected me is the community I’ve found. Through pole, I’ve met amazing people as I’ve traveled across the country to visit pole studios, making memories and building lifelong friendships. I feel incredibly lucky to have been involved in pole dance and this wonderful community for over a decade now.
To book a private lesson with Danielle, please email daniellem@skyhighstudios.net
Erin
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Dramatic Pole, Choreography/Musicality and Nurturing Pole Babies
I had been an admirer of pole for years prior to my first class. My fitness background was horseback riding (not a lot of overlap there), but I was also a musical theater nerd who loved performing. I found the dramatic side of pole really appealed to me but I hadn’t worked out in years so for me it was quite a transition from couch potato to pole potato (I will never give up potatoes). Sky High was my introduction to pole and 4 years later I am both a teacher and pole competitor. My accomplishments include earning a gold medal in levels 1, 2 and 3 for dramatic pole.
I pole in part because it makes me feel like everything I assumed I would never be. I had never felt like an athlete before. I didn’t think I had it in me at all and now I have…muscles! I’d really like to pass forward that experience of empowerment to my students. So, I try to make class fun and accessible to everyone regardless of fitness background. I also love working with people who want to write routines for performance or competition.
To book a private lesson with Erin, please email erinm@skyhighstudios.net
Hillary
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Pole Flow, Upbeat & Fast-Paced Choreography
I grew up in dance – studying tap, ballet and jazz for over 20 years. I was always curious about aerial fitness and one day I was feeling bold and decided to give it shot! I did mainly aerial silks for 2 years then took my first pole class and I was hooked. I have been training pole since 2017 and I can’t imagine my life without it!
Pole has given me a creative outlet that is both physically challenging, but also so fun! I love seeing the progress that the students make over time. The pole journey is not a sprint, it is a marathon, so it is really exciting to watch that unfold! I also love working on extensions/lines as well as developing body awareness through flow of movement.
To book a private lesson with Hillary, please email hillarye@skyhighstudios.net
Jill
TEACHING SPECIALTY
From about 7-10 years old I was absolutely obsessed with the “Dance! Workout with Barbie” VHS tape, in which a stop-motion Barbie leads a dance aerobics class for a group of real girls wearing exactly what you would imagine one would wear to a Barbie aerobics class in the early 90s. This video sparked in me a lifelong love of calisthenics, and is also probably responsible for a lot of my fashion choices. Years later, having dabbled in yoga, pilates, NIA and bellydance, but never able to top the high of mastering the Jammin’ Jogger with Barbie, I stumbled onto an introductory offer for pole dance classes and gave it a chance. With the first class I knew I had found something special. It was physically and mentally challenging, and I loved the combination of dance, strength, flexibility, and sensuality.
My classes emphasize fluidity, connection, and body awareness. I’m a licensed Liquid Motion instructor and draw heavily on that movement methodology. I love working on climbing, heels technique, transitions and making simple, foundational movements look beautiful. My favorite thing about teaching is seeing students do the thing they didn’t think they could do!
To book a private lesson with Jill, please email jillm@skyhighstudios.net
Jolene
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Pole transitions, Slooty Heels & Sarcasm
Jolene has over 15 years of experience in pole & aerial with more than a decade of experience as a professional performer, competitor and production manager. Working with a variety of companies including the NHL, CMT Awards, Pole Sport Organization and Salto Entertainment, Jolene has honed her skills to provide a safe and fun environment for movement artists. She is a PSO PPC gold medalist in both pole and lyra and runs an annual show through her company, studioXpresents. Previous to starting pole and aerial, Jolene was involved in dance, theatre, gymnastics and cheerleading. A a child she competed in dance and gymnastics and could be found performing at Foothills Theater in Worcester.
She specializes in safety and performance. The goal is for students to understand foundations and creating transitions while building confidence and personal style. To get the most out of class, bring snacks.
To book a private lesson with Jolene, please email jolenet@skyhighstudios.net
Lauren S.
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Pole choreography, Low Flow & Freestyle
Raising three awesome humans is my proudest achievement in my life. I have two sons, one daughter, a collection of animals, and one suuuper patient husband. When my kids were all much younger, I came across an offer for a beginner pole class, and I had no idea at the time just how much it would change my life. First of all, I found the coolest people I had ever met at that studio. Some of them even became my best friends. Most importantly, though, I discovered a side of myself that I didn’t even realize existed. Of course my life was very full and complete already, but pole showed me that I could do even more. Me! A Mom. A non-dancer. A former cheerleader from the late 1900’s with zero spinal mobility, shoulders that were installed backwards, and a post-post-post-partum abdominal region. ME. Doing crazy upside down hanging-by-one-leg things. I was (outside leg) hooked from day one. In my eyes, this pole dancing thing was magical, my instructors were wizards, and I couldn’t get enough. So, here I am!
I love to share my excitement about movement with my students. I enjoy creating routines with creepy awkward poses, unexpected quirks and dynamic spins. I like thinking up crazy new freestyle exercises for them to try. I like challenging them with bizarre variations of things they already know. I like seeing them work together for high energy performances with attention to musicality. We have fun, we laugh the entire time (except maybe during squats and shoulder burners), and I just love seeing my students enjoy themselves during class each week. Mostly, I love seeing them develop over time. When someone finally nails that trick, or has a moment of personal growth, I’m just as excited as they are. All I want is for my students to get what they need from this sport. We’re all here for different reasons. I know that if you enjoy something, you’ll keep doing it, and if you keep doing it, you’ll gain more skills, more strength, and more confidence. It feels good knowing that so many people choose to spend their time at the studio because it makes them so happy. Taking class at Sky High makes their day a little better, and I’m grateful that I get to be a part of that.
To book a private lesson with Lauren, please email laurens@skyhighstudios.net
Lydian
TEACHING SPECIALTY
I have a strong background in theater and the performing arts. I found pole when I was looking for a new kind of exercise to get excited about and it soon became a passion.
Pole gives me a lot of joy and I love the sense of camaraderie in our studio. I want to nurture the same feeling of joy and accomplishment in our students and build up their confidence as well as find a fun artistic outlet.
To book a private lesson with Lydian, please email lydiany@skyhighstudios.net
Naomi
TEACHING SPECIALTY
I have a background in music. I was never really interested in any type of sport or fitness, until I found pole fitness. I tried a class back in 2018 and I’ve been hooked ever since. I am forever encouraging and ready when you are! I hope to see you in the studio soon!
To book a private lesson with Naomi, please email naomiw@skyhighstudios.net
Ashley
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Current Founding “BENDY BUNNIES R US” to make you flexy, Liquid Motion Notions, Picture a Sloth and a Scorpion making a baby and that’s what I’m bringing to the table.
Click to learn more about Ashley
Prior to my meta-whore-phasis you could say that I was looking for myself and for an alternative hobby that didn’t involve teaching my cats paddy-cake and would work on my social skills. That’s when I came across a very aggressive extrovert that told me to go take a pole class ,or, dont on my own free will. I decided it was in my best interests to probably go and so I did. In my “deer in the headlights” phase teachers would describe me as awkward and quiet. They could not tell if I was having fun but I kept showing up to class. I was having a great time! Though you have to start somewhere, I started from a loaded mash potato on rock bottom. It took me a while to progress but my instructors didn’t give up on me so I didn’t give up on myself. As my self esteem grew so did my passion for pole. I made a few friends, though somedays she was more awkward than others. As I branched out of intro to Pole I tried a variety of other classes to see where I would fit best. I found love in Liquid Motion, Freestyle, and Flexibility and it only was up from there.
Pole is for every-body. I pole because it made a few people angry and I got some well placed nudges that made me believe in myself. Since haters make you famous I road that wave. So after dealing with the passive aggressive people, uneducated people, and just the trolls of the world. Here I am on the other end to tell you that you can do it too. I told myself when I started if I could make one person change their perspective of themselves for the better and believe in them so they feel safe to explore what they want -so long as it goes with class- and with that it’ll all be worth it. Unfortunately, that feeling is addictive and now I’m just trying to start a cult. As for few things I live by, I stole this from The Pole Comedian but in Amy’s words “There’s no wrong way to do pole fitness – the only wrong you can do is to do it unsafely” and Picasso’s “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist”. So what’s my mission? Explore with me and join my cult ,or, don’t, that’s fine too. Hobbies include – snacking (feed me) napping and world domination.
To book a private lesson with Danielle, please email ashleyt@skyhighstudios.net
Danielle
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Liquid Motion Master
Click to learn more about Danielle
I’m a ballet/jazz/contemporary dancer turned pole dance instructor and performer, Master Trainer and Content Developer for Liquid Motion, as well as a full-time professional ballroom dance competitor and instructor. I’ve danced for over 30 years, starting at the age of four and continuing my education at the University of Georgia, where I earned my B.S.Ed. in Dance Education.
Without pole, my life would have been completely different. Pole dance has given me the strength and self confidence that I wish I had in my previous dance training. It has helped me to enjoy exercise, work toward goals, and achieve the impossible. Pole has allowed me the freedom to unleash my feminine sensuality and to celebrate my body rather than hide it or judge it. It gives me an outlet to express myself creatively and explore movement just for movement’s sake. The pole fitness world is a small one, and it is incredibly supportive to all its members. One of the best ways pole has affected me is the community I’ve found. Through pole, I’ve met amazing people as I’ve traveled across the country to visit pole studios, making memories and building lifelong friendships. I feel incredibly lucky to have been involved in pole dance and this wonderful community for over a decade now.
To book a private lesson with Danielle, please email daniellem@skyhighstudios.net
Erin
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Dramatic Pole, Choreography/Musicality and Nurturing Pole Babies
Click to learn more about Erin
I had been an admirer of pole for years prior to my first class. My fitness background was horseback riding (not a lot of overlap there), but I was also a musical theater nerd who loved performing. I found the dramatic side of pole really appealed to me but I hadn’t worked out in years so for me it was quite a transition from couch potato to pole potato (I will never give up potatoes). Sky High was my introduction to pole and 4 years later I am both a teacher and pole competitor. My accomplishments include earning a gold medal in levels 1, 2 and 3 for dramatic pole.
I pole in part because it makes me feel like everything I assumed I would never be. I had never felt like an athlete before. I didn’t think I had it in me at all and now I have…muscles! I’d really like to pass forward that experience of empowerment to my students. So, I try to make class fun and accessible to everyone regardless of fitness background. I also love working with people who want to write routines for performance or competition.
To book a private lesson with Erin, please email erinm@skyhighstudios.net
Hillary
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Pole Flow, Upbeat & Fast-Paced Choreography
Click to learn more about Hillary
I grew up in dance – studying tap, ballet and jazz for over 20 years. I was always curious about aerial fitness and one day I was feeling bold and decided to give it shot! I did mainly aerial silks for 2 years then took my first pole class and I was hooked. I have been training pole since 2017 and I can’t imagine my life without it!
Pole has given me a creative outlet that is both physically challenging, but also so fun! I love seeing the progress that the students make over time. The pole journey is not a sprint, it is a marathon, so it is really exciting to watch that unfold! I also love working on extensions/lines as well as developing body awareness through flow of movement.
To book a private lesson with Hillary, please email hillarye@skyhighstudios.net
Jill
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Click to learn more about Jill
From about 7-10 years old I was absolutely obsessed with the “Dance! Workout with Barbie” VHS tape, in which a stop-motion Barbie leads a dance aerobics class for a group of real girls wearing exactly what you would imagine one would wear to a Barbie aerobics class in the early 90s. This video sparked in me a lifelong love of calisthenics, and is also probably responsible for a lot of my fashion choices. Years later, having dabbled in yoga, pilates, NIA and bellydance, but never able to top the high of mastering the Jammin’ Jogger with Barbie, I stumbled onto an introductory offer for pole dance classes and gave it a chance. With the first class I knew I had found something special. It was physically and mentally challenging, and I loved the combination of dance, strength, flexibility, and sensuality.
My classes emphasize fluidity, connection, and body awareness. I’m a licensed Liquid Motion instructor and draw heavily on that movement methodology. I love working on climbing, heels technique, transitions and making simple, foundational movements look beautiful. My favorite thing about teaching is seeing students do the thing they didn’t think they could do!
To book a private lesson with Jill, please email jillm@skyhighstudios.net
Jolene
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Pole transitions, Slooty Heels & Sarcasm
Click to learn more about Jolene
Jolene has over 15 years of experience in pole & aerial with more than a decade of experience as a professional performer, competitor and production manager. Working with a variety of companies including the NHL, CMT Awards, Pole Sport Organization and Salto Entertainment, Jolene has honed her skills to provide a safe and fun environment for movement artists. She is a PSO PPC gold medalist in both pole and lyra and runs an annual show through her company, studioXpresents. Previous to starting pole and aerial, Jolene was involved in dance, theatre, gymnastics and cheerleading. A a child she competed in dance and gymnastics and could be found performing at Foothills Theater in Worcester.
She specializes in safety and performance. The goal is for students to understand foundations and creating transitions while building confidence and personal style.To get the most out of class, bring snacks.
To book a private lesson with Jolene, please email jolenet@skyhighstudios.net
Lauren S.
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Pole choreography, Low Flow & Freestyle
Click to learn more about Lauren
Raising three awesome humans is my proudest achievement in my life. I have two sons, one daughter, a collection of animals, and one suuuper patient husband. When my kids were all much younger, I came across an offer for a beginner pole class, and I had no idea at the time just how much it would change my life. First of all, I found the coolest people I had ever met at that studio. Some of them even became my best friends. Most importantly, though, I discovered a side of myself that I didn’t even realize existed. Of course my life was very full and complete already, but pole showed me that I could do even more. Me! A Mom. A non-dancer. A former cheerleader from the late 1900’s with zero spinal mobility, shoulders that were installed backwards, and a post-post-post-partum abdominal region. ME. Doing crazy upside down hanging-by-one-leg things. I was (outside leg) hooked from day one. In my eyes, this pole dancing thing was magical, my instructors were wizards, and I couldn’t get enough. So, here I am!
I love to share my excitement about movement with my students. I enjoy creating routines with creepy awkward poses, unexpected quirks and dynamic spins. I like thinking up crazy new freestyle exercises for them to try. I like challenging them with bizarre variations of things they already know. I like seeing them work together for high energy performances with attention to musicality. We have fun, we laugh the entire time (except maybe during squats and shoulder burners), and I just love seeing my students enjoy themselves during class each week. Mostly, I love seeing them develop over time. When someone finally nails that trick, or has a moment of personal growth, I’m just as excited as they are. All I want is for my students to get what they need from this sport. We’re all here for different reasons. I know that if you enjoy something, you’ll keep doing it, and if you keep doing it, you’ll gain more skills, more strength, and more confidence. It feels good knowing that so many people choose to spend their time at the studio because it makes them so happy. Taking class at Sky High makes their day a little better, and I’m grateful that I get to be a part of that.
To book a private lesson with Lauren, please email laurens@skyhighstudios.net
Lydian
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Click to learn more about Lydian
I have a strong background in theater and the performing arts. I found pole when I was looking for a new kind of exercise to get excited about and it soon became a passion.
Pole gives me a lot of joy and I love the sense of camaraderie in our studio. I want to nurture the same feeling of joy and accomplishment in our students and build up their confidence as well as find a fun artistic outlet.
To book a private lesson with Lydian, please email lydiany@skyhighstudios.net
Naomi
TEACHING SPECIALTY
Click to learn more about Naomi
To book a private lesson with Naomi, please email naomiw@skyhighstudios.net