Get to know your instructors!

Lauren

TEACHING SPECIALTY

Pole/Flexibility/Conditioning

I’m Lauren and owner of Sky High Studios. I opened the studio in 2013 to provide a safe and supportive environment for those who wanted to experience pole dance.

I started in 2010 after a long illness and I needed something that wasn’t the gym to help me regain strength and confidence in myself. I found that not only through pole dance, but through the people I met, many to this day who are still my closest friends. I started teaching in 2011 and decided opening my own with the vision to offer people the same life changing experience I had.

Today, my favorite pole things are rolling around on the floor, telling people they need to more booty into their pole moves, and breaking movements down to small bits that help people gain strength and confidence in their movement. And freestyling. Did I mention more booty? I believe that everyone has in them an authentic, expressive self, and I want to help every student find that within.

To book a private lesson with Lauren, please email lforest@skyhighstudios.net

Allie

TEACHING SPECIALTY

Handstands & Flexibility

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I discovered circus through aerial silks in 2013 where I quickly fell in love with testing the limits of the human body. I started as a teen aerialist and built on my skills until deciding to become a full time circus artist and began teaching in 2017. With over a decade of experience, I am a 2 time gold medal winner in the advanced and professional divisions of aerial competitions. I have also completed 2 years of full time training with Eastern Acrobatics and Circus with a specialized in aerial straps and handbalancing. I now teache handstands, flexibility, aerial silks, aerial straps, and aerial hoop.

Teaching allows me to introduce others to circus and to watch them fall in love with discovering what they are capable of. I’ve taught students from all ages and backgrounds; from kids and ex-gymnasts to older adults who are discovering new passions later in life. I believe that no matter your age or background, you are capable of and worthy of being part of a community of people who are passionate about testing their own limits.

To book a private lesson with Allie, please email allisonl@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.

Instagram

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 Ashley, 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

Instagram

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

Hia

TEACHING SPECIALTY

Slow & Controlled Movements | Conditioning | Pole Flow

Instagram

Once upon a time many moons ago lived a little pill bug who loved spending her days curled up in her room – drawing, crafting or napping (she still does!). Creativity had always been a passion for that bug, but athleticism had not. One day she thought to herself, “a little exercise might do me some good”, and so she scoped around until she stumbled upon pole. What had started as a side quest to get just a little healthier has since evolved into a time-honored adventure of strength-building, self-expression and story-telling through movement. Today that little pill bug has fully embraced the artistry behind pole, and you may find her performing at local venues every now and then. (Or otherwise, celebrating others’ creations!)

One thing I really love about pole is that there is so much room to shape our respective journeys as well as how we choose to move around the pole. I love seeing how students come into their own and want to foster their unique vision. Whether that means building the strength and understanding to safely execute certain movements, explore ways we can modify said movements or otherwise add a personal touch – I’m here for all of it! I hope that people walk out of my classes feeling a touch more confident in their abilities and their creative endeavors!

To book a private lesson with Hia, please email hiab@skyhighstudios.net

Hillary

TEACHING SPECIALTY

Pole Flow, Upbeat & Fast-Paced Choreography 

Instagram

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

Instagram     TikTok     Spotify  

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

Lauren S.

TEACHING SPECIALTY

Pole choreography, Low Flow & Freestyle

Instagram

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

Instagram

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

Mandee

TEACHING SPECIALTY

Instagram

Am I super strong? No. But am I super flexible? Also no. But do I always try things on both sides? Absolutely not (but I will ask you to!). I started pole with no expectations and no upper body strength. I had never been athlete or been able to stick with a fitness routine. My first class felt incredibly awkward and I decided I had to go back and win the title of most improved (only a real thing in my head but I crushed the competition). I learned to get comfortable being weird and pole quickly became an important part of my routine and my best form of self-care. I joined Ashley’s cult, made some amazing friends, and have worked with instructors who pushed me and supported me. Actually and literally by holding my butt up (thanks Naomi and Hillary!). I try to take a balanced approach within my own training and take all different styles of class (levels, dance/heels, flex) to get out of my comfort zone, and place a lot of emphasis on strength and conditioning so I can make the pretty shapes and have the endurance for the combos.

To book a private lesson with Mandee, please email mandeeo@skyhighstudios.net

Naomi

TEACHING SPECIALTY

Instagram

With a background in music, rhythm and expressions are basically my love language and how I connect.

Music is the heartbeat to my style. It shapes how I move, how I teach, and how I vibe. I’m all about connecting moves, and serving looks with even the simplest tricks.

Let’s be real—I don’t originally come from an athletic background, but I make it look good. I keep it 100, bring the hype, and yeah… I can be pretty unhinged sometimes. But that’s part of the fun, right? And trust me—if there’s a sneaky, low-effort way to make it fabulous? Best believe I’m taking it and owning it.

Why struggle when you can slay?

Come dance with me-I’ll be in the studio bringing sass, sparkle, and a whole playlist that hits just right.

To book a private lesson with Naomi, please email naomiw@skyhighstudios.net

Wendy

TEACHING SPECIALTY

Instagram

The 30+ years of experience I have in the beauty industry as a licensed cosmetologist has taught me the importance of self expression and the recognition of how everyone deserves to feel beautiful and be able to view themselves in a positive way. This understanding made for an organic evolvement into teaching dance and movement.

To book a private lesson with Wendy, please email wendyo@skyhighstudios.net