Lauren, who goes by “Lily King” in the pole community, became a student in 2010 and has been teaching since 2012. 

How She Got Started:

I was introduced to pole through a bachelorette party for a friend. To be honest, I wasn’t originally excited about going, but once I got there and was able to do a few things, I was inspired to see what else I was capable of.

As a pole student, I started taking classes after having been seriously ill, and had no strength whatsoever. The supportive group I found in pole encouraged me to keep at it and actively participated in making my new fitness journey a success. In a world where so many people are conditioned to criticize others, this group was amazing and one of the reasons I kept coming. These people became some of my best friends and we have continued to encourage each other in all facets of our lives, extending the support out from pole to personal struggles and celebrating accomplishments. If it weren’t for pole, I can sincerely say I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Due to this experince, I decided to become a teacher and offer others the same support and encouragement I found and was so important to me life.

Instructor Philosophy:

My approach to teaching is very “Bob Ross.” My job is to teach you the basics and fundamentals, and guide you on a journey of self-discovery, creativity, expression, joy and self-love. I firmly believe that anyone can pole dance, no matter what level you’re at, simply because there is so much for everyone, and with a few basic moves you have an entire world of creative possibilities with which to express yourself. I’m here to give you the tools and empower you to make it your own. 

Teaching Values:

• Compassion
• Self-Discovery
• Authenticity of self
• Empowerment through expression
• Self-affirmation

Favorite Things to Teach:

• Freestyle Pole Dance
• Spinny Pole
• Flexibility (with a focus on range of movement and injury prevention)
• Ways to get into tricks that don’t require removal of my pants

IRL (In Real Life):

When I’m not at the studio you’ll find me either working on all-the-things crafty (my craft room is gradually leaking into the rest of my house) or out in the garden. I love working on new crafty creations (including beading, paint pouring, and garden art) and working on massive “not your grandma’s” cross stitch projects that only the universe knows if I’ll ever actually complete (I did it! It took me 5 years but I did it!). I also love telling dumb jokes (when you come to the studio ask me why the ghost joined AA), reading and watching documentaries, and sitting on the beach when New England weather allows for it.

Random fact:

The Doors are my favorite band. My all-time favorite song by them is “People are Strange” which I believe is also the shortest song they ever wrote. Now you have a fun piece of trivia too.