Dance has been my passion since childhood; starting in Canada where I trained in gymnastics and figure skating and continuing in Japan where I studied Rhythmic Gymnastics, Ballet, and finally in the UK, Commercial Jazz, Modern and Street to name a few.
I have had great opportunities to train in dance studios from London to New York, meeting some amazing and talented people along the way. Five years ago I discovered a class offering pole dancing lessons for fitness. I completely fell in love with the whole idea of pole dancing as a fitness and dance concept and haven't looked back since!
I spread my wings with the encouragement and support of my amazing instructor Emily Hill from former Emily’s Vertical Art, Sugar Pole Fitness was born in June 2006. She still inspires me to this day!
Pole fitness comes in many different styles and my dance background has a strong influence in the style I offer at SPF. I like to think that SPF delivers a unique experience to its students, offering a cardio vascular workout, with core-building tricks and spins and of course dance routines influenced by the different styles of dance I have studied over the years.
My aim is to bring pole dancing as a fitness regime to any woman - regardless of age, weight or size - to encourage the growth of confidence, self esteem and increase strength in a fun and friendly atmosphere. The icing on the cake is watching our routines performed by our students after all their hard work, seeing them move from strength to strength – What an amazing sense of achievement, not just for my girlies but for me too.
I love the whole social aspect of teaching Pole, meeting lovely, fun or sometimes just downright crazy people! We have regular social events so we can all get to know each other.
I was also very proud to be part of the X-Pole team (one of the world’s leading pole makers!) and in conjunction with their agency I got the opportunity to attend and perform at various functions and events around the country, meeting some amazing pole dancers from across the world. You can also see me in action on the X-Pole official website. ;-) My latest project includes being part of the iPhone application, Pocket Pole studio. You can download me on iTunes showing you new tricks which you can practice at home!
Outside pole, I am a keen photographer (well...let’s just say I like to take pictures...! It’s the Japanese in me, I can’t help it!!). As many of my students now know... I love to take class pics for my album (don’t be scared, only if you want to!). Oh yes......and I have a (not so) secret passion for baking, and eating the results too!
So what’s left to say; SPF, it’s a workout with attitude! Come and join us.
All Sugar Pole Fitness Instructors are fully insured and trained to advanced level.
Promoting X-pole as part of the Xpole Team
Photo courtesy of AJ from www.poledancephotography.com
Sugar Pole Fitness Director / Choreographer- Mari
Northampton/Cranfield Studio
Club Diana Wellingborough/Omni Studio Northampton Instructor- Lisa
Edinburgh, a rundown nightclub (sticky floor), sometime in November 06 (damn cold), 25 self conscious and nervous ‘hens’(in shorts) on a pole dance experience…..
That’s how it began for me. Had a fantastic and fun experience and wanted more! Pole fitness hadn’t quite taken off back then but through a friend I discovered Sugar Pole Fitness in June 2007.
I love the variety and challenge of pole, whether you’re mastering a new spin or trick or getting to grips with a routine. It builds your confidence, self esteem and makes you feel hot (smoking rather than sweaty)! Not forgetting of course, strength, stamina and flexibility….it’s got it all.
I began teaching for Mari at Club Diana in August 09. My challenge is keeping the class varied and fun for all levels and helping the students achieve what they want from the class, their success is my success and it’s a great feeling. Long live pole!
SPF Flexibility Gym Bedford/Cranfield/Flitwick Instructor- Lis
Exercise has always been a passion to me, having spent most of my free time swimming, taking part in classes or in the gym. After I had my son Jake,I felt that I needed a new challenge, something really out of my comfort zone, and then in 2008 I came across Sugar Pole Fitness (SPF) From the moment I was shown my first spin, I fell in love with the Pole. This gave me a whole new insight into the art of pole dancing. Being able to hold your body weight is not for the faint hearted but the beauty of it is that no matter your shape, size,ability or how old or young you are, anybody can master this art.
I started my first beginner’s lesson with SPF in 2008, and have never looked back. My strength improved dramatically and my body quickly toned. In 2010, to my utter surprise Mari asked me to become an Instructor for Bedford. I remember my first class as Instructor so well – I was so nervous and excited at the same time, but I got through it! I love teaching, whether it’s in class or a private lesson, I love to see others progress in the same way that I did and see their confidence both on the Pole and in themselves grow.
Pole now means so much more than exercise to me. It is part of my life and my students are my friends. I love the friendship it brings and of course the nights out (or at least the one’s I can remember)!!!!!
Cranfield/Club Diana Wellingborough Instructor - Sol
I can’t remember exactly what made me go for a pole dancing lesson. Maybe it was the fact that as a woman, I didn’t feel as sexy as I would have wanted to. So there I was, in front of the computer, debating whether I would have the nerve to do it or not. And I did it! I pressed the “book now” tab! I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous but very excited.
I fell in love with pole dancing after my first class. It was more than I expected, a dance that is fun, sexy and challenging, and the type of exercise that builds up strength and stamina without having to stare at the minutes counting down on a timer.
What I love most about pole dancing is that it is for anyone and everyone. It doesn’t matter what background you have; pole dancing is not an activity that you need to start at a young age, it is an enjoyable work out and you get to see improvement on a daily basis.
It’s a dance that has managed to change my lifestyle. As Mari’s student at Sugar Pole Fitness, I felt challenged! There are always new things to learn, new tricks, new moves, new styles and definitely new routines. My aim is to make you feel and look as fabulous as I always feel with Mari, and of course, to keep you fit in the most rewarding way!
