Tag: featured instructor

Hi.  My name is Dani.  I am a registered nurse who loves dance, laughing, and having a great time.  I am located in the metro Atlanta area.  I teach at Excluzive Dance studio in Riverdale, GA.

1. You have been certified in all three levels of Liquid Motion^® training and have been running some of the most successful floor work classes in the state of Georgia! Tell us how you got started with Liquid Motion^®.

Getting started with Liquid Motion^® was a blessing in disguise for me. In 2010, I was involved in a head-on collision which left me with plates and screws in my right ankle and leg. As the years passed, the bones in my right foot collapsed and my orthopedic doctor instructed me not to do any dance on my feet for long periods of time. Being that I love to dance, this news depressed me.  I soon began searching for some type of floor work class and ran across a Liquid Motion^® Certification course that was held at Vertical Joe’s.  I decided to research the course, signed up for two beginner classes of Liquid Motion^® at Vertical Joe’s, and then later became certified. Level 1.0 certification led to Level 2.0, which ultimately led to the Heels certification. After getting certified, I started renting space as an independent instructor and teaching Liquid Motion^® at Pink Poles studio. I later transitioned to Excluzive Dance studio, where I host my Liquid Motion^® Classes today.

2. What is your teaching philosophy? 

My teaching philosophy is to ensure my students are having fun while learning new movements. My teaching philosophy involves me not only having patience for myself and my students, but also teaching my students to have patience with themselves.  Relax, have fun, and enjoy the journey (good and ugly).

3. Do you teach any other styles of dance? Are there any movement forms you haven’t tried but would like to?

I also teach twerk fitness and Feetup Yoga. I teach twerk fitness as an online virtual class and I teach Feetup Yoga at Excluzive Dance Studio. I am always open to trying any forms of dance. Sometimes I feel like I would love to try some type of ballroom dancing. Other times I do not.  Lol!

4. How do you apply Liquid Motion^® as a methodology outside of the studio? Do you feel that it impacts other areas of your life?

When I am outside of the studio I think about the position of my pelvis when I am doing certain moves, trying to determine if I can correct my alignment. I do feel Liquid Motion^® impacts other areas of my life. It has helped with my range of flexibility and body awareness.

5. What are your goals in your own personal movement journey? Has Liquid Motion^® changed the way you work toward these goals?

I would love to become more fluid, gain more strength, and gain more flexibility in my own personal movement journey. Liquid Motion^® has definitely changed the way that I work toward these goals. I feel like I have more body awareness and understanding of my body while working towards these goals.

6. How do you keep your students motivated and excited to come back to class every week?

Lol. This can be a challenge depending on whom is in the class. As we all know, Liquid Motion^® is an open level class. With that being said, I have to find that fine medium that will keep my regular participating students coming back to class while attracting my newcomers. Most times I will hint towards a move we will be doing in the next class which usually gets them excited. Other than that, I always remember to tell them that we are here to learn and have fun in a nonjudgmental zone. I encourage them to explore and think outside the box.

7. The year 2020 was crazy for everyone! How has this past year changed your outlook or approach to your classes or your own training? 

Yes, 2020 was a crazy year for everyone. The craziness carried on into 2021 for me with learning my diagnosis of breast cancer. When teaching classes I always try to remember that we all are on different levels and our bodies all function differently. Believe it or not, I cannot sit on my heels. Actually, there are many things that I struggle with, but due to my natural body struggles, I have learned to make sure there are plenty of modifications for those who have similar struggles, while also teaching and talking through full technique for those with minimal to no struggles. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, I continued to teach classes at the wish of my father. It was not that I wanted to give up, I was down and out trying to take in this life changing moment and diagnosis. While teaching class I maintained my same positive spirit, encouraging others to do their best with all moves whether they were failing or succeeding with the move. This further helped me to change my approach with my attitude and spirit with classes and my own training.

8. Do you have any hidden talents?

I like to sew and feel as though I can sew leggings with my eyes closed. I also will sew an outfit here and there.

9. Do you have any tips for aspiring dancers and/or instructors who are hoping to build a supportive community for themselves?

My tip would be to always be yourself. You are your own unique self. Even if you are doing something that is common and others are also doing the same, apply your own unique spin to it. Soon enough, people will see you for the amazing individual you are and be supportive. Have patience and work hard towards your goals while having fun and making friends.

10. In one sentence, share a life lesson you’ve learned. What do you think everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime?

I am sure this is pretty common, but my advice would be: No matter how hard or impossible your dream or goal may seem, take a chance and NEVER give up on YOURSELF!

Dr. Chris Talbot, 2014 Mr. Pole Dance World, is the Blue Phoenix – marine biologist, body transformation specialist, fitness model and pole dance instructor/performer.

1. You made history as the first Liquid Motion^® Licensed Instructor in the continent of Australia! Tell us how you got started with Liquid Motion^®.

I first got involved with LM at Pole Expo a few years back. I took one of Jeni’s workshops and was totally hooked! A few years later, I was able to come to NYC to do my 1.0 certification (which was incredible) and become licensed to teach back in Australia! I connected with the concepts immediately, and loved how it changed my way of thinking about movement and coordination and flow! And its been an honour to bring it to my country to show the Aussies these amazing techniques and methods.

2. What is your teaching philosophy? Do you have a motto or mantra?

My motto is: “Healthy Mind ~ Healthy Body ~ Healthy Life”. Everything needs a balance, and these things go hand in hand and facilitate each other! My teaching philosophy acknowledges that people learn in different ways and at different rates – and this should always be embraced and accommodated and celebrated accordingly.

3. What has been your most rewarding teaching experience? Your biggest struggle as an instructor?

The most rewarding thing about teaching is seeing my students develop and progress through the levels, and achieving their goals with their tricks/routines/strength/flexibility etc. It’s the best feeling to watch them grow! The biggest struggle has been the same for all of us this past year – COVID really killed our groove and livelihood – and trying to get everyone back on track and comfortable again has been a challenge, especially as conditions can change so rapidly. But we’re getting there slowly!

4. How do you apply Liquid Motion^® as a methodology outside of the studio? Do you feel that it impacts other areas of your life?

LM has really changed the way I teach my classes and do my own dance! I find I can help people more using LM methodology in developing their body awareness and coordination, and just general way of approaching dance. For me personally outside of teaching – I find I am more connected to my movements and feel more organic and powerful.

5. What are your goals in your own personal movement journey? Has Liquid Motion^® changed the way you work toward these goals?

My movement goals – it blows my mind how dance and pole evolve so quickly, so my ongoing goal is to always keep learning and experimenting and exploring. My style is slowly developing over time, but is constantly open to change and new concepts. And LM has been a HUGE impact here in an amazing way! It’s opened my eyes to more exploration, and I’m so grateful for this as I am feeling more free as a dancer – it’s wonderful!

6. How did you get the name “Blue Phoenix”?

Blue is my favourite colour, and as a marine biologist, it represents the ocean – powerful, always moving and flowing, and unstoppable! The Phoenix represents rebirth and always changing/evolving and adapting – learning from previous experience and coming out stronger and more informed/prepared. I also have a phoenix tattoo on my hip, and it was the name of my first horse – she was beautiful and wild and taught me so much!

7. The last year has been unprecedented for artists and performers. How has COVID affected you as a mover and instructor?

COVID brought us all to a grinding and sudden halt in EVERY way! As an instructor – we had to adapt very quickly to online teaching and making our own online matierals to provide/sell to try and keep a small living happening. There were no shows or performances (half my income) and teaching was almost gone completely too (the other half) except for some zoom classes. It was very lucky that we could still do online work and try keep our students motivated and strong and moving in some way, shape or form. It did give me a chance to do more dance for myself though, which was nice and comforting. I’m so sorry its been so hard for those in other countries as well, and hopefully we can all get back to our studios and routines and students and performances asap!

8. Do you have any hidden talents?

Hidden talents… Well, pole dance was a certainly a hidden talent for me! I was never a dancer growing up, and the opposite of fit – I was a scientist, and later a personal trainer… so this has been a huge change for me and I LOVE it so much! I can also whistle a bit – random and useless but amusing!

9. Do you have any tips for aspiring dancers and/or instructors who are hoping to build a supportive community for themselves?

Surrounding yourself with the right people is hugely important for building a supportive community for your own development. You will see and experience a lot of different personalities and opinions and styles and thoughts – so it can be overwhelming at times. But always be open minded and accepting, even if something isn’t your taste. Celebrate all facets and areas of your art and acknowlege them, and take advice and ideas from them into your own training and development. And be kind – everyone is on their own journey for their own reasons. People can be nasty and quick to criticise, but that’s THEIR prerogative, so stay true to yourself and enjoy your OWN journey with YOUR kind of people who you can grow together with. We have a special thing going here in the pole and dance and movement world – ENJOY it and learn and grow!

10. In one sentence, share a life lesson you’ve learned. What do you think everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime?

Every experience is a lesson in some way – in all areas of life (positive and negative), but if you don’t take a chance – you will never know what could have been.

Ambrosia is the resident Liquid Motion^® Instructor at Dimension Fitness in Cincinnati. She loves using the 1.0 and 2.0 Liquid Motion^® techniques to help her students connect with their bodies and emotions. Ambrosia is also a student at the Tantric Institute of Integrated Sexuality. Once completed she wants to combine the two teachings into a class that helps build confidence in expressing self-love, awareness, worthiness and empowering one to become their authentic self.

1. You’ve been certified in Liquid Motion^® for several years now! Tell us how you got started with Liquid Motion^®.

I found Liquid Motion^® at Pole Expo – maybe in 2015 – I think it may have been a teaser class even. I fell in love with Jeni’s energy and the movement. I became certified in 2016 and have since gotten my 2.0 and soon will obtain the Heels certification.

2. What is your teaching philosophy? Do you have a motto or mantra?

I found Liquid Motion^® at Pole Expo – maybe in 2015 – I think it may have been a teaser class even. I fell in love with Jeni’s energy and the movement. I became certified in 2016 and have since gotten my 2.0 and soon will obtain the Heels certification.

3. What has been your most rewarding teaching experience? Your biggest struggle as an instructor?

I love everything about teaching Liquid Motion^® – the pleasure I see on the faces of my students when they finally understand something complex. The emotion I can feel coming off them during the dance breaks, seeing them embrace those emotions and their bodies through movement lights me up.

4. How do you apply Liquid Motion^® as a methodology outside of the studio? Do you feel that it impacts other areas of your life?

 The confidence I have gained in myself, learning and teaching the methodology, has definitely changed aspects of my life in work, school, dance and many other ways.

5. What are your goals in your own personal movement journey? Has Liquid Motion^® changed the way you work toward these goals?

My personal goals are to connect more with my body and to get out of my head during my training sessions. I like to find unique pathways inside the core moves that get to the desired place. Liquid Motion^® has definitely built my confidence in my own movement style.

6. Your students and fellow instructors love how you create a fun, yet sultry, class atmosphere. How do you approach planning your lessons and creating a positive vibe in a multi-level class?

All of my classes are multi-level. I plan my progressions from my own training sessions, so I know how they feel in my body to help my students understand the mechanics of the progression we are working on. I curate everything, from the lights to the playlist, and encourage my students to engage with each other as well as with me. I scream encouragement at them during all parts of class and give many compliments and constructive criticism.

7. How has COVID affected you as a mover and instructor?

As a mover, I have become more connected to how my body wants to move. As an instructor, It has not really changed anything except how many people I can have in class.

8. Do you have any hidden talents?

I can touch my tongue to the tip of my nose.

9. Do you have any tips for aspiring or new instructors who are hoping to build a supportive community for themselves?

Do not show up to your classes as someone you are not. Know all the ways in and out of moves so you always have a beginner and advanced progression inside the same class. Set the atmosphere for the class based on how you set up for yourself. Have fun and don’t be scared of your students.

10. In one sentence, share a life lesson you’ve learned. What do you think everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime?

It’s pretty basic but BE YOU. Stay true to yourself. Don’t try to be perfect; that’s impossible. When you let your true self shine, the people that need you and your energy in their life will come to you organically.

Nita B Yellowcakes is a multi-talented NYC/New Jersey-based Liquid Motion^® instructor. She teaches at Pole to Pole Fitness (NYC) and Alter Ego Pole Fitness (NJ). She is also an ElevatED Certified Pole Dance Instructor and Twerk Technician. Teaching and Performing is her passion.

1. You’ve been certified in the Liquid Motion^® in all three levels, all within less than a year! Tell us how you got started with Liquid Motion^®.

I got started with Liquid Motion^® a few years ago. I believe it was later 2015 at Body & Pole. At first, I just wanted to try a new and, what I thought would be easy, class in between my pole training, but it was not easy at all. The Liquid methodology really helped me find so much freedom on the floor.

2. What is your teaching philosophy? Do you have a motto or mantra?

My motto is “Everyone has a different journey. Take your time; live YOUR life.” It’s so important to remember that we can’t compare ourselves to others. We should appreciate our movement journeys just as much as we appreciate other’s.

3. What has been your most rewarding teaching experience?

My most rewarding teaching experience is watching a student absolutely live their lives during their freestyles– incorporating their own styles with what was taught in the lesson. I love to watch them explore the movement pathways on their own. Seeing that makes me internally yell, “Yaaass!”

4. What has been your biggest struggle in your teaching journey?

The biggest struggle in my Liquid Motion^® teaching journey has been teaching fresh new movers not to get frustrated when they feel they’re not “looking sexy.” I have to remind them that Liquid Motion^® isn’t about looking sexy, but about using the tools to tap in one’s sensuality and connectedness of movement. They have to first do the work and make Liquid whatever they want it to be. I recall my own experiences to explain how worrying too much about a finished product, or looking like the people around you, can hinder your growth.

5. You also teach pole classes in addition to Liquid Motion^®. Do you find that the Liquid Motion^® methodology helps with other modalities, either as a student or as an instructor?

YES! As both a student and an instructor, it helps to improve fluidity on the pole, and in floor-to-pole transitions. It helps with awareness of movement pathways on the pole.

6. What are your goals in your own personal movement journey? Has Liquid Motion^® had any impact in the way you approach these goals?

My personal goals are to remain honest in my movement, even when learning new tricks and transitions on the pole and floor. I LOVE strength-based tricks, but I very much enjoy slinking around the pole. Liquid Motion^® helped encourage me to take my time to further explore even different ways to walk around the pole.

7. How do you prepare mentally for your own movement sessions and/or performances? How do you “get in the mood” and find the right head space to dance freely?

I prepare for my own movement sessions by making sure I’m dressed with the appropriate layers (or lack thereof) to get the most out of the movement –that way I can slide, slink or stick as needed for the exercises or choreography. I get in the mood by listening to vibe music just before class (Sexy vibes for sensual movement class, Upbeat Club Vibes for heels and twerk). My playlist goes from 80s rock hits to Meg Thee Stallion. The last thing I do is clear my mind and walk in, or on stage, with the only expectation being to take it all in and enjoy the experience, regardless of the outcome.

8. Do you have any hidden talents?

Haha. I can sing, and I do a few impressions. lol. Yea, I’m a dork.

9. You are very active in the pole community, between teaching, performing, and networking on social media. Do you have any tips for aspiring or new instructors who are hoping to build a supportive community for themselves?

My advice would be to make sure they’re true to themselves and their dance styles. Love and embrace your style and share your content with honesty. Also, follow and engage with movers you’re influenced by, as well as those you influence. Follow your students’ journeys and growth! Social media can be great when we filter it down to the content that we truly find interesting. I love to share and grow with the dance community.

10. In one sentence, share a life lesson you’ve learned – maybe a piece of advice that you’ve always held onto or a random comment you heard in passing that stuck with you. What do you think everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime?

“The most rewarding thing is to be loved simply for being yourself, and not for what you think people expect you should be.”

Andrea is a certified Liquid Motion^® 1.0 & 2.0 instructor currently teaching at The Dollhouse Fitness in San Diego, California. She is a proud military spouse and mom to two rambunctious and sweet kids.

1. You’ve been certified in the Liquid Motion^® training program for almost a year now! Tell us how you got started with Liquid Motion^®.

I ran across Jeni’s videos on Instagram early in my pole journey and was like “I want to move like THAT!” There was nothing forced about her movement, and it just made sense to me – even if I had no idea what the moves were. I started taking Liquid Motion^® classes at my studio in Virginia at the time and loved the whole feeling of the class. After taking a few workshops from Jeni, I knew I had to get certified – even if I didn’t teach. I just wanted to know more. It took a while for the stars to align (pregnancy, moving across country, LIFE happening) but luckily I was able to get certified last year and felt it was the best thing I’ve done for my personal movement journey to date.

2. What is your teaching philosophy? Do you have a motto or mantra?

I definitely like to have a lot of fun in class, and I also I firmly believe in challenging my students. My students will tell you that I often remind them that if they understand and can do every move in a class, they’re in the wrong class. That is one of the things I love about Liquid Motion^® – there are ALWAYS new ways to challenge yourself even with moves you think you already know how to do. My other motto: When in doubt, split it out.

3. What has been your most rewarding teaching experience?

I recently had a student tell me that she loves my classes because I teach in a way that helps her understand the moves, so she can make them her own. She said now the moves are truly hers. What could be more rewarding as a teacher than your students taking what you’ve given them and making it uniquely theirs? It was a happy tear moment.

4. What has been your biggest struggle in your teaching journey?

My biggest struggle in my teaching journey has been learning to balance teaching with my personal practice. As a teacher I want to give my students everything to make them successful, but I have to leave room for my own practice if I want to continue to grow as a dancer and as a person. While I have grown through teaching in ways I probably wouldn’t have as a student, I absolutely need to take time to refill my cup as a student. It keeps me centered, happy, prevents overuse injury, and inspires me to keep creating and trying new things.

5. You also teach pole classes in addition to Liquid Motion^®. Do you find that the Liquid Motion^® methodology helps with other modalities, either as a student or as an instructor?

It absolutely does! The Fundamentals and Techniques are not limited to the floor. I have a healthy sense of self-preservation so as a student I need to know where all my body parts are and what they’re doing during a pole sequence! Understanding those techniques helps me break down pole combos so I understand what is happening and why instead of flinging myself up a pole and hoping for the best. I also find that the methodology helps me perfect my moves. For me it’s not enough to just do a move. I want to do a move, however simple and straightforward, really really well…and be able to add my own pieces of flare to it.

As a pole instructor, knowing the Liquid Motion^® methodology helps me explain to my students WHY we’re placing our hand/leg/elbow pit a certain way in a move. It helps my students to understand how to execute a move/combo safely, and helps them to pick up the class choreography quicker.

6. What are your goals in your own personal movement journey? Has Liquid Motion^® had any impact in the way you approach these goals?

My goal is to keep dancing for the rest of my life. I don’t want to wake up one day with an injury that sidelines me from pole and dance and have that be it. With social media, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest fad and want to do all the new pole and floor tricks whether our bodies are really ready for it or not. One of the things I most appreciate about Liquid Motion^® is that rather than chasing the latest fancy move, it focuses on understanding technique to make any move special. This allows many movements to be readily accessible to a wide variety of students, and helps a person to quickly identify if a particular move is not going to be their move today.

7. What’s your all-time favorite song or musician that makes you want to get Liquid?

I’m a Gemini – don’t make me choose! 🙂 I love so many songs and artists and feel that Liquid is not limited to a certain genre of music. My current top two are “Honey,” by Sebastian Roca, and “Do It For Me,” by Rosenfeld. I’d also never pass up an opportunity to get Liquid to Janet Jackson!

8. Do you have any hidden talents?

I can get a healthy nutritious dinner on the table for two kids in under 30 minutes – trust me, it’s a talent! Also, a lifetime ago, I was a figure skater.

9. You have quite a following at your home studio. The instructors and students really admire you! Do you have any tips for aspiring or new instructors who are hoping to build a supportive community like yours?

Awwww… That makes me feel really good! I’ve been very lucky to have the full support of The Dollhouse Fitness management team, and it created a strong foundation from the beginning. I’d say if you are looking to start teaching Liquid Motion^®, make sure to talk with the studio/gym owner and/or manager to ensure they understand what a Liquid Motion^® class is, and how you envision it fitting into their mission and current curriculum. I also really took to heart the idea that a Liquid Motion^® class is an experience, and part of that experience is ME: my strengths, my shortcomings, my quirky anecdotes, music, and my swear words – uh… I mean “unconventional cueing.” 😉 I try to show through my words and actions that part of learning is experimenting, trying new things, and not always being successful. It helps create a safe, supportive environment for students to express themselves un-apologetically through movement.

10. What advice would you give someone who is thinking about trying out the Liquid Motion^® class for the first time or thinking about taking a Liquid Motion^® certification?

If you are thinking about signing up for a class or certification, come with an open mind. Liquid Motion^® can be both physically challenging and mentally stimulating. Not everything is going to be everyone’s move, but that doesn’t mean you should pass on the opportunity to learn and grow. And of course, DO IT – don’t wait! I missed the opportunity to get certified in Virginia because at the time I thought I wasn’t good enough – how ridiculous was that! It was another four years before things worked out for me to take the certification – so don’t wait. Do it. Be ready to be humbled, to learn, and to have a great time!

11. In one sentence, share a life lesson you’ve learned – maybe a piece of advice that you’ve always held onto or a random comment you heard in passing that stuck with you. What do you think everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime?

“There is enough spotlight for all of us to shine.”

Nicole Braun has been poling for 7 years and instructing for almost 3 years. She teaches pole and Liquid Motion^® at Flirt Fitness and is Pole Moves Level 1-3 certified and Liquid Motion^® 1.0, 2.0 & Heels certified. She is also a married stay at home mom of 3 kids and 4 fur kids. Her background is in the performing arts including a BFA from Central Michigan University and MFA from Wayne State University.

1. You’ve been certified in all three levels of the Liquid Motion^® training program. Tell us how you got started with Liquid Motion^® and why you chose to take advantage of taking all three certification levels.

I had just become an instructor when the Liquid Motion^® 1.0 certification was coming through my studio. I immediately signed up to give myself an opportunity to teach more at the studio and give myself a leg up. I immediately fell in love with the movement style and I’ve been teaching it ever since.

2. What is your teaching philosophy? Do you have a motto or mantra?

I firmly believe that everyone can find joy and freedom in movement. I don’t believe that we should measure our successes in the ability to do a certain trick or move. You should measure your success in the joy that movement brings you.

3. What has been your most rewarding teaching experience?

Anytime a student tells me that my class has made a difference in their self image and confidence I feel fulfilled. The benefits of dance are just as much mental as it is physical.

4. What has been your biggest struggle in your teaching journey?

I have to constantly remind myself that comparison is the thief of joy. Comparing ourselves to others is something I discourage my students from doing but we as instructors often need to be reminded of it just as often.

5. You just recently celebrated your 7th year in the pole world! Do you find that the Liquid Motion^® methodology helps with other modalities, either as a student or as an instructor?

My pole abilities significantly improved as my understanding of the Liquid Motion^® methodology grew. I began to use the same fundamentals on the pole as on the ground and my progress skyrocketed. I strongly encourage pole students to take Liquid Motion^® to become better movers!

6. What are your goals in your own personal movement journey? Has Liquid Motion^® had any impact in the way you approach these goals?

I aim to have new goals for my personal movement every year. This year I’m dedicated to becoming more confident in my heels thanks to recently becoming Liquid Heels certified. The Heels certification was wonderful and I want to continue to build on that knowledge and bring it to my students.

7. What’s your all-time favorite song or musician that makes you want to get Liquid?

A personal favorite is Two Feet. He has a sexy, bluesy, dark feel that makes me want to get on the floor as soon as I hear it!

8. Tell us something that most people don’t know about you.

I worked as a theatre costumer and designer in college.

9. You have an incredibly loyal and encouraging group of students and colleagues at your studio. They clearly love you! Do you have any tips for aspiring or new instructors who are hoping to build a clientele and a supportive community like yours?

Make yourself as well rounded as possible. Take all the certifications and workshops you can. Be yourself and love who you are as a dancer and others will appreciate you for what you can bring to the community.

10. What advice would you give someone who is thinking about trying out the Liquid Motion^® class for the first time or thinking about taking a Liquid Motion^® certification?

Don’t think about it, just go for it. Liquid is for everyone!

11. In one sentence, share a life lesson you’ve learned – maybe a piece of advice that you’ve always held onto or a random comment you heard in passing that stuck with you. What do you think everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime?

You will only regret the risks you didn’t take.