OUR HAMILTON INSTRUCTORS

Courtney

The Studio Director

Years in industry: 12
Years teaching: 11

Movement has been a huge part of my life since I was young, and over the years I have developed a deep appreciation for the confidence, strength, and sense of community that dance and fitness can create.

As Director of The Studio, I am passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive, and empowering environment where every person feels comfortable to challenge themselves, celebrate their achievements, and enjoy their journey. One of the things I love most about The Studio is seeing people discover what they are capable of, whether they are stepping into a class for the very first time or working towards goals they once thought were impossible.

I first discovered pole fitness in 2014 and was instantly hooked. I love that pole combines strength, flexibility, creativity, and self-expression in a way that is accessible to people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. It is so much more than a workout—it is an opportunity to build confidence, form lasting friendships, and have fun while achieving things you never thought possible.

The Studio is more than just a place to exercise; it is a vibrant community that supports and encourages one another every step of the way. I am incredibly proud to be part of that journey and look forward to welcoming both new and returning students through our doors.

Come and experience The Studio for yourself—you'll find encouragement, support, and a community that celebrates every success, big or small.

Annalese

Years in industry: 8
Years teaching: 1

Georgia

Years in industry: 5
Years teaching: 3

Rosie

Years in industry: 5

Faye

Years in industry: 2
Years teaching: 1

Chloe

Years in industry: 6
Years teaching: 5

I first started dancing at 5 years old doing Jazz, and have been dancing in some form or another ever since. My main form of dance training was years of Classical Ballet.
I began competing at a National level in Rock'n'Roll in 2006, and have been an NZ champion and also have won an Australian competition. I began Pole as I had some time between competitions and in order to keep dancing (otherwise I get dance withdrawals) I thought I would try something new! Ive been hooked ever since!

I love how I can incorporate all of my dance background into Pole, and how it uses muscles you didn’t know you had. Pole dancing, to me is great because you overcome so many personal battles (like entering a pole dancing competition!) to master new moves while gaining so much strength and flexibility along the way.

When I'm not at Pole, I'm either training hard for Rock'n'Roll competitions or at University studying for my Masters in Applied Psychology.

Erika

Years in industry: 4

Years teaching: 1 years

Since the age of 3, I have been a dancer and I’ve loved every second of it. Growing up I danced all kinds of styles from ballet, to hip hop, acrobatics and more. I also found time between dance classes to be a competitive gymnast. Along the way, I started coaching and teaching dance and gymnastics, and I found I loved that too. Did make for a busy school experience.

When I finished school I moved from the sunny coromandel to Hamilton for university. I started coaching gymnastics and trampolining all the while dreaming of getting back to dance somehow. It was at this point that a few of my coaching friends suggested I try out pole dancing, saying they think I would really enjoy it with my dance background. OH MY WORD they were RIGHT! Took my first class at the studio, fell in love instantly and haven’t looked back since.

I dove headfirst into the pole community because I loved the way it allowed my passion for dance to continue and grow in a new environment as well as incorporate the strength and acrobatics from my gymnastics. I can’t wait to share my passion for pole with anyone and everyone looking for something new and fun to try.

Latisha

Years in industry: 6
Years teaching: 4

Jarna

Years in industry: 10

I discovered Pole Fitness in my late 30s early 40s and just fell in love with the sport. Having no dance or gymnastics experience, I was not all that physically fit (hated the gym found it boring) and yet it was something about Pole that kept me coming back for more. The lessons flew by so quickly, they incorporated strength, flexibility and A LOT of fun. The atmosphere at the studio was so supportive and encouraging and I found lifetime friendships. It was just more than fitness!

As an instructor I try to bring those key elements every time I take a class. I hold a current IPDFA International instructor qualification. I was 46 years old when I won NZAPP Hamilton Heat 2021 in the expert division. And have since competed in Inferno 2021 and 2024. What drives me as an instructor is seeing and being apart of the success my student have in class and the confidence they gain in themselves.

Outside of Pole I am a mother of 3 teenage boys, a wife and Company Director.

Marika

Years in industry: 5
Years teaching: 4

Tauranga born, my family moved to America when I was a baby. I grew up in California, and moved back to New Zealand when I was fifteen.
I played soccer for ten years before i decided to run Cross Country and 1 year later decided to take up pole fitness. I had some previous experience with dancing so I was lucky that I leaned quite quickly.
I am planning to enter my first competition for pole this year, which really drove me to get better.

Along with teaching I am also studying to get my Psychology degree, with a minor in Human Resource Management. I love meeting new people, and teaching pole fitness allows me to be a social butterfly, and do some exercise at the same time.

Nikki

Years in industry: 6
Years teaching: 5

I’ve always loved to dance and keep fit and what better way than to combine the two and do pole fitness. Im addicted!
At the moment I take the beginner classes where I love to watch the new students amaze themselves with what they can do. My classes are fun and energetic and a great way to meet new friends. We have heaps of laughs together, sometimes at me, and are there to encourage each other. No matter if you are just starting out or have been doing pole fitness for a wee while and want to brush up on your skills, come and hang with me. I’m always more than happy to lend a hand and/or give you some tips.So come and give it a go. I know you will love it too.
In my spare time, when I’m not doing pole, I love to shop … for shoes!
There are two things in life you can never have enough of … pole fitness and shoes!

Rachael

Years in industry: 7
Years teaching: 2

I don’t come from a dance background but have always craved being able to dance in some way shape or form. I also have never had any upper body strength.

After signing up to my first pole fitness class, tadaaaa- I hit the jackpot! Five years later and I am the strongest and fittest I have ever been.

I love how pole fitness teaches you to not only be strong and confident in your body but also your mind too. My body has been able to things I never thought it would be able to do and I am still learning new things every week, the possibilities are endless!

I love how pole fitness builds strength, stamina, flexibility, dance and flow skills and this is what I love incorporating in my classes.

I am so excited to be a part of this journey for others and to see people grow from strength to strength in all areas each session.

Shannon

Years in industry: 4
Years teaching: 1