MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS | BROOKE

What apparatus(es) do you do/teach?
I teach pole, chair, and Pole+Chair

 How long have you been doing pole/aerial? How did you start?
I've been doing pole since 2016, I saw a Groupon and thought why not try something new. I cheered in Highschool and always loved gymnastics so it seemed like it would be fun. Spoiler alert - I loved it!

 What made you try pole/aerial?
A whim and a desire for community

What advice do you give beginning dancers?
Don't stress about all the steps, focus on how a movement feels in your body. Building that mind body awareness will take you so much further than just remembering steps.

Advanced students?
Make sure you're breathing

Why did you start teaching?
I wanted to create the safe space that my early instructors created for me.

What is different about your teaching style that you think students are drawn to?
I am a very vibes and feelings teacher. I will teach the technique and help you explore how it works in your body and how to make the trick work for you. Pole isn't one size fits all, and I really do try to help troubleshoot your individual concerns.

What would you say is the biggest struggle or obstacle among pole/aerial students that you come across? What would be your advice to them?
Trusting the process and not rushing progress. Progress isn't linear and there is no required timeline. My biggest advice is slow down and learn your basics (even if they are boring) before jumping into crazy tricks. Also warm up lol

What would your advice be for students who want to find their own style in dance?
if you dislike freestyle or don't know what your style is. Pick 3 moves you like and try them in different styles/tempos. Follow where your body wants to go. Listen to what feels good, don't worry about what it looks like.

What has been your biggest challenge in your pole/aerial journey? How did you overcome the difficulty/challenge?
Imposter syndrome! I constantly deal with this and probably always will.

What has been the most challenging move/trick to learn?
Basic chopper. I've learned so many wild skills and the hardest mentally and physically has been a good ol chopper.

What is your favorite pole/aerial move?
Cheba split by far

What is your greatest achievement so far in pole/aerial?
Watching my students get stronger and progress in their own pole journey.

What are you currently working on? What are your goals for this year?
Haven't been working on anything new really. My goal for the next year is to restart my own pole journey

What is your proudest moment in your career?
Performing on the Triple Door Stage

What has made you stick with Pole/Aerial?
My community and the way the dance makes me feel.

How did people around you react when they learned that you were doing pole/aerial?
My parents and partner were super supportive. I kept it pretty private from work for many years, but in my current job I decided to share and a bunch of my coworkers actually came to a show.

Do you perform regularly?
Like once a year at least?

What is the most important in a pole/aerial performance in your opinion?
Connecting with your audience. You can do the most insane trick ever, but if you aren't engaging your audience it is less impactful.

Do you have any pole/aerial idols? Anyone in the pole/aerial community who inspires you?
So many, too many to list

What is your favorite pole/aerial workout wear?
Whatever is cute and affordable

What are your other hobbies?
Plants, cats, d&d, fishing with the hubby