Kay Penney

Advanced Instructor : Qualified Level 2 trainer and Assessor

Owner and founder of Pole Passion, Kay created the company in 2003 with a passion to pass on her experiences and passion for the pole, promoting the very talented and ambitious from beginner students to the World champion Felix Cane.  Kay adapted pole techniques inspired by exotic dance in the beginning, introduced pole fitness techiniques and constantly affirming her vision by acredditing both her instructor training qualifications in 2007 with Skills Active.  Her programmes are shared and learnt by women all over the world with a continual passion along with her dedicated and experienced team. Women from all over the world flock to train the Pole Passion Way

Kay has had a love for sport all her life and has been involved in Tennis, Hockey, Netball, Football, Cricket, Orienteering, Badminton and Gymnastics and is a REP's qualified Fitness Instructor and Exercise Group Instructor.  With her experience of competitions in other fields she formulated and founded Miss Pole Dance UK Championships in 2005 & Mr Pole Fitness UK competitions. She is creator of World Pole Sport & Fitness Championships created in 2009 (Jamaica). Kay is also a qualifed Beauty therapist and professional masseuse and has enjoyed competiting in all types of sports all her life.  With her love of theatre and performing since her early teens encompasses all of what has formulated Pole Passion today.

Pasionate about the health and welbeing of students and instructors alike she created First Aid Pole Sport Specific in 2010 - the first of its kind

She is a member of Equity, Fitness Industry Association (FIA), Sussex Enterprize, Honorary Member of Pole Fitness Association, International Pole Sports Federation chair of Events. She is a qualified first aider, pole specific and continues to teach weekly pole fitness lessons where she is most happiest.

She loves to promote and organise pole events and talented international and national instructors such as Felix Cane the current world champion, Alesia Vazmitsel, undefeated UK Miss Pole Dance UK champion, Maxine Betts, the current Miss Pole Dance Professional champion, to name a few! 

She innovated synchronised doubles in pole competitions in the UK, wrote the first Code of Pole Practice specific to professionalise pole fitness.  She is co inventor of the R-pole one of the first free standing portable poles specific to pole fitness and dance techniques without a platform stage and the only pole which incorporates a safety mat as standard.  The Rpole also is the only pole currently built to British and Eurpopean safety standards too.

She is actively involved in Teacher training and assessing in both Pole and Burlesque Dance techniques

Kay has appeared on National and International TV:- BBC, Sky Bravo TV and local radios and  many times has been featured in local and national newspapers and magazines. She is a presenter and speaker for pole fitness and over the years supports cancer charities 4 times per year and has raised thousands of pounds for such charities  to include McMillian, St Lukes Hospice, Breast Cancer Awareness, Wear it pink,

Jennifer Gooch
Advanced Instructor: Qualified Level 2 Trainer

Jenni has been pole dancing since 2005 and instructing since 2007. Her love of pole started with a pole hen party.

She is REP’s accredited and holds Exercise to Music Level 2 qualification, Pole Passion Level 1 and 2 qualified instructor and trainer. She teaches and co owns South Pole AKademy, and also delivers pole dance instructor training internationally for Pole Passion (www.polepassion.com/fitness/become-instructor) teaching & supporting up and coming pole instructors.

In 2009 Jenni & her synchronized pole dance (and South Pole AKademy) partner Cat were ranked third in the UK for doubles pole in Miss Pole Dance UK 2009 Championship! Our first ever competition!

Jenni was invited by Kay, to represent Pole Passion and teach the world festival of pole dance in Jamaica, March 2010 - which she found was an amazing experience! Teaching beginners pole trix lessons, the practical element of the instructor level one certificate and aerobics too (on a beach!)

Jenni has trained with Jenyne Butterfly, Felix Cane, Jamilla Deville to name but a few.

Her background of dance, performing arts and martial arts,finding now that pole has taken over! She has always been a keen fitness and health enthusiast participating in many types of sport throughout her life. Jenni is a full time worker in Pharmacy. 

She's a member of the Pole Fitness Association 2010 and a qualified first aider sports specific – Pole Passion

Introducing Pole Passion Bognor

Sue
Mother
Professional
Pole addict

Sue’s in the spot light this month as she is embarking in a part time job with Pole Passion
We asked questions to find out more about Sue!!

How long you have been Poling?
I've been poling for 18 months now and am completely addicted! I've never been particularly keen on exercise so I was surprised that I enjoyed this as much as I did. I now love it more than ever and haven't looked back since my first lesson! I have been apprenticing with an advanced instructor since January 2010 and during that time I've discovered that I love passing on my addiction to others and watching them develop and improve.
 
What made you get into it?
I didn't have a particularly healthy lifestyle and was advised by the doctor to try and gain some muscle to deal with some health issues. He suggested lifting weights in a gym but I've never been a fan of exercise so didn't think I'd be able to do that. Instead I decided to try Pole Fitness, as this involves supporting your body weight in various poses and spins, the end result being increased strength, better tone and flexibility. I love music, so it’s no chore to dance! It worked wonders for me and my health has improved dramatically as a result.
 
What is your favourite part about it?
The thing I love most about Pole is the way that everyone is good at different bits of it. You don't have to be super flexible or super strong because you can adapt the moves to work with what you have. Everyone has a move they get first time while the person next to them takes weeks to get it. Equally, everyone has a move that just persistently eludes them! There are enough 'quick wins' to keep you motivated and enough difficult moves to keep you challenged. Perfect combination!
 
Do you have any other hobbies?
I'm not a big fan of exercise and apart from Pilates I did very little before starting Pole. Now though, I also do silks, hoop and trapeze - Ariel skills which perfectly compliment my Pole training. I regularly attend master classes, competitions and workshops in Pole and Ariel skills to make sure that I have new ideas to bring to the students.

Mandy Horne

Qualified Level 2 Advanced Instructor & Assessor

Mandy has extensive fitness and sports experience and runs her own pole lessons up North.  She has been a fitness presenter for many years and we are very proud to have her as part of our unique assessing team

* Gym instruction YMCA
* Weight training YMCA
* Nutrition and weight management YMCA
* Circuits YMCA
* Advanced personal training course
* Worked within Reach the peak gym Ayrshire
* Appeared on BBC TV fitness with Hazel Irvine.
* Wrote articles on fitness for the Ayrshire post Scotland.
* Opened own Personal training studio…12 years ago called Reflextions.
* Personal trained TV star Catriona Evans from Take the high road for BBC Scotland.

Moved to Reading after divorce in 2000

* Opened Reflextions personal training studio was fully booked concentrated on woman only…..
* Started teaching classes…Body Pump Les Mills
* Stability Ball Catherine Cullen
* Body conditioning
* Became Studio coordinator for Club house Maple Durham for over 5 years ran three studios and pool.
* Aqua  Speedo
* Spin   Keiser
* Spin   Advanced Keiser
* T bow was one of the first instructors
* Body Balance Les Mills

**Started Pole fit and opened up my own company called Polebabes Limited 4 years ago,  went to Pole Passion Brighton, Pantera, Raquel Roberts, Maxine Holmes.
 Now have over 2 and a half thousand Polebabes!!

* Became official presenter for Fit Fantastic for last 3 years presenting Pole to hundreds of fitness instructors.

* I have been featured in  the local paper  6 times and been invited onto BBC radio Berkshire for talk shows (3 times)and we even did a live Pole class with Charlie Baker as our guest.

* Work for Ceroc presenting Pole to their clients.

Moved to Selby to be near my family.

* Opened Reflextions PT
* Now work within  DW gym Selby still self employed teaching Pole, Spin, Aqua, Pump Body conditioning and Body Balance,

Qualified in Pole Passion Instructor training courses Level one and Advanced level two with Pole Passion 2010

Certificate in Assessing in Active Leisure Sector 
Certificate in Training and Development in Active Leisure Sector including CYQ PTTLS
Started Teacher Training  Pole instructors for Pole Passion in  April 2010 to support the expanding courses up north of england

Paula Bines

Certified Level 1 Pole Instructor

Qualified First Aider Pole Specific, Paula has been a dedicated member of Pole Passion for two years since starting as a student to help build her confidence and self esteem, both on the front line with her calm and sensative teaching techniques and behind the scenes in the office supporting the IT team. Paula now ambitious to compete in competitions and dedicates her free time to train and train students.

I first attempted pole dancing in August 2008 whilst on a girl’s night out where there happened to be a pole! I loved it so much I wanted learn professionally as I am a perfectionist. After seeing Pole Passion’s advertisement I then arranged lessons, my first one of which was extremely challenging for me, however watching it being performed professionally was inspiring, so I knew had to persist!

After having only two lessons I entered my first competition, the Miss Pole Dance Amateur (mad I know!) Within one year with Kay’s inspiration and the support of the other instructors I then decided I wanted to take this further and teach, as I had gained so much self confidence inside and out.  I wanted to inspire others as this has been a life changing experience for me. I then became pole certified in 2009 in instructor training and since then I have been an apprentice, taught weekly fitness classes, entered competitions and have performed in front of large audiences.  One of my best experiences was performing in Jamaica at a Pole Passion Event! I have met some amazing people along the way and I am now also a key member to the team organising various events world wide.

So my future ambitions are to continue to teach, perform and become the next Pantera! (A few more tattoos to go yet)!

Natasha Clark - currently on maternity leave

Certified Level 1 Pole Instructor

Qualified First Aider Pole Specific Natasha is passionate about teaching ple fitness and dance She is currently on Maternity leave with her first baby due at the end of the year.

I first thought about pole dancing on a night out with friends as we were at a bar on a stage with a pole, so I gave it a go! I found it came quite naturally and really enjoyed it. The next day I noticed how much my body ached just from a 10-minute dance and thought it was a brilliant form of toning up!
I searched on the web and stumbled across the Pole Passion website and was very pleased to discover a class running very local to me that same night. I rang and booked up, thoroughly enjoyed it and haven’t stopped loving it since!  I was asked to become an apprentice initially and have since then progressed to a professionally certified and accredited Pole Passion Fitness Instructor and my other hobbies include running, art, baking and rock climbing!  I am currently expecting my first baby and very keen to get back to my pre natal body shape

Sam Clarke

Certified Level 1 Pole Instructor

Sam love teaching part time in Burgess Hill and is an advanced tricks instructor.  Her day job is something quite different as she is a qualified accountant.

I have been pole dancing for about 2.5 years, teaching for around 2.
I taught martial arts for years and when I moved to England I couldn't find a decent Dojo. I originally went hunting for an adult gymnastics course and accidently stumbled upon Pole Passion's website. I did one class and was hooked! After 6 months of dedication I became an instructor and haven't looked back!
My favourite part is the confidence it gives me. I don't consider myself shy, but I’m definitely not the most outgoing person I know. Teaching and participating in pole dancing has improved my people skills, my fitness and above all, my confidence. I have met some absolutely amazing people and I wouldn't change pole dancing for anything else. Everyone I have met has been an inspiration! It also doesn't hurt that I have met some celebrities in my hen parties too!
I have a varying range of hobbies, most of which you probably wouldn't associate with pole dancing! I am a qualified paraglider, scuba diver and karate/kickboxing/tai kwondo instructor. If any sport has adrenaline built in somewhere, chances are I will have tried it! My favourite hobby has to be Bungee Jumping and my record for number of jumps in one day stands at 33 in Cairns, Australia. I’m a fan of Go Ape courses and I am currently looking into caving in the UK. I also train in aerial acrobatics (silks, trapeze, hoop and rope), which I feel improves my pole, and my own development!

Julia Hart

Certified Level 1 Pole Instructor

Julia is passionate about teaching all levels of pole fitness techniques in Brighton and enjoys Pole Passion Parties.

I have been poling since last April (2009). I love performing, and equally enjoy dancing and doing pole tricks. I also do trapeze and corde lisse (European circus rope). I went to India in Oct 2007 to learn a form of Indian aerial which is closely related to their form of pole dancing.  I am interested in integrating my knowledge of pole and aerial. I really enjoy the supportive and sociable atmosphere of both fields.

I currently have trained and certified in Pole Passion’s Instructor training Level 1

Nikki Fenton

Certified Level 2 Pole Instructor

Nikki is a passionate member of the Pole Passion team. She enjoys teaching, choreography, and Pole competitions and is Miss Pole Fitness Amateur UK 2009 champion, winning her first ever competition.

 I have trained in dance from a young age and then went on to further my dance training in London as well as learning some circus skills at The Circus Space.
I got into Pole Dancing as a student in weekly classes in 2009 when I saw an advert in the paper and have not stopped since.
I love the creative side of pole dance as I like to specialise in routines and training on flexibility too!
I have gone on to become an Accredited Pole Passion Fitness Instructor Level 2 and I love to teach Can Can, Coyote Ugly parties and Pole Passion Hen Parties too.
My other hobbies include Musical Theatre and watching lots of inspiring shows.
I gained the title of Miss Pole Dance Fitness UK Amateur 2009 champion and will be attending more competitions in the future progressing to Miss Pole Dance UK Semi Pro in 2010.

Helen Tagg

Our newest member of the team

Helen is a dancer and choreographer and is amazing in all our parties - her personality shines and makes an excellent hostess supporting all the wonderful people that attend our sessions

Sarah Ngo

Certified Level 2 Pole Instructor

Sarah was invited to become an apprentice for Pole Passion and is currently supporting Burgess Hill Pole Fitness lessons. 

Anna  Psenitsnikova

Anna has become one of Pole Passion's newest member of the Pole teaching team  she is currently undergoing the apprentiship in Brighton and is currently a full time student at Brighton University finishing a BA course in Dance.  She has experience in musical school drama and physical theatre in Estonia she has been performing and teaching internationally since 2004.

Louisa Higgs

Louisa has just returned from her world wide travels and is happy to continue to teach with Pole Passion for weekly lessons and parties.

I started pole dancing in a club at first. I sort of had a mid life crisis in my early twenties after a very possessive relationship and I became really curious about the whole thing! I met some fantastic girls whilst working there, but I never really enjoyed the job so I left.
It was about 2 or 3 years later when I started to miss dancing and decided to take it up for exercise instead and that’s when I stumbled across Pole Passion and I instantly loved it!
I started going to classes myself and then trained with Pole Passion and I’ve now been teaching for about 2 years and can honestly say that I love every minute of it!  I am also loving all the hen parties that Pole Passion do ~ Pole parties, cheer parties and more recently Live drawing parties as I am qualified in art too

Kerry Derham

Certified Level 1 Pole Instructor

Kerry has recently returned also from her yearly worldwide travels and is looking forward to re joining the team in 2011.  She has had the privelidge of training at Bobbies pole studio in Australia