Instructors

Jenn

Jenn's interest in pole dance aerobics started when she heard about it on TV in 2001. There were no studios in the Washington Metro area at the time so she ended up buying a pole and teaching herself. "I kept waiting for something to pop up in the area; I figured DC HAD to have something opening soon but after waiting for a few years I said screw it, let's see what I can do!" She has had an expansive involvement in fitness activities throughout her life (everything from dance aerobics to Thai boxing to Brazilian jiu-jitsu to salsa dancing to yoga) and constructed her own ideal pole dance aerobics class from the combination. She started travelling with her pole and teaching "girl's night out" parties, started her home studio in 2005, and finally transformed Goddess Fitness into the studio it is now with her business partner Tina in 2006. Jenn is a software engineer by day and an ACE certified personal trainer, pole, chair, hula hoop, boxing, and fitness goddess by night!

 

Tina

Tina fell in love with pole instantly years ago when she went to a "Pole Party" at a friend's house. At that moment in her life, she was looking for something different to do for a workout and had become disenchanted with the gym. "I felt like a hamster on one of those running wheels - same workout classes and routines that I had been doing for the last five years. BORING!!" She started her search for something fun-filled and exciting that would also be empowering! It just so happened that several of her friends were looking for the same thing! "Once I tried pole dancing I was hooked and couldn't wait to start class! Who would have thought that a few years later, not only would I be teaching something I absolutely love but co-owning Goddess Fitness with Jenn!" Tina loves the fact that Goddess Fitness is all about empowering women to "Release the Goddess Within" and a little sex kitten too! Tina has incredible support from her awesome husband and fabulous children - all 5 of them!

 

Natasha

Natasha came to Goddess Fitness looking for something fun and different after separating from her husband. Not being an exercise fan, pole dance aerobics sounded like a cool way to burn some calories. What started out as an exercise class soon became a hobby and now a passion! "What I love about teaching (besides gaining killer biceps!) is seeing my students 'get it' and watching them become increasingly confident and show their sexy side. I think many women tamper down the 'sex kitten' in their personalities, due to life, stress, routine, etc. I like helping women bring it out again - and hopefully their significant others appreciate it, too!" Natasha is a single mom and is raising two amazing kids, age 14 and 11.

 

Olga

Olga was browsing for a dance studio in DC area for months before she found out about Goddess Fitness. It sounded like a great new experience, so she decided to try it out. "I was very nervous when I first came to the class because of the stereotypes of pole dancing. Now I have a pole in my bedroom and my husband is bragging to all his friends that his wife is a pole dance instructor. I absolutely love pole dancing and think it's the best way to work out and build inner confidence. What I love seeing in my students is a smooth transaction from shy girls to sexy goddesses. It's all about discovering a new you and becoming comfortable with a new form of self expression; and it feels great to be the one who can help you do that."

 

Christy

Christy had heard about a pole dancing class in Potomac Maryland through some girls at a thingstododc.com event. After searching for a while, she came across Goddess Fitness. "Originally, I started the classes because it sounded exotic and unique." After the first class, Christy kept going back because it was way more exciting than going to the gym and honestly, she got a better upper body workout. "I've always wanted to be part of something different and I love teaching at Goddess because I'm able to help women build confidence in themselves and realize how empowered they actually are." It is fascinating to watch a woman come in the first week timid and leave the last week with this new air of confidence and self-assurance. It's also nice to know we're doing something others only talk about.

 

Katie

Katie joined the pole dancing craze after she read a post on Washington DC's Craiglist. She started taking chair dancing and pole dancing classes in Jenn's basement. She was hooked and began teaching when they opened the studio in Bethesda.  Katie took a short breather and is now back! "Pole dancing is a fun way to work out with your friends. When I tell people about the class, they ask tons of questions. I tell them it is a women-only workout that will work you out while making you feel sexy. The classes are small so you can meet new people and really get help. I love explaining moves to the students and seeing them improve over the course session. This is the cutting edge of fitness and I am very proud to be a part of it. Even if you are shy and timid, it is a comfortable setting for you really to let loose and have some fun. I emphasize fun because Goddess Fitness knows how to have a good time. Hope to meet some of you in class!"

Caiti

Caiti was a gymnast from the age of 3 until, at ten, it became apparent that she was getting too tall for the sport. She then switched to dance, focusing on classical ballet. She performed in featured roles with her studio's ballet productions, as well as with their competitive dance company. Through high school, college, and beyond, she kept up with her training by sharing her passion for dance with others, teaching all ages in various styles of dance. She found Goddess Fitness while looking for something new, wanting to get back into dance of some kind, but not wanting the rigidity of ballet. Caiti says, 'Within the first 10 minutes of my first class, I'd fallen in love with the pole.'

Kathy

Kathy first found a passion for pole dancing as a way to relieve work stress. In just months she had a great stress reliever, but also an increase in upper body strength, abs, flexibility. "I tried everything from yoga to spinning and nothing compares. It's a wonderful escape from everyday stress. You can just be yourself and be sexy in your own way. All while getting an amazing workout!" "What's so great about this type of workout is that it's empowering and women of all shapes, ages, and skill levels can do it." Kathy is a newlywed and works full-time as an ad executive for a sports television network. She enjoys mentoring college students, international travel, and Redskins football.