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SUGARPOLE INSTRUCTORS
MARI
Dance has been my passion since childhood; I have trained in rhythmic gymnastics, ballet and various types of modern dance including street, jazz and contemporary.
I have had great opportunities to train in pole and dance studios from London to New York, meeting some amazing and talented people along the way. In 2004, I discovered a class offering pole lessons in Milton Keynes. I completely fell in love with the whole idea of pole dancing as a fitness and dance concept and haven’t looked back since! I qualified as a pole instructor in 2006 and my pole journey as Sugar Pole Fitness began.
Now I am a mother, work full time as an international cabin crew, teach small group lessons and privates at my home barn studio, manage SUGARPOLE and run an Air bnb so life can be a little hectic! However, I love the diversity of all these experiences and the people I get to meet.
I was also lucky enough to be part of the original X Pole girls back in the days!
In 2016, I fulfilled my ambition of designing and opening up my own studio to share my passion with others in an open and friendly environment.
I am very proud of what we have achieved so far and look forward to helping more people experience fitness in a fun and exciting way!
LOU
I first started pole in 2014 (I think) with classes that were starting at the gym I was a member of.
I was a classic ‘paying for a gym membership and never used it’ - the main reasons were I was nervous about going, no idea what I was doing and lacked motivation.
It took every bit of courage I had to go to my first pole class and I couldn’t lift my feet off the ground but I fell in love that day.
I qualified to teach pole a few years later. As the years went on I tried a variety of sports which involve hanging upside down - aerial hoop, sling, trapeze, and silks. I love them all! I have taken a few breaks in my training and started back at Sugarpole as a student in November 2021 and started teaching pole again in June 2022, I’ve since qualified as a hoop instructor and still working on my personal journey.
Aerial classes help build strength, fitness and flexibility but also help students with body confidence and personal skills - we are all a big family waiting to meet you.
MEL
I have 0 background in sports, fitness or dance. So everything you see has come from taking pole classes, whether it be strength, flexibility or knowing how to fake both.
I started pole at the end of 2016 and instantly knew it was a sport I wanted to continue with. Pole for me is all about the sense of achievement. Looking at a move and thinking how on earth is that possible, trying it, failing, trying again and repeating that pattern until I’ve finally achieved that move or combo.
I’m not much of a dancer. I’m here for the tricks & combos across both spinny and static pole. Catch me doing an iron x over flow anyday!
I’m XPERT certified, so if you want to learn pole fitness, join me as I love teaching and pushing students to reach their goals and achievements.
LUCY
I went to my first ever pole class in 2010 and was instantly hooked! I do not have a sports or fitness background so this wasn't like anything I had done before. I always felt so energised after and couldn't wait for the next class. In 2016, I became a qualified Pole Instructor as I wanted to share my passion with others. Since then, I have qualified to teach Aerial Hoop, Stength & Conditioning and Flexibility. Over the years I have been lucky enough to teach at some amazing studios and I am proud to be an instructor at Sugar Pole.
LUCE
I started my aerial journey in 2021 at SugarPole after being inspired by aerialists on social media. I was looking to reconnect with my body and find a like-minded community—and aerial felt like the perfect fit.
Although I was initially nervous and self-conscious, I quickly fell in love with it. Coming from a non-fitness background, I found the challenge incredibly rewarding and discovered a genuine love for movement.
I’ve since explored a variety of disciplines, including silks, hammock, trapeze, straps, chains, and even hair suspension—but hoop will always be my main apparatus. I love flowy transitions, beautiful shapes, and dynamic movement.
I’m now an Xpert-qualified aerial hoop instructor and love supporting my students as they grow and achieve things they once thought impossible.
VIKTORIA
I started pole six years ago, just before university, and discovered aerial hoop a year later—quickly falling in love with both. What began as a hobby soon turned into a real passion.
I continued training through my university’s pole society, where I first considered becoming an instructor. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone achieve a move they’ve been working towards, whether through a small correction or a bit of encouragement.
I’m so grateful to now be part of this studio and to have the opportunity to turn that dream into reality, joining such a talented team of instructors.
VIC
Desperate for a hobby, something out of the ordinary, I found Sugarpole Dance & Aerial and with some absolute luck it was just down the road from me. From the day I walked into Mari’s studio (2013) pole fitness and all its absolute gloriousness entered my life and has literally never left. The daringness, bravery and sheer elation at achieving a new spin or trick is simply THE BEST feeling. This and the versatility of the sport in how absolutely anyone can do it, no matter their limitations (perceived or otherwise) are some of the reasons it remains part of my life and why I now teach. I have poled since 2013 and taught for many years. In that time I have had a baby, built my fitness once again and returned to teaching … this truly reflects my love for pole, how so much is possible and that it is suited to anyone and everyone. I have made so many wonderful friends at pole, seen incredible athletes and had the most fun. My life will never be without Mari, Sugarpole and pole fitness!!!
TARA
I grew up training and competing in Latin and Ballroom dance so I have always had dance in my heart from a young age. In 2016 after returning to the U.K. after living abroad for a period of time I wanted to get back into some form of dance style so I tried pole as a one off… and the rest was history!
I immediately fell in love with pole and have been blessed to have been a part of some amazing studios and pole communities.
I started instructing in 2021 after 5 years as a pole student and was lucky enough to be invited to be a part of the team at Sugar Pole Fitness, a studio that promotes female empowerment where everyone is a family.
I am an Xpert Certified pole instructor and a huge social butterfly so I love teaching and I get so much fulfilment from seeing my students confidence soar and watching them improve and exceed their limits.
JESS
I started pole dancing in 2017 - I was so nervous as I had absolutely no background in dance or gymnastics at all but I finally plucked up the courage to go to a class and I was hooked from day one! I loved the friendly community I became a part of, achieving things I never thought I could do, and gaining so much confidence and strength, physically and mentally, whilst doing it. This is the feeling I love giving to my students - there’s nothing better than seeing everyone leave with a smile on their face!
In the 8 years since I turned up as a quiet and nervous newbie, I have completed my instructor training course, taught for 5 years, competed in and won several national pole competitions at professional level, judged competitions, performed and taught workshops all over the UK, and most importantly made friends and a passion for life.
I’m so glad I stepped into that first class all those years ago, it completely changed the course of my life, and it brings me so much joy to see others do the same!