London
We have a number of teachers across London who will be taking your pole dancing lessons, burlesque classes, can can lessons and hula hoop classes. Highly experienced and friendly, they will also be teaching your pole dancing party, burlesque party can can party, cheerleading party, 'Dirty Dancing' party, Bollywood party belly dancing party, hula hoop party, Chicago party or Grease party.

Katja
Katja is 34 and is the head teacher of Polestars. She teaches burlesque lessons, pole dancing lessons, can-can hen parties, Dirty Dancing hen parties and cheerleading parties in London
Why did you start teachingA few years ago I went to a strip club with my husband, purely because I was very curious! I saw all these girls on the poles and thought they looked amazing and instantly wanted to learn to pole dance, but not become a stripper. No one was teaching at the time, so after a VERY long research i managed to find a strip club that was teaching girls. I enrolled on the course with a friend and we did have a real giggle, but we didn't learn that much about the pole dancing and actually they were training us to be strippers. After the course there was nowhere to go to learn more, which I was dying to do! And I really believed that there must be other girls out there, who just like me, would want to learn just for their own fun! And that is how Polestars started. I was first doing the classes as a student, then got my own pole at home and loved every minute of it! Then one day my teacher approached me and said: "Why won't you start teaching your own classes?" And I thought, "Indeed, why not?" And I haven't looked back since!
The best thing about teaching with Polestars is seeing how people’s confidence grows and how much fun they are having! There is no better confidence boost than to learn a trick you thought looked impossible, or to learn how to move your body in a completely different way. Girls are so supportive and encouraging to each other on these classes. I always come home from my classes on a good mood!
Different day job: I work at a busy cosmetic surgery clinic on Harley Street as a theatre manager. I am very lucky, because I love both of my jobs!!!
Favourite songs to dance to: For pole dancing Madonna's " Justify my love" and for burlesque Marilyn Monroe's "I wanna be loved by you"
Favourite food: I love food and I am always hungry! ...No, can't choose, too difficult!!!
Favourite film: Moulin Rouge: the music, the outfits, the story...what is there not to love???
Most embarrassing incident whilst pole dancing: Must be one NYE, when I was doing a pole dancing show in club night called THROB. I was dancing on the podium pole and the pole is actually very, very short... I did a spin and went to grab the pole high without looking what I was doing and instead of grabbing the pole I actually managed just to grab the thin air above the pole and fell flat on my face! NOT a sexy look...

Tempest Rose
Tempest Rose is 26 and teaches burlesque classes, pole dancing parties, Dirty Dancing parties and can-can hen parties in London
Different day job: Professional burlesque performer and core-member of The Kitten Club - burlesque cabaret troupe.
What do you love most about dancing: When I first discovered burlesque I was blown away. Here was an artform that allowed me to be sexy, funny, use the skills I'd acquired over my 15 years as a performer and most importantly - express myself! The burlesque course is great because it gives women a space to expore all of these things, to build their confidence and have fun. The most important thing for me as a teacher and performer is to see the women grow to love something that I love and to see them taking the confidence and elegance acquired during the course out of the room into their lives and to feel happier and more comfortable with themselves. There are no dictations in burlesque as to how the body should look or the 'perfect figure', it is about individual beauty and character. In a society obsessed by body image it can be very liberating to be in a space that lets you be be who you are and celebrate that!
Fave song to dance to: So many! Nasty Naughty Boy by Christina Aguilera, anything by Madonna and any sexy jazz.
Fave food: Anything and everything, life is about enjoyment so stop worrying about how many calories everything contains!
Most embarrassing incident while teaching/performing: Any embarrassment can be overcome with confidence!!
Fave films: Dreamgirls, Cabaret, When Harry Met Sally, Devil Wears Prada
Where you can find me: Scouting out beautiful lingerie, buying corsets in Camden, sipping martini's at Volupte, backstage at the New Players Theatre, stocking up on 6 pairs of discount shoes, hogging the mirror at Soho Revue Bar or haggling over the price of feathers. You can read more about my work at www.tempestrose.com or www.myspace.com/tempestroseburlesque

Emma
Emma is 34 and teaches pole dancing lessons, burlesque classes, hula hoop classes, can-can parties and cheerleading hen parties in London.
Hometown: London
Different day job: Fitness Instructor
How long have you been dancing: 7/8 years
What do you love most about dancing: It gives a real sense of freedom, fun and thanks to being a Super Dooper Hula Hooper I can eat what I want when I want.
Why did you started teaching dance: I started teaching because I loved it so much I wanted to share my enthusiasm with others - especially girls that don't feel very confident - I am queen of the cheat and will find ways to make the most difficult trick easier!
Why you love teaching at Polestars: I love being a teacher for Polestars because I am so passionately addicted to pole dancing, burlesque and Hula Hooping that my enthusiasm rubs off on my students and they become addicts as well!! I get a real sense of pride seeing my students progressing and watching their confidence grow. I love giving people an environment to let themselves go and have fun while being totally supported and cheered on by the many new friends they make. We Polestars are a friendly bunch.
Fave song to pole dance to: Finest Dreams by Richard X and Kelis or Super Massive Black Hole by Muse
Fave song to burlesque dance to: Cry to Me by Solomon Burke or The Stripper by Hot Ferrari
Fave song to hoop to: Out of Space, Prodigy and I Remember, Deadmau5 especially with one of my amazing LED hoops.
Best dancing experience: Getting my girls onstage in Madam Jojos at the end of the first 3 burlesque intermediate courses - what a huge achievement! Some of them have gone on to become Burlesque performers in their own right- Excellent! Also Fire Hooping, terrifying yet hugely addictive...
Best teaching moment: So many, probably watching the progression on all of the courses, seeing faces light up when a seemingly impossible trick suddenly works and students coming back because they have loved it and want more.
Most embarrassing teaching moment: A nipple tassle flew off while demonstrating nipple tassling on the burlesque course - definitely more tape required!
Fave food: Sushi but I did develop a massive addiction to Marks and Spencer's 'Santa's Balls' over Christmas, BRING THEM BACK!!
Fave films: District 9, Boondock Saints, Star Trek, Office Space, Unleashed and of course Labyrinth
Celebrity crush: Joaquin Phoenix before he went all beardy and decided to become a rapper.
Hobbies other than dancing: Tried Parkour a couple of weeks ago and think that might be my next favourite thing.
Personal motto: Just Do It!
Where we can find you: Hooping it up at various places, especially my Monthly Saturday Hoop Club in Greenwich. Check out my website at www.love2hoopdance.co.uk or join my facebook group Love 2 Hoop Dance for more information.

Claire
Claire is 22 and teaches burlesque classes, pole dancing lessons, Dirty Dancing parties, cheerleading hen parties, Chicago parties and can-can parties in London.
How long you have been pole dancing: Nearly two years
Why you started teaching: I loved all the Polestars pole dancing courses I had done and I didn't want to stop! I come from a teaching background and think that you should always try to teach others what you're passionate about.
The best thing about teaching with Polestars: Definately getting to learn new skills such as Burlesque and Can-Can and getting to teach those too. It's so good when you finish teaching a party and everyone has had such a brilliant time that they don't want to stop!
Different day job: Office worker (how boring!)
Fave song to pole dance to: Pussycat dolls, Buttons or anything a bit cheeky with a good beat
Fave food: Bread and dip, simple but satisfying
Fave film: Ooooh, so many...Clueless has got to be up there!
Most embarrassing incident while pole dancing: Getting height fright when climbing to the top of the pole in Circle Bar for my interview! It doesn't look high till you're up there!!

Faye aka Bettsie Swallows
Faye aka Bettsie Swallows is 25 and is created and choreographed allof Polestars musical threatre hen parties (Dirty Dancing, Grease and Chicago). She also teaches burlesque classes, pole dancing parties and can-can parties in London.
Hometown: Nottingham
Different day job: MD of Push Productions
How long have you been dancing: 22 years
What do you love most about dancing: Getting dressed up in costumes
Why did you started teaching dance: Beacuse I enjoy dancing so much and wanted to make a career out of something I love.
Why you love teaching at Polestars: Beacuse its fun and exciting! And you get to meet lots of new people and have a laugh.
Fave song for pole dancing: Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson
Fave song to burlesque dance to: Fever
Fave hen party product and why: DIRTY DANCING: Because it is fun, enjoyable and recreats your favourite moves from one of the most loved chick flicks of all times... the songs are brill and everyone knows them and by the end, everyone really lets go and has a right life.
Best dancing experience: Dancng for the royals at 'The Royal Variety Show'
Best teaching moment: The end of the class, when everyone comments how much fun they've had! Its very satisfying knowing you make people happy.
Most embarrassing teaching moment: I embarass myself nearly every class ha ha !!!!... but thats the great thing about teaching! The more you let yourself go the more fun it is!!!!
Most embarrassing pole moment: Falling off!
Most embarrassing burlesque moment: Not being able to get my corset off.
Fave food: Anything Rice based
Fave film: Oh there's so many to choose from! Shaw Shank Redemtion, Juno and obviously Dirty Dancing
Celebrity crush: Johny Depp!!!!
Hobbies other than dancing: Fashion, Music, Antiques
Where we can find you: At Push Productions, a fresh, innovative and dynamic approach to the performance industry. Working with some of the top talents within the entertainment industry, which in the past has included Nigel Lythgoe from ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and Bradley Walsh at ‘The Royal Masonic Gala’ and performaning across the UK such as shows at Saddlers Wells or The Royal Albert Hall. Push has also worked with Alesha Dixon, Roisin Murphy, Kimberly Stewart and Girls Aloud. I love dance and teach at Danceworks. In the past I have taken master classes at Laban, Pineapple, The Italia Conti Academy of performing arts, Gymbox as well as being a judge at the Celebrity Dance competition In Arizona USA and held a one off master class for them at the Kimberly Lewis of dance. Please visit www.push-productions.com

Natasha aka Chilli Blush
Natasha aka Chilli Blush (for burlesque) or Fawziya (for belly dancing) is 31 and teaches belly dancing parties, burlesque classes, can-can parties, Dirty Dancing parties and cheerleading hen parties in London
Hometown: Watford
Different day job: EA/Operations Manager
How long have you been dancing: 10 years
What do you love most about dancing: I love how it makes me feel afterwards, and the fact it means I can eat what I want!
Why did you started teaching dance: Drunken friends begging me every time we went out to teach them, and then other teachers asking me cover their classes. I started out privately and realised I enjoyed it even more than performing.
Why you love teaching at Polestars: Polestars gives me peace of mind that everything will be provided for and well organised. Plus, they're always introducing new, amazing products that I get to learn. I get paid to do something I love.
Fave song to pole dance to: I can't poledance for toffee, but hope to learn that later this year.
Fave song to burlesque dance to: Big Spender or Mannish Boy
Best dancing experience: Dancing with the Bedouin in Egypt, I was so nervous and it was such an honour. I was asked back as well so they must have enjoyed it too.
Best teaching moment: Teaching a friend a move that her previous teacher couldn't help her with.
Most embarrassing teaching moment: Being told to mind the step before going on stage...and then tripping straight over it on to the stage.
Most embarrassing burlesque moment: Demonstrating a move and then realising that my outfit was so tight I couldn't do it!
Fave food: Anything hot - I love chilli's (hence the name)
Fave films: The Goonies, Dogma and anything by Tim Burton (except Planet of the Apes)
Celebrity crush: Bradley Cooper or Jake Weber
Hobbies other than dancing: Cooking food, eating food, growing food...
Personal motto: Just do it. Oh, hang on, isn't that Nike?!
Where we can find you: I've been belly dancing for 10 years and as a result you may see me performing at various haflas and venues throughout the country, including www.planetegypt.co.uk www.pinkbellydancing.com and www.jwaad.com/fantasia.htm as a solo act or as part of the troupe - 'Daughters of Hathor' for Dawn Harvey (aka Zenuba). I also perform and teach privately and I'm in the process of setting up my website so watch this space for video clips of me dancing and teaching.

Lizi aka Angelique de Ville
Lizi aka Angelique de Ville teaches pole dancing classes, burlesque lessons, can-can parties, Chicago parties and Dirty Dancing parties in London.
Hometown: London
Different day job: Paralegal
How long have you been dancing: Six years
What do you love most about dancing: How can I choose one thing? All of it – it’s so much fun, especially when a new move that you’ve really struggled with falls into place.
Why did you started teaching dance: I’d had such a good time on all the courses I did with Polestars that I thought it would be loads of fun to teach. Plus I love teaching so it seemed like the perfect plan!
Why you love teaching at Polestars: I love watching people come in looking really nervous on the first day of the course but by the last week, they’re practically fighting to get on the pole or to be the first to try out a new burlesque or can-can move. Plus I love the atmosphere at hen parties and tasters – everyone’s happy!
Fave song to pole dance to: This changes every 10 seconds, but I always fall back on Iris by the GooGoo Dolls
Fave song to burlesque dance to: Etta James’ I Just Want to Make Love To You – unoriginal, but I love it!
Fave hen party product and why: I love all of them but I would say either can-can or pole dancing because everyone starts off a bit wary but ends up wanting more!
Best teaching moment: Teaching four ladies in their 70s and 80s (one in a wheelchair) how to hoop. They’d accosted me in the street when I was on the way to the park to teach and I ended up spending a half-hour with them showing them the basics (mostly because I can barely do the basics myself). I had to leave when they started to fight over the hoop though!!
Most embarrassing teaching moment: I had done the beginners course about 3 years before and was doing it for the second time, and my sister had decided to do it too. We went to the practice studio and I was showing off and thought I’d teach her how to do the fan move on the pole, but I couldn’t really remember myself … so I totally misjudged and came down on my own foot in my 7” stilettos with my whole body weight plus momentum ... owwwww! Needless to say she wasn’t that impressed by the move, hahahaha!
Most embarrassing pole moment: Kicking myself in the foot in my Polestars audition while showing Abbey how the Carousel move “should be done” … oops.
Most embarrassing burlesque moment: Doing the floor spin in Week 1 of the course and getting my heel caught in my frilly knickers, which ended up ripping them off (by the way, could not do this on purpose if I tried). Lucky I was wearing them over leggings Superman style!!
Fave food: Reese’s peanut butter cups miniatures and Cranberry’s apple/cinnamon slices (ahhhh)
Fave films: Withnail & I and Primal Fear.
Celebrity crush: I have a strange thing for Gerard Butler
Hobbies other than dancing: Hooping and poi
Personal motto: It’s all happening!

Emily Ford
Emily is 26 and teaches pole dancing parties and classes, burlesque parties, can-can parties, cheerleading parties and all the musical theatre hen parties - Dirty Dancing, Chicago and Grease in London.
Hometown: Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
How long have you been dancing: 21 years
What do you love most about dancing: Fun, freedom and energy. Ooh and the costumes, I never get tired of playing dress ups!
Why did you started teaching dance: I moved to London early 2009 and it was the perfect opportunity start a new career doing something I've loved since I was a little girl.
Why you love teaching at Polestars: Working for Polestars is like going out socially - getting paid to dance and have a great time doesn't get much better
Fave song to pole dance to: A Marilyn Manson track with an offensive title! I also find Chris Cornell, Muse and the Pussycat Dolls great
Fave song to burlesque dance to: Good Rockin' Daddy by Etta James
Best dancing experience: Dancing the lead part of Michael Jackson in our winning dance show specatacular during my last year of competitions, I can still remember every step!
Best teaching moment: Seeing one of my very first pole students recently win Miss Pole Dance Australia
Fave food: Chocolate
Fave films: Love Actually
Hobbies other than dancing: Cooking, eating, travelling, shopping, bike riding.
Where we can find you: Getting everyone hooked on Pole around London, I'm establishing my own pole performance and private lesson company. Check out my website www.contourspole.co.uk

Sarah
Sarah is 29 and teaches intermediate pole dancing lessons and advanced pole dancing lessons in London.
How long you have been pole dancing: I did my first class in August 2003
Why you started teaching: I loved doing the classes and was approached by my teacher at the time who asked if I would be interested in teaching. I jumped at the chance as I wanted to show as many people as I could how much fun it is!
The best thing about teaching with Polestars: There's no pressure. I have been in lessons with other schools who concentrate much more on the stripping side where as Polestars just concentrate on having fun.
Favourite song to pole dance to: Depends what mood I'm in, but anything from rock to R&B to blues.
Favourite food: Far too many to list here, I'm a bit of a foody. Thank goodness the pole dancing keeps me in shape!
Favourite film: Roman Holiday
Most embarrassing incident while pole dancing: Falling on my head whilst trying to show a friend a move. Serves me right for trying to show off!

Rose
Rose is 24 and teaches burlesque lessons, pole dancing classes and can-can hen parties in London.
Hometown: London
Different day job: I work as an actress, singer, pianist and voice coach.
How long have you been dancing: I've been dancing since I was a kid, and started pole dancing about five years ago.
What do you love most about dancing: The freedom of expression, moving to music and performing.
Why did you started teaching dance: I used to work as a pole dancer, and then a couple of years played one in a show. After getting into it again I decided I wanted to keep it up and continue improving, but didn't want to be a stripper, so I started teaching.
Why you love teaching at Polestars: It's amazing to see girls progress on the pole or develop their character through burlesque. It's also the most fun you can have staying fit!
Fave song to pole dance to: I'll dance to anything!
Fave song to burlesque dance to: This might sound strange, but it's the James Bond theme. The first burlesque routine I choregraphed was an escape act to this song and I still love dancing to it!
Best dancing experience: Performing a dance piece in Edinburgh where I got to climb I really high pole every night and dance on top of a bar!
Best teaching moment: Always in week 5 of the pole course, helping everyone to go upside down is great!
Most embarrassing teaching moment: Whacking my foot against the bottom of a pole before the class! Luckily one of the girls was a nurse so she helped me, but the co-teacher had to take the warm up that night!
Most embarrassing pole moment: I was performing on the pole one night and had a bit too much to drink... I climbed all the way to the top, was about to go upside down when I slid all the way down and landed on my bum... not a good look!
Most embarrassing burlesque moment: Last year a friend and I decided to perform a Christmas burlesque gig. I was dressed as an elf and all my friends came to watch... that was quite embarrassing!
Fave food: Oysters
Fave films: So many! But recently I've enjoyed 'Mesrine' and 'A Prophet' which are both French gangster films.
Celebrity crush: Johnny Depp - doesn't matter how old he gets.
Hobbies other than dancing: Music, theatre, books, cinema, art, nice food, holidays...

Julia aka Miss Electra Cute
Julia aka Miss Electra Cute is 25 and teaches burlesque parties and Chicago parties in London
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN, USA
Different day job: Theatre Festival Producer
How long have you been dancing: 21 years
What do you love most about dancing: The feeling of performing a routine well
Why did you started teaching dance: For these style in particular, the confidence that it gives women I teach.
Why you love teaching at Polestars: I think the company has a great group of office staff and teachers and all companies are made or broken on the people who work for them
Fave song to pole dance to: Detination Unkown
Fave song to burlesque dance to: History Repeating
Best dancing experience: Choreographing and performing in Strippers & Gentlemen in Edinburgh 2008 -- all the five star reviews made all the hard work, which drew on everything I've ever learned about dance, totally worth it!
Best teaching moment: The moment when a student suddenly "gets" a move that they've been really struggling with -- huge sense of accomplishment for both them and me
Most embarrassing teaching moment: Having jeans rip across the bum in a street class -- teach me to work in jeans!
Most embarrassing pole moment: When I learnt to climb -- just couldn't do it for ages -- kept getting up, like, three inches and thinking, I must have got really high up and then realising I still couldn't do it! I can now though :)
Most embarrassing burlesque moment: Having my corset get caught on the lace on my bra during a performance and having to rip it away -- not in a sexy way either!
Fave food: Pizza
Fave films: Shine, Elizabeth, Pirates of the Carribean (why is the rum always gone?)
Celebrity crush: Johnny Depp
Hobbies other than dancing: Hanging out with friends, reading, doing crosswords and... this is really geeky... World of Warcraft
Personal motto: "He attacked everything in life with a mix of extraordinary genius and naive incompetence, and it was often difficult to tell which was which" -- Douglas Adams from Hitchhikkers Guide to the Galaxy -- but I think he was just talking about me and got the pronoun wrong.
Where we can find you: You can check me out on my YouTube Channel MissElectraCute -- posts coming soon!

Kate
Kate is 30 and teaches pole dancing hen parties and can-can parties in London.
Hometown: Stepney Green, London.
Different day job: Personal trainer.
How long have been dancing: I have been pole dancing about a year and have been teaching with Polestars since March 2009.
Why did you start teaching dance: I started to teach as I wanted to keep on pole dancing and wanted to show other people what fun and confidence you can get out of it and how great it is at keeping you fit
Why you love teaching at polestars: Polestars are brilliant always coming up with new fabulous classes. They have helped me come out of my comfort zone and take on new things I'd never thought I'd do!
Fave song to pole dance to: Britney Spears Toxic.
Best teaching moment: When you see a student go upside down unassisted for the first time, the happiness and amazement in their face, you can't beat it!
Most embarrassing teaching moment: I fell off a bosu while demonstrating an excercise to a client in the gym! I've learnt to only teach a move i definately know i can do myself!
Most embarrassing pole moment: Probably when I was doing an inverted crucifix and one of my boobs half coming out! Sports bras are definately the way forward!
Fave food: Too many to mention!!
Fave films: Love, Honour and Obey, The Pursuit of Happiness and Coyote Ugly.
Celebrity crush: Jude Law
Hobbies other than dancing: Kickboxing and Pilates.
Where we can find you: I am a freelance personal trainer at Topnotch Health club in Blackfriars. I train people for weight loss, muscle strength and toning and sports specific goals. I also do circuit style training and pad work in the park. Please check out www.katelamb.co.uk for more information.

Katy
Katy is 28 and teaches burlesque hen parties, pole dancing parties and can-can parties in London.
How long you have been pole dancing: 2 years
Why you started teaching: Pole dancing is so much fun and I love sharing it with others, it's really cool to watch girls confidence grow and help them explore their flirtateous sides!
The best thing about teaching with Polestars: We don't take ourselves to seriously, it's all about fun.
Different day job: Office Manager
Favourite song to pole dance to: Two Hearts, Kylie Minogue
Favourite food: Honey
Favourite film: Labyrinth
Most embarrassing incident while pole dancing: I was doing a handstand onto the pole during my first ever performance. I managed to miss the pole and fall flat on my back. Very embarrassing!

Liza
Liza is 31 years old and teaches burlesque classes, pole dancing lessons and can-can hen parties in London .
How long have you been pole dancing: About 2 years.
Why you started teaching: I started teaching because I had been teaching fitness and dance for 5 years and wanted to try something new. I also believes that all women can be sexy and wants to teach that in her pole dancing lessons!
The best thing about teaching with Polestars: They're so friendly, efficient yet have a lovely laidback attitude and have made me feel really welcome. Also getting to make new friends both with other teachers and also my students.
Different day job: Site Secretary/Document Controller in London
Favourite song to pole dance to: Currently - Timberland, The Way I Are
Favourite food: Pasta
Favourite film: Transformers
Most embarrassing incident while pole dancing: Not realising I was revealing a bit too much out the bottom of my shorts!

Kelly-Kim
Kelly-Kim is 22 years old and teaches burlesque hen parties and cheerleading hen parties in London
Different day job: Actor, Dancer, ETM instructor
Why you started teaching: teaching is a continuation from my acting and dancing (another string to my bow so to say!) i want to pass on my skills to others willing to try and there is nothing more rewarding then seeing people dancing and enjoying routines that i choreographed..
Why you love teaching at Polestars: the atmosphere of the company and the classes is like no other dance school: its not about how amazing you can dance, its about how sexy and amazing each individual can feel when they dance. I love meeting new people that have never so much as "shook their booty" before and then seeing their confidence beaming once they get the self-belief and feeling. Burlesque is such a classic amazing art form that originated from the theatre, which is a major passion of mine. in my eyes, burlesque is all about subtlety, not the stripping part. Its about forgetting yourself, putting on this persona/character and throwing away the days stresses and strains. I adore the confidence and sexiness of Dita Von Teese, Bettie Page and hope that every woman that goes to a polestars class can take away a bit of her for themselves.
Fave song to dance to: classic big band/cabaret music for my Burlesque Dances
Fave food: Japanese
Fave films: Braveheart, Chick Flicks, The Lion King, Johnny Depp Films
Most embarrassing burlesque moment: asking a party to be careful with the riding crops as they can really hurt if you hit yourself to hard with them, however i was stupidly demonstrating the caution and smacked myself really hard on my arm! hurt so much, but it did make a good laugh!
Best teaching moment: at the end of each class/party seeing a sense of accomplishment in the groups eyes. I love seeing them grow in confidence, gaining more experience in dance and knowing that i helped them reach a goal.

Aurora
Aurora is 25 and teaches belly dancing parties and burlesque hen parties in London.
Different day job: Professional Bellydance Performer and Journalist
How long have you been dancing: 4 years
Why you started teaching: I love dancing and the more I teach the more I want to carry on teaching. I simply love having fun and meeting new people every time!
Fave song to dance to: Snakecharmer - Bassnectar & Kraddy
Fave food: Moroccan Couscous
Fave films: It has to be romantic and/or fun…loved "Little Miss Sunshine"
Most embarrassing bellydancing moment: I always do a last minute check on my performance costumes before a show but on that day I was in such a rush that I didn't. I had clearly lost a little weight since I had last worn my green costume (I have 13 costumes!) and so I basically spent 15 mins dancing and lifting my skirt back up every few seconds. And I know people always take pics when I dance!
Best teaching moment: All the time! But who could resist a cute 9-year-old at her birthday party or a hilarious 60-year-old at her retirement party?
See www.AuroraBellydance.com for more details about performances.

Karly
Karly is 25 and teaches Chicago parties, Grease hen parties and pole dancing parties in London.
Hometown: Shamong, New Jersey
Different day job: Personal Assistant for a Publisher
How long have you been dancing: 2 years
What do you love most about dancing: It's great to express yourself through movement. It gives you a sense of freedom and of breaking the mold and its great exercise without getting boring.
Why you started teaching: When the opportunity came along to be a teacher for Polestars, I couldn’t resist. Not only do I get to do something fun and get paid for it, but it’s a pretty good conversation starter (or killer- depending on the company!)
Fave song to dance to: ‘Freek’ George Michael and ‘Toxic’ Britany Spears
Why you love teaching at Polestars: All the other girls are so lovely! They make you feel so at home and really lend a hand if you have something you need help with.
Fave hen party product and why: Burlesque. I love it. It’s a lot more personal than pole because you have to pay attention to the audience and interact with them. There’s a lot more emotion in burlesque and the facial expressions bring it together. Plus it can be sexy or funny depending on your mood.
Most embarrassing pole moment: It was my first party and I was showing a girl how to go upside down. Basically I got too close and she kicked me in the face. She spent the whole rest of the party apologising to me while I laughed and assured her it was ok. Secretly I was afraid my nose was broken, but luckily it wasn’t.
Fave food: Pizza and Sushi
Fave films: Stardust, Pride and Prejudice (the one with Firth!!!), and Zoolander.
Celebrity crush: Angelina Jolie
Hobbies other than dancing: Writing, painting, anything creative or artistic, travelling, movies, and cooking.

Zuki
Zuki teaches pole dancing classes and hen parties in London.
Hometown: London
Different day job: Lots of different little things, I'm trying to be entrepreneurial, I'll try think of inventive creative ways of making money and then, try them out. I also work in a creche part-time and teach kids dance classes too.
Why you love teaching at Polestars: Because the aim of the classes is about learning but also just as importantly about having fun at the same time. It's not like school, as in you "be quite and do your work", you can have a laugh with the girls while shaking your booty! It's great, well organised, and there loads of different classes too, that are far from 'run of the mill'.
Most embarrassing pole moment: Ugh! It's painful to remember! Well... I was hanging upside down holding on with just my legs, when I had a sudden stroke of genius, I thought "what would happen if I let my legs go?!?!..." I think the blood must have gone to my head a bit too much because I just unwrapped my legs thinking I was going to float in mid-air or something. BUT NO... I fell smack bang head first on my kitchen floor. It was only my mum there but YES it was embarrassing! More embarrassing than the time my boob came out in class hahaha.
Fave food: COOKIES! The big soft ones, Oreos, and I LOVE Starbucks, the frappachinos. But the best thing is mixing them all together! mmm
Fave films: Lion King, Brother Bear, Drop Dead Fred and AVATAR was really good!
Celebrity crush: 'Warrick' in CSI, yeaaa! but he got shot. Boooo
Hobbies other than dancing: Horseriding, I LOVE ANIMALS...alot!

Shirene
Shirene is 26 and teaches belly dancing hen parties in London.
Hometown: London
Different day job: Retail Manager
How long have you been dancing: Since my childhood.
What do you love most about dancing: Passion, freedom and enjoyment
Why did you started teaching dance: It happened in a natural way, people started to ask me where do I teach or could you teach/show them the move i just did? Then I went to help other dance teacher classes finally I started my own dance classes.
Why you love teaching at Polestars: To see all the participants having fun, especially when they walking out from the door with their fabulous booty shake!!!!
Fave song to belly dance to: OZY and Hassan Usta Drum solo
Most embarrassing teaching moment: Flying ponytail hair extensions cross the room! Luckily it was during practicing! Oppps!!
Most embarrassing belly dancing moment: which one… I have so many.
Fave food: Nandos
Fave films: Avatar and the Notebook
Hobbies other than dancing: Travelling, especially beach spots!!
Where we can find you: Greenwich University at the Medway or the dance society.
Candice
Candice teaches burlesque hen parties, pole dancing parties and cheerleading parties in London
Different day job: Producer for Marvellous Ltd.
Why you started teaching: To have fun, whilst meeting new people. I also think giving woman the tools for feel confident and sexy in their own skin is a very rewarding.
Why you love teaching at Polestars: Polestars are the best at delivering great parties, which are loads of fun. Work hard, play harder is key to delivering a great service
Fave song to dance to: Groove Armada, Purple Haze
Fave food: You can’t beat a good roast
Fave films: Top Gun, Point Break (can’t beat the Old Skool)
Most embarrassing teaching moment: Wearing a strapless top and well... I’ll leave the rest to your imagination.
Most embarrassing pole moment: Again its going to be the strapless top moment.
Best teaching moment: Going out for drinks with a couple of girls from the class and watching them strut their stuff on the dance floor to a cheering crowd.
Grace
Grace is 21 and teaches pole dancing parties in London.
Hometown: Shrewsbury.
Dancer How long have you been dancing: Since I was about 3.
What do you love most about dancing: The freedom and expression of the body, dancing always makes me feel happy.
Why did you started teaching dance: I was inspired by a great pole dancing teacher I had and she made me want to teach pole dancing.
Why you love teaching at Polestars: There are great company and very relaxed. They have given me a chance to teach others what I love doing.
Fave song to pole dance to: Anything by Britney or Lady Gaga
Fave food: Cheese and Chocolate Fave films: Dirty Dancing, Chicago, Grease, Honey, Flash dance, Sex and The City
Celebrity crush: Orlando Bloom, Robert Patterson
Hobbies other than dancing: Partying and having fun
Where we can find you: www.graciecollins.webs.com

Fleur
Different day job: Choreographer
How long have you been dancing: 23 years!!!!!!!!
What do you love most about dancing: The best thing about dancing is all the different people that I have met along the way.
Why did you started teaching dance: Having been a dancer for so many years, it was just a natural progression for me.
Why you love teaching at Polestars: The great people in the company, there are teachers from all over the place with all sorts of different dance backgrounds coming together.
Best dancing experience: I haven’t got a single experience, but just that dancing has allowed me to tour around the world. Its great when your job means that you get to travel everywhere and experience different countries.
Best teaching moment: When people enjoy themselves in my class.
Fave food: Thai
Where we can find you: www.fleurmellor.com
Carmen
Carmen is 24 and teaches pole dancing parties, burlesque parties and Dirty Dancing parties in London.
Different day job: Receptionist
How long have you been dancing: 23 years!!!!!!!!
What do you love most about dancing: Keeping fit and learning new moves.
Fave song to pole dance to: Bad Things
Fave song to burlesque dance to: Feeling good
Fave hen party product and why: Pole, because it will always be my favourite.
Best teaching moment: Teaching a student to go upside down on the pole and her picking it up absolutely perfectly on the third attempt.
Most embarrassing Burlesque moment: My boots breaking while on stage performing.
Fave food: Either mashed potato or roast pork
Fave films: Avatar, Zombieland, Chicago, Dirty Dancing
Hobbies other than dancing: Creative writing, drama, climbing, going to the theatre
Personal Motto: Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

Kate Webster
Kate is 31, she teaches burlesque lessons and can-can hen parties in London
Hometown: Manchester, but I live in London
Different day job: Theatre Choreographer How long have you been dancing:Since I was 3! A very long time.
What do you love most about dancing: I love the freedom it gives you and the way in challenges your body
Why did you started teaching dance: I love seeing people develop and grow in confidence. It's brilliant to help people to learn new skills.
Why you love teaching at Polestars: Polestars is a really warm, friendly company. All the teachers get on really well and there is always a lovely atmosphere in the classes.
Fave song to pole dance to: I'm just learning to Pole dance but anything by the Pussycat Dolls seemed to work really well.
Fave song to burlesque dance to: There's a song by the Andrew Sisters called 'Yes my Darling Daughter'. It's very slinky and cheeky. Great to striptease to.
Fave hen party product and why: All the parties are great. Can-can parties are really good fun and brilliantly chaotic. The Burlesque parties are great way to start off a hen-weekend and I've enjoyed learning Dirty Dancing. I love the film and the party is great.
Best dancing experience: Performing at a Vivienne Westwood show was lots of fun. It was a Baroque themed night with a modern twist.Very small costumes as well.
Best teaching moment: Watching the routine at the end of my first Burlesque course and seeing all these wonderful ladies, who'd been so shy the first week, performing their socks off (and everything else!)
Most embarrassing teaching moment: I thought I was being clever buying a cheaper role of tit-tape. It was awful. It was really sticky and useless. It got everywhere; people were losing tassles all over the place. Luckily everyone found it funny.
Most embarrassing pole moment: We were learning a move where you hook a leg round and hold either side it. I lost my bottle half way round and just hung there, gripping on, not able to work out how to get down. Two other girls had to help lower me to the floor. I,of course, felt very elegant and sexy.
Most embarrassing burlesque moment: Luckily not had any terrible experiences. Badly behaved nipple tassles are a constant fear though!
Fave food:Sushi or Thai.
Fave films: Breakfast at Tiffanys,
Three Colours: Blue, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane
Celebrity crush: I've had a Christian Slater problem since I was thirteen.
Hobbies other than dancing: Going to exhibitions, cinema, reading and running.
Personal motto: Be unreasonable; never settle, push yourself towards what you truly want.
Where we can find you: Our dance company website should be up and running soon! We'll be performing a lot over summer. Otherwise I'm currently working at The Globe Theatre-South Bank, The Haymarket Theatre-Basingstoke and the Brits School.

