Meet the Team

Macie

  • Macie is a New Mexico–based pole dancer, choreographer, performer, and movement educator. As the owner of New Mexico Pole Arts, she teaches pole tricks, flow, flexibility, conditioning, and choreography.

    With a background in classical and competitive dance and over 10 years of teaching experience, Macie combines artistic expression with evidence-based training. She is X-Pert Pole certified and continues her education through advanced coursework in anatomy, biomechanics, exercise science, and pregnancy/postpartum movement.

    Known for her contemporary-inspired choreography, Macie is a professionally medaled competitor and competition coach. In addition to teaching and performing, she is a studio consultant, helping studios develop curriculum, programming, operations, and growth strategies.

    Her mission is to help dancers move safely, confidently, and authentically while building strength, artistry, and longevity in their practice.

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Amanda

  • Amanda (she/her) has been poling since February 2013 and has been passionate about the sport since her very first class. Over the years, she has visited more than a dozen pole studios both in the United States and internationally, and she loves learning from and connecting with pole fitness enthusiasts from around the world.

    Her involvement in the industry extends beyond training and teaching. Amanda previously owned a pole studio in Arizona, has competed in pole competitions, attended pole conventions across the country, and served on the United States Pole Sports Federation (USPSF) Executive Committee as the Athlete Liaison.

    With more than a decade of teaching experience, Amanda has worked with students at every level, from early beginners to advanced athletes, as well as helping students prepare for competitions and performances.

    Amanda’s specialties lie in tricks, transitions, and creating smooth combinations that highlight a student's strength and skill.

Aries

  • Aries Jo (they/he) is a queer and nonbinary community organizer, artist, and lived experience coach living in Oh’gah Po’geh. They have seven years of experience teaching fitness classes including barre, cardio, pilates, resistance bands, and flexibility training.

    Aries also has an MFA in visual art, and is an active performer in the Santa Fe burlesque and drag community. He was a founding member of Quiver and Tempt Society, Santa Fe’s only all queer burlesque troupe, and has performed with Wise Fool, Roadrunner Runway, and New Mexico Drag Kings. They are the Co-Founder of Queer Community Care, a local mutual aid organization, which aims to dismantle capitalist and oppressive systems through providing free resources to the community. Aries is committed to dismantling systemic racism, ableism, transphobia, homophobia, fat-phobia, and cishet patriarchal norms in all of the work that they do.

    As someone with a recent chronic illness diagnosis, who has struggled with life long body dysmorphia, Aries understands how vulnerable and intimidating fitness spaces can be. Their approach to movement is figuring out how we can meet our bodies exactly where they are today, and release expectations about how we should move or look. In barre class, they foster a space of acceptance and encouragement, focusing on feeling good in our bodies, safety, fun, and the universal truth that all bodies are great bodies.

Cleriese

  • Cleriese (she/her) took her first pole class in 2020, and has been devoted to her practice ever since. Her movement has developed over the years to reflect her interest in a variety of styles including Flow, Russian dance, Edgework, and Erotic.

    Cleriese is a PFA certified instructor and has taught students with levels ranging from absolute beginner to advanced. Her teaching philosophy is based on longevity, injury prevention, and the belief that pole is for every BODY.

    Cleriese is passionate about cross-training and reflects this to her students. Through regular weight-lifting, flexibility, and mobility training, she recognizes that we can unlock new possibilities for ourselves in pole dance, while reducing our risk of injury. Cleriese is a lifelong learner and is currently studying Exercise Science at the University of New Mexico. 

    Cleriese’s journey of pole dancing has been incredibly transformative and has helped her embrace her own sensuality as well as develop body awareness, confidence, and self-trust. Her passion in teaching is driven by the insight of how impactful pole dancing can be, and she’s excited to be a part of the New Mexico Pole Arts community.

D.

  • D.Anaya Madame Adventure is the visionary producer, artistic director, and instructor behind The Pleasure Temple in Santa Fe, NM. Established in 2021, The Pleasure Temple is a sacred space for embodied movement, sensual expression, and radical self-discovery. Through dynamic workshops and transformative twerk classes, Madame Adventure guides participants in reconnecting with their bodies, pleasure, and power. With a deep passion for movement as ritual, she curates experiences that honor the divine, the erotic, and the ancestral, fostering a community of liberation and joy.

    In addition, D.  is a rootworker, author, and multidimensional creator whose work lives at the crossroads of grief, pleasure, and magic. She is the visionary behind Adventures of Grief Girl, Grief Girl Manor Podcast, Grief After Dark Podcast, and The Pleasure Temple Podcast, as well as the eight-book fantasy saga The Black Moon Legacy. Blending art, ritual, and storytelling, she transforms sorrow into ceremony and desire into devotion. Her projects invite others to reclaim the body as altar, emotion as teacher, and imagination as sacred ground. Through her work, D. Anaya builds portals of remembrance and rebirth—spaces where the healing is holy, the joy is radical, and every creation is a spell of becoming.

Dee

  • Hi hotties! I’m Dee (she/her), also known as Thick Fit Dee, and I’m so excited to be your instructor. My teaching style, whether in pole or dance, centers around building confidence and developing your skills at any stage of life, regardless of size, age, gender, or experience level. I believe movement is for every body, and I love challenging the molds and breaking the barriers society tries to place on us. I am here to uplift, encourage, and grow with you while helping you build strength, confidence, and your own unique voice in this art form.

    I bring over 20 years of dance experience across a variety of styles including contemporary, hip hop (twerk), lyrical, barre, and jazz. Dance has always been a huge part of my life. From being apart of dance studios to being a dance captain in high school leading a team of over 40 dancers, my passion for teaching is as strong as a cold glass of sweet tea on a hot Texas summer day!  I truly believe moving your body is one of the most powerful ways to release stress, process life, and reconnect with yourself.

    My journey as a pole dancer and aerialist began in 2015 in Hawaii, where I started training in pole, silks, and lyra, and I have been hooked ever since. From placing first in competitions to performing in numerous stage productions and showcases, pole has become one of my most powerful forms of creative expression.

    Over the past decade, I have had the opportunity to train around the world, including in Germany, Kansas, Georgia, and beyond. Along the way I have learned that growth in this craft is limitless but not always linear. I have been the student who had to start over because of life changes, studio closures, and even the challenges of COVID. Through it all, my passion never faded and if you stick with me through your journey never will yours.

Gumi

  • Hi! I’m Gumi (goo-meee) (she/her)! I started practicing pole in 2008; my inspiration came from a youtube video of Felix Cane’s Miss Pole Dance Australia 2006 performance. I immediately fell in absolute love and awe with pole dancing. I was self taught in my initial pole dance journey- “training” through dancing in clubs for a total of 7 to 8 years in Atlanta, GA, North New Jersey, and in Colorado. I attended my first pole studio in the fall of 2016 at Vertical Fusion Fort Collins, CO. My progress dramatically improved in such a short span of time which pushed my love for pole dancing to expand even more. Through this experience I was able to comprehend the amount of great influence a studio can have for a pole dance artist. Driven by full throttle inspiration and study, I became an instructor at Studio AIR in Montclair, NJ in January 2019.

    Pole dancing to me is an art of total unique expression and vulnerability. My instruction style has been said to be that of a spunky, energetic, athletic/gym feel – my classes encourage sweating and getting the heart rate up. I truly enjoy the strength training and conditioning aspects of pole and building the strength within (and out!) I am tremendously honored and excited to be a part of the Santa Fe Pole Arts team. You are welcome to just be you. As you are. As your messy chaotic self. As your shy sweet self. In your weirdness & in your muchness. We love your muchness. See you soon!

Klara

  • Klara (she/her) was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, raised both here and in Nordrhein Westphalia, Germany. She began dancing in 2017 working on floor based sensual movement through which she discovered pole in 2019. After having pursued various other movement avenues including kettlebell, barre, HIIT circuit training, and mat based pilates, she found that all of those paths led to her goal of being stronger and better equipped to dance more freely and safely. Pole combines all of the things she loved into one liberating and joy filled practice.

    Klara is passionate about cross training, using weight lifting and mobility training to further explore her abilities relating to dance and pole. Having studied under teachers such as Alisa Saric, Jordan Kensley, Marlo Fisken, and Carmine Black, she found that the type of pole dance she most ardently relates to is low flow base work. Searching for fluidity and the peace and freedom we find when we reach flow state is her ultimate goal, a goal which is ever evolving and never not exciting. Exploring aerial movement is a blossoming interest, but her love for the fundamentals of movement and how you can combine simple pathways into complex and beautiful flow remains where her heart lies.

    She feels a deep responsibility to her body to keep it safe and healthy and is overjoyed to be able to share the lessons she has learned through her own experience, as well as all those who have guided her along the way. Forever studying the body and how our mind combines with our physical abilities to dictate what we believe we are capable of, Klara is dedicated to pushing those boundaries and exploring how positive self affirmation along with corporeal training can lead us to unlock skills and movement patterns we may never have thought possible. 

     In her free time Klara enjoys long naps, hiking, traveling the world to the most far flung and deserted beaches she can find, and dancing and giggling the nights away with her beloved friends and family. She is also a passionate home cook who adores self care and feeding the people she loves. 

Dre

  • Dre (she/her) is a multidisciplinary performer specializing in contortion and aerial acrobatics. She began her contortion training in Denver, CO, at Aerial Cirque Over Denver under the direction of Cris Clark (ENC graduate), and trained extensively with Svetlana Littrell, a former member of the Siberian rhythmic gymnastics team. 

    She continued her education through the pre-professional training program at the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts in Seattle, WA, and was selected to participate in an intensive summer program at École Nationale de Cirque (ENC) in Montréal, QC, Canada in 2011. Since then, she has performed with multiple troupes across the Southwest and now enjoys sharing her experience through teaching.

    Dre brings a supportive, mindful approach to coaching, with a focus on sustainable flexibility, strength, and active control. She is passionate about helping students feel more connected to their bodies while safely building range of motion, resilience, and confidence through movement.

Irlanda

  • Irlanda (she/her) is a dancer, performer, and movement practitioner with more than two decades of experience in the art of dance. She began her training in ballet at the University of Texas at El Paso and later entered the world of pole dance in 2015 at SWPA. Since then, she has competed both nationally and internationally, earning several medals for her performances.

    Irlanda is a full-time professional erotic dancer. She has performed and taught at PoleCon and is the creator and co-founder of Black Widow Pole Arts. Her work approaches dance not only as a physical discipline but also as a spiritual practice.

    Influenced by her studies in Tibetan Buddhism, Irlanda views movement as a form of meditation and a pathway to deeper connection with the energies of the universe. She also studies the esoteric and cultural significance of the cannabis plant, integrating these philosophical perspectives into her broader understanding of movement, consciousness, and embodiment.

Naja

  • Bio coming soon.

Sarah Tonin

  • Hello hello hellooooo, I’m Sarah Tonin (ST) (she/her)! 

    I am an active performing pole aerialist, live performance dancer, and stunt worker, working with top professionals and leading performers. During prime season, you’ll find me with an overpacked bag of items for set I’m working on that week, or for the studio (or some snackies). I have nearly half a decade of pole dance experience. Prior to pole, I accumulated 17 years’ experience as a live performance dancer and studied dance in college. I am XPERT certified have trained with La Bruja Negra, Phoenix Kazree, Jordan Kemsley, Carmine Black, Chloe Uchida, and now Macie.

    My pole focus is heavily based on creating trippy, trance-like movement by manipulating the space, and using a blended mixture of Old School, Strip Plastic, Low-flow, and Edgework/Jellyfishing. I also have a strong background in presence physics due to prior dance, film work, and live sets. I am inspired by dancers like Azra, Shimmy Gratchet, Anna Floats, La Bruja Negra, Jenni Liquid, Ms. Lizard, and Carmine Black.

    I hope to utilize my experience to help students feel comfortable in their skin and love themselves first to reach their beautiful potential. I have the firm belief that pole dancing is not body type or skill set specific; ANYONE can pole dance. My biggest flex is helping others discover, or sometimes re-discover, their prowess and unique potential with themselves through the art of pole. 

    I hope your journey in your discovery of pole and its empowering qualities give you a dose of some happy feel good serotonin like it has given me all these years. My passion lies in proving that you can create these amazing, unique, trippy, one of a kind performances through great teaching and technique and loving the journey. THE. BODY. TYPE. DOESN’T. MATTER. The best thing I’ve discovered about pole is every body type has an asset to pole dance but the best feeling I have discovered is shedding a tear when I get to watch a student blossom because they found self love and confidence in their body.If I can give the BIGGEST advice possible, take the class. Trust me (; 

Shayna

  • My name is Shayna (she/her). I took my first pole class in 2019, driven by a desire to step out of my comfort zone and create a deeper connection with my body. I quickly realized that pole dancing bestowed a freedom through its movement by promoting individual expression and was excited by all the possibilities it offered. It didn't take long before this art form became an intrinsic part of my life.

    As a Pole Foundations instructor, I aim to cultivate an environment where students can unlock their own potential and hope to inspire the same excitement that I experienced at the beginning of my pole journey. I believe that immense enjoyment and personal growth can be found in the exploration of this art form, and I'm excited to share that joy within my community.

Val

  • Hi, I’m Val (She/Her). For the past 8 years, my pole fitness journey has been a story of resilience, passion, and purpose. As a single mother, I’ve learned to balance life’s challenges while staying committed to my growth—both physically and mentally. There were days when it felt impossible, but through hard work, determination, and consistency, I showed up for myself again and again.

    Pole fitness became more than just a workout for me—it became my outlet, my strength, and my confidence. It taught me discipline, self-love, and the power of perseverance. Every climb, spin, and fall was a lesson that shaped who I am today.

    Now, my passion goes beyond my own journey. I’m dedicated to teaching and inspiring others to discover their strength, embrace their uniqueness, and push past their limits. I want others to know that no matter where you start or what obstacles you face, you are capable of incredible things.

    This is more than fitness—it’s empowerment, it’s growth, and it’s a community. And I’m proud to be part of it.

Victoria

  • Hey fam, I'm Victoria (she/her), and I cannot wait to welcome you into this incredible community that embodies patience and resilience through movement!

    My pole journey began in 2020 at RISE Barre where I instantly became obsessed with this sport and craft. An extensive background in ballet as significantly contributed to my training but undeniably came with destructive baggage. Pole has been a rebirth and homecoming for my mind, body, and spirt. I have trained in cities throughout the country and most recently taught pole in Taos.

    I love how pole combines strength and flexibility with so much room for creativity and self-expression. I firmly believe that anyone can benefit from pole dancing to develop confidence, trust, and sexuality. I look forward to helping my students discover new relationships with themselves through this unique art form!

West

  • Hey there, I'm West (they/them) – your friendly local transmasc nonbinary pole enthusiast! You might've seen me perform as the transmasculine thembo sensation, They Von Gay, in the dazzling productions of Santa Fe’s all-queer burlesque troupe, Quiver & Tempt Society. Or you may have seen me pole dance at Cirque du So Gay’s D.J. dance parties, where I also taught private pole lessons after the pandemic shut down Santa Fe’s only pole studio at the time, Rise Barre.

    I took my first pole class at Rise Barre just two weeks after starting hormone replacement therapy in May 2019. I immediately fell in love and ordered my home pole that night! Pole quickly became my go-to for loving and connecting with my ever-changing body.

    I am so excited to share my love of pole dancing with you and support you on your unique movement journey. Most importantly, I want to remind students that being good or bad at pole dancing says exactly nothing about your worth. Let's ditch the judgment and focus on helping you enjoy the experience of existing in a body.