A true aerialist, Emily Lester of Pole Fitness Seattle flies around the pole – and around the world whenever she gets a chance. Read her story here!

How did you get started pole dancing?

I have a background in ballet and dance. After the birth of my son, I craved something that would stimulate my mind and challenge my body. Then I found it in the most unlikely of places, in pole dancing. It was unlike anything else I had ever done. I started taking classes at a studio in Seattle then, while I was on layovers, I’d drop in at studios all over the country. And like most of us pole addicts I watched YouTube and discovered StudioVeena.

I took my first pole movement workshop with Jenyne Butterfly and later on with Pantera. Both women are inspirations on a grand scale to me since they contributed so much in the development of my early pole journey. Pole dance allowed me to celebrate my curves, shape my body, and connect with other women.

How did you make the leap to opening your own studio and offering pole dancing classes? What was that like?

I knew that there was more I needed to do with pole than just take classes and focus on my own practice. Pole made me feel so empowered, I wanted to share that experience with others and teaching just seemed like the next step and a natural progression.

How did it feel? … Scary as hell, yet so exciting at the same time. Sometimes I felt like I wasn’t going to be taken seriously or would just plain crash and burn. I started small and am still building. I started out contracting with a dance studio that was supportive of pole dance as a whole and allowed me to have pure creative control. Now Pole Fitness Seattle is teaching in two different locations in the Puget Sound. I also have a heavy client base that own their own pole and choose to have privates in home. That particular market is growing rapidly.

What is the first thing you teach students just starting to take pole dancing classes?

I like to start with the basics and foundation of pole dance. I go over safety I talk about using the pole as an apparatus of dance expression. Then I teach different ways to walk around the pole and transitioning into the fireman spin and the basic pirouette.

How do you take care of yourself, given all the pole dancing classes you teach?

Balance! Balance! Balance! … I am still learning how to manage everything, but I try to live by making time for the things in my life that I consider to be the most important. Once in awhile I have to reevaluate those things. I try to make time to just relax, breathe, and live in the present. I make time for my own pole practice and remember why I decided to teach and turn it into a business, because it is a passion and something that does empower me. I surround myself with my family and people that support my mission and what I believe in.

Favorite makeup tip:

Enhance your best feature whether it be your eyes or skin … focus on what you have!

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Barefoot most days. I love the feeling of my skin on the cold floor, awaking my senses … but when I am feeling sassy, you better believe those heels are getting some mileage.

Favorite grip enhancer:

The Eco Ball overall. I’ve also discovered Dry Hands recently and am really loving it. I will start selling it at the studio coming this fall. I have this love-hate relationship with grip enhancers, but after seeing how much they can boost a student’s confidence, especially those with “Sweaty Palm Syndrome,” am starting to appreciate them more.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

Hands down … the knee hold. I was giddy for weeks. I worked my butt off for that trick. It was a hard one for me and I tried several different suggestions and ways to get into it, but finally it just happened.

Pole dance pet peeves:

Pointed toes … monkey feet on the pole ruin it for me.

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

Is there a treatment? … A glass of red wine and a day by the pool with the girls.

Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?

My husband, B. He has been the most supportive through my whole pole journey/obsession and continues to get excited right along with me when I nail a new move or have a new marketing idea. That man is my rock.

Who is your hero or role model?

Fawnia … She started it all and has remained so authentic. I admire her beyond words. My mom, too. That woman has taught me to be resourceful and, in this business or any small business, that is starting out, that quality is a must.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

“You are gorgeous, honey” … or “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Favorite pizza toppings:

The Green Machine – pesto, spinach, basil, mushroom, green peppers, and mozzarella.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

How about cupcakes filled with ice cream?

What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?

Traveling … cliche since I’m also a flight attendant, but that is my other passion. I believe that seeing as much of the world as you can helps you appreciate what you have and expand your overall view of life. Plus, who doesn’t love riding elephants in Thailand and sipping wine in Paris?

Anything else you’d like to share:

Let’s all take over the world, one pole at a time!

If you want to take pole dance classes with Emily, visit Pole Fitness Seattle or email her. You’ll fall in love with pole!