Our Team
NOLA Pole instructors are all fitness professionals who have demonstrated an amazing talent for engaging and inspiring their students. Our instructors are not only talented but extremely passionate about their craft and guiding others safely and effectively through a unique and progressive curriculum, designed at NOLA Pole. All of our instructors are friendly, highly skilled, and certified to create the best fitness experience possible. We believe that a sense of community is key and we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for our students.
Jillian (Squeak)
Owner & Founder
(she/her)
Jillian is a former model and beauty blogger who started stripping in college to pay the bills. She was entirely self-taught in the clubs for several years before hitting a plateau with her skills. Frustrated, she reached out to a few studios in the area to help hone her technique and learn more about proper fitness before finding her home with Awakenings Studio in Philadelphia.
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At Awakenings she developed the skills and dance knowledge to go on to compete in several pole and aerial dance competitions. She took 1st place in the Nationally recognized Delilah’s Diamond G Entertainer competition in 2013 and again in 2015. She has been a guest judge for the Northeast Queen of the Pole competition in 2014 and was a featured guest performer for the 2015 Queen of the Pole competition. As well as multiple times judging Melee on the Bayou, Aerial Star, and The Pole Circus. Jill has trained and choreographed over a dozen 1st place-winning entertainers and competitors in various pole and aerial competitions and beauty pageants. She has performed aerials and pole for countless nightclubs, conventions, and events.
In late 2011 she began developing the aerial program at the Awakenings Manayunk location bringing aerial hoops, hammocks, and silks to the pole fitness studio. Jill is ACE certified in Group Fitness and studied as a Flexibility Training Specialist through ACE, has a pole certification through Discoveries Dance, and is Aerial Hoop certified with Spin City. She has also studied rigging extensively having taken a number of workshops with Fight or Flight, Entertainment, and Sapsis Rigging.
In 2017 she opened her first studio in New Orleans, naming it NOLApole and Aerials to show dedication to the amazing city and the people in it.
Kayla (Dallas)
Senior Studio Manager
(she/her)
Kayla (we call her Dallas) is our studio manager. Originally hailing from just over the Mississippi line, she has called New Orleans home for over 12 years. She began her pole journey in the stripclubs on Bourbon Street, finding her passion for helping others learn and establishing herself within the pole community.
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She has been training aerials for several years with both local coaches and circus schools across the country where she found a love for silks and hammocks. She took first place in the Aerialympics in 2019 and took second place in the Platinum Pole Awards the very same year.
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Her uniquely sensual movement and stunning flexibility have made her one of the most captivating pole and aerial dancers in the city. And we are proud to have her on our team!
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Lauren (Avocado)
Studio Manager
(she/her)
Meet Lauren (Avocado), a dedicated pole enthusiast and instructor who embarked on her pole journey as a self-birthday gift in 2015, hailing from Lafayette, LA. Since settling in Nola in 2017, she has nurtured her passion at NOLApole Studio, now serving as an instructor and manager.
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Certified in teaching levels 1-4 pole classes, Lauren has a special affinity for spin flow. With a welcoming spirit, she firmly believes that everyone is invited to share the joy of pole fitness. Lauren motivates her students to strive for their best selves within and beyond the studio.
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When not gracefully flowing on the pole, you might find Lauren training and performing with her partner (Avocado & Eggs), exploring her new passion for aerial hammocks, or immersed in a good book at home with her two furry companions. Join her in embracing fitness, self-discovery, and community at NOLApole studio.
Michael Quintana
Pole Instructor
(they/she/he)
Michael is a long-time resident of New Orleans and originally hails from the west coast. They are a graduate of the Newcomb Dance Company at Tulane University and have danced professionally on four continents. Michael started poling in 2007 and teaching in 2009. It has been a long and lovely ride and there's still a ways yet to go.
They are a PSO southwest regional champion (2018) and intend to return to competition after completing a DPT in 2026. They teach all levels of pole as well as flexibility and yoga. Ever had a pole party with them? (It's great! Check the reviews) They've been a proud member of the NOLApole Krewe for many years and are eager to welcome you into the fun and challenging world of aerial and pole fitness
Ashley
Pole Instructor
(she/her)
Ashley initially joined NOLApole Studio as a fitness student seeking a new and engaging workout experience. Her exploration led her to NOLApole, where she discovered a passion for Pole fitness. Having performed at Pole Con and various local venues, Ashley transitioned from student to instructor after a year. While she teaches Freestyle Flow and Beginner Exotic, her favorite class remains Level 1, where she assists students in building strength and achieving their fitness goals.
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Beyond the studio, Ashley enjoys raising her son, pets, and chickens, embracing both indoor and outdoor activities, and cherishing moments of personal time. She strives to inspire and support each student's journey inside and outside the studio.
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Elle
Pole Instructor
(she/her)
Elle Hamilton is a somatic nerd who loves exploring how sensuality and embodiment impact movement. Sure, she's competed in stuff but none of that matters as much as how Pole has healed her. Walking into a pole studio in 2011 was the first time she felt strong and empowered. Pole became a tool of reclamation that changed her whole life.
In her classes, she aims to foster a safe space for everyone to find their journey of self-love and empowerment. When she's not at the studio, you'll find her chasing her two small children around in a frenzy... or watching Bravo in sweats. You might also catch her pole dancing through the streets of her hometown as a member of the Aerial Space Squad.
Amy
Aerial Instructor
(she/her)
Introducing Amy, originally hailing from the Garden State but has found her true home in the vibrant city of New Orleans for the past eight years. It was in this enchanting city that Amy's journey into the mesmerizing world of aerial arts began.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to explore the full spectrum of aerial possibilities, Amy delved into training on multiple apparatus. From lyra, hammock, rope, and chains she eagerly embraced each challenge, discovering her unique strengths and preferences along the way. Working in harmony with fellow aerialists, Amy found joy and fulfillment in the choreography and dynamic movements that come with double work. Ultimately, it was the trapeze that stole Amy's heart and became her preferred apparatus.
Amy is a firm believer in the transformative power of aerial and has started coaching others in this art form. Her personal experience with aerial has been nothing short of life-changing, and she wants to share that same sense of empowerment with her students.
Favorite quote: I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring. - David Bowie
Kyle (Styxx)
Pole Instructor
(he/him/his)
Styxx started his pole journey by not always being “Styxx”. First, Kyle started as a pole party guest. Kyle also wanted to get into something that no one would take away from him and got hooked and started taking classes. After months of learning pole, he took on the name Sticks (because you know, he was nothing but sticks and bones *finger point*). But thank god for a spelling error and the best misunderstanding of his name…..Styxx was born.
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Styxx's "I think I can do this” attitude, quickly learned pole from amazing instructors, and self-taught tricks and combos. Then he became an instructor and started teaching parties. Full circle right? Throughout years of teaching and the gifts of improvising and connecting to people around him, he feels that he can teach pole to anyone. From the “life special needs” to the “I don’t got no rhythm and two left feet” Styxx's got you. He’s that loud proud mama cheering you on to be the best extra dancer you can be. So strap that wig on tight and enjoy the Styxx experience.
Bella Blue
Pole Instructor
(she/her)
New Orleans born and raised mover, shaker, stripper, artist, and pleasure seeker. Since 2007, Belle Blue began to explore beyond the bounds her formal dance training to expand into forms of movement that were more sensual. While the majority of her career has been as a burlesque performer, she is also an accomplished pole dancer and movement coach. She’s had the honor of representing New Orleans by headlining festivals and events all over the US and Europe.
She has solidified her standing as one of the leading producers and educators within the burlesque industry. Everyone’s most loved (and sometimes hated) Unicorn Stripper Momme, Bella prides herself on a scientific approach to coaching pole based in body awareness, connective tissue and muscle engagement, functional range of motion, and active flexibility. She loves coaching new students and newer dancers to the industry but generally loves all aspects of pole and sharing it with everyone who is interested!
Alexa
Aerial Instructor
(she/her)
Alexa (Lex) was born in LA but has called New Orleans home since 2008. She has been doing pole on and off since 2013 and aerial hoop since NOLApole opened in 2017. Pole and hoop are her favorite apparatus, but she has also dabbled in hammocks, chains, and straps.
Alexa is one of the captains of Aerial Space Squad (aka the Krewe of ASS) which is a cosplaying aerialist Krewe that rolls on a mobile pole in many parades and performs for comic conventions throughout the year.
She is passionate about pole and aerials as it is welcoming to many of those with different support needs. As someone who struggles with EDS and POTS, it was always difficult to find an expressive and safe outlet that focused on what someone could do versus what they couldn't, that is, until she found NOLApole. Alexa now hopes to bring that same support to others who may be struggling to find a place to call home that is welcoming to all body types, sexual orientations, and/or disabilities.
Alyssa (Aly) Bally
Aerial Instructor
(she/her)
Alyssa (Aly) Bally comes from El Paso, TX. Her aerials journey started right here at NOLApole, since the studio opened. She originally came for pole, but was instantly obsessed with lyra. She has spent the majority of her life as a dancer and entertainer in various aspects including stripping and sideshow performance. In class, you'll often hear her say, "You're not wrong, you're just different." Her philosophy for aerials is "everything is a thing." Aly likes to encourage individual movement styles. She also loves conditioning. (Or so she says).
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Outside of the studio, she keeps herself busy with all sorts of unimportant nonsense. Her other passion is doing hair at Stardust Salon. Along with that, she does wig making, builds headdresses, crochets, and makes resin art. You can sometimes even find her on the archery range.
Brandi
Pole Instructor
(she/her)
Brandi’s love affair with Pole began in Dallas, TX circa 2010. Looking for a fun experience with friends, she entered her first pole competition in 2011. Hooked on the challenge and supportive pole community, she became an elite-level international competitor claiming several titles including:
2017 Arnold Sports Festival PCS bronze medal
2019 POSA World Pole Championships Finalist
2020 US Pole Sports Federation National Champion
Brandi is always happy to chat with NOLApole students about the pole competition scene and offer her support for those interested in giving it a try. She’s passionate about strength-based and dynamic tricks as well as executing all pole movements as efficiently as possible to gain the most out of your current level of strength and endurance.
You can also catch Brandi playing around on the Aerial Space Squad’s rolling pole during local NOLA parades.
Lauren Mears
Aerial Instructor
(she/her)
Lauren's dance journey commenced at the tender age of five, and she seamlessly transitioned into the world of aerial arts when NOLApole unfolded its doors in New Orleans in 2017. Her prowess shines particularly on the aerial hoop, hammock, and aerial chains, with a specialization in captivating duo acts.
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Beyond her aerial artistry, Lauren is a dedicated physician assistant and healthcare provider, navigating the delicate equilibrium of a demanding 40-hour work week alongside rigorous aerial training and classes. Undoubtedly, the sparkle of rhinestones serves as a fitting reminder that passion requires dedication, and Lauren effortlessly embodies the commitment to both her professional and aerial pursuits.
Bre'lyn (Lyn)
Pole Instructor
(she/her)
Lyn's journey into aerial arts commenced with split aerial silks at Indulge Fitness when she was 17. Within months, a newfound passion for pole emerged, leading her to become a certified pole and aerial instructor swiftly. This ardor blossomed further upon joining the vibrant community at NOLApole in New Orleans.
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Armed with skill and a profound love for education, Lyn is committed to elevating her students and guiding them to craft their artistic expressions. In her eyes, pole artistry transcends mere skill; it is a canvas for personal expression. As a NOLApole instructor, Lyn empowers her students with the essential tools to discover and showcase their unique forms of expression, embodying the philosophy that it's not just about what you do but how you do it.
Tricia Ayllon
Pole Instructor
(she/her)
Tricia Ayllon is a performer, producer, and pole dancing instructor. Here at NOLApole, she specializes in teaching exotic pole choreography. Tricia originally hails from the San Francisco Bay Area. She started training in ballet when she was 3 and began circus classes at the age of 16 at San Francisco Circus Center. Upon graduating high school, she became a professional dancer, performing with the Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet Company as well as with multiple venues in Los Angeles and throughout the country.
In 2011, she started pole dancing (mostly self taught) and began incorporating her pole, aerial, and dance training into her performances. She loves teaching, and watching her students grow and fall in love with pole dancing as much as she has.
Arionne (Arie)
Pole Instructor
(she/her)
Arionne is a free-spirit New Orleans native. By trade, Arionne works in education. Arionne is a proud graduate of Warren Easton High, NOCCA, and William Carey University. Since Arionne could remember, she has always been attracted to the arts. She has been a classically trained dancer since the age of 8. Through NOCCA, she has been trained by various dance companies like Alvin Ailey, Complexions, and Paul Taylor. Later in Arionne’s dance career, she decided to explore vertical gymnastics, in which she became a student at NOLApole Studio.
Arionne later became an instructor at NOLApole. NOLApole has the best pole instructors in the state and is the perfect place in which Arionne was able to get her foundations of pole dancing, in which she currently continues to grow. To further explore and improve her skills in pole, Arionne has taken workshops from various artists like Phoenix, Bentley Rebel, Roz the Diva, Shay Williamson, Jeni Janois, and Pole 2 Pole fitness studios in Harlem NY. Arionne feels that merging her classical style dance with pole has stretched her creatively. She looks forward to leaning into whatever direction her love for the pole takes her.
