Get to know
Our Instructors
Meet the team
Kirsty
Lian
Magda Cieleckaa
Flossie Jennings
Eben Watford
Claudia Cucker
Emily Dodd
Poppy
Rawls
Sandy Whitby
Chelsea James
Kirsty Lian
Kirsty is an accomplished pole fitness instructor with over a decade of experience, having started her inspiring journey in 2013. Her passion for pole dancing radiates through her innovative and energetic teaching style, making each class an exhilarating experience for her students. Kirsty’s commitment to the art and athleticism of pole dancing is reflected in her ability to empower students and nurture their growth. With a strong foundation in gymnastics and dance, Kirsty skilfully combines elements of strength, flexibility, and elegance in her teaching. She specialises in diverse pole disciplines, ranging from dynamic power moves to graceful flows and sensual heels choreography. Her dedication to creating a safe, encouraging, and inclusive environment ensures that students of all backgrounds and levels can thrive and achieve their goals.
As a PDC-approved 3-star instructor, Kirsty upholds the highest standards of professionalism and teaching excellence by adhering to the Pole Dance Community Code of Conduct. Her impressive qualifications underscore her expertise and dedication to her craft:
- Advanced Level Pole Dance Fitness Instructor
- Stretch & Flexibility Instructor for Pole & Aerial
- XPERT Pole & Aerial Children’s Fitness Instructor
- XPERT Aerial Hoop Fitness Instructor
- XPERT Pre & Post Natal Pole & Aerial Instructor
- XPERT Pole Heels Instructor
- Certified in Sports First Aid
Join Kirsty at Phoenix Pole Studios to embark on a rewarding journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and joy. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or embrace the artistry of pole fitness, Kirsty’s classes oƯer a transformative experience tailored to your aspirations.
Magda Cielecka
Magda's pole fitness journey began in 2012, and she's been captivated by the art ever since. What started as a fun activity with a friend quickly blossomed into a lifelong passion. For Magda, pole is more than just a workout—it’s an empowering practice that strengthens the body and provides an incredible mental boost, leaving her feeling inspired and energized after every session.
Over the years, Magda has shared her love for pole by teaching at a variety of studios across Surrey and Sussex. Her dedication led her to open her very own studio in Horsham, where she cultivated a welcoming and supportive community. Despite having no prior experience in dance or gymnastics, Magda is living proof that anyone can begin their pole journey and thrive. Her story is a testament to determination and the boundless possibilities that pole fitness offers.
In 2018, Magda took her passion to the next level by competing in three national pole championships, showcasing her talent and commitment to the sport. Her classes are thoughtfully designed to blend athleticism and flow with a touch of flexibility training, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling experience for her students.
Whether you're a beginner looking to start your pole adventure or an experienced poler seeking to refine your skills, Magda's expertise and enthusiasm will inspire you to embrace the joy and empowerment of pole fitness. Join her classes and discover what makes this art form so transformative and addictive!
Flossie Jennings
With a background in dance and an unyielding passion for pole fitness, I bring boundless energy and creativity to every class I teach. My pole journey began in May 2022, and it quickly became a central part of my life, combining artistry, athleticism, and self-expression. Since then, I've achieved advanced-level teaching qualifications through X-Pole, allowing me to share my love for dynamic pole styles, whether it's the adrenaline of high-energy flips or the allure of sultry heels and flowing choreography.
Outside of the studio, I'm all about balance—literally and figuratively! You'll often find me building strength at the gym or soaking in the beauty of nature with my beloved black Labrador, Pepper, who keeps me grounded and energized. My day job? I'm the proud owner of a thriving dog-walking business, which I launched in January 2020. It's more than a career—it's my absolute passion. Spending my days outdoors with furry companions is truly a dream come true. You could say my life is a tale of "wellies by day, heels by night!"
My mission as an instructor is to help students discover their own strength, confidence, and unique style. Whether you're brand new to pole dancing or an experienced poler looking to refine your flow, my classes oƯer a welcoming environment where skillbuilding meets fun and empowerment. Together, we'll elevate your pole journey and celebrate every milestone along the way.
Eben Watford
Eben, affectionately known as Ebz, embarked on her pole fitness journey at the age of 30 as a fun bucket list challenge. What started as a playful experience quickly turned into a full-blown passion, and she fell head over heels in love with the sport. For Ebz, pole fitness is more than just exercise—it's a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and joy.
Ebz is a vibrant and dedicated pole dancer who believes pole fitness is for everyone, regardless of age, background, or experience. Her infectious love for the playful side of pole is evident in her teaching, where she focuses on crafting cute shapes and mastering fun tricks. With her warm and bubbly personality, she has an incredible ability to make everyone feel at ease. Her classes are designed to be a supportive and encouraging space where students can explore their potential and enjoy every moment of their journey.
Beyond the studio, Ebz's passion for teaching extends into her professional life, where she thrives on helping others start their journeys and celebrating their growth and progression. Whether it's tackling challenges or achieving milestones—complete with all the ups and downs (both figurative and literal)—teaching pole has become her dream realised.
Ebz’s classes are perfect for anyone, from beginners to seasoned pole dancers. She focuses on helping her students develop strength, refine their skills, and boost their confidence—all while ensuring that learning is fun and fulfilling. Join Ebz’s classes to discover the playful and empowering world of pole fitness and experience the joy of movement with her expert guidance!
Claudia Cucker
Prepare to be captivated by Claudia, our resident sensual and seductive goddess, who brings a unique blend of power and fluidity to the studio. With a deep passion for all things ‘ooey-gooey’ – think sultry floorwork, seamless transitions, and the art of expressing oneself through movement – Claudia excels in creating an atmosphere where sensuality and empowerment intertwine.
But don’t be fooled by her graceful flow; Claudia is also a formidable tricks babe, showcasing a raw strength and technical prowess that will inspire and challenge you. Her versatility allows her to seamlessly transition from delicate choreography to powerful pole feats, making her a well-rounded and dynamic instructor.
Beyond the studio, Claudia is a creative force and entrepreneur. She co-owns Cloudy & Belle, a bespoke bikini and pole wear brand, crafting exquisite handmade ‘itsy bitsy kini’s’ that are not just garments, but tools for self-expression. These pieces are a must-have for any poler’s wardrobe, particularly for those who revel in the art of slinky heels choreographies, allowing for unrestricted movement and a touch of glamour.
As a valued cover teacher for our weekly classes, Claudia brings her expertise and infectious energy to every session. She also oƯers specialized workshops that delve into the art of heels flow, striptease, lap dance, and all things slinky, providing a safe and empowering space to explore your sensuality and build confidence.
For those seeking a more personalized approach, private lessons with Claudia are available upon request. These sessions are tailored to your individual needs and goals, allowing you to refine your technique, explore new styles, and unleash your inner goddess. With Claudia’s guidance, you’ll discover the power of movement and the beauty of self-expression.
Emily Dodd
Emily is a highly acclaimed instructor and competitor, celebrated across the UK for her mesmerizing flows and emotionally charged performances that consistently leave audiences in awe. Her dedication to the art of pole and aerial has earned her an impeccable reputation and a host of competitive titles that showcase her extraordinary talent and commitment.
Since beginning her teaching journey in 2019, Emily has continued to expand her expertise, becoming fully Xpert-qualified from Beginners to Advanced Pole and Aerial Hoop. Her impressive credentials also include qualifications in Heels Technique, Stretch and Flex, Conditioning, and being a fully certified Personal Trainer. Always eager to evolve and share her knowledge, Emily introduced Pole Strap to her repertoire in 2022, further demonstrating her versatility and passion for the discipline.
Emily’s classes are a perfect balance of professionalism, energy, and fun. Her unmatched knowledge and infectious enthusiasm create a dynamic learning environment where students can thrive and feel truly fabulous. Whether you’re stepping into her class as a beginner or refining your skills as an experienced poler, Emily is dedicated to helping every student unlock their potential and embrace the empowering world of pole fitness.
Poppy Rawls
Poppy is a passionate pole dancer who discovered her love for the sport just under three years ago. From the moment she stepped onto the pole, she fell in love with the artistry of spinning pole, embracing her inner ballerina to create a stunning blend of strength and grace. For Poppy, pole dancing is far more than a physical activity—it’s a powerful avenue for self-expression and empowerment. Watching her own abilities grow and transform over time has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her journey.
Poppy is deeply committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where everyone can feel comfortable and confident, no matter where they are in their fitness or dance journey. Having started with no prior experience and a limited background in health and fitness, she knows firsthand that it’s never too late—or too early—to begin your pole fitness adventure. Her approachable teaching style emphasizes building strength, increasing flexibility, and expressing individuality through dance—all while having fun and celebrating your unique style.
Understanding the value of an inclusive and encouraging atmosphere, Poppy is dedicated to helping students of all levels discover their potential and build confidence. Her classes are thoughtfully designed to cultivate strength, flexibility, and grace, all while prioritizing fun and self-expression. Join Poppy’s classes to explore the transformative joy of pole fitness and unlock your inner strength.
Sandy Whitby
Sandy is a highly experienced and passionate pole instructor with over six years of expertise in the art of pole fitness. Her enthusiasm for pole dancing is truly infectious, and she takes immense pride in empowering her students to achieve their personal best. As a mature poler, Sandy is a living testament to the idea that age is merely a number, proving that pole fitness is a journey for everyone, regardless of age or background.
With her extensive certification and in-depth knowledge of a wide range of pole techniques, Sandy is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all her students. Her classes are designed to help individuals of all skill levels build strength, enhance flexibility, and boost their confidence. Whether you're a beginner taking your first spin or an advanced poler perfecting your craft, Sandy's supportive teaching style ensures that everyone feels encouraged and inspired.
Join Sandy's classes to experience the transformative power of pole fitness and discover a community that celebrates growth, resilience, and self-expression. With her guidance, you'll not only master the art of pole but also uncover a newfound sense of empowerment and joy.
Chelsea James
Chelsea embarked on her pole journey in early 2020, just a week before the pandemic changed everything! Determined to keep up her passion, she embraced Zoom classes until she could finally step into a studio and explore the art of pole in person.
With her XPERT 1&2 Pole qualifications, Chelsea brings expertise and enthusiasm to her classes, offering guidance and inspiration to her students.
Outside of pole, Chelsea leads a dynamic career as an advanced paramedic practitioner specialising in urgent and emergency medicine. Since graduating with a BSc in Paramedic Science in 2017, she has continued to excel, achieving her Master's degree in Advanced Practice in 2024.
A proud Harry Potter fan and devoted dog lover 🐶⚡, Chelsea's interests are as magical as her moves. She also enjoys collecting crystals, listening to ghost stories, and diving into the mystical👻🔮.
Her favourite pole style combines low flow and dynamic tricks, blending grace with strength in every routine. Fun fact? Chelsea once skipped a day of university after staying up late to play the midnight release of *Hogwarts Legacy* on PlayStation—a true gamer at heart! 🎮🕹️
Chelsea’s vibrant personality and dedication make her a supportive and inspiring instructor for all pole enthusiasts!
FAQs
What should I wear?
When you do your first few classes you won't necessarily need to be in shorts and a crop top. We would recommend for a beginners class to bring shorts, but any kind of t-shirt and leggings, sweatpants or tracksuit bottoms will be fine. We will be barefoot so please arrive in whatever you feel most comfortable.
Do I need lots of upper body strength?
No upper body strength is required. Everyone will learn at their own pace and we will help you build your strength over time in order to do the moves which will require more strength
Do I need to be really flexible?
No flexibility is required, but if you are flexible it can compliment pole very well. At the end of each class, we stretch out which will help improve your flexibility, and as you become more advanced we will be able to help you progress by showing you stretches to do in your own time.
I am under 18. Am I still allowed to come to class?
If you are under 18 we will need permission from a parent or guardian, either in person or via email. Not all our instructors are insured to teach students younger than 16 years old.
I am a bigger girl. Can I still learn pole?
Of course, you can! Size is not a problem at all and pole is for people of all shapes and sizes. There are many "pole famous" plus-size polers out there who are paving the way for plus size pole community. Pole is for everyone!
Why can't I moisturise before pole class?
We use our skin to grip the poles and moisturiser makes it slippery - the same applies to oils, fake tans and any other lotions. We recommend that you either wash your hands (the most important part of your body when starting to learn pole) before coming to class or simply don't use moisturiser at all that day. We also ask that all rings and jewellery be removed for class to stop the poles from being scratched.
Does pole dancing hurt?
We won't lie about this as we want you to know what to expect. You are likely to ache after your first class as it is very strenuous on the body, but the great feeling of achievement the next day shows you how hard you've worked. As you progress and start to climb the pole you may have some bruising to the skin which will get easier as your body gets used to the pressure of the pole.
