TEAM DIVAS

Abbey started her aerial journey at Aerial Divas Richmond in 2016 and immediately fell in love. Her background includes gymnastics, dance, acrobatics and cheerleading. Abbey was also a gymnastics coach for a number of years and likes to draw on that experience to create fun and challenging workouts.

As an instructor, her goal is to help students fall in love with lyra, just like she did! Outside of the studio, Abbey is a lawyer and dog mum to two american staffies.

Ali first came to Pole Divas in January 2020 and hasn’t been able to keep away since. Having dabbled in dance and gymnastics as a child, Ali struggled to find a form of exercise to commit to as a teenager and adult. Pole ignited a passion for movement and has completely changed Ali’s relationship with her body and its abilities. What started as a once-a-week class quickly turned into her second home. As a teacher, Ali strives to create a space where her students feel welcome and supported to challenge and express themselves, however that looks to them.

• 1st, Intermediate, Australian Amateur Pole Championship (AAPC), 2019
• ‘Sexy Minx’, Pole Addiction Moonee Ponds, 2019
• Virtual Divas “Most Beefy” Best Strength Award 2020
• 1st, Advanced, Pole Addiction Moonee Ponds, 2021

Tiana began her pole journey with Pole Divas in 2016 and immediately fell in love, the shiny poles and pink lights.. she instantly knew she found her happy place and was never leaving! A professional dancer in various genres, Tiana is no stranger to the stage. Tiana has competed and placed in various national and international competitions and performed on stages all around Australia. After joining Divas, It didn’t take long for Tiana to end up on the pole stage competing and she hasn’t looked back since! Working as a school teacher by day, she understands the impact of a great mentor and is extremely passionate about seeing all her students shine as they bring the fierce and confident diva out!

• 1st Runner Up, Advanced Division, Unleashed 2021

Ash started pole at Divas in 2017 and it’s been her ultimate happy place since. The community culture, positive vibes and incredible people have meant Ash can barely go a week without a boogie in the studio! Pole Divas is so much more than just an exercise class to Ash – it’s about self-love, self-compassion and having an outlet for whatever you are feeling that day (when in doubt shimmy it out!). As a qualified physiotherapist, Ash brings a broad range of experience in injury prevention, management and functional movement having worked in acute hospital and rehabilitation settings. Ash also has an interest in delivery of education, coaching & mentoring to create environments which bring out the best in others and help them reach their full potential – is that not Divas in a nutshell?!

• 1st, Elite, Unleashed 2019

Carey is a very passionate pole dancer and has always loved expressing herself through dance. At the age of 15, she began learning choreography and hip hop dancing, and later started her pole dancing journey at Pole Divas in 2017. She believes it to be an incredible outlet for women to be whoever they want to be, all while attaining strength, flexibility, and dance skills. Carey’s super friendly and supportive nature inspires her students to be the best versions of themselves, and she absolutely loves seeing them smash their own personal goals! “It’s all about the little wins!” In the outside world, Carey works as a qualified medical radiation practitioner, and continues to attend choreography dance classes, play the piano, and watch Harry Potter on a weekly basis!

• Sexy Minx, Pole Addiction, 2021
• Advanced Winner, Pole Addiction, 2019
• Unleashed Finalist, 2016, 2017 & 2018
• AAPC Finalist, 2019
• Finalist, Sexy's Back 2018

Sally is one of the original desk divas at Caroline Springs and was a Divas student well before that. Competing in state and interstate competitions, she cannot imagine a life without dancing. Before her life at divas she did competitive hip hop dancing and now she brings her dance and stage experience to the studio for our amazing students. Outside of divas she is a medical scientist and has a giant fur baby named Dre. Her advice as a dancer and instructor is to smile through everything! If a trick is hard or you make a mistake on stage, no one will know if you’re smiling and living your best life.

• Sexy Minx, Prahran Pole Addiction 2019
• Finalist, Doubles, Debut Amateur Pole Competition 2019
• 1st, Doubles, Richmond Aerial Addiction 2018
• Finalist, Intermediate, Unleashed 2018

Sophie started dancing at the age of 4 and studied a variety of styles including ballet, jazz and contemporary. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance) in 2012 and thought of herself as a contemporary dancer - until she discovered pole in 2017 and it took over her life! She started lyra the following year to add to her aerial repertoire. In addition to her contemporary, lyra and pole experience, Sophie is also a registered yoga teacher. She loves helping her students gain alignment and anatomy awareness to get past fear and limiting beliefs, and approaches her teaching from a place of humour and with a goal to make movement fun and accessible to every body.

• 3rd, Amateur, Australian Pole Championships 2021

Bec has been passionate about fitness, dance and performing for most of her life. She started pole dancing as a fun way of increasing her fitness, but it quickly grew into one of her strongest passions. She loves how pole dancing provides a fun way of getting fit while also helping build self-confidence and body positivity. Bec loves to work with students of all abilities, and following her own spinal surgery, is particularly eager to help students overcome any challenges to reach their body's potential.

• Winner, Comedy, Pole Theatre Comedy 2015
• Finalist, Pole Candy 2015
• Finalist, Rising Stars 2015, 2013

Tracey was onstage performing from the age of 3 demanding to go to sleep in her ballet tutu. She holds a background in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, Irish dancing and gymnastics. Tracey joined the Pole Divas family in 2011 and loves seeing her students smile, sweat and shake their booties.

• 2nd Runners Up Semi Pro 2018, Miss Lyra Victoria
• Semi Pro Competitor 2018, Miss Lyra Australia

Bella has an extensive history of ballet training but fell in love all things circus in 2015 when she took her first silks and lyra classes after seeing an aerialist on silks doing the splits on a poster advertising Cirque di Soleil. Since then, she pushed her pointe shoes aside and hasn’t been able to stop training and performing any apparatus that involves being in the air. Bella is thrilled to be able to share her knowledge and empower her students to develop their own poise, strength, flexibility and style on their aerial journey!

• 1st, Miss Pole Dance Australia, 2019
• 1st, Profressional Pole Art, Pole Theatre, 2017
• 1st, Miss Pole Dance Victoria, 2017 & 2018

Gracie is a true dancer with an extensive background in ballet, jazz, hip hop, and lyrical. She has been a featured dancer in music videos and documentaries! Gracie fell in love with pole after becoming a Pole Divas student, and as a teacher she aims to help her students let go and feel sexy, feminine and powerful!

Gracie is no stranger to the pole competition scene and is known for her stand out performances and eye-catching choreography. Gracie is also an ambassador for X-Pole Australia and Pole Physics.

• 1st, Open (Semi Pro), FRISK 2019
• 1st, Women's Semi Pro, Pole Championship Series, 2019
• 1st Elite Division, Survivor Pole Championships, 2018
• 1st Amateur Division, Hardcore Pole Dancing Championships, 2018
• 1st Groups, Kristiko, Victorian Pole Championships, 2018

Kristy has risen through the ranks as a Pole Divas student passing every level in static and spinning pole. She now competes regularly in both state and national competitions. From her very first class, Kristy was determined to become an instructor and studio owner. She believes that pole dancing is the perfect sport to inspire and motivate women to be strong, sexy and fit. It’s the kind of sport that can turn average women into incredible athletes in a short period of time. She loves that she was able to bring this amazing sport to the western suburbs

• 2nd Runner Up, Dance Filthy 2018
• 2nd Runner Up Victorian Pole Championships Professional 2017
• 1st Runner Up Paragon International Championships

Veronica loves all things circus and has experience performing pole, lyra, silks, hammock, duo slings, and contortion. She started her pole career at Pole Divas in 2009, quickly progressing to become a competitor and teacher. She is now a recognised name in the circus industry with regular performances and tours with circus company, Strange Fruit, where she got to perform at the 2018 Super Bowl! The confidence, skills, fitness and knowledge she gained through Pole Divas is something she wishes to pass onto her students!

• 1st Runner Up, Semi Pro Miss Lyra Australia 2019
• 1st, Semi Pro Miss Lyra NSW 2019
• 1st, Advanced Miss Lyra NSW & Australia Champion 2018
• 1st, Doubles Miss Lyra VIC & Australia Champion 2018

With an extensive background in calisthenics and mainstream dance, Mel has over 20 years dance and performance experience. In 2013 she walked into her first Aerial Divas class and truly found her artistic niche. Since discovering lyra, Mel has never looked back. Mel aims to pass on her passion for aerials and dance to as many students as possible by creating a fun, supportive and positive environment where self-empowerment and fitness thrive.

• 1st, Sexy's Back 2015
• Finalist, Miss Pole Dance Victoria, 2015, 2016
• Finalist, Miss Pole Dance Australia, 2015, 2017

Since the age of 4, Caroline has been involved in numerous sports including; Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Gymnastics, Basketball, Yoga, and Taekwondo. It was after a long career of Taekwondo competition sparring which won her a Bronze Medal at the Taekwondo Commonwealth Games that she decided to hang up her Black Belt, say good bye to her national squad and take on a new challenge…pole dancing! Caroline is also an avid shoe lover and the Owner of Bling It Heels.
 

• 1st, Amateur, FRISK 2019
• Finalist, Unleashed 2017

With a background in circus arts and gymnastics and her work as a personal trainer, Bella is another Dedicated Diva instructor, who started her pole dancing journey with Pole Divas 3 years ago. As an instructor, her goal is to help students fall in love with pole dancing, just like she did, and to help them kick pole goals! Bella is passionate about empowering women and loves that pole dancing is a celebration of power, strength, flexibility and confidence. She says that pole has "so many physical benefits, but also countless mental benefits.

• 2nd Runner Up, Frisk 2016

Allira’s love for pole dancing was ignited in 2007. Never a fan of the gym, Pole Divas was finally her answer to combining fitness, health and happiness! Allira loves coaching and inspiring her students to achieve strength, skills and self-confidence whilst getting sweaty, feeling sexy and having an awesome time…and all in a pair of heels! She is a strong believer that all women must try the sexy sport of pole dancing. “You’ll have so much fun you’ll forget you’re exercising”… but she warns, “Pole dancing is addictive; health and happiness may result!”

• Sponsors Choice, Miss Pole Dance Victoria & Australia 2020
• 1st, Solo Division & Sponsors Choice, Regional Pole Artistry Championships 2018
• 1st Runner up, Elite Division, Survivor Pole Championships 2018
• 1st Runner up, Groups, Frisk 2017

Emma has been dancing since the age of 3, covering a vast range of dance styles over the years including; ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary and aerobics. Emma joined Pole Divas Mornington in 2011 and quickly became addicted. As a textile designer, Emma’s love for costumes and performing arts ties in well with her pole dance passion. Emma thinks Pole dancing is a great way to stay fit and meet like-minded girls, and it gives you a chance to have a boogie and exercise all at the same time! Emma wants to share the fun and feeling of accomplishment while mastering new tricks and routines with others.

• 1^st Runner Up Doubles, Miss Pole Dance Victoria 2016 & 2015
• 1st Doubles, Miss Pole Dance Australia 2014
• 1st Runner Up Group Division, Victorian Pole Championships 2014

Tania loves all forms of dance (especially hip-hop) and quickly became enamoured with the challenge of pole dancing. After completing a Double degree in Arts and Science and traveling around the world, Tania returned to Melbourne inspired and decided to open her own Pole Divas studio in Moonee Ponds! She is passionate about pole doubles and has won many doubles titles with her best friend and fellow Pole Divas Moonee Ponds instructor, Miss Filly.

• 1st, Unleashed 2017
• Finalist, Step Up 2017
• Finalist, Frisk 2017

Pip started pole dancing at the Moonee Ponds studio in 2013 and quickly completed every level in both spin and static pole. With a background in jazz, tap, and ballet, she taught junior dance for two years, as well as dabbling in choreography for school musicals and rock eisteddfods. Pip was drawn to the challenge, athleticism and skill that pole dancing requires, and quickly fell in love with the pole shoes!

" I’m pretty lucky that I get to call both of my jobs my passion (I am also a nurse in real-life)."

• FRISK Finalist 2017
• 1st, Doubles, Miss Pole Dance Australia 2011

Since commencing classes as a student at Pole Divas, Anna quickly turned her lifelong love of dance and fitness into an obsession with pole dancing.

Having recently returned from maternity leave, Anna is testament to the benefits that pole dancing can bring in terms of conditioning, positive body image and self-confidence. As a qualified personal trainer, she is dedicated to not only making her classes both cheeky and fun for her students, but also ensuring correct technique and full body strengthening.

Hanne has a background in all things circus with experience on flying trapeze, silks, and lyra. She toured around Australia and New Zealand with Circus Quirkus, and finally settled in Melbourne to pursue further training. Hanne discovered pole in 2009. After a 3-year hiatus to complete her Bachelor of Circus Arts, she returned to Pole Divas to achieve her own pole goals. Hanne has a friendly and fun style which shines through in her classes! Hanne joined us as an Aerial Diva but soon fell in love with the pole for its complimentary style to aerial hoop. She now teaches both lyra and pole.

• 2nd, Open (Semi Pro), FRISK 2019
• 1st, Heat 3, Exotic Pole Star 2017
• 1st, Elite Division, Survivor 2017
• 1st, Doubles, Unleashed 2017

Alicia, aka Miss Leeshy & Boss babe of AliciaJoanDesigns. Alicia spent the most part of her early childhood years as an artistic gymnast, competing at a state & national level. She started the sport at age 3 and ended her career age 13. During her high school years she took dance as an elective subject focusing on jazz & hip hop. During & post her VCE she continued to develop her skills as a dancer taking up hip hop & recreational break dance. But at the age of 19 she suffered a bulge disc injury in her lower back and was told from her doctor & physio “to give up dancing, you will never dance again”. At the age of 21 she decided to get her body moving again and took up pole dance. It was the best decision of her life! She thought, ‘Not only was this fun, but my core is getting stronger & I’m dancing again!’. It was a bit of a silent FU to her medical team! Many years on she was offered the chance to become a Diva. She had always dreamed of one day becoming a dance instructor and was thrilled when she was giving the opportunity. Her advice: “Never give up on your dreams. Set backs are only hiccups in this long journey we call life. Keep having a crack and don’t let the haters drag you down!”

• 2nd Runners Up, Sexy's Back 2017
• Finalist, Exotic Pole Star 2017
• Finalist, Frisk 2017

Dee Dee has been dancing since the age of 2 at her mum's dance studio and later in life turning to burlesque and lap dancing. Starting pole in 2013 was a natural progression in her dance life, and she quickly became obsessed. She has been at Caroline Springs since 2015, helping students reach their pole goals weather that be mastering new tricks, working on dance skills or creating a performance piece. Dee Dee is recently returning to teaching after having a baby. She loves that pole dancing drives her to push herself physically and creatively. She believes that pole dance empowers women, giving them strength and self-confidence whilst connecting with their sensuality, all with a few giggles thrown in. Dee Dee competed in her first sash at Sexy’s Back in 2017 and believes everyone should experience the thrill of the stage.

• 1st, Advanced, Miss Lyra Victoria 2018
• 1st, Elite, Aerial Unleashed, 2017

Nicole has been dancing since the age of 3 (when a doctor advised her mother to send her to fix her bowed legs), in a variety of styles including ballet, jazz and contemporary - and later, ballroom dancing. It was actually after a failed search for the latter that she came across Pole Divas. Nicole joined Pole Divas Mornington in 2010 and loved the challenge of combining strength and flexibility with her passion for dance. When the Aerial studio opened in 2014, Nicole tried Lyra for the first time and it was love at first sight.

Nicole entered her first competition in 2016 as a soloist, and has loved the chance to perform on stage again. "My daughter dances also, and I love the fact that I can share this experience with her. Each time I've performed, my children have both been there to cheer me on and I love sharing this experience with them".

Nicole can't wait to introduce as many people as possible to her "Happy Place", and is looking forward to seeing others fall in love with lyra.

• 3rd, Miss Pole Dance Victoria, 2019
• Sponsors Choice Award, Miss Pole Dance Victoria, 2018
• 2nd, Amateur, Australian Pole Championships, 2017
• 1st, Amateur, Victorian Pole Championships, 2017

Samantha started pole dancing in 2014 and has been a pole instructor since 2015. After 11 years of Calisthenics she was looking for something new to continue her passion for dance. She loves the physical and mental strength that comes with pole, and wants to help her students find confidence in the amazing things their bodies can do! With her passion for teaching Samantha also became a qualified pilates instructor in 2018. She will use her knowledge in movement and fitness to help you reach your pole goals!

Under the guidance of Dulcie Lee, Nichola graduated a diploma in Performing Arts in 2003 and with a wide range of talents, including Illusionist; she has since enjoyed a successful career performing across the globe. From Europe to New Zealand, across Asia and Australia, Nichola has worked with David Atkins, Alannah Scanlan, Jason Coleman, Andy Hallsworth and William Forsith and Baz Luhrmann. She has performed with renowned acts such as Kanye West, John Farham, Marica Hynes, Tina Arena, ‘The Veronicas’, Rickki Lee, Kimbra and Tina Cousins. Her versatility has seen her on stage in Musical Theatre, Magical Illusions, plays and performing at Arias and AFI awards. Not to mention appearing in countless corporate functions, film clips, variety shows and on cruise ships. She has appeared in multiple films and even dabbled in Bollywood with feature film ‘Salaame Namaste’. Her T.V credits include resident dancer for channel 9, ‘Neighbours’, ‘It Takes Two’ and TVC’s for Australia and overseas.  During her 15yrs as a professional dancer Nichola has also enjoyed sharing her skills and knowledge as a dance teacher.

Passionate to never stop broadening her list of artistic skills Nichola began studying Lyra in 2014. Finding a deep love for the craft she became a dedicate student of Aerial Divas and after completing all the levels placed 1st runner up her first completion in 2018. With a great desire to share joy Lyra has brought to her life, Nichola is thrilled to be a part of the team at Aerial Divas. She looks forward to inspiring passion and enjoyment in others by creating an environment where they feel supported, challenged and empowered.

• 1st Semi Pro, Step Up 2018
• 1st Semi Pro, FRISK 2017
• Best Musicality, Survivor Pole Championships 2017

Peita has been pole dancing for 6+ years and teaching pole for almost 2 years, as well as being a qualified Pilates instructor, she is also a remedial massage therapist. Peita believes that pole dancing is so much more than exercise, the art form has become her lifestyle, which has moulded her into the person she is today. She specialises in pole dance, creating intricate dance combinations around the pole and on the floor, her choreography has given Peita a unique style of pole dance and a reputation for strong musicality. She has been lucky enough to learn from a range of incredible pole instructors, from all over the world, and Peita wants to pass along all her experience and knowledge to her students, to help them kick their dance goals, achieve pole dance tricks and most importantly, build their confidence and have fun!

Peita is a firm believer that pole dancing is for everyone, you just have to give it a go, and you will soon find out that coming to class can change your life. Pole dance will teach you to love the skin you’re in, you will feel empowered and one of the best parts about being at the studio is all the friends you will make, they become family, the community vibe is just electric!

What do you love most about being a Desk Diva? The best part about being a Desk Diva is watching all the students progress in their goals! Being a Desk Diva means that you are constantly celebrating achievements and sharing laughter with the amazing women who attend Pole Divas. I'm constantly inspired and love being a part of their journey and cheer squad!

What is your favourite casual, course or workshop? My favourite classes at Pole Divas are Stretch Technique, Pole Moves, and any of the course classes, Spin or Static! I love learning new tricks along with working on my flexibility and dancing out my cardio to the fun routines our instructors create.

I started my Pole Divas journey back in 2010, a shy beginners student attending my first beginners class at Pole Divas Moonee Ponds and since then, I haven't looked back! I was a student for about 4 years before I was extremely lucky enough to get the role at head office, working alongside Kennetta as the marketing and events assistant and still to this day, I feel blessed to be given the opportunity to take on this role. On a personal level, Divas has rewarded me in so many ways, physically and mentally - I am more confident, open minded and happier within my self. I have learnt to take care of my well-being! Being surrounded by the most incredibly supportive people has truly been an uplifting addition to my life and the friendships I have made will be kept for a lifetime! I will be forever grateful for Divas and the community - Divas will always stay close to my heart! 

• 3rd Place, Elite, Unleashed 2017
• Finalist, Pole Candy 2017
• 2nd Place, Doubles, Unleashed 2016

Moni has loved performing since she was 4 years old! With over 17 years of experience in a vast range of dance styles such as Calisthenics, Gymnastics, Ballet, Jazz & Aerobics. Moni Joined Pole Divas in 2013, she was bored and needed a new hobby, going to the gym was not her jam, she wanted something fun!

Since she started at Divas she has never looked back, her biggest regret is not starting the sport earlier! Moni has a huge passion for Divas and everything it promotes.  Going to Pole & Aerial Divas and seeing women supporting women, whilst having fun and getting fit is one of her favourite things!

“I never knew what having a passion for something felt like until I started pole dancing at Divas! I am super excited to take on this new journey of teaching and hoping to inspire all the new divas just like my instructors have always inspired me."