Zodiac Sign: Virgo
What brought you to Writhe? (what were you hoping to find?)
I came to Writhe hoping to find a fun form of exercise and test my strength
What have you found at Writhe? (How has Writhe affected your life?)
What I found was confidence, connection with a beautiful group of supportive dancers, and a deeper love for myself. It’s become a space where I feel strong, feminine, and free—and where the world slows down every time I dance.
What would you like your students to know about you in general and as aninstructor?
I absolutely love dancing at this studio, and my goal is to help you fall in love withit too. There’s nothing like the feeling dance gives me, and getting to share that magic is the best part of teaching. My class is a judgment-free zone where you can explore your sensuality, be messy, make mistakes, and let it all out. Few things make me happier than seeing a tricky move finally click for a student—the squeals, the high-fives, the “omg I did it!” moments are what I live for!
Name 1-3 songs that speak to your soul and that you have had memorable experiences dancing to?
1. Goddess by Jaira Burns
2. Femme Fatale by Amanati
Karen
Zodiac: Virgo
Pronouns: she/her
What brought you to Writhe? (what were you hoping to find?)
I discovered Writhe through a simple online search. Curious and hopeful, I attended an introductory session one evening with a friend—and from the moment I walked in, I was captivated. I was seeking a supportive pole community that embraced inclusivity and celebrated all levels of movement and expression.
Writhe embodied all of that and more—it felt like home.
What have you found at Writhe? (How has Writhe affected your life?)
Writhe is my safe place. Pole dancing has been part of my life for over twenty years, and Writhe has helped me grow, rediscover, and reclaim parts of myself I thought I’d lost. I have shed fear, doubt, and expectations, connecting to something profound and beautiful.
What would you like your students to know about you, in general and as an instructor?
I want my students to understand this is your experience, and I’m here to support your growth with compassion, encouragement, and genuine enthusiasm. Building your flow and skills takes time, patience, and practice. I want you to have fun, dance freely, and embrace this journey as an act of self-love.
Name 1-3 songs that speak to your soul and that you have had memorable experiences dancing to?
Avant - Read Your Mind
Alina Baraz, Galamatias - Unfold
Urban Species, Imogen Heap - Blanket
Maya
Zodiac: Pisces
Hi! I’m Elisabeth, and I began my pole journey back in 2013. Pole found me. At first, I thought it was something fun to do with my sister and share something in common.
What I didn’t realize was the transformation that I was embarking upon subconsciously. I recall my 3rd week of my beginner series, where I almost walked away. I was overwhelmed by the fact that over time I slowly lost myself and didn’t understand how I got to such a place of uncomfortable place of insecurity. Something broke free that 3rd class. I felt walls that were built shatter away and I became reacquainted with myself on a whole new deeper level that I never knew existed.
From there, pole has been an anchor that has opened a whole different world and meaning to how I carry about my daily life. I love to embrace the organic movement of music during dance while developing a deeper connection internally. It’s not about\ dancing how you think the audience wants to view the performance. It’s about embracing dancing to what feels right and GOOD, which develops a more intimate awareness within oneself.
In 2016 I became an instructor at Writhe, and am so thankful to be a part of such a sacred place. Writhe allows a safe haven to explore oneself. I love to laugh, be silly, and enjoy just being present in the moment. What I love about dance is there really are no rules. It is such a gift to witness other people embark on their pole journeys and being witness to them regaining a new appreciation and self-love for themselves.
Things about me as a human and an instructor - I want to provide the space for myself and others to being true and honest to our own individual authenticity and embracing it together in a completely accepting way and unconditional love.
3 top songs that just move me: - ok 4
River by Chelsea Tavares - just - ahhhhh
Lose Control by Teddy Swims - just channels all the feels
Creep - Kina Grannis - slow groove, quiets the mind regardless of the odd lyrics
Dancing in the Graveyard - Delta Ray - just an out of the norm feel good celebration of life/ circle of life.
Elisabeth
Zodiac: Scorpio
Pronouns: She/her
Writhe claimed me. It found me and whispered… you belong here. This is where beauty happens. This is where peace lives…
What I found at Writhe was even more. Yes beauty and peace, but also friendship, love, awe and delight. And yes, humility and respect as well.
About me?
I want dance to find my students where they are at and then push just a little. Push their preconceptions of self. Push their “can I’s”. Push their notions of pretty and sexy. And then I want them to push back at dance. Find the space in public solitude. Find the flirt with the mirror. Find the joy that happens when everything outside of the room… drops away.
“Angel” by Massive Attack will always be on my short list. I first heard it in the movie Stay during a dancing scene with silks where the main character was contemplating suicide. It was so poignant. Later I saw the video of Jenyne Butterfly dancing to it and was solidified as its own archetype song.
“IO” by Helen Stellar. It started the warmup in my first classes in my pole mom’s playlist. Doing spine circles as I was told that this time around I could be anything resonated in its release from expectations. I still love to use it for my B1 babes.
Bridget
Zodiac: Pisces
Pronouns: she/her
What brought you to Writhe? (what were you hoping to find?)
I started pole dancing in 2009 at a studio in Seattle and Leah (the owner of Writhe) was my pole mom. I danced regularly for 3-4 years then had to take a break for various reasons. That break turned into 10 years. I started at Writhe a couple of years ago mainly because I wanted to take classes with Leah again, but also because I just needed to move my body again, but I don't love going to the gym so I started taking pole classes as a way to ease my way back into working out.
What have you found at Writhe? (How has Writhe affected your life?)
Writhe and the pole community in general has brought the most amazing people into my life! I've also gained strength, flexiblity and confidence, but the most important and meaningful thing that I found from the pole community were incredible friends and a fantastic support system!
What would you like your students to know about you in general and as an instructor?
Pole has always been a very personal and private thing for me. Even though I started in 2009, there are still people in my life that don't know that pole is a part of my life. I love that I have this activity that I do that's just for me and it gives me the freedom to move freely however my body needs to. That's the beautiful part about dance! If you're lucky enough to witness someone dance when they're completely out of their head and in the zone, it's a sneak peek into their true self and their soul and it's such a beautiful thing to witness!
Fun fact: I never knew what I looked like when I danced until 2023 because that was the first time I had ever recorded myself. My focus with dance has always been about enjoying how it made me feel so I never needed to know how it looked. I encourage anyone new to pole to focus on how it feels verses how it looks because I guarantee if it feels good in your body it will look good to anyone who is lucky enough to see you dance!
Name 1-3 songs that speak to your soul and that you have had memorable experiences dancing to?
Sound check - Gorillaz
Blinded - Emit Fenn
QsensX pt 15 - QsensX
Jaclyn
Zodiac: Leo Sun/ Scorpio Rising
What brought you to Writhe? (what were you hoping to find?)
I came to Writhe hoping to learn a few more tricks on the pole.
What have you found at Writhe? (How has Writhe affected your life?)
I found myself, community, connection and purpose. It has become a home away from home where I can be my authentic self
What would you like your students to know about you in general and as an instructor?
I’m going to celebrate you. My goal is to help you trust your body and fall in love with your movement.
Name 1-3 songs that speak to your soul and that you have had memorable experiences dancing to?
Daddy by Ramsey
Fatal Attraction by Kevin Gates
Miranda
Brooke has been teaching at Writhe for over two years, bringing a mix of creativity, musicality, and softness to every class she leads. With a background in personal training, she originally came to pole looking for a fun way to stay active, but from the very first class, she was hooked.
What started as a hobby quickly grew into a passion, and now Brooke finds deep joy in sharing that love of movement with others. Her classes focus on freestyle and flow, encouraging students to feel into their bodies, connect with the music, and let their dance take up space. Messy, playful, sensual, or anything in between.
To Brooke, pole is a form of storytelling. The body’s way of speaking when words fall short. She creates a welcoming space where students can explore their own voice through movement, and maybe even surprise themselves along the way by shaping their dance into their own style.
Brooke
Zodiac: Leo
Pronouns: She/her
What brought you to Writhe? (what were you hoping to find?)
I had a repressed enjoyment of dancing throughout my life. I would quietly dance in my room, blasting music through my headphones. I struggled to let myself be seen and to express myself outwardly without feeling awkward or self-conscious. That began to change when I started taking pole classes. The first time I stepped into the studio, it felt like I had discovered something I was always meant to do. I’ll never forget my first class—it brought a sense of freedom and empowerment I had never felt before.
What have you found at Writhe? (How has Writhe affected your life?)
I have found a creative outlet, a passion, a community, and a sense of purpose. This studio has offered me nothing but beauty and love. My pole journey has helped me grow not just as a dancer, but as a person beyond the studio walls. I’ve learned to work through my perfectionism. For the first year, that perfectionism told me I had to take every class and master every trick before I could consider myself a “good pole dancer.” Over time, I’ve healed those corrosive thoughts and allowed myself to simply enjoy the process—embracing who I am, rather than who I thought I needed to be.
What would you like your students to know about you in general and as an instructor?
I don’t think there’s any song you can’t dance to! Embodying different energy and emotions is what I love to play with.
Name 1-3 songs that speak to your soul and that you have had memorable experiences dancing to?
(Interlude)- Wafia & Ta-ku
Poker face- Lady Gaga
Acquainted- The Weeknd
Ash
Zodiac: Cancer
Pronouns: she/her
What brought you to Writhe? (what were you hoping to find?)
I was feeling really isolated (it was COVID times) so I was hoping to find somewhere to practice pole and socialize a little. Spoiler alert: I found so much more…
What have you found at Writhe? (How has Writhe affected your life?)
I’ve found true community at Writhe and I continue to make meaningful connections with so many wonderful people, including some who are now my close friends.
What would you like your students to know about you in general and as an instructor?
I try my best to to create community in class and I approach every student as an individual. I LOVE to watch a student’s personal style develop.
Name 1-3 songs that speak to your soul and that you have had memorable experiences dancing to?
“When I was Older” by Billie Eilish
Psylla” by Glass Animals
Jess
Zodiac: Taurus
Pronouns: she/her
What brought you to Writhe? (what were you hoping to find?)
I came to Writhe to stay active and have some time away from my family just for myself.
What have you found at Writhe? (How has Writhe affected your life?)
I had no idea that I would find such an amazingly supportive community at Writhe! I didn't know how much I'd benefit from moving with and through my feelings, in addition to getting stronger and more flexible and having so much fun. I have found strength of body and mind, confidence, and friendships while learning to let go of shame and insecurities. Everything is better with Writhe in my life!
What would you like your students to know about you in general and as an instructor?
I had no previous dance experience and was really intimidated signing up for my first class. Once I learned what Writhe is about, a world opened up for me that I can't imagine life without. I'm doing things I never thought I'd be able to do and I love being able to help provide a safe place for others to explore what Writhe has to offer them.
Name 1-3 songs that speak to your soul and that you have had memorable experiences dancing to?
070 Shake - Black Dress
Billie Eilish - Copycat
smith. - Drippin' Like
Karla
When Theresa first stepped into Writhe, she couldn’t tell if she’d found her little slice of heaven or hell.
Her journey began in the midst of a lifelong battle with her mind, her body, and the way she saw herself. Pole dancing didn’t just reshape those relationships—it became a form of therapy she never knew she needed.
Though still early in her pole journey, Theresa credits Writhe with unlocking a deeper understanding of herself—one she hadn’t known was possible. It was here that she first felt her dark and light femininity truly bloom and intertwine. Through this space, she’s come to see that the journey is far more meaningful than any destination. While landing a new spin or nailing a challenging move feels exhilarating in the moment, the real breakthrough comes after the frustration—after the failed attempts, the moments when your body won’t cooperate, or your mind can’t grasp the mechanics. Writhe has taught her to embrace those setbacks, to ride the waves of progress with patience and grit, because anything truly worthwhile is never easy.
For her, there’s nothing more freeing than dancing in the dark around a shimmering metal pole—with no agenda, just pure expression. Surrounded by the incredible community at Writhe, her love and respect for the artform have only deepened. Her favorite style is freestyle—especially the kind nurtured in Writhe’s signature classes—which offer a rare space for self-exploration and a return to the lost art of play in a world that often takes itself too seriously.
She’s honored to share this transformative journey with others—and would love nothing more than to introduce you to your next great obsession.
Theresa
Pronouns: She/her
Zodiac: Capricorn
Jacinda started Pole in two thousand twenty-two,
Zero dance history, no clue what to do.
Now she’s spinning, climbing, and full of flair.
Often upside down, flipping her hair in the air.
She teaches at Writhe with sass and delight,
Helping you learn dance deep into the night.
Expect bad jokes and an ooey-gooey warm-up,
And HUGE praise for EVERY single glow-up.
It’s not just pole—it’s a love, something to obsess.
A chance to play and feel your absolute best.
Bring your curiosity, courage, and your brave heart -
Jacinda will writhe with you from YOUR very start.
Name 1-3 songs that speak to your soul and that you have had memorable experiences dancing to?
Human by Sevdaliza
Tennessee Whiskey by Austin Giorgio
I Choose Me by Amanati &Ronlit
Jacinda
Zodiac: Capricorn
Pronouns: she/her
I came to Writhe in search of a space that could hold all the parts of me: the expressive, the powerful, the unsure, and the curious. I hoped to find movement that felt like freedom—something that could reconnect me to myself through sweat, rhythm, and vulnerability.
What I found was so much more. Writhe became not just a studio, but a sanctuary. It's where I've unraveled limiting beliefs, rebuilt confidence, and discovered a community that celebrates growth in every form. The way pole lets us embody strength and sensuality at once has truly transformed how I move through the world—on and off the pole.
As an instructor, I want my students to feel seen. I aim to cultivate a space where you're allowed to take up space, experiment, fail gloriously, and try again. I lead with empathy, humor, and a whole lot of encouragement. I believe in meeting you exactly where you are—and cheering wildly as you rise.
Songs that live rent-free in my soul:
"Love is a Bitch" by Two Feet
"Glory Box" by Portis Head
Ashley
Zodiac: Virgo
I came to Writhe drawn by the beautiful athleticism of pole dance—but what I found was so much more: a supportive, empowering community of friends who are just as excited to help you reach your goals as they are their own. I love both learning and teaching pole tricks and inversions. I'm happiest when I'm upside down on the pole, and I strive to help others discover their strength, confidence, and joy in these challenging and exhilarating movements.
Barb