Instructors at Altitude Pole & Fitness

Cherise

Pole Instructor

Heya, I’m Cherise! Pole inspired me to pursue a career in fitness, so being able to give back to the community that helped me find confidence and a love for movement feels really special.
Drury was my first pole home back in 2022, and I’ve always loved how welcoming and supportive the studio feels. I’m looking forward to connecting with you all and helping you as you progress within your pole journey!

Maddie

Pole & Flow Instructor

Known for her signature Lixie Liquid style, Maddie has built a reputation with students and fans worldwide. Bringing a unique blend of creativity, confidence, and technical skill to every class.

Expect a mix of slinky movement, heels technique, flexibility, rehab, and spin with Maddie’s signature flair woven throughout.

Beyond the studio, Maddie is also a passionate advocate for sex workers’ rights in Aotearoa.

Liv

Heels Flow Instructor

Specialising in dynamic flow, heels, and tricks, Liv brings power, style, and creativity to every class. Starting her pole journey in 2020, Liv has quickly developed a signature style that combines strength, confidence, and expressive movement.

A heels master, hard-style diva, and all-around legend, Liv is passionate about helping students find their own style while building their skills and confidence on the pole.

Jorja

Pole/Pole Flow Instructor

Jorja started pole back in 2021 after months of feeling too nervous! With a small background in dance, she was quickly enamoured by pole flow. Finding weird and exciting ways to move her body, she felt like a goddess. Recently becoming an instructor in 2024, she hopes to help guide others to find their inner sensual and bad*ss being!

Tori

Pole Instructor

I’m passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment for students build confidence, unlock their capability, and discover just how strong they really are. I love all things pole power, strength, splitty and acro, and am particularly drawn to dynamic movements and powerful tricks. Come join the fun and let’s get stronger together!

Maggie

Pole, Flow Instructor

From basic moves to jaw-dropping flexibility, heels, advanced combos and even performing live on stage Maggie has truly done it all.

We often find ourselves wondering… is there anything Maggie can’t do? Her commitment, versatility, and fearless approach make her a standout in the studio and a constant inspiration to those around her.

Tae

Pole Instructor

Tae began her pole journey in 2013 at the age of 16. Over the past decade, she has instructed at various studios across the South Island, sharing her expertise and passion for pole. Tae specializes in strength moves and all things flips, bringing a dynamic and powerful element to her classes. Outside of the studio, she is obsessed with dogs (bull breeds in particular), loves attending live shows like musicals, is a big foodie, and appreciates a good gin. Tae is excited to help you discover the joys of pole and achieve your goals!

Alexa

Instructor

Alexa started pole in April 2023 after moving up to Whangārei from Wellington. She immediately fell in love. As a personal trainer She has a passion for coaching and helping others to reach their goals which is only amplified when she is teaching pole!

Maddy

Pole Instructor

Hey I’m Maddy,

I started my pole journey in 2023 at Altitude Drury and have not had a doubt in my mind about stopping pole since. I absolutely love to dance and an absolute lover of spin pole. The studio to me is a home and a safe space. Watching students achieve their goals is huge for me, it’s the type of encouragement and support that you wouldn’t find anywhere else, also how you see your muscle gains starting to shine through is a huge plus!

Jess

Stretch & Handbalance Instructor

Jess started pole in early 2023 after taking months to pluck up the courage to join. Being involved in gymnastics from a young age, first as a gymnast and then moving on to coaching made traditional gyms and exercises boring. The strength, flexibility and challenge of pole was just what she was looking for!

Caera

Pole Instructor

Caera has worked her way up through the Altitude levels with incredible consistency, putting in the time across strength, flexibility, and flow. Her well-rounded approach and dedication really shine through over the years.
She’s super passionate about pole and can’t wait to share that energy, support your progress, and help you feel confident in your journey ✨

Emma

Pole & Stretch Instructor

Emma has recently completed her Master’s qualification in Sport and Exercise Science and is also a qualified Sports Performance Coach. With a strong background in movement, training, and performance, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every class she teaches.
Her pole journey began in the most unexpected way—through raffle tickets a friend won for classes! From her very first session, Emma fell in love with the atmosphere, the people, and the empowering energy of the pole community. That spark grew into a deep passion, eventually leading her to become an instructor.
She can’t wait to meet you in class, support your progress, and help you feel strong, capable, and celebrated every step of the way.

Maggie

Pole Instructor

A wizardly warm welcome,

I joined Altitude back in 2021, since then I have been causing chaos on and off the pole (occasionally dressed as Gandalf) Although I don't take myself too seriously, I am serious about helping others on their pole journey in a safe and fun environment. My favourite part about teaching besides a cheeky yap between moves is seeing people nail new moves and achieve their goals. Can't wait to see you in class !

Qualified in Xpert fitness level 1& 2 - pole.

Sam

Pole Instructor

When my teenage son wouldn't let me go to his gym for fear I would embarrass him, I started pole dancing. I was 52 years old, with no dance or gymnastics background - and it took me 3 months to achieve my first move. Seven years later, I became an instructor working with beginners. My favourite thing is breaking down the moves so everyone can quickly achieve their first successes.

Laura

Instructor

Laura found her passion for pole at Altitude in 2012 and has competed in NZ, Australia and the UK. She won NZAPP's expert category in 2016 and spent the next three years abroad training with lots of well-known names. She is X-pert 1-2 trained, level 2 gym instructor qualified and is flexibility goals! Laura will get you bendy in no time!

Jess

Pole & Flow Instructor

As our Head Instructor, Jess brings an incredible mix of knowledge, creativity, and energy to the studio. Specialising in heels, flow, tricks, and combos, she is always pushing boundaries and inspiring students to challenge themselves.

With a background in both pole and personal training, Jess brings a wealth of technical understanding to her coaching, helping students build confidence, strength, and skill while keeping classes fun and engaging. Her infectious energy makes every session one to remember.

Libi

Pole and Stretch Instructor

Pole has become Libi's passion and life, and the joy it brings being a part of the pole community is something she could not have imagined when she started around 6 years ago. Libi loves teaching, seeing students make new friends, gain confidence as they learn new moves, and find their own glorious style.

Chanelle

Studio Manager

Chanelle joined Altitude at the end of 2022 and instantly fell in love with the studio and community. She loves challenging herself with powerful moves and a good old spin, and is passionate about encouraging others to back themselves and have fun while they grow. Outside the studio, she enjoys family time and thrifting for her next favourite find!

Toni/Flora

Pole and Flow Instructor

Flora is a pole dance and aerial arts instructor from Ōtautahi/Christchurch. Having taught classes and workshops across the motu, she has over 8 years of dancing experience and has spent 7 of those years sharing her passion through teaching. She specialises in sensual style flow and floorwork, heels technique and spin pole, and loves all things splitty, slinky and floaty.

Anneka

Pole Instructor

Anneka has been poling for 6 years and teaching for 3 years, she loves teaching beginners. You can find her throwing herself at the pole or doing spin.

Michelle

Studio Owner/Manager & Pole Instructor

Having started her pole journey in 2009, Michelle has a wealth of experience, qualifications and a bunch of competition successes under her belt. She is thrilled to have her own happy place where she can share the gift of pole with others. Outside of the studio she is a mum of 3, a lover of nature and tasty food and has a goal of poling forever!

Noelle

Assistant Studio Manager & Pole Instructor

Noelle joined Altitude in 2017 and quickly became addicted. Her passion for pole sees her regularly performing and competing (and winning) in New Zealand and Australia. She loves the challenges and creative freedom pole has to offer. If not on the pole or on the floor, she'll be snuggling on the furniture, buying squishmellows or telling you stories about her cats.

Abbey

Instructor

Abbey is an interior design student whose journey with pole began during her time working as a spicy dancer, where she discovered a deep love for the art of movement. She enjoys the fluidity of spin pole and teaching flexibility. Her classes focus on building a sense of empowerment, creating an atmosphere where students can explore their own style.

Petra Core

Pole Instructor

You'll find Petra teaching pole, floorwork, and stretch classes! Petra started with us in 2018 as a student, knowing she wanted to perform in showcases and get strong. She began teaching with us in 2021. Her favourite part about teaching is being able to help students 'unlock' skills and seeing their tiny wins that grow into big gains over time!

Ali

Pole and Stretch Instructor

In 2020, Ali became part of the Altitude Whānau after coming back from the United States due to the pandemic. It turned out to be one of the best decisions she ever made! Starting with pole, she gradually ventured into aerials, and before she knew it, lyra and pole became her twin passions. When she's not in the studio, you can catch her reading or performing.

Katie

Head Pole Instructor

Katie has been a part of of the pole dance world for 9 years, and stumbled into the aerial and circus world about 6 years ago. She knew quickly that this was something she was passionate about and worked hard in the competition side of pole dancing, eventually teaching all levels of pole dance. Katie wants to ensure that everyone’s experience with Altitude is positive

Devin

Pole Instructor (Pole/Stretch/Handbalance)

Devin first touched a pole in November 2018. First competing in 2020 at NZAPP and impressed the organisers so much he got invited to compete in Pole Legends that same night. Over 10yrs in gymnastics and martial art Tricking with another 7yrs in coaching. Devin loves seeing people explore new movements and have those light bulb moments when something finally clicks!

Melina

Studio Manager, Silks and Pole Instructor

Life is better upside down!! Melina is passionate about the freedom feeling when off the floor, in control of her body and flipping in the air !! Always grateful of having the chance to pass this passion onto others!

Georgia

Pole Instructor

Georgia started pole in 2018 and has been addicted ever since! She loves seeing her students blossom with their new found confidence and strength. She is passionate about sharing the mix of movement, creativity, strength and flexibility of pole dance as well as creating a supportive and fun space to meet new people.

Mel

Instructor

Mel started dancing at age 4 and practised various forms till around the age of 18. She returned to dance after discovering pole in 2018. Now, she's an instructor and student at Altitude Whanganui, where she's fueled by the supportive community and thrives on sharing her passion with others in this amazing space.

Zoe

Studio Owner

Zoe has always had a zest for movement and trying new things. When she found pole and aerials back in 2018 it wasn’t long before she was hooked; falling in love with the combination of strength, dance, and musicality that can be explored through each apparatus. Opening Altitude Nelson and being able to share this passion with others has been a dream come true.

Larissa

Aerial Head Instructor

Larrisa is one of our original instructors, Shes been teaching in this space before it became an Altitude. Her knowledge and experience is such an incredible asset to our team. She loves getting to know her students and helping support them as they progress through the levels.

Amy C

Cover Instructor

Four years ago, I bit the bullet and attended a pole intro course and loved the way it challenged me in flexibility, strength and elegance. I then found Altitude and been here since! It's a hobby that turns a bad day good and will always cheer me no matter what. I feel empowered, sexy, and strong when I'm here at the studio and want to bring it to my students.

Lizzie

Instructor

After always wanting to try pole, Lizzie took the plunge 4 years ago at the Takapuna studio and hasn't stopped since, shifting over to the Albany studio when it opened, she was one of the founding members! She loves the way it makes her feel confident and proud of her body as well as the community that pole gives her.

Becky

Pole Instructor

Becky began pole in 2013 after being inspired by club dancers’ grace, strength, and empowerment. With no fitness background and a dislike for P.E, she quickly fell in love and never looked back. She joined the Wigram team in 2020 and now covers, mainly intermediate/advanced spin. She loves seeing students achieve goals, grow in confidence, and flourish as humans.

Jody

Pole & Stretch Instructor

Jody started pole dancing in 2017 and quickly fell in love with everything about pole.Jody became an instructor and continued to progress by developing new skills and finding joy in helping others start their pole journey. Jody loves teaching students new tricks, helping them reach their full potential and always being their biggest cheerleader

Tara

Instructor

Tara started pole in 2014 but found Altitude in 2020. She loves the community and the focus on technique, which she is very passionate about as a Physiotherapist. Tara finds there's nothing better than the feeling when you nail a move or see progress in something you've been working on for a while, and loves helping students achieve this same feeling in her classes.

Ariana

Aerials Instructor

Ariana began her aerial journey in 2018, training and teaching alongside world-class legends in Ireland. With a background spanning silks, pole, hoop, and trapeze for both adults and children, Ariana is super passionate about helping others discover the joy and empowerment that come from movement in the air, and she can’t wait to welcome you into the world of aerial.

Ellen

Studio Manager and Pole Instructor

As Studio Manager, Ellen is the busy bee in the background ensuring that the studio runs smoothly. You'll also see Ellen in level 1 & 2 pole, beginner heels flow, stretch, flow and freestyle, and pole play. Ellen began teaching in 2019 when the Wigram studio opened. Her favourite part of instructing is helping people achieve things they never thought they could!

Shaz

Studio Manager

I love making people happy and seeing people succeed! Pole has been my happy place for a few years now and it warms my heart so much to see how this is the same for so many others. When I am not at the studio you will most likely find me cuddling up to my fur - baby Romeo or cuddling any animal I can get hold of.

Giorgia

Aerials and Pole Instructor

Giorgia joined Altitude in 2020 and quickly fell in love with the sport, becoming addicted! She teaches all the apparatuses: pole, hoop, silks and sling! She also LOVES rolling on the floor in her long pointy heels. Giorgia is a bit of an adrenaline junkie and will never shy away from big drops, fast spins, or famously painful moves.

Laurel

Pole Instructor

Laurel started her pole journey in 2018 after several previous failed encounters of 'enquiring'. Despite feeling uncoordinated and frightened of what she'd got herself into, perseverance paid off and pole became a great safe space for her. Laurel is a qualified PT, a lover of freestyle and promises to do her best to encourage, giggle and play along the way with you!

Ali

Pole & Active Flex Instructor

Ali has been pole dancing for over 11 years and instructing for a large part. She likes to help students find their own strengths and passions, and loves watching them discover confidence in themselves. Known for her small pants, ‘laughter is life’ attitude and love of carrot cake.... and gin....

Brenna

Pole Instructor

Brenna's dance journey began at a young age, exploring various styles. After a study break, she craved the dance floor again. Altitude became her new adventure in 2018. Though her first class felt like a "hot mess," she persisted, growing in confidence and strength. Brenna adores flowing with sassy, dynamic choreography that makes you feel like a Queen!

Lizzie

Pole and Stretch Instructor

Lizzie instantly fell in love with pole dancing! The community and the incredible things her body could do amazed her. She's drawn to heels, floorwork, and dance. Being a stripper made her love it even more, appreciating the artistry behind it. Now, she wants to share her passion, boost others' confidence, and spread the joy of pole dancing! 😊

Shelby

Pole & Stretch Instructor

With an eclectic sports background of swimming and martial arts, Shelby began pole in January 2020 and never looked back. She loves the grace and strength she’s developed (flexibility is a work in progress), and is hoping to pass on her infectious passion for the sport to students!

Laura

Cover Pole Instructor

Laura started her journey on the aerial hoops and eventually decided to give pole a try! Since then she has shined and taken her aerial journey to the next level. Laura has a passion for helping others and sharing her experiences with her students. She can't wait to see you in classes!

Lulu

Pole, Flow & Aerial Instructor

Lulu has been doing pole since 2017 when she joined the Altitude Takapuna studio. Pole is one of her favourite things to do beside drawing and both are a big part of her life. She is super excited to share her passion by teaching as part of the Albany & Onehunga teams.

Paige

Pole Instructor

Paige joined Altitude in 2022 and has been a consistent face in the studio since. You'll find her on a pole trying to pull her body weight into an odd position or occasionally hanging from a silk. She loves how inclusive the Altitude environment is - how you can be 100% yourself and will always be welcomed with open arms.

Kate

Pole & Flow Instructor

Kate is a long time dancer turned pole addict! She stared pole in 2020 after she went to a party with a pole & didn’t get off it all night! She loves the challenge of pole, getting to do fun tricks & flips. Kate got into teaching pole because teaching comes very naturally to her & she wanted to be a bigger part of the awesome community at Altitude.