MEET THE TEAM
SONAIYA KELLEY
Founder & CEO
Sonaiya is a longtime entertainment and features reporter who has written for The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, ESSENCE and Allure Magazines.
After falling in love with pole dancing in the midst of the pandemic, she decided to open a (4/20-friendly) studio where community could be nurtured, introverts and neurodivergent dancers could feel seen and classes could be conducted in an unconventional manner.
When she's not poling, she's probably crafting, playing with her three cats or buried in a book somewhere.
SHEA
Staff Instructor
Shea's movement background includes classical training in ballet, contemporary and tap dance.
With pole, which she has been practicing for more than three years, she has learned to balance newfound strength and fluidity alongside her established grace, body control and artistry in motion.
Outside of the studio, Shea does research in sustainability chemistry, balancing her love for creativity and movement with a passion for science.
When not dancing, you can usually find her on the beach, camping or recharging in nature.
KARINA
Staff Instructor
Karina began her pole journey in 2022 and quickly fell in love with the healing power of dance.
She believes in focusing on slow, intentional movement to help connect the body and mind.
A longtime teacher, Karina is passionate about helping people find their creative voices across different art forms.
When she’s not dancing, you can find her teaching art, reconnecting with nature or most likely shaking ass in front of a mirror.
SEQUOIAH
Staff Instructor
Sequoiah has a background in ritual theatre and movement-based acting.
For more than a decade she has approached acting from a dance lens, incorporating aerial silks, trapeze, ballet, jazz, animal work and other forms of movement.
Ever the pleasure-seeker, Sequoiah's dance essence is fluid and free, emphasizing deep stretch and slow whine.
She believes that when you free your hips, your mind will follow!
Sequoiah appreciates the beautiful magic that can emerge from human connection. When she's not dancing, you can find her writing scripts, soaking at the spa and spending time with the trees.
BLOOM
Staff Instructor
Drawing from an extensive background in weight training and yoga, Bloom prioritizes safety, intentional training and balance (hello, both sides!)
A certified yoga instructor and former personal trainer, her teaching philosophy—set to a backdrop of neo-soul and R&B—centers on intuitive movement and present-moment awareness, inviting you to explore your sensuality and build strength from the inside out.
VONNA
Staff Instructor
Vonna began her movement journey playing tennis and strength training and has since expanded to yoga, pilates and dance.
She's drawn to the thrill of unlocking new skills and having those moments of surprise at what the body can do.
When she's not moving, you can find her dreaming up new flows, stretching to music or enjoying some much-needed rest, because recovery is part of the magic too.
TINA
Instructor at Large
Tina specializes in soulful and silly sensual movement. She serves as the artistic director of Santa Cruz's The 418 Project and facilitates healing spaces, offers guided sensual movement, somatic healing, energy healing, parts and inner child work, astrology, intuitive divination and more.
When she's not dancing, you can find her grounding in nature, communing with cats and in pursuit of esoteric knowledge and healing.