staff
Maddie
Owner and Instructor
Maddie's journey into the world of aerial arts began with hammocks in August 2019, a passion that ignited instantly. She quickly expanded her repertoire to include Lyra and pole dancing, finding herself immersed in classes 3-5 days a week. Her dedication deepened, leading her to embark on the path to becoming an instructor in July 2021. Maddie's passion for aerial arts was so profound that she dreamed of creating her own space, where she could infuse her unique vibe and share her love for pole dancing with others. This aspiration motivated her to start her own business, realizing her vision of a welcoming studio environment where students could explore and thrive in their own journey.
Maddie will teaches a variety of different levels but particularly delights in teaching beginners, as she cherishes witnessing their confidence blossom, a journey reminiscent of her own experience with pole dancing.
Lizzie
Owner and Instructor
Lizzie began pole dancing in the summer of 2019 and quickly fell in love. This was the first form of fitness that Lizzie ever actually looked forward to attending. Lizzie's favorite days of the week quickly became pole days. Going to class felt like time spent with girlfriends all while becoming stronger and more confident. There is nothing quite like mastering a new move and hearing an eruption of cheering from fellow classmates. Early on in Lizzies pole journey, the dream of creating a studio where students feel supported and encouraged in whatever style of pole dance speaks to them. Lizzie wants students at Groove to feel happier just walking through the doors knowing that for an hour or two they can forget about the stresses of life and dance with no pressure of feeling like they need to change anything about themselves. Lizzie will be teaching beginner and intermediate classes for now and hopes to continue her own practice as a student!
Gianna
Instructor
In 2019, Gianna fell deeply in love with pole dance as a means of expressing herself and as a workout that felt more like playtime. It has allowed her to embrace the sensuality for which she never had an outlet. She also found a love for the stage and the larger pole community that competition and performance bring together. Her primary focus will be producing Groove pole and aerial shows, as well as managing and coaching the performance and competition teams. She will also be instructing pole dance and barre classes. She looks forward to Groove being an inclusive space for our community to thrive and for all bodies to move and groove!
Tee
Instructor
Tee began her pole dancing journey in college with a registered student organization at the University of Illinois in 2013. While traditional fitness modalities didn't appeal to her at the time, pole dancing was nearly love at first sight. For Tee, pole dancing became a way to appreciate her body for what it could already do while becoming stronger and more poised in movement. She used pole dancing to regain self-confidence and rebuild her self-esteem after becoming a mom. Many of us can relate to dealing with our changing bodies and the hormonal roller coasters associated with pregnancy and life postpartum. Pole dancing quickly became not only a means to stay in shape but also a way for her to form special bonds with wonderful women from various walks of life, whom she affectionately calls her pole sisters. Tee became a certified pole instructor in February 2019. She loves being a pole instructor; it is incredibly rewarding to assist and witness someone achieve something they once thought impossible.