Meet Our Academy’s Expert Instructors

Grey

Grey is a lifelong dancer. Their early skills took them from Irish Dancing, to Tahitian and Belly Dancing, to being the president of their collegiate International Dance Ensemble. Grey is a certified pole instructor via Pole Fitness Alliance.

Grey began their pole and aerials journey in 2020. They love to choreograph both slinky and dynamic flows. They have taught a wide variety of dances – from floorwork to heels to spin pole – prior to coming to APA. Their top priority at all times is safety and comfort. They focus not only on teaching moves and tricks, but also on proper form and listening to your body.

Grey is CPR and AED certified and is looking forward to obtaining their Level 1/2 certifications in Spring 2024.

Ambyr

Ambyr has been dedicated to pole for over a decade. She has a strong love for competition and a passion for the Dramatic style. Over the years, she has earned multiple titles in various competitions. Her training focuses on strength, conditioning, and mastering the proper execution of tricks across all skill levels.

Ambyr’s connection to pole stems from the empowerment it brings to women and the freedom to express oneself in any form. As an instructor, she is committed to guiding and supporting you on your pole journey, ensuring a safe and successful experience.

Kayleigh

Kayleigh Thompson started her aerial fitness journey with her first pole class in March of 2021. While pole has been her continual love since she began this journey, she has also explored many other aerial arts, including hammock/sling, silks, lyra, and trapeze. She is a certified Pole Fitness Alliance instructor. Kayleigh has trained at the PA Pole Academy, the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, and Awakenings Pole and Aerial Fitness Studio before finding her home at the Aerial Pole Academy. Despite a background in ballet, tap, and jazz dance, she wasn't a particularly athletic person and didn't do any physical activity for over 15 years. Learning to keep working at something that she wasn't initially good at built strength and determination. And today, the aerial arts have become not only a passion but a gateway to building confidence and reconnecting with her body. With a background teaching adults as her career, she is so excited to bring her enthusiasm and love for mentoring to her next adventure: teaching pole! She can't wait to meet you and help you reach your goals!

Leslie

Leslie is an accomplished aerialist based in the Lehigh Valley with nearly 20 years of experience in pole fitness. Having honed her skills through extensive training and competition, she achieved a notable 2nd place in a prestigious Philadelphia-area competition. In addition to pole fitness, Leslie is skilled in a range of aerial disciplines, including lyra and aerial hammock, and is also a talented fire performer.

With a solid background in aerial training in the Philadelphia area, Leslie is passionate about teaching and dedicated to helping others experience the unique sense of freedom that aerial arts offer. She is committed to providing a safe learning environment with a focus on proper technique.

Tomie

Tomie first began her pole journey in summer 2023. Walking in the studio for the first time was intimidating but, determined to overcome fear and self-doubt, she stood strong and stepped into the unknown. Finding a space to not only train the mind and body, build confidence but, also gives the freedom of self expression, it wasn’t long before pole became more than just a “class”. Combining her love for music, dance, and the desire for continued self growth she decided to take her journey to the next level; despite not having a background in dance, athletic hobbies, and being relatively new to the pole community. She is currently a certified level 1 pole instructor through Pole Fitness Alliance. As an instructor Tomie focuses on ensuring students feel comfortable, safe, and to aid in the discovery of the confidence that’s hidden within.