(She/Her) I first discovered pole dancing in 2007 not long after having my second child. I was a stay at home mom with two children under 2 and was in desperate need of an activity that in the limited ‘me’ time I was able squeeze in could 1) get me out of the house and give me a much needed mental break, 2) was able to get me back in shape without being boring, feeling torturous and much like a chore, and 3) be fun and exciting and make me feel ‘alive’ again. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED being a devoted mom and wife to my growing family but let's be honest, the daily routine just gets monotonous and sometimes we just need a creative outlet to express ourselves with. So with the encouragement of my amazing husband, I tried my first class, and instantly fell in love with this movement!

Since childhood, I have always been drawn to activities that required me to be physically active like dance and gymnastics. So, pole dancing, which is a creative combination of the two, came somewhat naturally to me. Before long I was in the best shape of my life, making wonderful friends and coming home with a new found passion and vitality that made me feel like a better balanced person, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Once I 'filled my cup' I felt it gave me the ability to be an even better mother, wife, friend, etc. This discovery gave me, along with my wonderful friend Caroline, the passion and the drive to create Tiger Lily Vertical Fitness & Dance so that we could share our passion with others so they may benefit as well!

Let's connect on IG: @ratherbpoledancing

(She/Her) As a child I took classical ballet and gymnastics. I enjoyed the beautiful fluid movements of both art forms. As an adult, I found that a gym setting wasn’t the proper fit for me. I wasn’t sure my technique on the equipment was correct, which made me feel self conscious. Classes were large and without a personal trainer, I didn’t get the attention I needed. My membership ended up seeming much more like a donation to a club that I never went to. My first experience with pole dancing was in 2007 when a friend and I were searching for a fitness regimen that was different and had an emphasis on FUN! I found pole dancing exciting, with a hidden reward – an incredible workout! The setting was more my style too, a calming smaller group, with women much like me! I discovered that even though the horizontal ballet barre had been replaced with a vertical dance pole, the nostalgia of my youth came back in a more mature, sensual, empowering, and very beautiful way – I never expected anything like it! In 2008, I took a small break to have my 3rd child. Concerned about how the new baby weight would affect my ability to pole dance, I quickly discovered that with proper diet and pole dance fitness a few times a week, I am now in the best shape of my life!

Taking the step from student to instructor has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have made to date (along with motherhood and being a wife). Watching a student come in our doors for the first time, usually feeling unsure and a little nervous, it’s amazing to see how they blossom through each level. Pole dancing is my passion and as an instructor I am committed to being the best I can be. Together with my dear friend Sarah, we have built Tiger Lily so that other women can benefit just as we did!

(She/Her) I have been passionate about dance in many forms for as long as I can remember. My movement journey began at the age of 3 with my grandmother as my first dance teacher and continued through winter guard in high school, where I later became a coach. My mother likes to say that's where my love for poles first began. 

In 2017, shortly before graduating college with a degree in finance, I discovered pole dancing and was immediately captivated by its blend of artistry, athleticism, and self expression. What began as curiosity as a student quickly became a calling and in 2020 I began teaching pole with intention, care, and a deep love for the craft. 

As a Senior Instructor, I strive to create a supportive and encouraging environment where students can explore movement, build confidence, and grow at their own pace. I teach a wide variety of apparatuses including lyra, chair, pole-chair fusion, floor flow, and flexy but pole remains my true love and specialty. 

In 2025, I was grateful for the opportunity to perform at PoleCon West, a meaningful milestone that further deepened my connection to the pole community and continues to inspire my growth as both an instructor and perfomer. 

Tiger Lily has been an integral part of my journey, and I am deeply greatful to be a part of a studio that values artistry, community, and growth. Being able to contribute to Tiger Lily's continued success, both through teaching and learning alongside its incredible community means more to me than words can express!

Let's connect on IG: @aemberannaerial

(She/Her) My burlesque adventure started in 2019. Before that, I was self-conscious and struggled to feel comfortable in my own skin. I didn’t feel comfortable in the typical gyms and couldn’t stick to at-home fitness programs. Burlesque opened up a whole new world for me. I found a glittery hideaway from the mundane and stressful outside world where I could begin to feel sexy and confident in my own skin. Now, I am performing in the ‘burbs covered in glitter and twirling my tassels with pride! 

As an instructor, I love to help others discover their inner diva with fun, flirty, and fast paced routines that they don’t even realize are a workout because we are having so much fun! I have seen how burlesque can make the most shy and timid lady transform into a powerful, body-positive, sexy queen. I can’t wait to shake and shimmy with you in class!

Find me on IG @ CherryBomb.burlesque

(She/Her) I began my pole dancing journey as a student at Tiger Lily, looking for a fun and creative way to get into shape. Before pole, I wouldn't have considered myself physically active, but I quickly fell in love with the strength and dance aspects. Pole has allowed me to grow both physically and mentally, and it’s been incredibly empowering to challenge myself in new ways. What has made this journey even more special is the supportive and safe community at Tiger Lily. From the very start, I felt welcomed and accepted for who I was, which gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward. I now feel the most beautiful and empowered when I’m dancing or testing my limits, and I want everyone to experience that same sense of empowerment and expressive freedom. As I continue my journey to an instructor, I hope to offer the same encouragement and support that helped me grow as a student. These are values I deeply cherish and aim to provide for others as they embark on their own pole journeys.

(She/Her) I've always loved dancing in my free time when I was in high school so I knew the best way for me to stay active was to dance! So one day, being a licensed Esthetician, I was chatting with one of my clients about how I was intimidated to go to the gym and she suggested I try pole dancing. I was excited about that idea and after my first class, I was hooked and I'm so grateful for that client to this day! Pole dancing has allowed me to improve my lifestyle, care more for my body, and not be afraid to show up to the gym. I lie that I can transfer what I have going on physically and mentally to pole and enjoy those endorphins! My style is slinky and sensual with a sprinkle of dynamic moves. Taking the step to become an instructor has been very satisfying, I love teaching & encouraging beginners to move their body like they never knew they could. My goal is to create a safe and respectful space for my students to allow them to explore their creative side. 

(She/Her)

Watching aerial silks from afar, I was mesmerized by their strength and beauty and eager for the moment I could experience it firsthand. When I finally took the leap and joined my first intro class, everything shifted. The moment I stepped into that class, I knew I’d found something extraordinary, the perfect mix of challenge, expression, and exhilaration. 

Though I once feared heights and the act of letting go, aerial silks helped me break through those fears and tap into a deep well of strength. Now, mastering drops and learning new moves fuels my spirit and keeps me coming back with passion and purpose. 

Today, I train regularly, create inspiring content online, and guide students of all levels to build strength, confidence, and creativity through aerial silks. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your practice, my mission is to create a space where you can feel confident, supported, and inspired to grow. 

Let’s connect on IG: @aerialist_ceci