Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains

Founded in 2018, Lovely Lioness Pole Dance & Aerial Fitness has been providing high-quality pole dance & aerial arts education to the community.  Over the years, Autumn has grown Lovely Lioness  into three thriving dance studios with a strong reputation for excellence in training.  Holding a Masters in Education with a concentration in Leadership and B.A. in Business Administration, Autumn has cultivated warm, welcoming, and encouraging learning environments with a focus on providing students a safe place to discover their inner strengths and power. A USAF veteran and school teacher of 20 years, Autumn is dedicated to her students' growth as well as assisting her students to achieve their highest potential in pole dance and aerial arts.  

Alli began pole dancing in 2013 as a way to continue dance performance into adulthood. She gives Pole Dancing credit for helping to reshape the relationship she has with her body, mind, and community by creating the space to decide what feels right for her. In 2020, a newfound love for pole emerged from watching her students also learn what feels right for them, realizing how capable they are, and taking that new confidence into the world. With a specialty in strength training and a flow attuned to musicality, Alli enjoys performing in shows where she can highlight her versatility. Alli enjoys going to events within the Pole world (especially on vacation!) and hopes to continue to build relationships across the pole community that strengthen its many intersections.

Meet Asha! A dynamic 200-hour registered yoga teacher, XPERT Fitness certified pole instructor (catch her weekly at Lovely Lioness Union City), performer, PSO silver and bronze medalist, and co-producer of The Pole Brunch. Asha's journey with pole dance began five years ago, evolving into a passionate avenue for self-expression with a focus on sensuality and strength. As a dancer, athlete, and instructor, she finds joy and inspiration in seeing students discover their own personal movement journeys and hopes to nurture and encourage them along their way.  

Dana, a nurse and our resident medical professional for the retreat, has a decade of dance experience under her belt and will soon be celebrating her 10-year dance anniversary in March 2024. She is an accomplished instructor in the areas of exotic low-flow and chair dance/acro. Dana is no stranger to hard work, having completed the NYC Marathon and achieved first place in PSO Low Flow in 2018. Additionally, she founded French Allure Boudoir Photography and has been a Lovely Lioness instructor for commendable five years. Her impressive range of abilities and experience make her a valuable asset to any team.

Introducing Shenata, an accomplished pole instructor and dramatic choreographer with over 4 years of dance expertise. Currently inspiring others at Lovely Lioness in Atlantic City, Shenata's journey includes 4 competitions at PSO, where she earned 3 gold and a bronze medal. Her diverse sports background, from track to collegiate-level fencing, has instilled the discipline and drive reflected in her dance. Shenata's performances, both in groups and as a solo artist, beautifully showcase her commitment to artistic expression cultivated over the past 4 years.