Heart and Pole - Hermosa Beach Dance Studio , Fitness Studio, Best in South Bay, Pole Dancing Classes

Bios Page

Trina Lance - Founder and President

I founded Heart and Pole five years ago on the premise that there should be a fun and meaningful way for women to express themselves and grow stronger physically. I dedicated myself to building a studio where everyone is welcome, all have something important to share and where laughter ruled! I believe in protecting my students so they feel safe and supported while they learn our beautiful art form.

I have personally studied with Shawn Lee, K.T. Coates, Jamilla Deville, Pantera, Jenyne Butterfly and Felix Cane. All good pole teachers should never forget that we're perpetual students and I apply myself to reaching out and learning new techniques, tricks and methodologies so that I know I am gibing my students the best possible education in this sport. I hold two degrees in Theatre which helps fuel our strong artistic program and Heart & Pole. We tell stories and find the theatrical side of pole dance. I'm also the proud mother of two incredible young adults and wife to the most patient and funny of husbands.

Cat Landry

Senior Studio Instructor

Pole, Fitness

Cat is a wife, mom, and graphic designer. She came to Heart & Pole as a student with a background in gymnastics. From the second she set foot in the studio and met Trina, she wanted to teach this beautiful art form. She has fully embraced the art of pole and specializes in upper-level aerial inversions. Cat is passionately committed to increasing her POLECABULARY™ and sharing this experience with other women. Cat is also available for privates and professional coaching.

Melissa Coindreau

Senior Studio Instructor

Pole, Yoga, Burlesque, Dance Fitness

Melissa performed as a principal dancer with the San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet for five years. In addition to her certification and love of yoga, her professional credits include Grease, Cabaret, The Broadway Musical Swing, and she has had the pleasure of performing with such greats as the Cab Calloway Orchestra, Twyla Tharp, and Michael Buble. She holds US titles in Swing Dance and found her love of aerial arts through Heart and Pole. Melissa is an advanced level pole technician and enjoys blending the world of dance and aerial arts together. Melissa is also available for privates and professional coaching.

Irish

Senior Studio Instructor

Pole, Pilates, Burlesque, Dance Fitness

Shannon "Irish" as we all call her, is certified in massage therapy, pilates, hypnosis, and intuitive counseling. With her extensive background in dance and theatre, she comes to Heart and Pole with a wealth of knowledge to share. She looks forward to lovingly guiding other women through the journey of finding greater freedom and self love. Irish is also available for privates and professional coaching.

Madeline

From the moment Madeline began studying Burlesque, she knew she was home. A single Mom and a complete dork on a soul quest, she walked into Heart & Pole 3 years ago to beat a rough divorce out of her system and instead, found the outlet for self expression and creativity that she had been longing for. Already a certified Yoga Instructor, she has studied Pole and Burlesque under some of the best teachers and coaches in the world: Trina Lance, Kitten De Ville; Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2002, US Pole Champion; Jenyne Butterfly, Jemilla Deville and the incomparable Ava Garter.

Madeline still teaches the more exotic side of the pole art in the form of Stillettease I and II, but Burlesque is her main passion. She fell in love with the art, the costumes, the characters, the history and more

importantly, the process. With a degree in Fashion Design and over 20 years of sewing experience (she started making Barbie clothes at age 4), she feels that once there is a concept for a performance, the costumes often make themselves. She painstakingly fabricates or scrap-drags most (not all) of her costumes herself, with love.

Madeline's focus is on creating the illusion that you have been catapulted back in time to the 40's and 50's. Her characters, cloaked by the authentic make-up, hair and costumes reminiscent of that era, revel in the music and storytelling of years past. She lends those secrets to her students and coaches them on the arts of classic Burlesque dance, character, movement and Strip tease. Lets not forget about props! She is well-schooled in the art of glove and clothing removal, but adores the feather fans more than anything. She lovingly shares her expertise with her students so that they may also taste or become addicted to the Art of Burlesque in Va Va Voom classes.

Madeline is a triple threat who brings her love of dance and talent for style and presentation to Heart and Pole. Our resident classic burlesque specialist, she can guide you through burlesque styles of the 20's through the 60's as expertly as she can lead you through a yoga flow. Want to learn to be a club dancer or dance in platforms? Come to Stillettease. Madeline is also available for privates and professional coaching.