Meet the Team

Alex began teaching pole for her first studio back in 2015. With prior experience in competitive gymnastics, she enjoyed the different ways she could transfer those skills at pole. During her journey, Alex found a love for slinky snake-like movements and basework, as well as a passion for teaching beginners.

​

Alex’s approach to teaching couples patience with encouragement and starts many off with a solid foundation of the basic skills. She guides students through the key elements of pole, preparing them with an understanding of good form and technique. Alex completed her Xpert Pole Fitness Level 1 & 2 Teaching certificate in 2022.

Alex’s specialty is the Beginner Block Course. She also teaches timetabled classes throughout the week and is available for private and competition training.

Eleanor began her pole fitness journey at the end of 2020, and has been dancing ever since she can remember, predominantly specialising in classical ballet and was awarded 2nd place soloist in the PACANZ competition in 2015. 

​

Eleanor became an instructor at the start of 2022.  She draws on her experience from teaching ballet to ensure students use correct technique and movements are performed safely. She enjoys watching her student’s confidence improve through pole and aims to teach a wide range of styles so everyone can develop their own unique flair. Eleanor has also branched out into competition coaching, she successfully choreographed for and trained the NZAPP Expert National Winner in 2022, and took two more students to third in 2024 in the Expert and Beginner categories.

Eleanor personally enjoys training tricks, flips and tumbles, or any large dynamic pole moves to push herself. Eleanor teaches timetabled classes throughout the week, and is available for private and competition training.

Starting pre-Covid, Steph attempted to complete a Beginner Block Course twice, both being canceled due to lockdowns. Completing the course on her third attempt, she hasn't looked back.

​

Steph is behind the scenes ensuring the studio runs smoothly. She stays on top of email queries, group bookings and studio hire, the books, and is the reasonable halfway point between Alex and Eleanor in all our discussions.

​

Steph likes the strength developed and required in pole and with zero dance or sports background, enjoys the challenges and progress she sees in classes.

The supportive community at the studio is a big part of why she loves pole and why she was determined to keep a studio going in Birkenhead.

​

Steph teaches Junior Pole and timetabled classes throughout the week.

As a kid, Blue always joked about being a pole dancer. One day, a pole studio opened next to his apartment and he took it as a sign. After trying his first class in 2019, he realised it was meant to be.

Blue has been teaching since 2020 and loves how he transforms into a diva every time he is on the pole. He has also made it a life goal to bring out everyone’s inner diva through pole.

Blue has competed locally and internationally. He has placed second runner up in Dynasty Semi Pro Tricks category (New Zealand), and been a finalist in Mr Pole Dance - Amateur (Australia) and Podium Goddess - Amateur (Australia)

​

Blue teaches timetabled classes throughout the week.

Jazz has a background in contemporary and modern dance and she has enjoyed transferring these skills to pole since starting in early 2022. She loves the way that pole challenges her, mentally as well as physically.

Jazz has previously taught contemporary style choreography to high school students. She loves working with beginners, making their first experience enjoyable and building up their confidence as they progress.

Jazz is a big fan of being strong at the end of her flexibility range to ensure she gets the most out of pole and performs to the best of her abilities.

​

Jazz teaches timetabled classes throughout the week.

Gwen grew up doing gymnastics back in France and wanted to try something different when she moved to New Zealand. After a few years of dabbling in yoga, Pilates, and ice skating, she finally found the courage (after a solid year of trying to find a friend to come along so it’d be less scary) to come to her first pole class at the end of 2017.

Since starting, Gwen has completely fallen in love with pole and began teaching a year later. Gwen particularly loves any trick requiring strength or a good back-bend, as well as anything involving a handstand.

​

Gwen is currently on parental leave.

Rachel started pole in 2018. A lover of knee grips, drops and scary flips, she is otherwise a risk averse person. 

Rachel enjoys breaking down moves and working with you to achieve that goal, dream move or transition. She completed her IPDFA Pole Pro Beginner and Intermediate instructor course in 2022.

With a preference towards strength-based pole sport, not having the flexibility or grace for flow, Rachel is passionate about seeing students achieve and further cultivate the community at Icarus fitness.

​

Rachel is currently on parental leave.

Irina started her pole journey in Moscow so long ago that it feels like it's always been a part of her. Despite being off and on in her training, pole has been the only sport that speaks to her.

Irina started teaching in 2020 and loves watching the growing confidence in her students. A certified fitness instructor from AUT, she believes that a strong knowledge of the fundamentals of pole lets her students progress safely and beautifully. Refining her knowledge, she has completed multiple courses through My Pole Space.

Irina loves that pole is a fun, challenging, and all body workout without the boring reps you experience at the gym.​

​Renee was first introduced to pole through a Beginner Block Course run by Alex in 2021. Ever since her first class, Renee has consistently trained to build her skills, confidence, and to achieve that next big strength move.

Renee has a competitive spirit, entering her first competition in 2022. Since then, she’s been a finalist in Dynasty Amateur 2024 and was 2nd runner-up in the Expert category at NZAPP Auckland heats in 2024.

Renee is now ready to share her passion with other students as a substitute instructor. Renee describes herself as the “Cool Aunty” and enjoys sharing unique variations to moves that students have been taught by their regular instructors.

​

Renee is a substitute instructor and is available for private training.