Pole Level 1 (must have completed Intro level)


This class is taught by:

Jackie Sherman

Jackie took her first pole class in January of 2017 and fell in love. While her dance background dates back to toddlerhood, no other style connected with her at the same level or felt more viscerally rewarding than pole. She was hooked. Almost immediately, she threw herself into classes, taking as many as possible and cross-training with yoga and weightlifting. Jackie took a huge leap in 2018 and participated in her first ever competition (PSO Northeast) and placed second in her division. In 2019, Jackie was invited to join the Elite Teacher Training Program, an extensive teaching and assisting program offered here at Elite. Her goal is to share the strength, empowerment, and joy she has found through pole with all of her students and peers.

Jeannie N.

Meet Jeannie, a passionate and determined individual who embarked on her fitness journey at Elite with the aim of integrating flexibility and conditioning into her heavy powerlifting program. Her dedication paid off as she achieved top 10 all-time rankings, and earning her a spot at the Worlds two years in a row. Along the way, it led her to become certified in strength and conditioning while continuing her healing benefits from dance.

Recognizing the importance of balance and rest, Jeannie decided to take a step back from powerlifting and redirected her focus towards building overall strength for better overall health. This shift has her go all in to pole dancing, where she found a captivating and enjoyable form of exercise that contributed to her body's and minds well-being.

Jeannie had the opportunity to perform in Elite Showcases, and even compete, achieving first-place victory in her category at PSO Liberty 2023. With a continuous passion for fitness and an unwavering determination to push her boundaries, Jeannie continues her journey here at Elite.

Kayla Brunson

Kayla’s pole journey began in 2019, when she convinced a coworker to take an intro class with her at Elite. She was instantly captivated by the artistry and athleticism of pole and knew she belonged in the studio.

Known for her fearless approach, her dynamic style emphasizes flips, power spins, and strength-based maneuvers that showcase her daredevil spirit and love for aerial arts.

Kayla’s journey took a pivotal turn when her first performance in Elite’s 2023 student showcase sparked a deep passion for performing and inspired her to compete in PSO’s Northeast competition that same year. She took home second place in level 4 championship and went on to win first place at PSO’s Atlantic competition the following year.

Kayla hopes to introduce students to the exhilarating world of pole, and inspire them push their boundaries by trusting in their own strength and ability.

Taylor S

Taylor (she/they) took her first Intro to Pole class in January 2020 and hasn’t looked back. While her fitness journey included childhood dance classes, completing two half marathons, and weight lifting, nothing made her feel as graceful and strong as pole dancing. She was invited to complete the Intro to Pole Teacher Training program at Elite in 2023 and is currently working on completing the Pole Level 1-2 Teacher Training. Taylor’s goal as an instructor is to ensure every student feels welcome and can confidently express themselves through pole dance. When she is not at the studio, she is at the gym or home with her two cats.

Freddie Flippen

Frederica Flippen aka Freddie has always enjoyed dancing which is why she enrolled into Freedom Theatre as a pre-teen. While in High School Freddie channeled her love for dancing by joining the Drill Team. In her adulthood, Freddie utilized Dance Fitness to satisfy her urges to feel the music and move her body. In 2015, while continuing her dance fitness journey, Freddie walked into Elite Pole & Fitness and found a new love! In 2016, Freddie had spinal surgery and was forced to take a break from pole fitness for almost a year. Once she received the green light from her physician, she was back at it with an even greater drive and appreciation for the power and beauty the body can obtain through the art/sport of pole fitness. In 2018, Freddie became an Assistant Hip Hop/Diva Funk Dance instructor as well as an Assistant Pole Fitness Instructor at a studio in South Philadelphia. In 2021 Freddie completed Elite’s Teacher Training program and was promoted to teach her own Intro to Pole classes at the studio in Philadelphia. Freddie thrives to provide students with the tools they need to grow within their own pole/fitness journey in a manner that makes them feel confident and empowered!

To continue with her education for fitness, Freddie has also obtained her Zumba basic 101 certification, Liquid Motion 1.0, 2.0, & Heels certification, RAD mobility Cert and ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification

This level works to build the coordination and technique for more complicated skills. We will work on more advanced sits and climbs (forearm climb, side climb), knee holds like jasmine and martini, and get comfortable with more complicated and demanding spin tricks. We will work on building strength for our choppers and getting comfortable in basic inversions.

When is it time to level up?
When you have a strong forearm climb on both static and spin. You have a strong chair spin, and you can invert into and hold a bat comfortably. Your tucks should be strong, and you should be close to or able to do a chopper.


Upcoming classes:

  • Sun Sep 28 11:15 am - 12:15 pm with Jackie Sherman
  • Sun Oct 05 11:15 am - 12:15 pm with Jeannie N.
  • Tue Oct 07 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm with Jackie Sherman
  • Fri Oct 10 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm with Kayla Brunson
  • Sat Oct 11 11:15 am - 12:15 pm with Taylor S
  • Sun Oct 12 11:15 am - 12:15 pm with Jackie Sherman
  • Tue Oct 14 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm with Jackie Sherman
  • Fri Oct 17 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm with Freddie Flippen
  • Sat Oct 18 11:15 am - 12:15 pm with Taylor S