David C. Owen (USA): Pole fitness created a sudden change in the life of David C. Owen which no one, least of all himself, could have foreseen. Having no formal background in dance, gymnastics, or circus arts, pole helped expose David to a new range of experiences and a love of acrobatic movement.  His expressive style and above-average flexibility caused him to gain widespread attention in the pole community.  Since then, David has become one of the most cherished instructors of pole fitness in the United States, giving workshops and performances in many locations.  He is appreciated for his precise and challenging yet gentle instructing style which focuses on safely improving strength and flexibility to expedite learning the most difficult pole skills.

David was honored to earn a title at the first American Pole Fitness Championships. He is grateful for the encouragement of his pole friends near and far, which gave him the courage to participate in APFC and other national and international events.  David is proud to be a correspondent for Pole Spin Magazine and continues to have a busy instructing schedule in numerous cities.

Caterina Gennaro (USA): A true Renaissance woman, Caterina Gennaro has excelled as a competitive gymnast, international model, underwater shark diver and photographer for the Discovery Channel, and now as one of the top pole dancers in the world. Cat opened Poleates in 2006 to help women learn an incredible new way to get in shape, build self-confidence and to get in touch with their sensual sides. Cat first used pole dancing to get her body back in shape after the birth of her twins.Her pole-dancing journey has taken her to national and international level of competition, where she has established herself as one of the world’s elite performers.  “I’m in the best shape of my life.  I feel better, sexier, more confident than at any other time.  Pole dancing is the perfect sensual escape for me balancing my busy career and raising twins,” she says. But for her, the biggest reward comes from transforming and revitalizing the lives of her students. She hopes to continue in the sport as a representative of the athletes, studios and all the pole fitness enthusiasts worldwide. To promote the industry and unite the pole community one step at a time! She was a finalist at the American Pole Fitness Championships 2010 –her last competition.

Stephanie Babines (USA): Stephanie Babines is the owner, operator, and certified pole dancing instructor at Oh My You’re Gorgeous. Stephanie holds a graduate degree in marketing, management information systems and masters in project planning, and in 2004, used her management and fitness skills to start Oh My You’re Gorgeous, a business for women to feel beautiful inside and out. Battling for Her First Amendment Rights Stephanie was represented by the ACLU and received national and international attention during her battle to open her pole fitness studio. The clash began when a code enforcement officer tried to close the facility, saying that the business logo was suggestive of adult entertainment, not a fitness studio. Stephanie won the legal fight and both she and her studio have since been featured on Fox News, CNN, Inside Edition, Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, Reason Magazine, Pole Spin and in numerous other publications. Certifications and credentials, unlike many local pole dancing instructors, Stephanie Babines is not self-taught; instead, she is part of an elite group that has trained with a long list of accomplished dancers and choreographers. Stephanie has been coached by world-renowned exotic dancers as well as choreographers that have worked with Beyonce, Rihanna, and Britney Spears.

Jenyne Butterfly (USA): Jenyne has been a professional pole dancer for 10 years. She first began practicing pole, which then led her to another apparatus called trapeze. It was then she truly discovered her love for flying. Jenyne’s passion was exploring and studying interior design but quickly turned into creating and designing costumes, make-up, and movement. The focus of her life became performance art and she moved to Las Vegas, the entertainment capitol of the world. Jenyne acquired prestigious positions performing in the shows Le Reve (produced by former Cirque du Soleil director Dragone) and for world famous DJ’s such as Paul Oakenfold and Tiesto. She now performs all over the world on a variety of aerial apparatus including trapeze, hoop, fabric, rope, hammock, straps, bungee, and she created the first female aerial pole dance act. She is a world renowned pole fitness instructor available for instructional workshops and private lessons, performance-appearance-hosting special events. Jenyne recently visited places such as Australia, Russia, Canada, England, Scotland, Italy, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Caribbean. Jenyne is a mentor in pole safety and fitness programs, as well as federations supporting the growth of pole dance as a fitness form or competitive sport.