Pole Instructors
At Denver Circus Collective, our passionate Pole Instructors are here to empower you with strength, grace, and endless creativity. From beginners building confidence to advanced artists pushing boundaries, they'll guide your journey in a supportive, inclusive space.

Pole Studio Manager / Instructor
Mickey Stillo
Mickey began pole in 2021 and immediately fell in love with the blend of strength and artistry the discipline offers. She has a love for all aerial apparatus, but especially fly pole. Mickey is a certified pole and fly pole instructor who began teaching in 2023 and brings a background in gymnastics, competitive ballroom dance, and ultramarathon running to her training and coaching. As both a competitive and performative pole artist, she is especially passionate about supporting students in developing strong technique, creative expression, and confidence.

Instructor
Claire Gonzalez
Claire started training various circus apparatuses in 2019 in Austin, TX. Since moving to Denver in 2024, she has taught pole dance, acro chair, and floor work at the circus collective. When not teaching, Claire enjoys training aerial straps and flexibility. Outside of fitness, Claire loves to visit vintage clothing shops, support local drag, and spoil her dogs.

Instructor
Jessica Then
Jess has been pole dancing since 2020 and teaching since 2025. With a background rooted in yoga and strength training, movement has always been her passion. She thrives in powerful, dynamic tricks and loves helping students build confidence while feeling strong, capable, and connected in their bodies.

Instructor
Sierra Bell
Sierra has been pole dancing since 2022 and performs across the state and country. She loves movement and community and is excited to share pole with you! Her classes are for all bodies and genders and a safe space for fellow swers. Outside of the studio she is completing her nursing degree!

Instructor
Hannah Lemmons
Hannah has been coaching movement since 2015, but began her pole journey in 2019. It was love at first spin as they say! Pole and its community have completely transformed her life and she loves being able to share that with others through teaching. Catch her in her muggle life cross training clients at the gym so they can be strong & injury free.

Instructor
Maya Shoup
Maya grew up playing softball, running cross country, and performing in musical theatre. When she discovered circus, it felt like the perfect puzzle piece. Pole and Lyra in particular mold her aerial flow, making her routines a creative, fun fusion of cross-apparatus styles and tricks. When not flying high in the sky, Maya pursues fire and LED prop dancing, creates wire-wrapped jewelry, and practices massage therapy at her office in Westminster, CO.

Instructor
Jess Rother
Jess has been pole dancing for over 5 years and teaching since early 2025. She performs locally in showcases or troupe shows at least once a year and has consistently medaled in pole competitions over the years. She has found incredible confidence through movement in the pole world and loves to help her students do the same!

Instructor
Abbey Eff
Abbey Eff began her pole journey 13 years ago in Minneapolis and has spent the past decade sharing her love of movement with dancers around the world. With a background that spans teaching, performing, competing, and training internationally, Abbey brings a deep well of experience to every class. She’s worked with students of all levels—from brand-new beginners to seasoned pros—and is passionate about creating an inclusive space where everyone can grow, explore, and feel celebrated.
Known for her signature style—a blend of buttery smooth transitions and bold, grounded power—Abbey teaches pole, choreography, and flexibility with a focus on creativity, intentional movement, and self-connection. She finds the greatest joy in watching students surprise themselves, make breakthroughs, and fall in love with their own progress.
Along the way, Abbey has picked up titles like Dance Filthy Champion in both the U.S. and Australia, and has performed on stages around the globe—including four unforgettable shows with Snoop Dogg. But at the heart of it all, her biggest accomplishment is helping others find their confidence and voice through movement.
