The Phoenix Dance Studio's mission is to offer a place where women of all ages (over age 18) may further their fitness goals
feed their passion for the art of dance and movement, increase their self confidence and challenge their fears.
The studio offers classes and private lessons in Pole fitness
Exotic dance, Burlesque, Chair dance, Lap dance, Aerial Hoop, Silks and more. A wide variety of social dances such as Swing, Salsa, Waltz and more are also offered in private lessons. Special workshops in all forms of movement are held, as well.
We have expanded our aerial classes such as silks and Lyra
to have an age limit starting at 14 and to be co-ed. Additionally, we now offer a kids Silks and Lyra class open to ages 8-13.
The Phoenix Dance Studio was created as a space of transformation
empowerment, and joy through quality instruction in a fun and safe environment.
Instructors
Laci~Rose
Owner and Program Director Erica Rosene
Erica Rosene, a.k.a.
"Laci-Rose," has been dancing since 1992, studying ballet, jazz, modern, tap, all styles of ballroom dance, various forms of exotic, pole and burlesque, and more. With a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from East Carolina University in 2003, Erica brings a professional yet fun teaching perspective to all her students. In 2008 Erica was voted Best Dance Instructor by C-ville Weekly.
Using her 20 years of dance experience, Erica enjoys sharing her knowledge and love of dance with her students and national audiences.
"From the moment I put on my first pair of dance shoes I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Performance and choreography is a deeply rooted passion. However, helping a student who is just starting out to transform into a confidant strong individual with their own passion for dance is why I love my job!"
Erica has studied with dance masters including Michelle L'Amore and Jenyne Butterfly for Burlesque and Pole
as well as Jason Barnes and others for West Coast Swing and Hustle.
A frequent performer and competitor
Erica is a sought-after entertainer, dance performer and choreographer of numerous forms of dance. She has danced on the Paramount stage, Siips club and restaurant, X-Lounge and more in Charlottesville, Virgnia, the West Palm Beach Convention Center stage in Florida, Bravo restaurant in Harrisonburg, Virginia, multiple venues in Washington, DC and the Convention Center stage in Maryland.
Additionally, Erica has been featured as an instructor and performer at the first and second International Pole and Exotic Conventions.
She was a finalist in the USPDF East Coast Regional Pole Competition in Fall 2009, as well as a competitor in the East Meets West Bi-Poler Competition in Fall 2010.
Erica also manages and performs locally and nationally with her dance troupe
the Phoenix Femmes Fatales (formally the E-Fit Femmes Fatales).
Her previous experience includes working at the Little Gym teaching preschool gymnastics and ballet
and teaching Social dance/Ballroom and acting as Director for the Exotic Fitness Dance program at Shergold Studio for 8 years.
In 2012, Erica decided it was time to open her own studio
The Phoenix Dance Studio, as a place where students can build their strength, grace and confidence in a positive, safe and fun environment.
Samantha Sparks
In 2005, Samantha Jones fell in love with her new son.
Six months later, after years of long distance cycling and triathlons, she fell in love again: with pole dancing.
Pole dancing represented unique challenges to Sam from being physically engaging to mentally tapping into her creativity and performance ability.
Today, Samantha is an instructor in pole dance, and lyra, as well as an aerial and burlesque performer with the Phoenix Femme Fatales. (And all the while being mother of two!)
She says, "even though the physical challenges are what drive me to keep improving myself on various dance props like the pole
hoop and silks, it's the amazing women that I get to meet, teach and dance with that keep me inspired."
In addition to teaching and dancing, Samantha was the east coast representative for the U.S. Pole Dance Federation (USPDF) in 2009.
She also helped plan and coordinate the USPDF East Coast Regional Competition held at The Paramount Theatre in Charlottesville in 2009. Samantha also co-founded East Meets West (EMW) Pole Events with Michula Nunez of Antix Fitness, California. EMW then hosted two competitions in 2010: the Tri-Pole Challenge held in Los Angeles, California and the Bi-Poler Competition in Charlottesville, Virginia.
After supporting competitions nationwide
Samantha decided to return her focus to pole dancing, teaching, and enjoying events that other people create. She lends her talents to the Femme Fatales by coordinating entertaining and educational local events for the Charlottesville community.
Sasha Snow
Sasha Snow has been dancing since she was 5 years old.
Throughout her youth, she took theatre and dance classes and workshops, including jazz, tap, ballet and broadway dancing. She performed with the Four County Players in Barboursville, VA for several years as a teenager and starred in musical theatre numbers during her high school years. She studied ballet at Radford University for one year before focusing on her career in mass communications. She returned to her love of dance in 2006 when she discovered Laci Rose's Femme Fatales at Shergold Studio. Sasha Snow began teaching exotic dance classes and lap dance workshops in 2009 and as she says, "I haven't looked back since. I can't imagine not being around all the wonderful women who make up the heart of this dance studio. I learn as much from them, as they do from me."
In addition to performing with the Femme Fatales and teaching and choreographing exotic and "polexotica" routines
she has occasionally substituted for Burlesque classes and Pole dancing parties. Her dance philosophy is simple: "what really matters is that you feel better about yourself after class than you did before class. It doesn't hurt that you can go home and share what you've learned, too. [wink]"
Sinnamon
Sinnamon
Sinnamon began her love affair with pole dancing in January 2009. Since then, she has expanded her repertoire to a large number of complementary dance styles and aerial arts, including exotic dance, burlesque, lyra (aerial hoop), silks (aerial fabric), social/ballroom dance, line dance, and even a bit of hula hoop, trapeze, and belly dance! Sinnamon loves the grace and strength that pole requires and the sexy confidence that it provides!
Brynne Levy
Brynne Levy discovered pole dance in September 2010 when she took her first introductory class with the women of The Phoenix Dance Studio.
She immediately fell in love with the beauty, grace, and athleticism of the art of pole, and she eagerly embraced the freedom of movement and expression that it encouraged.
I love pole because of all of the ways it continues to challenge me.
It has taught me to be more present in my body, and it has taught me that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought possible. It has brought many positive changes to my life, and I am so excited that I get to share my passion for such a wonderful art form with others.
Brynne was a competitor in the Ms Virginia Pole Dance America Competition in April 2012
placing 3rd in the Amateur Division and winning "Miss Flexibility." In addition to pole, she has had four years of experience in competitive Irish dance. She also enjoys learning and performing in other aerial arts such as silks and lyra.
Albemarle Whiskey
Albermarle Whiskey comes from an exercise background.
Throughout her high school and college career she was constantly challenging her body with new activities. At the University of Delaware, A. Whiskey became a personal trainer and fitness instructor, specializing in weight training for women and cycling. After moving to Charlottesville to start her PhD in Physiology, A. Whiskey was looking for something to spice up her normal exercise routine.
When a coworker invited her to one of the studio's open houses
she was admittedly hesitant. Pole dancing, really? She signed up for a short 5-week class to test the waters, and never looked back!
"The studio has given me so much. I've never been in better shape in my life, physically or emotionally."
Excited to share her new passion with new students, A. Whiskey began teaching a choreography class in 2012.
She is currently teaching pole classes, but don't be surprised to see her teaching exotic, lyra I or silks I. A. Whiskey is a continuing student in pole, lyra, silks, exotic, and burlesque as well as a performer in The Phoenix Femmes Fatales. She is also part of the Virginia Acrobatics Club, dedicated to the resurgence of circus art in America.
Drew Barga
Drew Barga
Drew Barga graduated from James Madison University in 2010 with a degree in Kinesiology, concentrating in Exercise Science and Leadership. He has worked in many different institutions ranging from cardiac rehab, running rehab-based fitness centers, commercial fitness centers and corporate fitness centers. In the Winter of 2011 Drew opened his own private personal training studio, Bar-G Fitness where he trains clients and teaches Sport Yoga. Drew has been a certified Personal Trainer for over 10 years and and certified Group Exercise Instructor for over 5. Four years ago he fractured two vertebrae in his lower back and through his own recovery has learned many ways to help clients alleviate their pain, not just the lower back, but the entire body. Drew's goal is to help people attain their fitness related goals, whether that is body fat loss, increased muscular endurance or stress relief through the practice of yoga.
The Phoenix Femme Fatales
The Phoenix Femme Fatales (formerly E-Fit Femme Fatales) are comprised of intermediate and advanced students who enjoy the thrill of performing.
They have danced in showcases, special full-scale performances, and at small venues around Charlottesville and Harrisonburg. The Femme Fatales have also had the pleasure of dancing at the International Pole and Exotic Convention (2010, 2011) and on the stage of the Paramount for the USPDF East Coast Regional (2009), and the EMW Bi-Poler Competition (2010).
The Femme Fatales are available to perform for special events
exhibitions and fundraisers. For availability and pricing, contact Erica Rosene at erica@thephoenixdancestudio.com or 434-293-1127.
Pole Dance
Beginner Level
Prerequisites: 18 and up
Intro to Pole and Exotic
This series introduces the you to the art of pole dancing. The student will learn basic moves and techniques to build confidence and body awareness when working with the pole. Students will learn a short routine that will work both sides of the body, gradually building strength, flexibility, and coordination. All moves are done with at least one foot on the floor to ensure your comfort and safety. monthly sessions, 55 minutes, No Prerequisites, No weight limit
(for a 4 week series (Drop ins $20))$68.00
Pole I Technique
Reinvigorate your workout and your motivation for fitness with beginner level courses. Classes focus on basic pole skills and floor work to prepare you for the next level. Builds arm strength, core strength, and confidence. monthly sessions, 55 minutes, 200lb safety weight limit
(for a 4 week series (Drop ins $20))$68.00
Pole I Choreography
Learn all the basic pole moves along with exotic moves in a choreographed routine that will not only challenge you physically, but also mentally. Incorporates dance transitions for the student to learn fluidity and flow. This class is perfect for someone who loves the thrill of a completed goal and also anyone who would like to feel the adrenaline of performance. 10 week session, 55 minutes, 200lb safety weight limit
(for the series)$170.00
Intermediate Level
Prerequisites: 18 and up. Students must have completed 8-10 weeks of Beginner level courses
Pole II Technique
Continue to build on your skill set. This class will literally get you off your feet as you begin to climb! Thigh and arm holds, intermediate spins, and even introduction to the spinning pole! monthly sessions, 55 minutes, 200lb safety weight limit
(for a 4 week series (Drop ins $20))$68.00
Pole II Choreography
Learning Intermediate level spins and holds while improving your fluidity and performance with a choreographed routine. 10 week session, 55 minutes, 200lb safety weight limit
(for the series)$170.00
Advanced Level
Prerequisites: 18 and up. Students must have completed 4, 10 week sessions (8 months) of Intermediate level courses or have instructor invitation
Pole III/IV Technique
Challenge your body in new ways as you begin to invert! Learn more advanced spins, holds, drops, and put them together for unique combinations. monthly sessions, 55 minutes, 200lb safety weight limit
(for a 4 week series (Drop ins $20))$68.00
Pole III/IV/Masters Choreography
Continue mastering your dance performance, as you learn inverts, more advanced spins, holds, drops, and combinations. 10 week session, 55 minutes, 200lb safety weight limit
(for the series)$170.00
Burlesque
Prerequisites: 18 and up. None for BI. Students must have completed 4-5 weeks of BI to advance to BII. To Advance to BIII, students must have completed 10-12 weeks (3 Months) of BII to advance to BIII
Burlesque I
Meet your fun side with Burlesque! Students learn to shimmy, strut, bump, and prance. Introduction to glove and boa work, finishing with a short routine that's sure to have you shaking! monthly sessions, 55 minutes, No weight limit
(for a 4 week series (Drop ins $20))$68.00
Burlesque II and III
Building on the basics, perfect your moves while adding more surprises. Students will work with hats, ties, boas, and gloves- all while learning a short routine. monthly sessions, 55 minutes, No weight limit
(for a 4 week series (Drop ins $20))$68.00
Burlesque III
Now that you have worked on your moves for several months, it's time for more props like fans as well as stripping tripping techniques such as stocking and corset removal. monthly sessions, 55 minutes, No weight limit
(for a 4 week series (Drop ins $20))$68.00
Burlesque III Choreography
$170.00
Put all of your burlesque skills in motion as you learn a choreographed routine. Tease, flirt and have fun! 10 week session, 55 minutes, No weight limit
Aerial Arts: Lyra and Silks
Prerequisites: 18 and up. None for Lyra I and Silks I. Must have completed 4-5 weeks of basic to advance to the second level. Must have completed 4-5 weeks of technique to move into a choreography class
Lyra I
Learn a beautiful form of aerial dance seen in cirque du soleil. Build strength, balance. and grace as you learn moves and transitions on the aerial hoop. monthly series, 55 minutes
(for a 4 week month (Drop ins $20))$68.00
Lyra II Technique
Now that you have been introduced to the basics, let's move into perfected those level one moves while adding new challenges. monthly series, 55 minute
(for a 4 week month (Drop ins $20))$68.00
Lyra II Choreography
$170.00
Take your level I moves, add some new skills and put them all together in a routine that will improve transitions, stamina and musicality. 10 week series, 55 minutes
Prerequisites
one month of level I required to progress to level II
Silks I
Suspend your body from flowing fabric like the performers in cirque du soliel. Build your core, balance and fluidity of movement as you wrap and unwrap yourself in yards of flowing silk. monthly series 55 minutes
(or a 4 week month (Drop ins $20))$68.00
Silks II
Continuing from level I, students will continue to work on previous moves while adding new skills. monthly series 55 minutes
(for a 4 week month (Drop ins $20))$68.00
Flexibility and Strength Classes
Co-Ed, Ages 16 and up
Stretch
Take time out for yourself in this class that will increase your flexibility and relax your mind. monthly series, 55 minutes, No weight limit
(for a 4 week series (Drop ins $12))$40.00
Deep Tissue Stretch and Flex
Students will learn Self Myofacial Release (SMR) through the use of foam rollers and rubber balls. As an experienced trainer, Drew will walk you though a series of tension release exercises much like a deep tissue massage to help increase flexibility, range of motion and muscular function. All parts of the body can be foam rolled, but certain areas will be more intense, such as the IT band and glutes. Students will also work on trigger-point release with the rubber balls, creating an even greater release for more troublesome areas, such as the lower back and upper shoulders. This is an excellent class for students for both men and women. monthly series, 55 minutes, No weight limit, Coed
(for a 4 week series (Drop ins $12))$40.00
Workshops and Parties
Girls Night Out Parties
Looking for a fun night out with the ladies?
Try one of our parties! Great for Birthdays, Bachelorette Parties, Sororities, and more. Choose your day and time, what style or styles of dance you would like to learn and how long you want your party to be. Choose from Pole, Exotic, Burlesque, Chairdance, Lapdance, Aerial Arts and more.
We offer many other styles of workshops through out the year.
1-2 hours
(- $50)$25.00
Social Dance
Social Dance
Offering private lessons in Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Salsa, Rumba, Cha Cha, Bolero, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Hustle, Night Club 2 Step, Country 2 Step and more! Great for Weddings (First dance, Mother/Son, Father/Daughter and even the whole wedding party), New Years Resolutions, Exercise or just for fun! Singles or Couples welcome! Ask us about semi-private groups
First Lesson FREE! *Month pack (4 lessons)$160.00
Private Lessons
Private Lessons
Private lessons are available in Pole, Exotic, Burlesque, Aerial Arts and more! Why private lessons? You pick your day and time. You decide what style of dance you want to learn. Great when paired with a group class to work on specific moves or choreography
Single lesson, one person$55.00
4 pack, one person$200.00
Single lesson, two people$60.00
4 pack, two peopl$220.00
Benefits to Aerial Program
Improved body awareness and control
Increase strength and flexibility
Increased self esteem with mastery of skills
Improved cognitive process
i.e. figuring out how moves combine into combinations, learning choreography, etc.
Unique aerial apparatus allow for sustained interest and involvement- they want to keep coming!
The Phoenix Dance Studio’s mission is to offer a place where women of all ages (over age 18) may further their fitness goals, feed their passion for the art of dance and movement, increase their self confidence and challenge their fears.
The studio offers classes and private lessons in Pole fitness, Exotic dance, Burlesque, Chair dance, Lap dance, Aerial Hoop, Silks and more. A wide variety of social dances such as Swing, Salsa, Waltz and more are also offered in private lessons. Special workshops in all forms of movement are held, as well.
The Phoenix Dance Studio was created as a space of transformation, empowerment, and joy through quality instruction in a fun and safe environment.