Why Guest Instructor Workshops Are One of the Best Investments You Can Make in Your Pole Journey
We were so lucky to welcome the legendary Phoenix Kazree as a guest instructor this year!
If you've been around COVA for a while, you've probably noticed we've been bringing more and more guest instructors into the studio.
Maybe you've wondered...
"I've never heard of this instructor before. Is this workshop for me?"
Or maybe you've thought...
"I'll wait until I'm more advanced."
Let’s reframe that. Because some of the biggest breakthroughs in your pole journey don't happen because you finally unlock a new trick. They happen because someone teaches you to think about movement differently.
That's exactly why we're so passionate about bringing world-class instructors to COVA.
fun fact: cova was founded by a traveling pole instructor!
Shaina Cruea, COVA co-founder & professional pole performer/instructor
COVA co-founder Shaina Cruea has traveled to more than 30 states & 40 countries teaching pole over the past 14 years. She knows firsthand the benefits of outside instructors bringing their energy and expertise into a studio. When our guest instructors come to COVA, they're not just teaching at our studio—they're becoming part of our community for the day.
These instructors are sharing their valuable time and the teaching methods they've spent YEARS developing. What does that mean for COVA students? They get to experience instruction that would otherwise require traveling to another city, attending a pole convention, or taking private lessons.
Here are just a few of the benefits you experience when you take a workshop from a guest instructor:
Every Pole Instructor has a Different "Language" when it comes to teaching
Have you ever had someone explain something 5 different ways before it finally clicked?
Every instructor has their own background, teaching style, favorite drills, movement philosophy, and way of explaining pole techniques. Sometimes all it takes is hearing something from a new voice for a movement you've struggled with for months to suddenly make sense.
That's the magic of guest workshops.
You aren't replacing your regular training. You’re adding another perspective that might just unlock something new for your practice.
Learn From People Who've Dedicated Their Lives to Pole
One of the things we're most excited about is the caliber of instructors coming through our doors.
These aren't just talented dancers.
They're educators who have spent years—and in many cases decades—teaching thousands of students, traveling internationally, judging competitions, performing professionally, and constantly refining their craft.
When you take one of their workshops, you're benefiting from years of experimentation, problem-solving, and experience condensed into just 75–90 minutes.
That's pretty incredible when you think about it!
You'll Discover New Ways to Move
Every instructor develops their own style.
Some love flow.Some geek out over biomechanics.Some are the creators of iconic pole moves that you’ve seen all over Instagram.
Learning from multiple instructors is one of the easiest ways to expand your movement vocabulary.
Instead of becoming a carbon copy of one teacher, you begin collecting ideas, techniques and skills that help you develop your own style.
Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone
Let’s be honest: walking into a workshop can feel intimidating!
Maybe you don't know any of the other students.Maybe you've never taken this particular style of pole or movement.Maybe you're worried you'll be the least experienced person there.
Those are all valid concerns!
But remember: growth rarely happens when everything feels nice and cozy.
Guest workshops challenge you in lots of ways ways—not just physically, but mentally, too.
You'll try new things, hear new cues, and leave with fresh ideas to bring back into your regular training.
Sometimes you'll leave with a new trick.
Sometimes you'll leave with a completely new way of thinking.
Both are valuable.
You Become Part of the larger Pole Community
One of our favorite things about hosting guest instructors is that it reminds us how connected the pole community really is.
When you take a workshop, you're not just learning from someone new—you're building connections beyond your home studio.
You hear different stories…Experience different teaching styles……And become part of a much larger community of people who all share the same love for pole.
It's one of the things that makes this sport so special.
You're Supporting Your Own Growth
At COVA, we're committed to giving our students access to the BEST, most well-rounded movement education we possibly can.
That means bringing incredible instructors to our studio. instead of expecting you to travel across the country to learn from them!
Over the next few months, we're incredibly excited to welcome:
🌊 Marlo Fisken
Known worldwide for her revolutionary approach to fluid movement, Marlo'sFree the Ripple workshop series helps students stop overthinking choreography and start moving with effortless connection and intention. Her next workshop is Sunday, August 30th at 4 PM!
🤸♀️ Chiemi Chunga
With over a decade of teaching experience and a passion for hand balancing, Chiemi's Handstands & Badass Shapes workshop on Saturday, August 8th will help you build confidence upside down while exploring creative entries, transitions, and unique shapes.
⚡ Amandalyn MORIGHAN
If you've ever wanted stronger, faster, more controlled power spins, Amandalyn is also bringing her signature workshop, The Science of Power Spins, to COVA on Saturday, August 8th. She breaks down the physics behind spinning so you can create more power with less effort—and yes, she fully embraces the science nerd side of pole.
We Hope You'll Join Us!
Whether you've been pole dancing for 2 months or 20 years, there's ALWAYS something new to learn.
And sometimes the next breakthrough isn't another class. It's another perspective.
We truly believe these workshops are some of the most valuable opportunities we'll offer this year, and we can't wait to share them with our community!
Come learn from some of the best.
Your future pole self will thank you.