Meet Body & Pole instructor and performer Michelle Natoli! Her background in gymnastics, theatre and Pilates ultimately brought her to the pole, where she has also completed (and won!) her fair share of competitions. Join her for Low Flow Heels on Wednesdays at 1:45pm and Pole Level 3 on Thursdays at 7pm.
Where are you from originally?
I’m a New Yorker from birth!
What is your dance background and how did you discover it?
My background and first love as a performer is acting. When I was a child, gymnastics was a huge part of my life, so discovering pole dance was basically the perfect marriage of these two passions.
How did you discover pole dance?
I was introduced to pole in 2006 through some of my Pilates colleagues. They were teaching at a new studio here in NYC and as soon as I heard about the opening I was practically one of the first student sign-ups.
What is one of your favorite pole memories?
I have been very fortunate that pole has given me the opportunity to compete, perform, judge and teach workshops all over the world. One of my favorite memories was the first time I was teaching at studio overseas where pretty much no English was spoken and I realized that language didn’t matter. Everyone was learning, being supportive of one another, and having a wonderful time. I always knew I loved my job, but that was the moment it became clear what a gift it is.
What is your favorite move/trick?
Any pole split variation! I love all things sexy and flexy 🙂
How do you stay motivated?
My students are my best motivators. I want to always be better for them. The only way I can keep giving in the classroom is to keep my own body in one piece and to allow myself the time and space to play and make mistakes…lots of mistakes 🙂
How long have you been teaching at BP?
I taught my first class at Body & Pole in June of 2013.
What is your teaching style, or how would you describe your classes?
I’d say I’m probably most known as a teacher for my nerdy technical breakdowns and my love of troubleshooting. Methodical progression and accommodating various levels simultaneously are the challenges I love most as an instructor.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
The best thing about teaching is that it constantly allows for the opportunity to connect with people. I am grateful for every person who has come to my class and has trusted me to be part of their learning process. The magical moments are the ones where I get to watch my students surprise themselves.
If you had to pick a quote or motto to define your attitude, what would it be?
“At the end of the day, people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel”…this is true on stage, in class, and in life.
