Meet our May 2023 Teacher Feature: Pole instructor Daniel Darling and Aerial Instructor Laurie Bloom. If you haven’t taken class with them yet, we hope you get to know them a little better; and if you’ve already taken their classes, maybe you’ll learn something new! Best of all, enjoy classes with Daniel and Laurie for $25 throughout the month of May!
Take class with Daniel: Use code BPDANIEL
Take class with Laurie: Use code BPLAURIE
**PLEASE NOTE: instructor discount codes are only valid for classes with Daniel and Laurie. Using the codes for any other instructor will result in early cancellation or a $45 single class purchase. No exceptions.
MEET DANIEL DARLING
Which apparatus do you teach?
Pole and Pole
What is your training and background in pole dance?
I’ve been dancing for 8 years so far. Fall of 2023 will mark 9 years.
How did you transition from student to teacher?
I was a student at my home studio at Studio x Pole Fitness in Fayetteville NC. I was dancing for a little over a year when I inquired about teaching and got the job.
Are there any teachers that impacted your pole journey, and if so, what gift did they give you?
My pole teacher, Heather, danced with that old school flair was so sensual and erotic, I loved it and it has influenced the way I dance today. My ballet teachers Mrs. Bloom and Wei Ni who instilled proper technique in me. My modern dance mentor and company leader Mrs. Avis Hatcher who taught me how to have fun with movement.
What makes your classes unique?
I just like to play, so class time is always play time for me. It’s important to approach class with a little light heartedness and low expectations, so we can exceed them together.
How do you motivate students when you walk into a class with low energy?
I always start with a “Happy [insert day here]!” greeting followed by a response gesture that usually elicits cheer from the class. I find it’s a great way to start class every time.
How do you motivate yourself?
I take a deep breath, tell myself it’s just a metal stick, and get to it. When it comes to my own self motivation, it’s best to have a no nonsense approach and just do it.
What’s your favorite playlist to jam to?
What is the best advice you can give to someone starting out in pole dance?
Be safe and have fun!
What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in class (as a student or a teacher)?
Falling face first from a goddess spin. Very painful, physically and emotionally. I’m sure there will be more to come lol that’s life.
What future projects are you working on?
Gearing up for higher level moves to teach in my new regular level 4 class on Thursdays late night!
See Daniel Darling’s schedule here
Follow Daniel Darling on Instagram @darling.daniel
MEET LAURIE BLOOM
Which apparatus do you teach?
I teach Aerial Silks and Flexibility classes.
What is your training and background in aerial dance?
I took my very first class at Body & Pole in 2013, but it wasn’t until 2017 when I did the unlimited membership that I really started to become passionate about Aerial and Flexibility training. During Covid, I got 2 fitness certifications and decided to do the Body & Pole Work Study program — that’s where I really focused on my teaching skills.
How did you transition from student to teacher?
When I first started Aerial and Flexibility I almost….and… did quit multiple times. I thought I was too old and weak to be training. I stuck with it and my body has been able to do more things than I ever thought possible. This is what draws me to teaching, specifically beginners, is I want everyone to feel worthy of training. We may not always get skills as quickly as everyone else or we may be weaker than other students but we all have a place in an aerial or flexibility class.
Are there any teachers that impacted your aerial journey, and if so, what gift did they give you?
Brenna Bradbury and Elena Delgado will forever be my silk mamas. Training silks can be emotionally draining, especially when you are afraid of heights. They have always remained patient with me and have gone out of their ways to help me achieve my aerial goals.
What makes your classes unique?
My classes are unique because I didn’t really get into Aerial/Flex until I was 37, and I am 43 now. I relate to the true beginner who is still struggling because I was there not too long ago.
How do you motivate students when you walk into a class with low energy?
How do I motivate students when they have low energy? Why I play Disney songs of course!
How do you motivate yourself?
I motivate myself by tracking my journey through social media. Bad day? No problem, just look back to 2016 Laurie and I’m automatically uplifted.
What’s your favorite playlist to jam to?
My favorite music is Disney and Broadway……but don’t worry…..I usually have the “VIRAL TIKTOK HITS” playlist going during class time.
What is the best advice you can give to someone starting out in aerial dance?
Best advice to someone starting out in Aerial: DO NOT GET FRUSTRATED. Consistency is key. Just keep coming to class and trying the things and one day they will happen!
What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in class (as a student or a teacher)?
The most embarrassing thing that happens to me in class as a student is me crying every time I learn a new drop, which always happens no matter how brave I try to be.
What future projects are you working on?
I plan on getting a yoga certification starting late April just to add to my flexibility training. In addition, I recently started a Flexibility and Aerial Training Youtube channel @lauriebloomflexibility with various follow-along videos and tutorials that I want to continue and grow. And finally, I want to continue using my Aerial/Flex skill on the stage, television and film.
