Forget everything you thought pole dance was supposed to be. In Hoe’Ography Pole, led by the unapologetically fierce Dey Phoenix, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s liberation. This isn’t about bringing “sexy back”; it’s about reclaiming what was never gone. In a room pulsing with energy, beat, and unapologetic confidence, you’ll find a space where choreography takes a backseat to pure, unfiltered expression. With only 10% focused on structured moves and 90% dedicated to raw, sensual energy, this class strips away performance pressure and invites you to fully inhabit your body. Sensuality isn’t a performance—it’s a birthright. And in this studio, Dey makes sure you never forget it.
What inspired you to design a class focused not on technical tricks, but on reclaiming authenticity and pure energy in sensual movement?
I’ve always believed while it’s important to, of course, learn technique for function (lines, how to safely perform moves, etc.), at its core dance is an experience about FEELING and how one translates said feelings through the body. Sensuality and sex appeal are concepts that can’t exactly be taught to a person, but rather awakened in a person if they choose to dive deep into that journey of exploration.
You describe the class as 10% choreography and 90% pure energy — how do you guide students in channeling that energy authentically, rather than relying on rigid technique?
In Hoe’Ography, the dance movement taught is simply the template; by the end of the class, the student takes what’s placed into their muscle memory and is encouraged to add in intention to fill in the blanks.
This is done by switching up the songs during free dance practice. The students are encouraged to take time to listen to their music, see how the music informs their bodies (how does it make you feel? What attracts your body to the song?) and then practice the “choreo” to it. The idea is that even with the same moves in your movement vocabulary, changing up the environment and being intentional with the emotions can switch up the progression completely.
How do you help dancers shed self-judgement or perfectionism and embrace their body’s natural rhythm and sensual expression?
My motto I tell to my students is “I give you the tools to build your own house.” We all have bodies that function differently from one person to the next, as well as different ways of expressing ourselves sensually. So while I may teach you in what ways to get there, ultimately it’s on the person to take those notes and make it mesh with the natural fabric of their being.
Towards the end of class, students are encouraged to take the choreo they’ve learned and remix it to their liking. This takes them out of the mindset that each count has to be “perfect” or “on point,” bearing in mind unless guided, we may all hear and experience music differently.
I also encourage my students to wear what makes them feel the sexiest! Whether it be heels or their favorite lingerie (or even their favorite sweatsuit), what a person wears can translate into a different persona for them.
Pole dance can feel intimidating — how do you create a safe, inclusive environment where every student feels empowered to move confidently, regardless of their experience?
Knowing how pole dancing can be very challenging, both physically and emotionally, I remind my students to always give themselves grace and enjoy the ride! There’s no pressure to rush the process; everyone has different timelines and ways of how they pick up information. In my classroom, the focus is less about how you look and heavily about how you feel by the end of the class!
Additionally, I believe pole has space for any and everyone, regardless of gender, weight, etc. I end my classes with affirmations to boost my students’ morale! By affirming my students, it not only helps them build their confidence in their movement practice, but also it’s a friendly reminder they have the license to take up space in my class and the world at large.
Hoe’Ography Pole isn’t just a class—it’s a reclamation. Under Dey Phoenix’s guidance, movement becomes a conversation between you and your body, one where every roll, drop, and sway speaks volumes. Whether you’re new to the pole or a seasoned dancer, this space welcomes you exactly as you are: bold, soft, wild, grounded, sexy—human. So if you’ve been waiting for permission to let go, feel more, and move like you mean it, consider this your official invitation. Sexy never left—and neither did your power. Ready to dance? Book your spot in Hoe’Ography Pole with Dey Thursdays at 7:50pm.
Follow Dey on Instagram at @deypho3nix. View Dey’s class schedule here.
