Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Barnett.
Hi Alexandria, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I first discovered and began pole dancing 5 years ago as a college student moving to Austin, TX. I fell in love with pole dancing as a way to incorporate movement and personal expression into my daily routine. While I did not come from any dance background at the time, I had trained and competed in volleyball on a national level for over 10 years in my adolescence through my young adulthood, this gave me a love of proper technique and a solid understanding and appreciation for the sport. When I am not training, I could be found as an Xpert Internationally certified Instructor locally at Bendy Beast Fitness (located at 1202 Minna Place) as an instructor as well as at several studios all over the Austin and Atlanta areas. I am a transplant to Memphis and have been here for the last 4 months. Recently participating in the Poleluminati 14 Valentines Revue Showcase at the Blacklodge.
The owner of Poleluminati and Bendy Beast Fitness is Liz Kinnark.
Growing up within the community of aerial skills, I believe I have brought a perspective into it of understanding exactly what students experience when coming to the studio as well as where students come from their very first time when they are newer to classes or feeling shy. Pole Dance changes students of any background from the inside out bringing confidence, poise, body awareness, and overall fitness. Most of all being able to bond with staff/instructors/teachers and make new friends/community helps them flourish as a dancer and individuals.
I believe that in my short time here, I have been able to bring to the Memphis Dance Community a sense of competency in my skillset, familiarity with my peers, and a new perspective to dance. I have worked diligently to hone my craft and plan to continue to dance for the rest of my life. Coming from the perspective of a nerdy and naturally introverted person; I believe that I can relate to anyone from any walk of life coming into the studio who may feel discouraged or like a fish out of water as a beginner and helping them flourish into their best selves. As a retired engineer, I believe taking the transferable skills of breaking down complicated things into bite-sized, palatable points will be a great help in giving classes that yearn for fantastic results for amazing students.
Wherever I am teaching whether it be at my home studio in Texas, a masterclass in Atlanta, or my weekly classes here at BendyBeast in downtown Memphis; I love bringing a comprehension of the exotic poles from real-world experience, an engineer’s perspective on breaking down technique and methodology to students (making it as simple as possible), and “ATL” (Atlanta) energy to all my classes!
I love all aerial skills; including aerial hoop, Lyra, silks, and aerial pole, being able to show in all facets how dance in totality can change lives for the better is my true passion in becoming a teacher. Interpersonally, as I fell in love with the pole I was able to connect with myself even deeper as I push myself to learn new skills and routines and hope to be able to facilitate that space for others. Whether it be the novice just learning to trust their body or a dedicated student ready to take skills to a new level. To become an instructor; I believe I have been able to show students that with dedication, practice, and passion you can achieve anything. When I am not in classes I also participate in an array of other hobbies such as gaming, vlogging, social media, and ballet.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe that for myself it has been a journey of self-discovery internally, while externally our community of athletes is often over-judged and rarely understood whether it be athletes that compete for the US pole federation and in competitions all over the world, performers who enjoy strutting their stuff for stage performances or exotic entertainers who diligently work as their full-time jobs, I believe this entire community has been founded for and by s*x workers first and often many face stigma. The Pole community accepts everyone!
I believe when it came to some of my personal struggles my family has been the least supportive until they took the time to understand what I do. (or see me on TV!) Often jumping to conclusions and not realizing that I am more than a pair of platforms or a photo shoot and that this is my life and I absolutely love it with the support of my partner, friends, and true pole family.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What do I do? I am a full-time Dance Teacher, I am an aerialist and a certified pole instructor. I teach all over the US. and most recently have been teaching at Bendy Beast Fitness in Downtown Memphis, TN, I also teach ballet and pilates.
Specialize in: Aerial Skills, Aerial Fitness, and Pole Dance.
Proud of: My pole journey and my story.
What sets me apart: I am a previous college athlete that after a successful professional career (technology) at a young age, was able to change my life completely to do exactly what I love to do every day which is DANCE! I am so happy to be able to be a student and a teacher in this industry learning often and teaching a lot.
We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking.
I believe as an aerial dancer I often take many risks! to be able to be upwards of 30 feet in the air sometimes and be mentally ok with that… haha it is sometimes considered ludicrous as well as being inverted in moves, especially for those just starting their journey! but the more you work at something the easier the nerves get.
I believe that I enjoy taking calculated risks, and whether that be in the studio or in business, I believe that it is necessary and definitely adds variety and spice to life. I explicitly believe that for myself changing my career and taking a “risk” is what has allowed being able to take my power in this life and also do what I love every day.
Lastly, moving to a brand new city was definitely a risk but I have absolutely loved my time at BendyBeast Studio in Downtown Memphis – it is the best pole studio in Memphis that provides Pole Parties, Private Lessons, Daytime and Evening Classes, Yoga, Strength and Conditioning, Aerial Yoga, Aerial Hoop and more!!
Pricing:
- https://www.bendybeast.com/pricing
- Single Classes 27$
- 4 and 8-pack class packages are available
- Unlimited Class 199/Month
- Pole Parties and Private Lessons are Available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bendybeast.com/
- Instagram: @alexdoesthis
Image Credits
@poleluminati Liz K, Bendy Beast Fitness – @bendybeastfitness, Memphis Stacey- Inner Diva Studios – @InnerDivaatx, Austin, Randi Jimenez – @rjphotography0013, and Lexi B Instructor/Performer – @alexdoesthis
