Meet Our Team of Lyra, Pole Dancing, and Dance Fitness Instructors
Our awesome instructors aren't just highly trained in their craft - they're passionate about helping you discover the joy of movement. The air-dwelling and floor-dwelling teachers bring their unique journey and expertise to help create a safe and supportive space for you.
the Team
Melissa S.
Owner & Creator
TEACHES: Lyra, Flexibility & Bungee
🎵 CURRENTLY PLAYING: anything doechii
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Melissa is the owner and creative genius behind Hearth And Hallow Movement Lounge, a boutique aerial and dance fitness studio in Ivyland, PA. With over 10 years of experience as an aerial hoop (lyra) instructor, Melissa specializes in teaching introductory, intermediate, and choreography classes.
Her passion for aerial arts began in 2013, sparking a journey that led her to seek lessons across various locations, including the Philadelphia Circus School, New York, and New Jersey. Melissa's dedication to the craft earned her a position in a work-study program, where she developed her skills and became a lyra instructor.
At Hearth And Hallow, Melissa is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for individuals eager to explore aerial arts and enhance their flexibility.
Outside the studio, Melissa enjoys tending to her chickens, gardening, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her dogs, Bowie & Sadie, her son, Theo, and her husband, Jeff. She also has a love for all things spooky, especially Beetlejuice.
Melissa founded Hearth And Hallow Movement Lounge to offer a central and vital gathering place where the community can come together and experience the joy of movement.
Heather M.
TEACHES: Lyra, Burlesque, Bungee & Belly Dance
🎵 CURRENTLY PLAYING: Kool-aid by Bring Me The Horizon
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Heather started her journey into the world of dance with Bellydance, she learned tribal and cabaret styles. She has performed bellydance at the Wrightstown Renaissance Faire and Rakkasah East. Heather found structure and expression through dance in her practice and work with props, including silk fabric, wings and balancing swords.
She evolved her props practice by transitioning from Bellydance to flow arts and fire performing. As a fire performer for Freaks Alley at Valley of Fear Haunted Hayride, she performed with fire poi, double staff, double hoops, and fans. Being a part of a Halloween circus-themed attraction led her to fall in love with her next love, the lyra hoop.
Heather began her aerial dance training at Trenton Circus School. She has experience with lyra, silks, hammock, straps, pole and trapeze. Heather has developed her skill over the years by taking classes at Trenton Circus School, along with private lessons at Las Vegas Circus Center. Heather has performed on the aerial lyra hoop at Sellersville Theater and PPA Showcases. After completing her teacher training mentorship with Melissa Sarcewicz in June 2021, she became a Lyra instructor. Teaching all three levels of Lyra, Burlesque Lyra and Moon shaped Lyra classes. She has diversified her teaching abilities and spotting techniques over her time as an instructor.
As an instructor, Heather chooses to see the alternative and unconventional beauty in her students and the world around her. She strives to teach others to learn to control their body by isolating muscle groups to accomplish aerial poses. Heather always strives to bring out the best in her students by giving detailed demonstrations and encouraging individualism in expression of the poses.
Performance arts are for adults of all ages to find new ways to do poses that may seem impossible at first, through consistent practice and proper form are possible. Heather will be sharing her dance and aerial expertise at Hearth & Hallow Movement Lounge, where the environment fosters gathering together to learn new skills, without sacrificing who you are
Saige F.
TEACHES: Turn Up Dance & Hip Hop
🎵 CURRENTLY PLAYING: Phat by DaBaby
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Saige has been passionate about dance since high school, mastering a diverse range of styles including jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, salsa, and heels. With a rich background in teaching, Saige has shared her expertise with students of all ages, specializing in hip-hop and heels classes.
Today, Saige primarily focuses on teaching street heels, where they bring their dynamic choreographic vision to life. Whether it's a slow, sensual piece or an energetic hip-hop routine, Saige crafts each class to not only challenge but also inspire dancers to explore their unique expression through movement.
Alyssa T.
TEACHES: Strength & Conditioning
🎵 CURRENTLY PLAYING: Chaotic by Chris Rafter
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As a certified fitness trainer with a focus on strength and conditioning, I’m excited to help you reach your fitness goals through dynamic and effective workouts. As a mom and functional training enthusiast, I’m committed to creating a supportive and motivating environment where we can work together to build strength, improve endurance, and achieve your personal best. My passion lies in creating effective, engaging workouts that fit into not only the movement lounge, but in your lifestyle.
Jenn P.
TEACHES: Pole Dance & Pole Flow
🎵 CURRENTLY PLAYING: early 2000s throwbacks
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Jenn discovered pole in 2011 and along with it, her passion and love for aerials and movement. Intertwining strength, grace, fluidity, and embodiment, pole & movement became a lifelong journey of learning, exploration, and discovery. Jenn is so grateful for the opportunity to share and be a part of igniting this practice with others since 2014.
Natalie S.
TEACHES: Pole Dance & Pole Flow
🎵 CURRENTLY PLAYING: all the things!
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Natalie is a highly skilled and passionate pole instructor who has been teaching since 2014 and has extensive experience in both teaching and competition. Natalie has made a name in the pole dance community through impressive competition wins. In 2018, she secured 1st place in Level 3 Exotic category, showcasing her mastery of fluid, sensual movements. In 2019, she earned 2nd place in the Exotic Level 4 category, further demonstrating her exceptional talent and dedication to the craft.
She specializes in Pole Flow, offering a unique approach that combines fluid movement with deep emotional expression. With a focus on helping students of all levels get lost in their movement, Natalie emphasizes the power of dance as a journey of self-discovery and freedom. Through each class, students are encouraged to embrace their individuality, connect with their bodies, and experience the joy of flow.
Katie G.
TEACHES: Dance
🎵 CURRENTLY PLAYING: Rihanna’s “Desperado”
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Katie began her dance training at Miss Cindy’s School of Dance, where she studied jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, modern, lyrical, and contemporary dance styles. As a member of the award-winning Broad Street Entertainers, she performed at local community events, at dance competitions, in Disney World, on television, and at the Jersey Shore. After high school, she became a member of the DeSales University Dance Team and performed at basketball games and community events.
Katie began her teaching career in 2012, where she specialized in teaching chair dance, cardio dance, hip hop, and jazz / contemporary style classes. She also choreographed for showcases, workshops, and pole dancing competitions. Katie broadened her dance training by taking group and private lessons with professional pole dancers from around the world.
With over 30 years of dance training and experience, Katie continues to share her passion and love for the art of dance as an instructor and choreographer. She focuses on technique, musicality, and emotional expression in her dance instruction. She encourages her students to interpret the music through their movements, and she understands the importance of motivating her students to set and achieve their goals (both individually and as part of a team). She strives to build connections and inspire others to express themselves through dance.
Lexi G.
TEACHES: Pole, Bungee, & Lyra
🎵 CURRENTLY PLAYING: Bad Bunny
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Lexi took her first pole class in March of 2021 and immediately embarked on a journey of self-discovery, one rooted in the intersection of strength, sensuality, and authentic self-expression. Lexi began teaching in 2023 at PA Pole Academy in Doylestown, where she specialized in beginner and intermediate pole instruction. She has since expanded her teaching to include lyra, sharing her love of aerial movement across disciplines. As a performer, Lexi has competed and placed in the Dramatic category at PSO Boston in 2022 and at Liberty in 2025. Her teaching focuses on beginner-to-intermediate pole techniques, pole conditioning, and expressive pole flows ranging from the sultry to the dynamic. Lexi’s goal is to create a supportive and empowering environment where students can build confidence, strength, and joy, both on and off the pole. When she’s not dancing or hanging from a hoop, Lexi spends her time crocheting, doing theatre, devouring smutty books, and spending time with her three cats, her two kids, and her amazing wife.
Michelle B.
TEACHES: Zumba & Turn Up
🎵 CURRENTLY PLAYING: all the 90s & 2000s throwbacks
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Michelle is a passionate fitness instructor with over 12 years of experience in helping people transform their fitness routines into fun, energetic, motivating classes. With a background in ballet, tap, jazz, Latin and hip-hop. Michelle combines her love for movement with a deep understanding of fitness to create engaging classes for all fitness levels.
Having worked with diverse groups of individuals Michelle believes it's not only a way to stay fit, but also a powerful tool for boosting confidence, reducing stress, and building community. Whether you're looking to burn calories, improve coordination, or simply just have a great time. Michelle's classes provide a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.
Amira B.
TEACHES: Pole
🎵 CURRENTLY PLAYING: Anything Rihanna
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In 2015, Amira set a New Year's resolution to take pole-dancing classes after being captivated by a video she stumbled upon online. Though it took her until the end of 2015 to get started, she immediately fell in love with everything pole dancing offered: the strength-building, the creativity, the dance and flow, and especially the sense of community and camaraderie.
Recently, she completed her Intro to Pole Teachers training at Elite Pole & Fitness and is currently pursuing her Level 1-2 training certifications. In addition to being a certified personal trainer, Amira pole dances competitively; mostly with PSO, though her most recent competition was the Land of Lakes in October 2024.
Kait C.
TEACHES: Pole, Spin & Pole
🎵 CURRENTLY PLAYING: Benni Boi
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Kait found her love for pole in 2012, and is recognized for her unique approach to flow and her ability to guide students through unorthodox, creative transitions. She believes pole is not just about strength, but also about artistry—finding ways to make movement feel personal, expressive, and uniquely theirs.
Her journey with pole began when she sought a space to move freely, blending athletic challenge with artistic exploration. What she discovered was a practice that pushed her body, sparked her creativity, and connected her with a vibrant community. Over time, her passion for flow deepened, leading her to develop a teaching style centered on exploration and authenticity. In her classes, students are encouraged to step outside the box, try new pathways, and surprise themselves with what their bodies can do.
At Hearth and Hallow, Kait is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels welcome, whether they’re stepping into the studio for the first time or refining their style. Her goal is to help students leave class feeling stronger, more confident, and more connected to their own styles of movement.
Outside of the studio, Kait finds inspiration in nature, yoga, her cat, Nakia, and trying new things. These passions often influence her flow, reminding her that movement is meant to be both playful and deeply personal.
Karen H.
TEACHES: Mobility & Self Defense
🎵 CURRENTLY PLAYING: Till I collapse by Eminem
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Sensei Karen has been practicing Shotokan Karate for 37 years. When her brothers signed up for karate at the local rec center, it seemed like a good idea to keep up with them. Eventually her brothers quit and she was joined by her sister and mother in class. Now all three ladies practice and teach as black belts within the Shotokan Karate Association.
As a young student, Karen was drawn to the power and strength of physical movement. In particular, Kata, a choreographed pattern of movements, became her favorite part of training. Much like dance, Kata relies on training that concentrates on timing and precision as well as creating muscle memory that highlights the beauty and strength of the human body.
After earning her black belt in 2008, she has practiced and taught students as young as 5 as well as the most senior of our citizens. Karen is currently a 3rd degree black belt within the Shotokan Karate Association. Shotokan continues to appeal to Karen as more than just exercise, but as a way of life. Based on the teachings of Master Ginchin Funokoski, Shotokan celebrates the progress of each individual student in the areas of character, skill, and discipline.
This training, in combination with mass emergency situation training, has merged to create the self defense class here at Hearth and Hallow. Focusing on situational awareness, understanding of how the brain and body work together, and building muscle memory to increase reaction time, Karen helps increase confidence in this dynamic, movement based class.
Whether it is your first class or you are an experienced student, Karen believes that focusing on trying to do one thing better each class helps us all learn more together.
Discover Your
movement
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Mix and match any 5 classes to discover what lights you up!