Featured New Pole Dancing Instructor - Lauren Kenealy from Lakita Dance.

Lauren Keneally is the principal instructor and proprietor of Lakita Dance in Warrington, Cheshire, UK. Lauren is an accomplished dancer with a long background of dance training starting with A-levels in dance and drama before undertaking a degree in Dance and Physical Theatre.

Lauren pictured left - image courtesy of Claire's Photography (Claire Winters)

Lauren's Education and Pole Dance Training

Professional Qualifications:
A Level Dance and Drama
BA Hons Dance Drama and Physical Theatre Degree
PTLLS Qualified
Assessor Qualified

Fitness/Pole Qualifications:
Personal Trainer
Gym Instruction
Lifeguard
Zumba Fitness
Bokwa Fitness
Aerial Hoop Instructor - Qualified with Spin City
Vertical Dance Beginner and Intermediate Instructor

Membership of Professional Bodies:
Pole Dance Community

Workshops, Courses & Master-classes Attended:
Sam Remmer
Deb Riley
Bendy Kate
Rebecca Butcher
Anastasia
Sarah Scott
Zoraya Judd
Greentop Circus

Additional Training with PDC Pole Schools & Instructors:
Lauren teaches private lessons for fellow PDC Approved Instructor Serena Smith from Dance Finesse, Clithero, UK.

Teaching History:
"I started to instruct at JLN Pole Fitness Studio, Westhoughton in June 2010 where I received my first bit of in house instructor training.

 I set up LaKiTa Dance Academy in November 2011 and have been instructing there ever since".

Student's pole dancing success:
"We are running our first in house competition on the 24th November with at least 6 entries in all 4 categories.

I have students that have entered DFA’s British Pole Superstar Competition in March 2013."

Continuing Professional Development:
I train myself at least twice a week and have privates once a month with Bendy Kate at Dance Finesse in Clithero. I regularly host workshops, the last 3 being Anastasia, Rebecca Butcher and Bendy Kate. I attended 2 workshops with Sarah Scott on the 2nd November and also had a private session with her. I also attended Zoraya Judd’s workshop in Blackpool on the 7th November.

I also attend Greentop Circus every month when they hold aerial workshops.

I recently went on the first Aerial Hoop Instructor training course with Spin City.

Competition Achievements:
2nd Bucks Pole Fitness Championships 2012 Professional Category
3rd Miss Pole Dance UK Semi Professional Instructor Category

 
Professional Pole Appearances:
"I regularly perform at events, the most recent being an Aerial Hoop Performance at a wedding. Charity Events, Birthday Parties, Weddings etc."

 
Sponsorship:
"We have sponsorship by the Warrington Wolves Foundation who organise dance events in our local area for 16-22 years."

 
Publicity/Media attention:
"I have recently had an article in Indigo dance Magazine about LaKiTa Dance Academy.

We received press coverage when we opened the studio and again when we opened our second studio for our Aerial Arts and dance fitness classes.

I have been lucky enough to travel all over the UK and to Australia with the US and UK Bokwa team, so I am a part of all of their promotional videos on YouTube. I am part of the training team here in the UK and perform at all of the events."

Pole Dancing Goals & Aspirations:
"Next year I would like to enter MPDUK and UKPPC, hopefully run my own competition and have a showcase for my students. I would like to host and attend more workshops and master classes and carry on with my aerial instructor qualifications."