PDC approved 4 star pole dancing instructor Justine McLucas is the Justine McLucas is the founder and director of global brand Ecole de Pole. Justine received her references for her 4 star instructor application from fellow 4 star PDC instructors Kate Edwards and Penny Howarth.

Penny Howarth said "Justine has been teaching and performing for many years and is highly recognised in the pole dance community. Justine has built pole fitness studios of a very high standard in the U.K. and other countries. I believe Justine to be passionate and dedicated to teaching pole fitness classes with a high level of professionalism. Justine has the most beautiful lines, extension and pointed toes. I highly recommend Justine McLucas for 4* PDC status.

Kate Edwards said  "Justine has a strong dance background which transfers well to the pole dance industry. Her sessions are safe and effective, including great knowledge on warm ups, cool downs and conditioning techinques. She has a strong teaching manner but is able to progress and regress students as required."

Education & Training

Professional Qualifications:
University of Sydney (2003-2005)
• Bachelor of Arts (Triple Major: Asian Studies, Anthropology, Thai), graduated (2005)
• Activities Director – University of Sydney Free Tibet Society (2003)

Diploma of Financial Planning - (DFP Unit 1) Sydney (2002)

Royal Academy of Dancing
• Associate - A.R.A.D. (1997)
• Advanced Honours (1997)

Queenwood School for Girls, Australia (1992-1996)
• Academic Scholarship (1992-1996)
• Dance Choreographer, Design Fashion Show (1995)
• School Certificate 1996 (Adv Maths, Science, English, Commerce, History, French)
• Academic Honour Prizes, Years (1992-1996)

Fitness/Pole Qualifications:
• First Aid & CPR Certificate – CBD College, Brisbane (2019)
• Twerk Instructor Training Course - (Gal Be Pole) Israel (2015)
• IPDFA - Internationally accredited IPDFA judges Course (Singapore 2013)
• Future Fit Training – Pilates Inter & Adv, Level 2 & 3 Mat Pilates Diploma (Jan 2009)
• Drummond Education - Level 2 Gym Certificate: Exercise to Music, (Apr 2008)
• British Red Cross First Aid Certificate (2009)
• Pole Dancing School, Elena Gibson – Intensive Teacher Training Course (2008)
• Pole Dancing School, Elena Gibson - Pole Dancing Levels 1-6 (2007-2010)
• Hamburg Ballet School Graduate – Classical Ballet, Pilates, Spanish, Contemporary, German, Anatomy, Dance History (1998-99)

Membership of Professional Bodies:
• Golden Key International Honour Society Lifetime membership, Awarded for placing in top 15% of undergraduate students at the University Of Sydney (2003 onwards)
• Register of Exercise Professionals UK, Level 2 Member No: R0054712 (2009-13)
• PDC Approved 4 star instructor

Workshops, Courses & Master-classes Attended:
Felix Cane
Jenyne Butterfly
Marlo Fisken
Natasha Wang
Bendy Kate
Sarah Scott
Heidi Coker
Michelle Stanek
Oona Kivela
Alethea Austin
Amber Ray
Suzie Q
Anastasia Skhutorova
Polecation intensive week at Body & Pole New York 2015
Vegas Pole Expo 2015
St Maartin Pole Camp 2010

Additional Training with PDC Pole Schools & Instructors:
Pole Dancing School – Elena Gibson (2007-2010)
Charlotte Robertson (hosted at my studio for workshops and London Pole Camp 2016)

Teaching History:
• Ecole de Pole Studios & Instructor Training – Founder & Instructor: Ecole de Pole studios (London and Cleveland, USA) 2010 - present
• Ecole de Pole International Retreats – founder, organiser and instructor. Barcelona Pole Retreat (2012-2014), Singapore Pole Retreat (2015 & 2016), Gdansk Easter Pole Retreat, Poland (2014), Phuket Pole Retreat, Thailand (2017,18 & 2019) Phuket Instructor Training Camp, Thailand (2018 & 2019), Summer Pole Camp & Easter Pole Camp London (2013-2015)
• Freelance Instructor – Pole Fitness Australia, Addictive Pole Fitness Aus (2016-present)
• Guest Instructor, International Pole Camps: Pole Festival Gold Coast (2016), Tallin Pole Camp, Estonia (2015), East Coast Pole Cruise Australia (2013), Ibiza Pole Camp (2012)
• Guest Workshops worldwide: England (including Spin City), Russia, Ireland, USA (including Pole Convention), Spain, Scotland (including Twirl n Tone), Mexico, Australia, Sweden
• Creative Director and Instructor Trainer: Dinali Pole Centre, Sweden (2012)
• Live in Guest Teacher: Dancing Queen Pole Studio, Sweden (2012)
• Pole Dancing School, London – Pole & Dance Instructor (2008-2010)
• Gymbox, London - Open Level Pole Classes (2008-2010)

Student's pole dancing success:

Geri Halliwell: requested private lessons after a pole performance at her private party in Chelsea (privates taught 2012) to train for a music video

Anna de Carvalho personally trained and coached Anna from Intermediate onwards, and she completed my Ecole de Pole Instructor Training Course in 2010.
• Flying Pole Act, Circus Performer Las Vegas
• Pole Art Judge 2012 and 2013 & Guest Performer
• Pole Art Finalist 2011
• i Pole World Cup Finalist, Brazil, 2011
• Runner Up UKAPP (Instructor Category ) 2010 Final
• Runner Up UKAPP (Instructor Category) 2010 Hertfordshire heat (Overall Performer Award)

Aleksandra Karolina, taught Alex since her Beginner level at Ecole de Pole London, through to her completing the Ecole de Pole Instructor Training:
• Pole Theatre Worlds 2017 (Classique finalist)
• Pole Theatre Germany 2017 (Classique finalist)
• Pole Theatre Greece, Classique (Amateur) WINNER, 2016
• Pole Theatre UK, Classique (Amateur) FINALIST, 2015

Josh Taylor, taught Josh in Advanced levels at Ecole de Pole London, through to him completing the Ecole de Pole Instructor Training.

Rachel Tolzman, completed Ecole de Pole Instructor Training with me, and trained in my Adv & Professional Classes at Ecole de Pole London 2014/15):
• Miss Pole Dance UK 2017 (winner)
• PSO Europe 2017, SILVER medalist Professionals
• IPAAT 2016, Professional WINNER & Best Tricks

Alexandra Vojtku, completed Ecole de Pole Instructor Training with me and personally coached and assisted choreographing for:
• Pole Sport Hungary, 2015, Professional WINNER

Sammy Abraham, taught and coached in QLD, Australia
• Miss Pole Dance QLD, finalist (2018 & 2019)

Pikhun Seresa Wilhem, visited London to train with me privately (2012-2013)
• Owner Mystique Pole Dance Thailand

Continuing Professional Development:
• Research projects for creation of the Ecole de Pole Master Training Courses to meet Fitness Australia and ACE (American Council on Exercise) approval requirements including research and studying: Anatomy of Movement, Dance Imagery for technique and Performance, Fitness Australia Guidelines for Strength Training and Conditioning, Guidelines for Healthy Eating and Fitness Professionals Scope of Practice.

• Elevated Pole Instructor Training Seminar (with Marlo Fisken) – Vegas Pole Expo (2015)

Industry Contribution

Competition Achievements:

• QLD Miss Pole Dance Industry Person of the Year Award (2017)
• Nominee for IPDFA IPC "Pole Instructor of The Year" (2013, 2015 & 2018)
• My Studio Ecole de Pole nominated for IPDFA IPC “Studio of the Year” (2013 and 2015)
• Nominee for the "Representin" Award: Most Positive Role Model in the Pole & Aerial Community (Pole World News Awards USA 2014)
• Got To Dance UK, Series 3 -Top 34 (2012)
• IPDFA IPC Semi-Finalist + shortlisted to top 25 in the world (2012)
• Ranked No 17 in the World by Poleranking.com (2011)
• World Pole Sport & Fitness Semi-Finalist, Budapest (2011)
• Miss Pole Dance UK tied 1st Place on points (sash for 2nd!) & Best Entertainer (2011)
• Pole Divas Professional Championship UK Runner Up (2010)
• Pole Divas Professional Championship London, Winner (2010)
• Miss Pole Dance UK Finalist & Best Costume, 2009

Professional Pole Appearances:
Pole & Dance – Shows
2018
IPC Opening Act performer - choreographed by Brandon Grimm
Pole Dancer
2017
Warner Brothers Movie World Theme Park (Fright Nights Promotional Video)
Pole Dancer
2013
Guest Performance: Miss Pole Dance UK
Pole Dancer
2013
Skyfall Ball, Cambridge: Feature Performer
Skyfall Pole Dance Show
2013
Lastminute.com Charity Ball (Feature Performer)
Pole Dancer
2013
Carnival Cruises Australia: Australia
East Coast Pole Cruise (Instructor & Performer)
2012
Gravity Mexico Showcase
Artistic Pole Soloist
2012
Got To Dance TV Show, Sky 1: Top 34
Artistic Pole Soloist
2012
Guest Performance: Spanish Pole Sport Championship
Pole Soloist
2011
Miami Florida: "International Pole Convention: Showcase of the Stars"
Pole Soloist
2011
Pole Reflections (Show): Sydney Theatre, Australia
Soloist Pole Performer
2011
Chris Fitchew's Royal Wedding Production, London West End with Daniel Rosen
Duo Pole Act
2011
SupperClub: Notting Hill, London
Solo Pole Shows
2010 - 2011
Cabaret & Showgirl Performer weekly company member performing at: Wam Bam Club (Café de Paris, London West End)
Cabaret/ Pole Dancer
2010
Music Video: "Sail, Awolnation" (Red Bull Records)
Pole Dancer
2010
The Clothes Show, NEC Birmingham
X Pole Model & Stage Performer
2010
Bryan Ferry Music Video "You Can Dance"
Dancer
2009 - 2010
Viva Las Vegas, NYE Show (Brighton, UK)
Showgirl
2009
Music Video "Bright or Better: The Violet May"
Pole Dancer
2009
Live at the Palais (Micky P): Wandsworth, London
Pole Dancer, Backing Dancer
2009
Film "Every Occupation Needs a Party" by Cyclops Vision (Stuart Urban)
Pole Dancer/ Actor/ Dancer
2009
Music Video: "Pole Dancer by Femii"
Feature Pole Dancer
2009
Solo Artist for the FUEL GIRLS SHOW, London (Jet Black, After Hours)
Solo Pole Artist
2008
Erotica Exhibition After Party London
Solo Pole Artist

Judging Involvement:
Miss Pole Dance QLD 2017 & 2018, Sponsors Choice adjudicator 2019
IPC Brisbane 2018
Miss Pole Dance SA 2017
Australian Pole Championships NSW Heat 2017
Pole Expressions Amateur Comp QLD 2016 & 2017
Miss Pole Dance Australia finals 2016
Pole Theatre Sweden 2015
IPC Singapore 2013
Miss Pole Dance UK finals 2013
Miss Pole Dance Russia 2012
Battle of the Pole Sweden 2012
Lincolnshire Pole Championships UK 2012
Spanish Pole Sport Championship 2012
Irish Pole Fitness Championships 2011 & 2012
UKAPP 2010 & 2011

Sponsorship (gained or provided):
Gained:
• X Pole Australia Ambassador – 2013 – present
• X Pole Girl UK (2011-2014)
• Mika Yoga Wear sponsorship (2012)
• Pole Motion – co-sponsored USA tour with X Pole 2012

Provided:
• Miss Pole Dance Australia prizes 2016
• Miss Pole Dance QLD prizes 2019
• Pole Expressions QLD prizes
• UKPPC prizes given 2014

 
Pole Dancing Promotions Involvement:
Pole Motion Instructional DVD – face of and writer of Beginner level DVD content
X Pole UK fitness exhibitions including The Clothes Show - NEC Birmingham, Move It! - London, Be Fit exhibition – London (2011-2014)
Guest Instructor – Online Pole Tutorials “Poleandaerial.com”
Free Online Tutorials http://justinemclucas.com/tutorials

Have you organised or promoted any charity events?

• For the last two years (Feb 2018-Feb 2020) I had a full time position at Cornucopia Fundraising as Operations Team Leader & Co-ordinator (organising and booking logistics for fundraising teams in Aus and NZ, planning and reporting for charities such as Royal Flying Doctors, Doctors without Borders, Peter Mac Cancer Foundation, Seeing Eye Dogs, Breast Cancer Care, St John’s Ambulance, The Make A Wish Foundation and Red Cross NZ. A job I wanted to go into to further my philanthropic aspirations.

• Jan 2020: Donated pole wear to the “Dance for Australia” Bushfire appeal.

• Mar 2018: Hosted a Breakfast Pole Jam for UN International Women’s Day at local studio in Brisbane, to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women. A day to acknowledge how far women have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development, and to raise funds for projects that assist women in less fortunate situations, those struggling in disaster regions, in crisis, poverty or needing our help to continue the fight for gender equality and human rights, against violence, and projects that will support those amazing women that respond to disasters to protect women globally.

• Sep 2015: Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust – raised money through studio showcase – having had pre cancerous CIN3 cells removed from my cervix in an operation in Dec 2012 – this cause is near to my heart.
• Nov 2013: EDP pole jam to raise money toward STARFISH VOLUNTEERS project the DREAM HOUSE THAILAND toward the project to build an orphanage and look after children on the Thai/ Burmese border – I went to Thailand to take part in the project helping build and take care of the disadvantaged children in the region for a week over Christmas 2013.
• Dec 2013 – Performed at Last Minute.com Charity Ball – and in return lastminute also made a donation of £300 for me performing to the DREAMHOUSE project above.
• Feb 2013: ran a Pole-A-Thon and Lost Property Auction raising money for the Oncology Ward, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospital, where a fellow UK poler’s 5 yr old niece was being treated for cancer
• Sep 2012: McMillan Cancer Research – raised money by performing at Japan Auto Extravaganza

• Jun 2012: ECPAT - POLE JAM at Ecole de Pole London raising money to fight against child trafficking and exploitation in Europe

• Jan 2012: UNICEF – POLE JAM at Ecole de Pole London, raising money for the project to aid pregnant women in Africa with the pills required so they do not pass on AIDS to their unborn children.

• Nov 2007: UNICEF Jazz Benefit "Gershwin meets Groove" - organiser of singers & musicians, rehearsals, theme and programme running order, Steinway Hall London

Media attention:
Feature Article – Australian Pole Dancers Magazine (2016)
Sky 1’s Got To Dance 2012 (Top 34)
Life After The City article – Financial Times, London Newspaper (2011)
Fitness TV segment with Sarah Scott (2011)
Pole Dancing Promotional segment on Alan Titmarsch with Anna de Carvalho (2010)

Pole Dancing Goals & Aspirations:
To be in the pole dance industry til I’m 100!! Making people happy helping them achieve their own pole goals all over the globe.

My Instructor Training Course Mission is to provide quality instructor training across all levels that is accessible and affordable, sharing knowledge and providing personal development to teachers and polers with safer technique and a thorough understanding of pole dancing and anatomy to develop skills that can be practically applied to training and instructing

Through my studio licensing programme my goal is to support women (and men!) with the same vision and passion for pole technique and value of the pole community as I hold; to open their own studios, mentor them and help them build rewarding careers in studio ownership and teaching.