Ecdysiast

Ruby C

I’ve been a student at Ecdysiast since January 2022 and can truly say it has changed my life. I started by taking a course designed for entry level pole for Fat bodied people and I instantly fell in love. The coach, Asteria, is so talented and approachable. She knows how to make modifications should you need them and is an amazing dancer with so much experience. All the coaches here are easy to talk to, kind and also pretty funny, which I love! The studio is warm and welcoming and lacks the pretentiousness that I have felt elsewhere. There’s not a lot of talk around fitness as a means to lose weight and I love that. It’s an empowering space of self expression, movement and encouragement. I recommend this place to everyone I know and have even brought two friends here to try it. The classes are diverse and the curriculum is really well thought out. They are truly a leader in this space, and it shows, so glad I found this studio!

Cara McMurry

Thanks to Asteria and all at Ecdysiast for the emotional and physical support during the beginner class. I have not done a handstand since before high school--which is almost 25 years ago now. Watching my body do these impossible-looking moves is so empowering. Your guidance and these classes have given me strength beyond the pole, as I suspected they would. From feeling confident to speak up in work meetings about implementing anti-racism policies, having more energy to leave my house after months and months of deep depression, to experiencing more self-advocacy--which has been a source of constant anxiety and sadness for me for so long--basically, these 5 weeks have saved my life...not to be dramatic, but I'm taking us to church over here.

Breanna Browning

Ecdysiast is such a wonderful space. From the moment you walk in everyone makes you feel so welcome. It says something about a studio that creates such an encouraging space when not only the instructors are cheering you on but the other students too! Every instructor I’ve been able to take a class from works so hard to give everyone the best experience possible and helps each student access new shapes. The classes are the perfect length to give you time for different warm ups and a great cool down. I can’t say enough good things about this space and the people there!

Aubrey E. Baldwin

Ecdysiast is an excellent dance studio for all bodies to find joy in movement! The instructors are kind, skilled, experienced, helpful and inspirational. The space is beautiful and comfortable. All the staff is supportive and helpful. It is wonderful to have a space that is not only accepting of fat bodies, but welcoming and specifically supportive of those of us who own them! They may have the city’s only fat-focused pole dance class, taught by amazing in all ways and fat-bodied coach, Asteria Atombomb! The straight-sized classes and coaches are equally warm, generous, and sensitive. Also, never met a classmate I didn’t like. It’s a space and people that promote respect, joy and the authenticity of lived experience. I love it, and I bet you will too!