Elspeth is an engineer-turned-aerialist who specializes in pole and contortion-based creations. She first started pole in 2016 on a whim and naturally, it was love at first sight. In 2018 she started performing and competing and has since found a niche in dynamic pole and pole artistry. She loves combining on-stage tension with high concept characterization and is always looking for the next challenge. In recent years, Elspeth has refocused and honed her skills in acro, handbalancing and contortion, and is a certified Alixa Flexibility Coach. Elspeth is a passionate and technique-driven instructor and is incredibly excited to be joining the UltraViolet Pole Fitness Team!
Photo by: Stephanie Kwok (@suspendedkinetics on IG)
Name/Stage Name: Elspeth, sometimes also Evey (chosen after I did a V for Vendetta routine!)
Pronouns: she/they
What is your profession?
I'm currently working as an escape artist at Illusionarium, but will be studying for my Master's in Particle Physics this fall!
What do you teach and how long have you been teaching?
I teach Beginner to Advanced pole, flexibility, and basic acro/handbalancing. I've been teaching pole for a year and a half, but have previous experience as a swim coach for pre-competitive kids.
What got you into pole dancing?
I feel like my story is a super common one. I was looking for a fitness alternative that didn't involve running/jumping or a super high level of hand-eye coordination (please don't ask me to catch or juggle anything, ever ). I also around the same time saw a video of Jenyne Butterfly on Facebook doing an iguana negative that blew my mind. I basically signed up the next day for my first class
What makes you passionate about pole dance?
I love the unlimited possibilities of any apparatus, but pole is special to me because of the intensely creative community that surrounds it. People are always pushing boundaries and finding new things with pole and I'm just constantly captivated by the thought of all the new shapes/transitions/tricks that are waiting to be found.
Photo by: Meghan Chartrand (@meghanchartrand on IG)
What do you love sharing with your students?
I love sharing my passion for exploration and creating your own art. I'll often prompt students in class that if they're comfortable with a trick or transition I'm teaching, they can explore entries/exits/additions to the skill and follow what their bodies naturally want to do. It's a great way for students to discover their own new movement and style!
What is your favourite song/genre to dance to?
I loooooove anything slow/dramatic/punctuated. Massive Attack, Son Lux, Grimes, Sufjan Stevens.
Do you train on other apparatuses or other disciplines?
Yes yes! I also currently train lyra and aerial pole and have recently started training corde lisse as well. I also train handbalancing and contortion probably as much as I do pole.
What would we find you doing when you aren't teaching/training?
I can likely be found wandering around Toronto looking for a bite to eat (hit me up with all your fave donut/icecream/dessert places please!!) or outside in one of the parks with a good book.
Join Elspeth on Monday nights in-studio for Intermediate Pole Combos and Advanced Flexibility!