Celia Carey
Owner
Celia Carey is the founder and owner of ROC Pole and Fitness. Celia is a 4-time combat, service-connected disabled Army Lieutenant Colonel who retired after 30 years of honorable service.
She became involved with the sport in 2014, and in 2017, Celia became a Pole Sport Organization (PSO) Grand Master champion. Celia has degrees in Arts Administration, Fitness and recreation management, Exercise Science, and Kinesiology. She is a certified Exercise Physiologist and a licensed massage therapist.
This is an exciting time for the sport, and Celia’s vision is to make ROC Pole and Fitness a destination for Pole athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
@calebcelia
Sheila Frank
Artistic Director
Sheila began her Pole Dance journey in 2007 at the age of 21! She began as a home Poler utilizing the occasional tutorials. Despite her gymnastics background, poling proved to be difficult, but fun and challenging. In time, and with consistent practice, Sheila’s skills improved well enough to apprentice teach at Goddess Hour Dance & Fitness Studio, where she was introduced to the art of Belly Dance.
A strong believer in the importance of continuing education, Sheila has learned from women in the forefront of the pole dance community. She has studied under Alethea Austin, Karol Helms, Jenyne Butterfly, Marlo Fisken, NatashaWang,
Olga Koda, Carli Jane, Heidi Coker and Jamilla Deville.
Sheila teaches Beginner - Advanced level Pole Dance and would love to help guide you through your Pole journey.
@she_thewhitetiger
Angelika Rehrig
Specialty Apparatus
Valerie Kutzler
Pole
Angelika leads our Specialty Apparatus division (PoleSilks, ChairPole). She started her Pole journey in 2017. With a background in gymnastics and ballet. Pole dancing was the perfect activity for her to get fit while having fun. The supportive, caring and non-judgemental Pole community that came along with the sport was an amazing bonus! Though a fan of ballet inspired Pole tricks, Angelika quickly fell in love with Russian Exotic style. Finding the movement and intricate leg work to be challenging and one heck of a workout…especially with platform boots strapped to her feet! Angelika strives to grow as a student and instructor by learning different techniques and modes of expression from professionals in the industry. After winning the “Best Pandemic Themed Performance” in her first competition, Angelika also looks forward to competing again in the future.
@angelikars74
Valerie started her pole dance journey over 9 years ago on Long Island, New York. Val has an extensive dance background varying from ballet, swing, to Latin styles. In looking for a new dance to explore and challenge her, she found pole dancing. Her passion for pole expanded with the desire to teach and became certified in X-Pole levels 1 & 2. Val came to Rochester to start working as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and appreciates importance of body-mind connection. She has goals to keep expanding her pole certifications and mixing pole with different dance styles. Hope to see you in class!
@val_5586
Aimee found pole dancing in 2013 when she was looking for a fun and challenging exercise – and boy did it deliver! As an “exception to the rule”, Aimee came into pole dance with no dance or gymnastic background; she built her knowledge base from the ground up, and brings that building foundation perspective to her teaching style. Like all instructors at RPF, Aimee believes pole dance is achievable for every BODY and wants to share her experience with you. Aimee loves to learn, and has studied under multiple instructors over the years. Aimee also has experience with static dance trapeze, aerial lyra, silks and bungee but pole is her main squeeze.
@somorose
Aimee Porter
Pole
Matt Strobel
Handstands, Capoeira, Flexi
Once Matt found capoeira, he never stopped, 17 years later, now a professor in capoeira, trained yoga teacher, fitness instructor, and movement aficionado, he has taught workshops in all modalities in various states, performed in numerous shows, held many educational workshops in schools and universities, worked with children to geriatrics. Capoeira itself has so much to offer people that it has spawned a “movement” craze in the fitness industry and other aspects of the culture. I encourage you to come and experience what movement has to offer you.
@professorbandaid
Elizabeth have been poling for 3 years. She started poling when she needed to mix up her exercise routine from weight training and running. She was instantly hooked! She is working on mastering a variety of Pole art forms, including flying Pole and Pole silks. "I have gained strength and confidence along with an amazing Pole family along my journey.
@mother_of_tonymac
Elizabeth Farkas
Pole
Meghan took her first walk around a pole in January 2020! Despite having an athletic background in swimming and CrossFit, she had no dance performance or gymnastics background. Pole has forced her to focus on improving her flexibility and mobility, as well as stage presence and confidence.
With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education, Meghan is also a water fitness, lifeguard, CPR and swim lesson instructor. There’s no question teaching is a passion of hers and the experience she has allows her to understand the importance of meeting the needs of all types of learners and their abilities.
Meghan is a 2021 Pole Sport Organization (virtual) medalist. She is excited to share her love of pole with the true beginner, just like she was once herself.
@meg_making_moves
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Meghan Angel
Pole
Kenya is born and raised in Rochester, NY with years of youth educator experience outside of the fitness industry. She has earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Norfolk State University, and is a food enthusiast, trained Doula and growing photographer. She is deeply passionate about holistic mental wellness, service, education, and representation in every space. Kenya began her Pole journey in late 2020 as a mental health outlet and discovered the exploratory and inquisitive passion for the art. Kenya has grown and advanced to meet every level here at ROC Pole and Fitness and has learned from the skilled instructors within the studio as well as well known Pole athletes such as Heidi Coker and Fiya Starta of Vertical Joes. She is excited for her journey of learning the best techniques to introduce the foundations of this beautiful sport and prepare you for the transformative journey ahead. She wants to remind you that "This is your journey, make it fun, make it yours, just pointe and go!"
@itskenyaj