Dancing Geisha

Our Instructors

Dancing Geisha

Meet Our Experienced Instructors

MARYNA LELIAVINA

About MARYNA LELIAVINA

We are honoured to have Maryna leading our team as our Head Master Instructor. With over a decade of experience, Maryna has not only mastered several styles of pole dance ranging from pole sport and pole art to all aspects of exotic dance—but she has also become a beacon of inspiration in the pole dance community. Maryna’s skill is only outmatched by her unwavering passion and dedication to the craft. Her innovative teaching methods and deep commitment to helping others discover their strength and grace make her an invaluable asset to our Dancing Geisha family.

In her new role as our team leader, Maryna is excited to guide and empower each of you on your pole dance journey.

Tahnee Reyes

About Tahnee Reyes

Tahnee Reyes is a multi-apparatus aerialist, pole and movement artist. A trained dancer in ballet and modern, she took her love of movement into the air, initially training for a few years in circus arts, then finding pole, which became her focus for what is now 9 years- 8 of which she has instructed. She has taught pole technique classes from beginner to advanced level, pole choreography and aerial pole. Alongside pole, she has taught lyra, lollipop lyra, floorwork, chair, conditioning, flexibility, and handstands, Tahnee has led dance troupes, coaching a group of students in a choreographed number towards performing at studio showcases, and has taught workshops in Toronto, Montreal and Oaxaca (Mexico). She is CPR/First Aid certified.

She has extensive experience with partner work, especially with basing and flying. Tahnee has performed as a duo on a variety of apparatuses- pole, lyra, lollipop lyra, cube, and chandelier. She has worked with her pole partner to develop and teach doubles workshops and has also choreographed doubles clients towards performance.

Tahnee regularly performs at entertainment venues, corporate and private events. She has competed and placed 2nd in Semi-Pro at the Canadian Pole Fitness Championships.

She loves all things dynamic and flippy, always finding ways to help others conquer their fear of intimidating tricks breaking it down into more palatable bites of information and offering relevant conditioning and progressions to make their goals more attainable.

AKIRA DAWN

About AKIRA DAWN

Akira is a Toronto based dancer and choreographer that specializes in heels and jazz funk. She is currently training under Toronto based dance teams including: Kode Red Academy, Footnotes Academy, Hauls of Heels company, and Baddie Bootcamp by Shavar Blackwood.

Akira started her heels training with Kaleela Dominic and Lauren Lyn’s the Candyshop dance in early 2019, where she received rigorous technical training and on camera experience. Since then, she had trained with many other leading heels dancers/choreographers including Kaela Faloon (sensual heeling workshops), Lyza Manalo (bevel bootcamp mentorship & on camera video programs), Cierra Lee (Hauls of heels) and Steph Brinning (SHE the company & assistant for show program).

Akira was part of multiple stage performance programs including “Candyland” (season 1-3 int/adv crew) by Kaleela Dominic and Lauren Lyn, “Love Language” by Cierra Lee and SHE the company show S3 by Steph Brinning. She has recently performed in the “Baddie Issues”show by Shavar Blackwood.

Outside of heels training, Akira is always broadening her range by taking classes in different styles inclduing Hip Hop, Jazz, Jazz funk, Waccking, and theatre Jazz.
She believes everyone’s dance journey is unique and special, and by putting in love and effort our moment to shine as a dancer will come.

Anastasiia Nagovitsyna

About Anastasiia Nagovitsyna

With over a decade of experience and a passion for movement, Anastasiia has been empowering students through pole dance and flexibility training since 2013. She has conducted more than 3,000 classes, helping individuals of all levels achieve their fitness goals while ensuring safety and injury prevention.

Anastasiia is known for her deep understanding of the body’s mechanics, especially in managing injuries and chronic pain, such as back issues. Her approach is centered on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students can grow, gain confidence, and reach new heights—both physically and mentally.

Holding certifications as a Group Fitness Instructor (AFAA), Nutrition Coach (NASM), and Life Coach (ICF), Anastasiia brings a holistic perspective to her teaching. Her classes are not just about physical transformation but also about nurturing overall well-being.

Anastasiia’s commitment to continuous learning is evident from the over 30 specialized workshops and training she has attended, ensuring that her methods are always up-to-date and effective. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, Anastasiia is dedicated to guiding you on your journey with expert knowledge, care, and a focus on injury prevention.

KRISTEN GILMOUR

About KRISTEN GILMOUR

Kirsten became hooked on pole from her first intro class. Her background in competitive gymnastics and coaching translated well into her aerial training. She enjoys cultivating a style that combines acrobatics and flow. As a rehab chiropractor she has extensive knowledge and experience in functional and safe training. Kirsten is excited about sharing her passion for pole with Dancing Geisha’s students.

ELLA CHAN

About ELLA CHAN
Ella is a renowned expert in all aspects of aerial sport. She is a certified aerial yoga, dance and hoop instructor. Her strength, which developed through rock climbing, has aided her as an aerial and pole instructor. Apart from yoga, aerial dance, and aerial hoop, she loves creating choreography with the spin pole while feeling the connection to the music. Ella has now expanded her reach into pole dance and is a passionate instructor dedicated to empowering her students. Her goal is to create a supportive and enjoyable environment in her classes and establish confidence in her students as they progress.

EVEY

About EVEY
Evey is a pole dancer, instructor, and visual artist whose life took a completely different direction after discovering pole. What started as a new hobby quickly became a passion, leading her to shift from a completely different career path to dedicating herself full-time to teaching and performing. For Evey, dance is another way to create—blending strength, artistry, and self-expression. Whether she’s in the studio with students, on stage performing, or pushing herself in competition, she loves exploring all that pole has to offer and sharing that excitement with others.

NAILAH RENUKA

About NAILAH RENUKA
Nailah Renuka is a Canadian circus, pole, and dance artist known for her athleticism, curiosity, and daring creativity. Influenced by her early training in opera, musical theatre, and gymnastics, she has cultivated a distinct movement style that merges high-level physicality with refined musicality. After retiring from gymnastics, Nailah pursued a successful career as a contemporary, jazz, and modern dancer, earning her BFA in Contemporary Dance at York University before moving to New York City, where she worked with companies including VIM VIGOR, Ailey Il, and Buglisi Dance Theater.

In 2021, Nailah transitioned into pole and circus arts, first specializing in contortion before adding dance pole, hand-balancing, aerial hoop, dance trapeze, and aerial spiral to her roster. Since winning her first pole competition in 2022, she has performed with many renowned companies, including Disney, Hercinia Arts Collective, and Les 7 Doigts de la Main. Her training and performances have taken her across the US, Canada, and Europe, where she continues to hone her craft and develop her artistic voice.

Nailah is passionate about fostering a sustainable approach to movement, encouraging artistic exploration, and cultivating a supportive community for her students and community.

ELVIRA OM

About ELVIRA OM
Elvira Om – Pole Dance Instructor | Certified XPert Trainer | Choreographer

Elvira Om brings over six years of teaching experience and a strong foundation in pole dance technique, with certifications in XPert Pole Level 1 & 2. She began her journey in 2016 while working as a lawyer in Ukraine and quickly discovered the transformative power of movement. By 2018, she transitioned into teaching, combining her disciplined background with her creative passion for dance.

Elvira teaches a variety of styles including exotic, spin pole, pole 1/2, and inversion. Her classes emphasize structured progress, clean technique, and dynamic transitions—making them accessible to beginners while still challenging for more advanced students. She is committed to helping students grow with confidence, clarity, and consistency in their pole journey.

Elvira’s teaching philosophy is centered around empowering her students to tap into their inner strength, grace, and confidence. Her classes are designed to inspire, challenge, and support women at every stage of their pole journey, creating a space where they can grow not only in skill but also in self-expression.

VARVARA

About VARVARA
Varvara began her pole dance journey at the end of 2019, bringing with her a strong background in dance that started at the age of 7. She has formal training in classical ballet and folk dance, and has performed at both domestic and international festivals across Asia and Europe, showcasing her dedication and artistry from a young age.

Soon after discovering pole dance, Varvara transitioned into teaching, driven by her passion for helping others grow. She is deeply committed to supporting her students in reaching their goals, focusing on proper technique, musicality, and form to ensure safe and effective training.

Varvara teaches her students not only to dance with their feet, but to engage their entire bodies and express emotion through movement. She believes that pole dance is a powerful way to build both physical strength and inner confidence. Her classes are designed to be both challenging and empowering, helping students connect with themselves and their artistry on a deeper level.

SERENA

About SERENA
Serena is a seasoned pole fitness instructor who has been teaching since 2010. With a focus on pole sport, inversions, and tricks, Serena brings her deep expertise and passion to every class she leads. Her teaching style is dynamic, challenging, and supportive, making her a favorite among students who want to push their limits and excel in pole fitness.
Serena is skilled in instructing all levels, from beginners to advanced and advanced+ students, guiding them to perfect their technique, build strength, and master complex pole tricks. Her commitment to helping her students achieve their goals while maintaining a fun and empowering environment makes her an integral part of the Dancing Geisha team.