Instructors

Jessica Gilmore

Bio: Jessica Gilmore was born and raised in Miami, Fl. In 2000 she began attending Dr. Michael M.Krop Senior High School where she was a part of the dance magnet program. After graduating from High School in 2004 she moved to Tampa where she attended the University of South Florida College of Visual and Performing Arts. In the summer of 2008, she received her BFA in modern dance performance. While at the University of South Florida she was given incredible opportunities to work with many different choreographers such as Michael Foley, Jennifer Archibald, Trisha Brown and many others. From 2006-2010 she choreographed numerous pieces for the public schools in Miami; also teaching summer intensive programs for those students. The summer after graduating from the University of South Florida she was given the opportunity to tour Tunisia for a month. After returning from Tunisia, Jessica moved to Seattle where she began working with Spectrum Dance Theatre under the artistic direction of Donald Byrd. Although, just an apprentice she was able to perform with the company and was also given the opportunity to teach and choreograph for the academy student program. In the winter of 2009, after moving back to Miami, she

performed in the Nada Art Festival and Art Basel 2009, also performing at club BED for their annual Def Jam New Year’s party. During this time she began to explore the art of pole dancing, both performing and teaching. Jessica recently relocated to San Francisco, where she teaches dance to kids around the city and also dances with a modern dance company, Palanza Dance Company.

Christina Wert

(Workshop Instructor)

Christina Marie Wert
*NPC Competitor, Bikini Division
*Deja Vu Pole Princess, semi-finalist
*Personal Trainer, Nutritional Consultant
*X-Pert Pole Certified

"I began teaching Pole a few years ago in San Francisco, and have over 10 years of experience. I have a great love for the art and find so much joy in the excitement over seeing progression in students. I believe pole dancing should be fun, and everyone should advance at their own comfort level. I look forward to working with you!"

Donna J. Walton

Donna has always had a passion for dance since the earlier years of her life. She participated in various groups throughout Jr. High and High School to later on move to the Bay Area and study under the modern dance company at Mills College in Oakland, CA . In 2004 Donna joined Culture Shock Oakland (a professional hiphop dance troupe) and later went on to direct their youth outreach troupe, Future Shock Oakland. Donna is known in the bay area through various school programs and performing arts centers. Donna takes pride in being able to work with youth and being an active member in the community. Donnas' dance credits include: Nike, UPN Dance 360, Drrough, New Boys, Mya, Fabolous, Young Lott, Suryil, Netta B, Traxxamillion, YSD, TJ Maxx and More. In October 2011 Donna along with 3 other partners opened In the Groove Dance Studios, a HipHop based studio located in Downtown Oakland. She also took over the hiring and choreographing for the stage dancers for one of San Francisco's largest nightlife venues, 1015 Folsom. Another position Donna took on in 2011 was being the Lead Choreographer of the professional ABA Bay Area Matrix dance team. Shortly after opening In the Groove Studios Donna decided to invest in another one of her passions and run her own company, Atomic Allure. Atomic Allure is a Pole and Fitness studio based out of Downtown Oakland. Donna was trained and certified in pole instruction in 2009 and begun freelance teaching at various studios and was hired on as an instructor at a prominent studio in New . Donna has performed vertical pole routinues at various events throughout California and aspires to continue to share her passion for vertical pole.Donna has had a very diverse training background in dance and considers herself to be a well rounded dancer.

Keli Walker

Jibby Bond

Having a strong interest in fitness starting at the age of 12 I have
managed to stay connected to the fitness world in one way or another. I've been a dancer for 10+ years, a fitness instructor for 3+ years, and a health coach for 2 years. I have a deep passion for body toning with an emphasis in the abdominal area. I recently launched my own personal training business called
"Abs for Days". Not a day goes by that I don't share my passion for fitness with my clients or friends. And as I always say.. Stay You, Stay True, Stay Fit.

Keli was born and raised as an Oakland native. From an early age, she showed her competitive nature through physical outlets such as track and martial arts. Keli decided to end her collegiate sports career after 12 years of track and field. In the years to follow, she continued to study different disciplines until finally finding one with the ability to combine everything. Keli brings her experience in boxing, kickboxing, weight lifting, track, bikram yoga, and pilates to Atomic Allure and vertical dance. Keli has trained under the Owner and Lead Instructor of Atomic Allure and has found a passion in helping women build their confidence and physical strength.

Bio Coming Soon.........

Natalie Nayun

Natalie Nayun fell in love with belly dance in 2003 after she
first saw it performed in Santa Fe, New Mexico and has been dancing non-stop
ever since. She has studied intensively with some of today’s top dance artists,
notably; Ariellah, Miriam Peretz, Mira Betz, Zoe Jakes, Nanna Candelaria, and
Suhaila Salimpour. Natalie is not only a well-known soloist, but is also a
principal dancer in Deshret Dance Company directed by Ariellah, a Dancer with
Beats Antique, and the director of her own dance company, Adara Dance Company. She will be featured on a one of a kind Gothic Belly Dance DVD, Belly Dance Unbound to be release late 2013, and will also be featured in the Beats Antique Live DVD release date TBA. Natalie Nayun has studied and been influenced by other dance forms which have come to shape her own interpretation of Belly Dance including Persian, Turkish Roman, Classical Indian, Flamenco, Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Fire Dancing. She performs many styles of belly dance including Cabaret, Egyptian, Tribal Fusion and American Tribal Style. She enjoys performing each of these styles, which gives her a well-rounded approach to the dance form. Natalie is known for her great technique, versatility, and personality as both an artist and performer. Natalie believes that no matter how long she dances she will always be a life-long student, learning all she can about belly dance.

Learn More: www.nayundance.com