Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin McNabb.
Kristin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
More than 13 years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles to try an all-new form of fitness called pole dancing. I had just had my 3rd baby and was working as a personal trainer and Pilates instructor. I can’t explain how much I loved what it did for me; my first spin around the pole made me feel like a superhero and a goddess at the same time. I loved what it did for my self esteem as well as my body. I was hooked!
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anywhere in the Midwest to continue the journey I knew I had to pursue. So after a few coast to coast travels, I started self-teaching.
I found I had a real need to be able to express myself physically, emotionally and sensually while getting a kick-butt workout and I was sure other women were searching for the same thing. So, I put up a few poles in my home and started teaching some friends who I knew would love pole fitness as much as I did. They ultimately started bringing their friends and and before I knew it, Tease was born! We became an official company and started a life-changing movement in June of 2006. It’s been almost 12 years and I can look back and say that Tease was a pioneer in the industry of aerial and sensual dance and fitness.
Since 2006, Tease has had the privilege of teaching and empowering thousands of Chicagoland women in so many ways. Many of our students and instructors have gone on to become world-class competitive athletes and all of them have reshaped their bodies and self-images. We have created a powerful, loving community that has fostered life-long relationships. Most importantly, Tease offers a safe, judgement free space where women can come and celebrate all that their bodies can do.
In 2007, we added a burlesque dance program and 5 years ago we began teaching aerial arts. Today, Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop and Aerial yoga rival our signature pole fitness series in popularity. We also opened up our Aerial classes (not pole) to kids and teens. They are enjoying this high flying form of fitness just as much as their moms do!
Today, we welcome over 300 women through our studio every week. It’s been an amazing journey of love and discovery for me. I especially love watching a brand new woman come in for her first class a little nervous, only to watch her leave a few hours later like she has learned the most delicious secret. That nervousness turns into excitement as she begins her journey with us. To be able to bear witness to the changes that take place in her body and self-confidence week after week is such a an incredible gift.
Has it been a smooth road?
Tease was a pioneer in the pole fitness world. To my knowledge there were no other studios in the midwest when I opened my doors. I did occasionally get some criticism as I fought to introduce this form of movement as exercise more than a decade ago. There was a stigma at the time that needed to be challenged and I think, we have done a pretty good job of that!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are known for pole and aerial dance and fitness. We cater to women and we truly are a community. Tease is a family of women, both students and instructors who cheer each other on in and out of the classroom.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes! We have been in Naperville and Aurora and both cities have been wonderful to us.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4014 Fox Valley Center Drive
- Website: www.teasedanceandfitness.com
- Phone: 6309019697
- Email: info@teasedanceandfitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tease_dance_and_fitness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teasedanceandfitness
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tease-dance-and-fitness-aurora
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
