Meet Our Team
Ceci Casillas
Co-Owner / Instructor
My very first experience with pole is the traditional route. I first fell in love with it at a strip club. I didn't understand what it was about the movement but I couldn't seem to stop watching the dancers whenever they performed. My formal training began shortly after that and since then, I have fallen in love with both pole choreography and pole sport. I'm excited to bring to our studio all that I have learned these past few years, from idols around the world and well respected dancers that I call friends. I want our studio to feel welcoming to exotic dancers, non dancers and anyone who is curious about aerial dance. This sport is beautiful because it is inclusive. It is vital to us that everyone feels welcome at Monarch.
Courtney Ray
Co-Owner / Instructor
The first time that I saw a pole dancing performance, I immediately knew it was something that I wanted to do. After my first class, I had instantly developed a connection with the community. Since beginning my journey in 2013, and teaching others since 2016, I have experienced first-hand how rewarding this sport can be.
It is important for me to see my students grow in confidence and strength. Therefore, I make it a mission to create an open and welcoming space for everyone to unlock new abilities.
I enjoy all styles of pole and believe there is a lot to learn about yourself mentally and physically from each genre.
Magy F
Lyra Instructor
I started my lyra journey after moving to Hawaii in 2019. I immediately fell in love with how strong and graceful it made me feel. The aerial community was so positive and encouraging, which brought me a new sense of joy and confidence. Since then, I have enjoyed encouraging and being a part of my student's growth. As corny as it may sound, I truly believe we are better together. Since moving back to California in 2023, I have been continuing to fine-tune my skills and teaching styles.
Destiny H
Pole Instructor
I took my first pole class in 2018 and my life hasn't been the same since. Pole dancing challenged me unlike anything I had ever known. I found confidence within myself and started appreciating my body and all it could do. Since pole came into my life, I also found an appreciation towards yoga and became an instructor in that field as well. The mind body connection between both forms of fitness is what inspires my training. I want my students to feel safe in their practice and confident in what they are doing. Fitness is incredibly important to me. It is a goal of mine to give our students the best workout I can.
Josi D
Pole Instructor
I started pole in the beginning of 2021 with no idea how it would change my life. As someone with a yoga and fitness background, I was eager to find something new to bring me out of my comfort zone. I immediately fell in love and became dedicated towards trying all different styles of pole. My passion to learn soon became a passion to teach, much like how I became a yoga instructor. Pole has since then become so much more than a hobby. It has provided me strength, confidence and community. I hope to share that passion with my students to uplift, inspire and motivate!
Jewelle G
Silks Instructor
I began my aerial silks journey in 2012 with no prior dance background. Since then, I fell in love with aerial dance and focused my energy on expanding my new found passion. A couple of years after that, I became an instructor and have taught all throughout different locations in the Sacramento area. I love to share my passion of silks with others and am constantly inspired by the growth I see from students.
Jane Mueller
Pole Instructor
Almost 10 years ago, I decided I wanted to do something different, something no one else I knew could do. I tried a beginner pole dance class and instantly fell in love. Pole helped me gain confidence and skyrocketed my self esteem, all while getting me in the best shape of my life. I began teaching in April of 2023 because I wanted to help beginner pole dancers feel the same joy and enthusiasm that I have felt for nearly a decade now. Although I now carry the title of instructor, I am still a student at heart and I will never get tired of learning and improving myself in this wonderful art!
Allie C
Pole Instructor
Mobility & Stretch Instructor
My love for dance began at an early age. Most of my formative years were spent in a dance studio training, competing in classical Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary. After a decade and a half hiatus from formal dance study, my sister introduced me to pole and I quickly became obsessed. Pole has allowed me to reconnect with my body, explore movement in new ways, and build functional strength beyond what I imagined my body capable of. I am captivated by pole as an art form and excited to share my love of dance with my students.
Ashley M
Mobility & Stretch Instructor
My passion for movement began in 2010 with Muay Thai. I then developed a whole new appreciation for functional movement by expanding my education and becoming a yoga instructor. My mission here is to give students a space to explore and expand upon their own goals surrounding mobility.