Our Story
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Our Principal Instructor and Owner Susan Hastings founded the Essex Pole and Tone Academy, opening the doors in 2008. As a physical performer, dance and aerial teacher with 40 years of experience, Susan's mission is to train others who are on their journey to improve strength, flexibility and confidence.​ With a Spincity, X-Pert Fitness & PDC endorsement you can expect a friendly, relaxed and encouraging atmosphere, with moves tailored to your own individual ability. Each achievement, no matter how big or small, is celebrated in our pole family.
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Pole fitness is a great way to tone your body, build all over body strength, increase flexibility, lose weight and improve your posture. Not only this but it provides an amazing social life which will always stay with you. In our pole classes you will be taught spins, inverts, tricks, combinations, dance work, floor work and many other skills that come with this wonderful sport. You will see developments physically and mentally as these classes are very stimulating.
Our Essex Pole and Tone community welcomes everyone no matter what shape, size, age or strength - we make sure everyone feels happy and comfortable at all times whilst they are with us. We are sensitive to an individual’s unique fitness journey and all exercises are tailored to each individuals’ abilities to ensure they are getting the most out of their time as we want our students to achieve their full potential!
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Essex Pole and Tone is home to many successful pole and aerial artists some of which have placed in elite competitions throughout the United Kingdom. As shown on our Medalists & Competitors page. All students have the opportunity to perform in Showcases.
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Our Studio main hall has 11 fixed X-Poles with a range of sizes and finishes, static and spinning poles. We also have a wide range of Aerial Hoops, Silks and an X-Stage with lollipop attachment. All our equipment is frequently updated and safety mats are provided to ensure the comfort and safety of all of our students. Our studio also features a large changing room, two toilets and a kitchen area selling refreshments.​
Meet our Team
of Instructors
Susan Hastings - Studio owner / Director / Principle Instructor
Susan was born in inner London in the 1960s and believes that everyone should be able to dance and strive for success regardless of background or income. Her mission is to train others who are on their journey to improved strength, flexibility and confidence. She has been dancing for over 40 years and is a fully qualified spin city pole instructor.
Qualifications & Training:
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Spin City - Beginners Coaching
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Spin City - Beginners Pole Fitness
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Spin City - Intermediate Pole Fitness
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Spin City - Advanced Pole Fitness
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PDC Endorsed
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OCR Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing - Teaching Fitness for Children
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British Amateur Weightlifters Association Coaching Certificate
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Level 4 Personal Trainer
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QA Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid At Work
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COVID Safe Sport Coaches & Officials Certification
Maisy Masterson - Director / Principle Instructor - pole, Heels, Silks, Aerial Hoop, flying pole & junior's
Maisy is beyond passionate about all things dance having been dancing and doing pole fitness since only age 11! She has dedicated her life to the aerial arts, training in a multitude of disciplines to pass on her expertise and experience to you! With a Spin City Beginners Coaching qualification you can rest assured that your unique fitness goals will be met to progress you in the sport!​
Qualifications & Training:
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Spin City - Beginners Coaching
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Spin City - Beginners Aerial Hoop
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Spin City - Beginners Pole Fitness
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Spin City - Intermediate Pole Fitness
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X-Pert Fitness - Essential Science of Heels
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DBS Checked
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First Aid Training - 2 Hour Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation and Defibrillation.
Yasmin Feliha -
junior's - Aerial Hoop Instructor
Yasmin is passionate about getting kids interested in sport at a young age and wants to teach the wonderful art of aerial hoop to our younger generation. With over 6 years of experience in the aerial arts you can be confident in her knowledge and passion for the sport.
Qualifications & Training:
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X-Pert Fitness - Children's Pole and Aerial Fitness
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Safeguarding - Child Protection In Sport
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Safeguarding - Child Protection in Education
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DBS Checked
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First Aid Essentials
