Meet the team
Established in 2011, Mind body and pole is a small business built from word of mouth and lots of hard work. Our classes are inclusive and innovative, welcoming students from all walks of life. Our aim is to prove that fitness really can be fun! MBP has been certified as an Approved Pole Dance School by the Pole Dance Community. This represents the highest level of professionalism and teaching quality within the pole fitness industry. We are also an Approved Studio with the Pole Safe Federation.
Our Instructors are qualified, insured, first aid trained and DBS checked.
Leanne Waugh
Owner & Instructor
Pole, Aerial Hoop, Aerial Sling, Stretch & Juniors
HISTORY
Leanne started pole in 2006 and was instantly hooked, despite not being a natural!
As an Instructor, Leanne loves to make her classes fun and get to know each student. She is hot on technique and her greatest passion is choreography, which she adores putting together and teaching. Leanne does not come from a gymnastic or dance background and had never done any exercise before discovering pole; making her proof that anyone can join our classes!
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FUN FACT!
Leanne set up Mind body and pole in 2011 as a mobile pole class running from various community centres! Alongside Mind body and pole, Leanne had a 12 year career as a Kitchen Designer before having her two children. She is also a qualified Skin & Laser Technician, Bridal Model and Website Designer.
Ellie Hanrahan
Instructor
Pole & Juniors
HISTORY
Ellie first started pole classes in 2012 and instantly fell in love with it. In 2017 she joined classes at our Studio. Ellie felt welcome, made lots of friends and progressed amazingly, making her the perfect fit to join the team as an Instructor. Ellie’s bubbly nature will make you feel at ease and at home in the Studio whilst you work together on your goals. She will push you to your limits, but keep you smiling along the way!
FUN FACT!
In Ellie’s spare time she enjoys being with her two daughters, socialising, running and doing the splits everywhere she goes!
Jo Mardles
Instructor & Admin Assistant
Pole & Juniors
HISTORY
Jo started pole in 2016 after a friend suggested it and was hooked right from the start. After years of never sticking to the gym or other fitness classes; nothing made her feel proud of herself like pole did. Jo has a huge passion for people, which shines through in her fun and positive classes; Jo wants to ensure your time at the Studio is the best part of your week!
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FUN FACT!
Jo is into anything creative...making videos of weddings/birthdays/events, decorating and making personalised frames. She has recently returned to teaching after having a gorgeous baby boy!
Beccy Glover
Instructor
Aerial Hoop
HISTORY
Beccy first came to an aerial hoop class in 2017 here at Mind body and pole and instantly fell in love with it. She has a passion to teach and loves watching students progress and strive. She believes anyone with a positive determined attitude will come to her hoop class and never look back! Beccy has a national diploma in professional dance and works in the entertainment industry.
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FUN FACT!
When Beccy isn't in a hoop or dance studio, she loves spending time practicing yoga, cooking new yummy recipes and spending time with family and friends.
Zara Kirby
Instructor
Aerial Hoop & Sling
HISTORY
Zara joined our Studio in 2022 and has gone from strength to strength, attending multiple classes. Zara is a fun and attentive Instructor, adjusting her teaching style between the adult and children's classes.
FUN FACT!
Zara works as a Video Game Producer in her day job, and when not at work or in the Studio, she can be found curled up with a board game or a good book.
Lauren Howes
Instructor
Pole
HISTORY
After trying the gym, but lacking motivation, Lauren started pole in 2020, and it fast became the highlight of her week! She now attends multiple classes a week, making her a familiar and friendly face within the Studio. Lauren will break down each move and ensure everyone in her classes are comfortable and challenged.
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FUN FACT!
As well as hanging upside-down, Lauren loves to bake anything with chocolate - brownies being her speciality!
Lynsey Keenan
Pilates Instructor
COMING SOON!
Hayley Timms
Class Assistant
HISTORY
​Hayley started pole back in 2008, then her love for aerial hoop took over and she has attended classes with us for many years. Hayley had scoliosis and had her spine straightened when she was 18, resulting in her being 6 inches taller!​
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Emily Jefferson
Class Assistant
HISTORY
​Emily joined the studio in 2023, attending multiple classes and loving the community spirit! Her daughters also attend our junior classes.
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Kristy Norris
Instructor
Aerial Hoop
HISTORY
Kristy started aerial hoop in 2019. As an ex-dancer, she wanted to try something completely new, but still under the performing umbrella. She quickly fell in love with aerial! Kristy is a caring and approachable Instructor, who thrives on seeing students achieve their goals. She may even cry happy tears!
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FUN FACT!
Kristy taught dance at an American summer camp in Virginia (proper parent trap style)! She loves travelling, reading and is a big true crime girl!
Poppy Bunton
Instructor
Pole
COMING SOON!
Katharine Dobrzycki
Event Assistant
HISTORY
Katharine started pole in 2019 and went on to become a well known face around the studio. Katharine launched our Aerial Sling classes in 2025, alongside teaching pole and juniors. She has now moved to London, but remains a part of our team, helping out at our events throughout the year.
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FUN FACT!
Katharine is a keen baker - her cakes are incredible and definitely Bake-Off worthy! When at the Studio, Katharine will always be seen poling in her socks!
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Katherine Cook
Class Assistant
HISTORY
​Katherine started classes with us in 2020, and has been a regular face in the studio ever since. She is always up for trying any class we offer and her confidence has grown so much that she performed at our Studio Showcase!
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Shauna Munro
Class Assistant
HISTORY
​Shauna signed up for beginners pole with us in 2024 and has gone on to work on all equipment, even performing aerial sling at our Studio Showcase!
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