Meet Iris!
Iris (stage name Izzy) discovered pole dancing in 2013 and immediately became obsessed. With a background in gymnastics, she loves the strength and precision of pole dance and revels in finding flow and emotion through movement. During her journey at Divine, she’s grown to embrace the freedom offered by Boudoir Dance: permission to move slowly, to be messy, to own and cherish your unique dance. Iris is a Divine Movement Certified Pole Instructor, Phases 1 & 2.
Hometown?
I grew up in the South, but I consider Seattle my home now!
Why do you love Divine Movement?
Divine is home. I learned to accept and love myself for who I am within these walls, and a piece of my heart will always be here. The Divine community is a magical space that builds you up and supports you when you most need it, and encourages you in turn to lift other women up and support them.
What do you consider your teaching style?
Encouraging and fun. I have a lot of energy and I put it all towards celebrating your individual journey. My goal as an instructor is to give you the tools, support, and space to find the movement that’s right for your body.
What music is on your “Divine” playlist right now?
I post all my class playlists on Spotify (username photophoren). Some favorite songs are “Medicine” by Daughter, “Who Loves” by Lemolo, and “Like That” by PANTyRAiD.
What is the farthest you have been from home?
Just under 7000 miles – visiting Israel.
When was the last time you cried?
Dancing to “Medicine”.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A scientist (and now I am one!)
Guilty pleasure?
Long, hot bubble baths
Favorite article of clothing to dance in?
It depends! I love leggings and legwarmers for those gooey dances where you want to ooze like honey all over the floor, and I love high heels for those dances where you just want to be boldly, unashamedly sexy. I also love baggy shirts to tug on and strip out of and high-top sneakers or boots for powerful, raw, stomp-filled dances.
Favorite quote?
“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking” – Agnes De Mille
