Hi, I’m Lou Landers,
and I’m the Director of Pole & Aerial Training, Education & Operations.
A little backstory:
I’ve been dancing since I was four years old and started teaching dance at just thirteen, so movement and performing have always been a huge part of my life. I went on to complete my Certificate and Diploma in Performing Arts and Musical Theatre, and also studied my Certificate III in Fitness and Aerobics, which gave me a strong foundation in teaching and body awareness.
In my early 20s, I worked overseas as a performer for Disney on and off for a few years, an incredible experience that really shaped my love for entertainment and connecting with people. Not long after, I discovered pole in 2006, and by the end of 2007 I was already teaching. In those early years I threw myself into everything, competing (placing and winning in several competitions), performing, travelling, judging, and teaching all over the world. I even had my own little line of merchandise that I’d sell on my travels! Those years were such a special and exciting time in my life.
When our Richmond studio first opened, I managed it for the first few years before handing the reins over to the amazing Cherie. For a long time, I was teaching 20–30 hours a week (sometimes more!), but eventually I felt the pull to shift into a different role. I stepped back a little from the physical side of teaching and moved into what was then called “Head Instructor.” Since then, my role has evolved into what I do now, and I absolutely love it.
What I do now as Director of Training of Pole & Aerial Training, Education & Operations :
• Recruitment and training of new staff: I work closely with studio owners to run auditions, train, and mentor new instructors.
• Syllabus creation: I collaborate with our team of coordinators to design and refine classes, making sure everything we offer is fresh, safe, and engaging.
• Staff development: I organise ongoing training and upskilling opportunities to help our instructors grow and feel supported.
• Instructor education: I run and coordinate Divas.ed, our pole and lyra instructor education training program. I’m lucky to have an incredible team of Master Trainers alongside me who also deliver and support the course, and it’s been such a rewarding project for both our team and the wider industry.
• Resources: I’ve had a big hand in growing and developing the Diva Hub, our online student resource.
And honestly, there are so many other things that fall into my role, the list really does go on. I definitely wear many hats!
At the heart of it all, I’m really passionate about helping people grow, whether that’s students, instructors, or even fellow coordinators. Mentoring and supporting others to find their own strengths is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
On top of all that, I still teach and coach (which I’ll never stop loving!) just a lot less than I used to.
I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do every day. I’m passionate about this industry, about supporting and mentoring instructors, and about being part of such a strong, inspiring team. I also truly love working with the amazing team at Head Office, and I’m so grateful to Kennetta for making all of this possible.