Haute Velour comes to STL & Mynx Academy
Come to the most erotic showcase and competition in St. Louis October 21st and 22nd. Workshops will be available at Mynx Academy with judges and pole artists: Doris Arnold, Carmine Black, Josiah “BADAZZ” Grant, & Maddy Frenchette.
Silk & Steel Show
October 21st, 2022
Silk & Steel is the non-competitive immersive dance pre-show to Haute Velour! Performances will explore the provocative nature of the Erotic in a highly voyeuristic setting. Featuring Doris Arnold, Carmine Black, Maddie Frechette, Josiah Grant, Krystal Jacksin, CeZar Lopez, Michelle Mynx and Milani Simone
*Show & competition venue location is roughly 8-10 minutes from the studio. For safety and security address is only given once ticket is purchased.
Haute Velour Competition
October 22nd, 2022
An immersive & audacious competition that’s more than technical or sporting execution. It is essence, embodiment and salaciousness. Come experience performers who will ooze self-pleasure to raw sex appeal as they compete for the top spot in four categories: carnal, embodiment, experimental & freestyle.
*Show & competition venue location is roughly 8-10 minutes from the studio. For safety and security address is only given once ticket is purchased.
*You cannot book through Mynx Academy. Workshop bookings, tickets, etc. will all go through Haute Velour.
Extravaganza Headliner Workshops are LIVE!
Join us on October 2nd, 2022 to take workshops with some of the most influential pole dancers of our time! Please check out workshop descriptions. We based levels off of Mynx Academy levels. If you are not familiar with our levels you may reference them HERE. You can book all of our workshops on our BOOK NOW page. Make sure you’ve also purchased tickets in person or online for the 15th Annual Mynx Extravaganza to see these incredible dancers live!
10:00AM Low Flow Workshop with Suwasit
90 Minutes
Level: Level 2 +
In this workshop you will learn sexy choreography using ONLY the lower half of the
pole. Techniques such as base work, threading, dance without inverting, back dance,
wall dance, basic rolls, leg work, heel clacks, and unique floor work.
11:45AM Magic in the Air Workshop with Suwasit
90 Minutes
Level: Level 4 +
Pre-requisite: Artist must be comfortable with aerial inversions prior to this
workshop.
Challenge your pole skills, transitions, and combinations while in the air! Artists will
refine their technique and master variations of inversions, aerial handstands, and floor
work. Included is a short choreography using all the skills learned making this a
complete package workshop.
1:30PM Static Revolution with Sasja Fierce
90 Minutes
Level: Level 2+
Want to fly like Sasja Fierce? Spinning on static has
become a lost art. This workshop will concentrate on
learning how to use your grip to the advantage of your spin,
creating flow and beautiful spins on static in order to move
effortlessly, laterally and vertically on the pole.
3:15PM POWER Architecture II Workshop with Sasja Fierce
90 Minutes
Level: Level 5 +
Prerequisites: Aerial Inverts, Aerial Shoulder Mounts, Ayesha
in all grips
Raise the bar! Unearth the technique that allows you to defy
gravity with confidence. This intensive primes you for aerial
cartwheels, flips, grip switches, hand balancing, Kamikaze and
overall dynamic movement.
5:00PM Flying foundations: Mobility and Flexibility 101 Workshop with Flying Laura
90 Minutes
Level: All Level
Create more space, in body and life, for simple, functional movement that can lay a foundation for longevity, increase active flexibility and strength, reduce pain and prevent injury.
Learn a simple regiment, along with basic mindset for habit forming mobility practice. This applies for any level of fitness and experience and will improve the quality of your pole practice, performance and life.
Flying Laura has nearly 24 years experience at a high level of pole performance and has avoided major injuries, and is still able to perform. These exercises are a big part of it.
6:45PM Signature Flying Laura Workshop
90 Minutes
Level: Level 4+
An old school favorite, and as possibly the fastest person to perform and create no handed aerial pole tricks, flying Laura will teach her name sake leg switches, nuances and techniques to this very specific aerial pole skill with variations.
15th Annual Mynx Extravaganza 2022 Tickets are Live!
Michelle Mynx is thrilled to present the 15th Annual Mynx Pole Dance Extravaganza! We are thrilled to be bringing this spectacular celebration of Pole Art back to the historic* Casa Loma Ballroom located at 3354 Iowa Ave. in St. Louis, MO.
This festival proudly showcases and celebrates students, instructors, and pros of many skill levels, genders, ethnicities, body types, adult ages, and pole dance styles including contemporary, super weird, dramatic, scorchingly sexy, hilarious, powerfully moving, and so much more!
Featuring phenomenal headliners Suwasit Ritthiphon, The Flying Laura, and Sasja Fierce!! Hosted by the incredible Burlesque icons Loleezo, AKA Jeez Loueez and Lola Van Ella!
This event will once again, as always, benefit the Sexual Assault Victim's Care Unit of Call For Help, inc. , a non profit that provides emergency and long term counseling for victims and survivors of sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, and incest.
Come fill your heart with a cornucopia of Pole Art, Love, and Community!
Where: Casa Loma Ballroom located at 3354 Iowa Ave. in St. Louis, MO.
When:
Friday, September 30th doors at 7pm, show at 8pm
Saturday, October 1st doors at 8, show at 9pm
We have an *INVITE ONLY* Private Matinee Saturday, October 1st with doors at 3 pm and show at 3:30pm. Please only purchase tickets for the Private show if you have been personally invited to attend. If you would like an invite, please email Michelle at MynxExtravaganza@gmail.com Thank you!
Injury Prevention and Self-Care for Pole Dancers Workshop with Alyssa
Description:
When: Saturday August 13th from 6:30PM-8:00PM
Level: All Levels!
In this workshop, you will learn self-massage and stretching techniques to help prevent injury and take
care of your bodies. We will start with yoga stretches to warm up and then will move into practicing
various self-massage techniques using a variety of tools including foam rollers, an occipital release tool,
lacrosse balls, and more. You’re encouraged to continue to make these techniques part of your regular
self-care routine at home. Come prepared with any requests for body parts to focus on – tight
shoulders, hips, etc.
What to Bring:
Suggested: Layers, Kneepads, Grip-aids, Yoga Mat, Water, Towel.
Please bring your own foam roller, lacrosse or tennis ball, and yoga strap if you own one! Otherwise equipment will be provided but shared.
Alyssa has been taking pole classes for ten years and has been a proud student of the Mynx Academy for
the past five years. She did not grow up with a lot of dance experience, but started studying dance and
various styles of movement including Pilates, Alexander technique, and Viewpoints as an adult to
complement her theater degree. She was interested in trying a new form of exercise and moving out of
her comfort zone which led her towards her first pole class. She has been a yoga instructor since 2010
and became a licensed massage therapist in 2019.
New Intro-to-Pole Drop-In with Alyssa
Join Alyssa every Wednesday at 7:15PM starting July 20th to learn the art of pole dance! Use the code “NewMynx2022” and get 25% off one of your Intro-to-Pole Dance Drop-In classes. Additionally we offer Intro-to-Pole Drop-In classes Sundays at 3:45PM with Violet and Tuesdays 8:30PM with Regina!
Sign up HERE
Sign Up for the 15th Annual Mynx Extravaganza!
The Extravaganza holds a very special place in my heart. It started as a one night showcase in a small venue featuring my students and a few strip club dancer friends of mine. It has since grown into a glorious 3 show festival featuring my students, our extended Pole Family (that's you! ) and phenomenal headliners. I am blown away and so proud of what it has become and what it represents! From the beginning it has served not only as a student showcase but also as a benefit to the Sexual Assault Victim's Care Unit, a non profit organization that provides free emergency and long term counseling for victims and survivors of sexual assault, rape, and incest. Thank you for helping us continue that tradition! Please note that since this is a benefit, if you are selected you will not be paid for your performance.
However, we do our best to set out of town performers up with housing with a local student or friend of Mynx Academy as well as provide local transportation whenever possible. As this is first and foremost a student showcase, priority will go to current Mynx Academy students and other spaces will be filled by our guests. I sincerely wish we could accept every single one of you- students or not- but unfortunately there are only so many available slots. It's important that you understand Performers will NOT be chosen based on skill level or experience, but rather on passion, creativity, commitment, entertainment quality, execution, and variety.
Beyond being a student showcase and benefit for a wonderful organization, the mission of the Extravaganza is to celebrate and showcase the diversity within the pole community in every way. Performers of all skill levels, genders and gender/non-gender expressions, ethnicities, body types, styles, physical abilities, and adult ages will be considered. I do not make the selections alone. A panel of Mynx Academy instructors and I will be reviewing applications. I assure you, we represent a wide variety of opinions and perspectives and each have a unique love for the art form. These are all people who are dear and near to me and they are all trustworthy. All sensitive material will be handled with care, compassion, and discretion. When deciding on your concept and theme the very most important thing you can do is be true to yourself ! Do NOT do what you think you SHOULD do, but rather that thing you really WANT to do. Perhaps the thing that just won't work for any other show. Maybe you think it's too weird. Or too naked. Or not naked enough. Maybe it's the thing you want to do but are afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone or away from the style you are known for or expected to do. The thing you are excited about but maybe never thought you'd have the chance to bring to stage. This is the time to DO THAT. Be creative and make a statement. Share a story. Sexy styles, Strip tease, Comedy, Dramatic, Sporty, Contemporary, Horror, Nerdlesque, Country, Power Pole, Low Flow, and the un-labelable are ALL encouraged.
Stripping is absolutely allowed and the only costume rule is that nipples and genitalia must be covered regardless of sex. Artistic content and music may be adult themed and lyrics may be sexually explicit. However, we will not accept anything deemed racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist ,or overtly misogynistic or appropriative .
IMPORTANT DETAILS & DEADLINES:
The shows will be held at the historical Casa Loma Ballroom in St. Louis, MO. on September 30th and October 1st, 2022.
This is a gorgeous venue with lots of space and a huge stage. There is lots of space for performing, warming up and changing.
Please note when planning your piece- You will have one 12', 45mm Lupit pole with spin or static option center stage on rigging with lots of space all around and a hard wood floor.
Videos need to be minimum of 2:00 minutes and maximum of 3:30 minutes in length of one run. Videos can be choreographed, partially choreographed, or even freestyled to the song you plan to perform to in order to give our panel the best idea of how you want to present your piece the day of. You don’t have to be in costume but something close always helps us imagine YOUR vision!
PLEASE TRY AND KEEP VIDEOS HORIZONTAL WITH ALL LIMBS AND BODY PARTS IN FRAME. Do not submit videos with distractions and other students in the background that are not in your piece. Again, do not submit cut or edited videos. Videos must be one continuous run.
Applications are due SATURDAY, June 25th by 11:59pm. You will hear back from us EITHER WAY on or before Sunday, JULY 17th.
15th Annual Extravaganza Info Sign Up Form
Want to hear news about the 15th Annual Mynx Extravaganza??? Sign up on this form!
You will receive all you need to know, when submission to perform in open, how to sponsor, bring a booth, etc
If you are a studio owner or manager, please feel free to share this with your student base. We love to spread the Pole Love! All pole dancers of all levels are welcome and encouraged to apply!
Actual submission form coming soon.
To submit to perform, you will need to know your song a well as your concept or theme. We will need a video as well as a short essay sharing why you would like to be part of this show. Your choreography will not need to be finalized in your video, but should portray your current skill level and execution as well as the style/mood/vibe of the act you are planning. As always, this is a Showcase celebrating as much variety of styles, skill levels, body types, fitness levels, adult ages, ethnicities, and genders of pole performers as possible. It will also once again and forever serve as a benefit to the Sexual Assault Victim's Care Unit of Call for Help, inc., an organization that provides free emergency and long term counseling for victims and survivors of sexual assault, abuse, rape, and incest.
The submission form will be released on or before June 1st and you will receive it by email if you are signed up here.
The deadline to apply will be Sunday, June 19th at 11:59 pm.
You will hear back from us either way on or before July 17th.
The show will be September 30th and October 1st, 2022 in St. Louis, Mo. at the Casa Loma Ballroom
New Intro-to-Pole Series in May!
They’re here! Two new Intro-to-Pole Series are beginning in May with our OG instructor Steele and our brand new instructor Lindsey!
You can join Steele Sunday’s 7:30PM starting May 1st! Steeles classes are *MASK REQUIRED*. You will not be allowed to participate in Steeles classes if you refuse to wear a mask. You will not be refunded or credited. Sign up HERE
You can join the fabulous Lindsey Friday’s at 4:45PM starting May 6th! Lindsey’s class is mask optional at this time. Sign up HERE
Upcoming Workshops April & May 2022
Flexibility Workshop 1:00PM-2:30PM on Saturdays 4/23/22 (Splits) & 4/30/22 (Backbends)
with Bailey Elizabeth
Level/Prerequisites : All Levels
Description:
“Looking to increase your flexibility in a safe way? These workshops are for you. These two flexibility workshops are each 90 min and accessible for any stage of your flexibility journey. Both focus on increasing passive and active flexibility in proper and safe alignment essential for training high range mobility. Splits will be on Saturday 4/23/22 and Backbends will be on Saturday 4/30/22. Layers and socks recommended. Kneepads and/or extra mat may be wanted for comfort!”
1:00PM-2:30PM Saturday 4/23/22 Bailey will focus on splits
This 90 min workshop focuses on the hips! Starting with a warm-up, we will move into mid and end range drills so increase active control and technique for all hip flexibility. We will then move into increasing end range mobility in front and middle splits.
1:00PM-2:30PM Saturday 4/30/22 Bailey will focus on backbends
This 90 min workshop focuses on all things backbends! It is highly recommended that the splits workshop is attended to get the most out of this backbend flexibility workshop. Starting with a warm up for legs, shoulder, and chest mobility, we will move into mid range active flexibility drill. From there we will practice flexibility shapes such as needle, bridge, and wheel.
Price: $35 each or purchase the Flexibility Workshop Prepaid Package for $60 to use on both days! To receive the discount you have to purchase the package first before booking the Flexibility Workshop dates. Make sure to check availability both days before purchasing. Workshops can be found under the “Special Events” button on our Book Now page
*No refunds are given for missed workshops. Payment for workshops cannot be turned into class credits.*
Leaping Lizards! Workshop 1:00PM-2:30PM Saturday 5/14/22
With Kylie Jones
Level/Prerequisites: Level: Beginner Level 3+ or about a year of pole dance experience.
Student should be comfortable with and understand basic pole terminology and mechanics. Student should know and be comfortable with different types of grips, such as regular, cup, funny, split, etc. and can perform one handed spins.
Description:
“Learn how to defy gravity with weightless jumps and leaps both on and off the pole and up your low flow game with dynamic and interesting level changes. Students will learn proper prepping and push-off technique, as well as how to utilize their momentum for interesting pole entrances and/or exits into other low flow elements.”
Price: $40
*No refunds are given for missed workshops. Payment for workshops cannot be turned into class credits.*
New Intro-to-Pole *DROP-IN* April 2022
We are excited to be able to announce our new Intro-to-Pole Dance Drop-In class Sundays at 3:45PM with Violet starting the first week in April! With drop-in classes students are allowed to sign up for any day that works best for their schedule so you don't have to commit to the same class for weeks at a time aka you could sign up for class the first Sunday of April and the last Sunday. This is a great way to get started in pole! Time still doesn’t work for you? Schedule a private lesson with one of our amazing instructors!
We will be announcing new Intro-to-Pole (progressive) Series in May so sign up for our New Student Notification List if you haven’t already to be notified when those classes are live!
We have a special promo code you can use on one Intro-to-Pole Drop-In as a thank you for your interest in Mynx Academy and the art of pole dance! This code with take 25% off your class. Feel free to use it anytime in 2022: NewMynx2022
Sign up for class on our "Book Now” page!
Make sure to read class descriptions and what to bring to class before signing up. Contact us at MynxAcademy@gmail.com with any questions.
*Memberships & Prepaid Packages cannot by used towards Intro-to-Pole Series or Drop-Ins*
New Intro-to-Pole Series in March!
A new Intro-to-Pole Series has opened for Fridays at Noon with Makayla! Click HERE to sign up for the full series. (You will be taken to our Book Now page. Please scroll down for signup)
Course details:
Class Dates: 3/11/22, 3/18/22, & 3/25/22
Time: 12:00PM
Price: $56.25
Level: No Experience Required
*Students must enroll in entire Intro-to-Pole Series. Drop-ins are not allowed. Please see Intro-to-Pole Drop-Ins or Private Lessons if you cannot commit to a weekly series*
*Memberships and Prepaid Packages cannot be applied to Intro-to-Pole Series. Intro-to-Pole Series are set at a discounted price.*
Welcome to Intro to Pole Dance! Students will learn everything they need to know about pole dancing in this class in order to create a strong foundation to move forward into Beginner Level 1. Students can expect to learn how to create and use momentum and begin building the strength to hold their bodyweight. Students will learn their first basic spins, sits, tricks, and climbing!
Our classes are progressive so students will stick to the same weekly class and the entire class will graduate and become a Beginner Level 1 class together in 2 months time. If you cannot make a series please check out Intro-to-Pole Drop-Ins or schedule a private lesson at a time that works best for you.
Classes will start with a 10-15 minute warm up followed by pole dancing and ending with a 10-15 minute cool down. Conditioning will be done throughout class time.
*If students in Intro-to-Pole Series cannot make a day, Please contact the studio 24 hours ahead of class time; unless emergency, to work out a makeup time.*
Fridays at noon don’t fit your schedule? Sign up below for new Intro-to-Pole Series or Drop-In class notifications
New Website
We are launching a new website and a new way to sign up for classes! Check out the Classes page for more information.