Black Girls Pole Feature Edition: Shillo Amari
Black Girls Pole is always about uplifting and introducing you to movers in the industry making waves and with our Feature Editions, we’re sharing stories that go way beyond what we can share on Insta. And this month, we’re starting with one of our favs.
The stars must be in alignment as Libra szn approaches because our first feature of the month is Shillo Amari! As a Libra Rising it might be challenging to pick her favorite artists, but when it comes to pole, she knows this was meant for her.
This incredible mover caught our attention years ago when she joined both our Instagram Challenge and virtual platform, BGPConnect! Since then, she’s gone on to grace stages across the country and taught countless workshops and tbh - we really love to see it.
Let’s dive in and learn more!
How long have you been dancing for?
I’ve been pole dancing for over nine years. I started exploring other forms of dance a bit later in life. I didn’t begin contemporary and modern dance until high school, which is when I also did praise dance in church as well. Later on, I dabbled in other movement forms like ballet, jazz, karate, self defense and Krav Maga.
How did you discover pole?
I discovered pole dancing while I was in college at Michigan State University. As a broke college student juggling multiple jobs, I had the chance to start work-study at a local pole studio. For years, I worked the front desk and handled various studio tasks until I had to move for work. The great part about the work-study was that in exchange for my work, I could take classes. This is also where I got my first experience teaching, offering contemporary pole classes for a while.
What do you love most about pole?
It’s hard to choose just one thing I love most about pole. I love how it makes me feel and how it’s helped me appreciate all the different versions of my body, especially as it has fluctuated with weight, injuries, and stress. Pole has also been a way for me to process my emotions, helping me navigate love, loss, death, and rebirth. Through it, I’m able to explore aspects of myself that my inner child needed but didn’t receive growing up, due to a lack of finances or resources.
I’ve also dealt with hypermobility and knee issues, which affected my ability to progress in movement when I was younger. Now, having pole as a partner in my journey has allowed me to trust my body, evolve, and become the strongest, most body-aware I’ve ever been. It’s helped me respect and learn more about myself, while also connecting me with some of the best people in my life.
Who are some of the pole dancers or performers that influenced your style?
This is such a hard question because I’ve been inspired by so many people throughout my pole journey. When I was a baby poler, I was especially drawn to Dalijah Franklin and Crystal Belcher. Both bring such beautiful emotion, power and musicality into their movement. While also being boss business women.
Sammy Picone has been an inspiration for her ethereal yet strong style since the beginning of my journey. Dalton Rhodes was one of the first people I saw on stage that made me want to compete and perform. Tia Jax was one of my first workshop instructors, and I’ve always loved her ability to balance sensuality with a strong dance background.
I’ve also been inspired by dancers like Medusa and Natalya Nightshade, whose intricate hand articulations and isolations are just mesmerizing. I’m lucky enough to call many of the people who’ve inspired me friends or peers, having shared stages with them or learned from them personally. I hope to keep crossing paths with my inspirations, sharing space, learning, and collaborating with them.
Where are you currently teaching at?
I’m currently a traveling instructor and often guest teach at Velvet & Chrome in Chicago. I’m also available for bookings and offer private lessons as well.
What's your favorite song to move to right now?
I’m a Libra Rising and Gemini Moon so I can never give just one 😅. I can say my top artist to dance to is definitely Tanerélle.
Shillo has carved out a space in the pole world that's uniquely her own, inspiring others to embrace their individuality and the strength that comes with it. We love seeing her journey and hope you’ll give her a follow too!
How to connect with Shillo
Check out Shillo’s Playlist!
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