All Pole Fitness Ottawa instructors at Cherry Blossom Studio are certified in CPR, First Aid, AED and all adhere by the guidelines of their profession.
Andrea Harper
Owner/ Pole Dancing & Fitness Instructor – English
Andrea learned pole dancing while living in New York City and has taken advanced workshops with some of the industry’s top professionals over the years. She has been pole dancing for fitness, for over 10 years and Instructing since 2008. In September 2010 Andrea competed in Miss Pole Dance Canada, The Great White North in 2016, The Toronto Pro Show in 2017 and The Canadian Nationals in 2017. She also organizes Aerial Cabarets with Cherry Blossom at the Bourbon Room every couple months. Andrea has also judged the Just For Laughs (JFL) Pole Fitness Competition in Montreal, organized the very first Ontario Pole Fitness Championship in 2012 bringing pole fitness competitions to Eastern Canada and judged the Quebec Pole Fitness Championships in 2015. Andrea is a Certified Personal Trainer Specialist since 2008, Certified Pole Fitness Instructor, Aerial Hoop and Aerial Yoga Instructor with PFIC and is also on the Board of Directors for PFIC Canada. Andrea’s Pole Dancing experience and Personal Training experience helped her realize her dream of opening Cherry Blossom Aerial Dance Studio. Andrea has designed Cherry Blossom Studio as a place for women to let their bodies bloom!
Julie Auclair
Studio Manager – Twerk & Pole Instructor – French and English
Julie started her journey at CB back in 2018 when she moved to Ottawa. She fell in love with the studio and the positive and empowering energy that comes with training aerials. She had no past dance background, apart from dancing in her bedroom as a teenager, but it has always been an interest of hers and now she is sharing this love with everyone who comes to Cherry Blossom Studio. Manager on a daily basis, she is there to answer all your questions! Julie completed her Pole 1 instructor certification in February 2023, and she is excited to start teaching on a part-time basis. She is our Twerk Queen at CB and Twerk is her favourite class. With a passion for shaking her goodies, Julie also practices burlesque and other genres of dance, constantly melding her personal dance style. It is never too late to start, you are not too old, too big, or too weak. YOU GOT THIS!
Julia Carty
Pole Dance Instructor – English
Julia is a passionate individual with a zest for aerial arts. She has a diverse background in rugby and long-distance running, which has instilled the discipline and determination needed to embark on her exhilarating journey at Cherry Blossom.
In November 2020, she took her very first pole class, and from that moment she was captivated by the sport. Fueled by an innate desire to excel, she immersed herself in training and dedicating herself to mastering the art of pole. This commitment led her to perform in noteworthy showcases at Cherry Blossom and participate in prestigious pole competitions such as PSO Sagittarius Virtual 2022 Level 2/3 and CPAC Eastern 2023, Amateur Level.
“Cherry Blossom has been my sanctuary, providing me with a nurturing environment to explore and express my truest self. It’s a place where my passion for aerial arts thrives, allowing me to push boundaries and unlock my full potential. As an instructor at Cherry Blossom, I am eagerly looking forward to sharing my journey and knowledge with the exceptional students who walk through our doors.”
Join me on this awe-inspiring aerial adventure, where together, we’ll soar to new heights and embrace the beauty of self-expression!
Bianca Bhatnagar
Pole and Aerial Instructor – Speaks English
Bianca has been working in the entertainment industry for over 7 years and Cherry Blossom has by far been her most memorable experience! She currently teaches pole but has love for every apparatus. She enjoys how each one provides a different challenge while improving her body and mental health at the same time. The CB family has helped her creativity flourish and she’s happy to have found her second home here at the studio.
Emma Richter
Pole Dance Instructor – Speaks French and English
Emma started taking aerial lessons at Cherry Blossom in December 2021, and quickly developed a deep love for aerial arts and for the inclusive and accepting environment at the studio. She loves to be active and enjoys practicing yoga, skiing, swimming and weightlifting in her free time. Emma volunteers her time to work in advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence and is passionate about inclusivity, accessibility, and body autonomy. Emma finds that Cherry Blossom is a fun and friendly environment that shares her values, and she is always happy to be around the CB family.
Erika Bryson
Pole and Aerial Dance Instructor – Speaks English
Erika fell in love with pole and aerial hoop while looking for an outlet that was both creative and physical. She continues to grow her skills and confidence in the welcoming environment at CB. Erika has been leading movement classes since 2015 and is thrilled to now be teaching at CB. She strives to create an encouraging and fun atmosphere for all of her students.
Alona Ovchynnikova
Aerial Dance Instructor – Speaks English, Ukrainian, and Russian