Qualified pole dance instructor (beginner/intermediate). Located near Stratford, East London or can do classes on Zoom or in Central London.

Find out more about Masha

• 1) What age did you start playing sport? Tell us about this time or moment in your life.

  I didn’t start until I was about 37, which means it’s not too late for anyone to start!

• 2) What are your favourite sports; those that you practice at a high level, a simple hobby, and a sport that you'd still like to discover?

  My favourite is pole and calisthenics. I practice both of these regularly and I love all aspects of them. As a hobby I also do aerial straps, which is incredibly hard work. I’d love to one day do other circus apparatus - flying pole, spiral, etc. but I haven’t tried them yet.

• 3) What gives you the motivation and passion to pursue your sport?

  I love the feeling of achieving a trick I’ve been working on for a long time. I also constantly seek to improve so I can get a deeper understand of the sport and become a better teacher.

• 4) Do you have a sporting achievement that you're particularly proud of?

  I’m incredibly proud of getting my Iron X this year, it was something I never thought I’d be able to do. Next stop - human flag! But also I’m proud of becoming a teacher. It means so much to me to be able to pass on my passion to others.

• 5) How have your achievements and challenges made you a better sportsperson?

  Pole has taught me resilience above anything else and it always helps to remember that progress isn’t linear. Some days training might feel off, and that’s ok! The most important thing is that you get back to it.

• 6) If you had to go for a jog with a famous athlete, who would you choose? And what questions would you ask them?

  I wouldn’t necessarily go for a jog with them as I don’t like running! But I would love to meet some of my pole idols and learn from them.

• 7) How do you help people stay motivated?

  I remind them how far they’ve come! Sometimes it’s so hard to see how much you’ve improved until someone else points it out. I am also my students’ biggest cheerleader.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in sports?

  I am so passionate about teaching and helping people start their pole journey! If you’re looking for a sign to start - this is it!