Challenging the stereotypes of pole by combining various styles of movement and providing an open, nonjudgmental space for learning, Stella Melina thrives on exploring, remaining curious and using movement to connect.
As an instructor since 2011, Stella Melina is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Pole Fitness Alliance Certified Instructor and Master Trainer.
Interested in transformation through the expressive arts, dance and movement, Stella Melina is carving out a niche in the industry for women who want to explore the wide range and more complicated sides of the psyche through pole and expression.
Having expanded to training and performing overseas, Stella is also a Spanish/English bilingual instructor that can choreograph a stunning performance piece for you, or challenge you in her classes through a combination of pole tricks, choreography, conditioning and technique.
Starting off as a young athlete and cheerleader, Stella Melina has been dancing for over 15 years, and continues to train in varied types of sport and physical expression including: yoga, ballet, salsa, weight training, martial arts, Pilates, contact improv, and pole dance.
A native of the southwestern U.S., Stella Melina relocated to Los Angeles and began training as a semi-professional salsa dancer. After competing in various Salsa competitions and shows for over 3 years, Stella briefly hung up the salsa heels to explore more expansive forms of expression. She ended up beginning her career in pole dancing in early 2009.
Initially training at various studios in the Los Angeles area, Stella has now worked, taught, and collaborated with the biggest names in the emerging pole community for over 12 years.
A seasoned performer and choreographer with a distinct style and unique message, Stella Melina is using her pole dance pieces to explore the contrasting emotions of the human experience - jumping between elation and sorrow, attraction and aversion, and relief and despair in her powerful performances.
A self-proclaimed introvert, Stella transforms on stage because of her passion to convey her message through dance and movement.
