The birth of Fly Girls by Crystal

About Fly Girls Fitness

Founded in 2018 by award-winning pole artist and master teacher Crystal Gibson, Fly Girls Fitness is a women-led movement studio based in Warwickshire, UK. More than just a fitness space, Fly Girls is a sanctuary for confidence, creativity, and community—where over 200 students come together to reconnect with their bodies and embrace their power.

With a legacy rooted in two decades of international performance and teaching, Crystal has shaped Fly Girls into a vibrant, soul-led studio where strength and sensuality meet. Her background in elite pole competition, choreography, and embodied movement—from Los Angeles to the UK—has set the tone for a deeply empowering space.

At Fly Girls, we offer more than just pole. Our diverse classes include: Pole Flow & Pole Tricks, Aerial Hoop, Beginners Burlesque, Contemporary Floorwork aka FLOORplay, Twerk Foundations, Stretch & Flexibility Training

Each class blends fitness with freedom—no judgment, just movement that feels good. Whether you're here to build strength, rediscover your sensuality, or simply have fun, our sessions are designed to help you feel connected, capable, and confident.

We welcome LGBTQ+ students, neurodivergent movers, and anyone seeking a safe, inclusive space to move at their own pace. Our team of instructors teaches with heart, humor, and care—supporting you every step (or spin) of the way.

Fly Girls isn’t just a studio—it’s a movement.
And your journey is welcome here.

Biography of Crystal Gibson, Owner of Fly Girls Fitness: Crystal Gibson is a pole instructor and entrepreneur from Los Angeles, CA, who moved to the UK in 2016. She is the founder of Fly Girls Fitness, a pole dance and aerial movement centre in Galley Common, Nuneaton. With 15 years of teaching experience and involvement in the pole community since 2001, Crystal has been the master trainer at her home studio for the past six years, teaching six days a week. She recently won 2nd Place in the Champions Division at IPAAT in January 2024.

Pole Performing Background: Crystal trained extensively in Los Angeles at The Choreography House as well as at Sheila Kelley’s renowned S Factor. With a wealth of experience, she has led numerous pole workshops around the globe and has served as an instructor at several prestigious International Pole Camps. Additionally, she has created a wide array of engaging online videos for both Cleo's Rock-N-Pole and Pole Dance Academy’s online school. Crystal proudly states that her most significant accomplishments in pole dancing have been achieved in collaborative and group settings, such as during performances for Leigh Ann Reilly’s acclaimed ‘Pole Show LA’ in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Over the span of four years, she was a principal dancer in the pole and aerial shows, 'Girl Next Door Show' and 'SEVEN', both based in Los Angeles, CA. Additionally, Crystal was pre-selected into the competitive Pro Division at the California Pole Dance Championships, where she competed from 2013 to 2015, taking home the coveted Miss Congeniality award in 2013. She also placed an impressive 2nd in the 2013 Pacific Pole Championships. In the year 2014, Crystal won the title of 'Performance of the Year' for her moving routine, 'Inside My Love', performed at the Girl Next Door Show, and was also named Runner-Up for Best Comedic Performance in her charming portrayal of the 'Mad Hatter'. Furthermore, she has competed in the Pro Division at Pole Theatre UK in both 2017 and 2022, and most notably placed 2nd in the Champions Division at the 2024 IPAAT. Throughout her career, she has enjoyed performing at prestigious events such as Glastonbury Music & Arts Festival from 2013 to 2019, along with various other events Crystal has graced the stage at FloorPlay, Dance Filthy UK, Kitty Velour’s Kitty Parlour, MMPDS, UKPPC, and numerous university showcases.

Certified Pole Competition Judge Experience: Crystal became a certified judge for the International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF) in 2013 after successfully completing an intensive and comprehensive training course designed for aspiring judges. Since then, she has had the honor of serving on prestigious judging panels for several major competitions, including the highly regarded International Pole Championships, as well as Pole Theatre UK in both 2014 and 2015, All-Stars Australia in 2014, and the Pacific Pole Championship in the years 2013 and 2014. Between 2011 and 2014, she was the driving force behind "Poles on Tour," which was recognized as the first international Pole Touring Company based in Los Angeles; ultimately, she sold the company to dedicate more time to her individual performances and her burgeoning career as a production coordinator at StageTHIS in Los Angeles, a leading sound stage for commericals and music videos in Los Angeles. In addition to these experiences, Crystal also judged other significant pole competitions, such as Paragon USA in 2014, the Pacific Pole Championship in both 2013 and 2014, and IPAAT in the years 2015 and 2018, as well as the Capital of Texas Aerial Championships (CoTAC) in 2015. During her time in the UK, she also had the privilege of judging various events including Floorplay UK, Dance Filthy UK, Authentics, MMPDS, and UKPPC in 2017.

Fly Girls Fitness, Founded 2018

Opening Fly Girls was a remarkable journey, transforming my vision of nothing into a vibrant reality. From humble beginnings, I created a lively studio that now proudly serves over 200 enthusiastic students who share a passion for fitness and community.

Owning a studio requires hard work and commitment. You become deeply attached to it, akin to a mother with her child. You must ensure its safety and well-being. As the owner, you are essential for its success and must cultivate a welcoming environment. At the start of each class, you emphasize themes of empowerment, friendship, and support, and you must embody these values to create a safe space.

As a full-time teacher in my forties, I am looking for students who could become future teachers. It's a process, but I know what to look for in a new hire. I can see the unique potential in each student. Some stand out, and I feel the need to support their growth. I notice their passion for teaching and how they interact with others. I also check if they fit with the studio's values and are ready to teach. Finding good teachers takes years, and they need guidance and encouragement to succeed. Many may start with low confidence and struggle to see their own strengths. It's important to be patient as they start this journey and help them recognize their own talents. Over the last six years, I have invited a few people to become teachers. I begin with some training, and then they teach alongside me for about a year before they lead their own class. This is when they truly grow. They feel empowered and connected to their bodies, discovering their unique style. They refine their expression by blending their favorite music and movement influences. They attend workshops and connect with other teachers to collaborate and develop their art. As time passes, their talent blossoms, and they deepen their roles as instructors, helping each student improve, one class at a time. It's wonderful to see them thrive and an honor to be part of their journey. Our studio has turned into a community of women supporting one another, helping each student realize their potential. The more free you feel in your body, the more in tune you become with yourself. Your body is unique, and being happy with it is essential. At Fly Girls, we celebrate femininity in a safe space where you can express yourself, try new movements, and embrace your identity as a woman. Many women come in feeling they’re not sexy, needing to justify this, but I remind them, ‘you’re a woman, so you’re already sexy.’ Being sexy comes from how you feel in your body and how you see yourself. Our aim is to help you connect with your body and recognize your uniqueness. We all have something special to offer. By fostering self-connection and teaching that fun, discipline, and hard work lead to confidence, we help you feel better about yourself. This newfound confidence can positively impact your everyday life. This journey starts with believing in oneself, discovering who they are, and accepting that they are attractive just as they are. They can stop needing to prove anything to others and realize that being true to themselves will attract the right people who will love them fully. This leads to embracing their genuine feminine selves. It’s a rewarding process, and those who persist will see positive results. They will learn that it takes a supportive community and skilled mentors to build self-belief. Our Fly Girls show that working together is stronger than jealousy. This problem often starts in childhood when girls compare themselves to others and feel pressured to fit in. It may seem trivial now, but kids often doubt the support from their parents. That's why it's crucial for women to collaborate and demonstrate the value of uplifting each other. We must lead by example and maintain strong female friendships for the benefit of everyone. Let’s eliminate jealousy and stop judging women's bodies. Dancing makes us beautiful, whether on a floor, with a partner, on a pole, or in the sky. Women are inherently beautiful. Let’s support each other and embrace our femininity. Keeping dancing the good vibes and enjoying our time on earth!

Love, Crystal

Did You Know: The origins of stripper pole classes can be traced back to the fusion of traditional dance forms and fitness routines, predominantly emerging in the late 20th century. While the practice of using a pole for performance dates back thousands of years in various cultures, the modern interpretation began to take shape in the 1980s and 1990s, primarily in the context of exotic dance.

Strip clubs incorporated pole dancing as a form of entertainment, showcasing the dancer's strength, flexibility, and artistic expression. The pole itself became a central element, with dancers utilizing it for complex spins and tricks, merging acrobatics with sensuality. As public perception around fitness and dance evolved, the aesthetic of pole dancing began to shift from merely an exotic performance to a recognized form of fitness and art.

In the early 2000s, pole dancing started gaining traction in mainstream fitness culture. Studios began offering classes that emphasized fitness benefits, encouraging women and men to participate in a non-judgmental environment. These classes focused on strength training, flexibility, and body confidence, making pole dancing accessible to a broader audience.

The rise of pole fitness organizations and competitions further legitimized pole dancing as a sport. It was in these competitive environments that practitioners showcased both athletic prowess and artistic flair. As a result, stripper pole classes evolved into structured fitness programs, bringing together dance, acrobatics, and strength training.

Today, pole fitness is celebrated for its empowering qualities, promoting body positivity and self-expression. The origins of stripper pole classes highlight a significant transformation from performance art to a respected fitness discipline, embracing a diverse community focused on health and wellness.