Otanko’s classes are run completely by our lovely volunteer instructors. Their job is to make sure everyone feels safe and welcome at our classes, so feel free to contact them with any of your questions or concerns related to the classes they teach. If you have more general questions about our classes, be in contact with our Head Teachers. We are always on the look-out for new class instructors, so if you’re keen to share your expertise with others, check more information here.
We at Otanko want for you to meet our team and share a little info about your future class teachers.
Meet the team!
Let’s introduce you to our teachers
Cleopatra
Telegram: @cleoistic
Languages: English, Finnish (let’s practice these languages together; Spanish, French, Swedish, I want to improve <3 )
I teach on Tuesdays and Sundays. Come training strength and body control with me on and off the pole!
I’m a Life Science masters student. I love working in the lab, yapping and dancing. I’ve been pole dancing since 2021, before that I danced and practiced gymnastics.
Rafał
Telegram: @rafalwilk
Languages: English, Polish, bit of French
Teaches: tue Int2, sun beginners
I’ve gotten very invested in pole dancing around 2 years ago. Ever since it became one of my main ways to exercise and socialize. I have some background in acrobatics so my favourite moves are usually big and dynamic. Off pole I study physics/CS, play piano, take pictures and hike.
Alpi
Contact: TG @AlpiJokinen
Languages: English, Finnish
Teaches: Wednesday int 1, streching
I have been pole dancing since 2016 when I started in Aalto and Otanko. I’ve had many longer breaks, but pole always pulls me back with the community and cool things one can do on the pole. I travel quite a lot with a campervan around Finland and Europe, mostly to the Alps where I do a lot of skiing and climbing.
Pinja
Contact:TG @pinja11
Languages: Finnish, English
Teaches: Sunday beginners
I started pole in early 2025 and I’ve been hooked ever since. Pole dance is such a varied sport and I love the creativity and community it inspires. Outside of class I study physics, go hiking and teach kids cooking classes!
Ville
Contact: TG @uille
Languages: Finnish, English, Kazakh (working on it!)
Teaches: Tuesday beginners (occasionally)
Been doing pole on-off since 2024. I love the sport for the variety it has! Smooth and cool looking moves, a good workout and some serious mobility training all in one sport! In my teaching I emphasise body awareness for clean-looking and safe moves.
Elvi Mars
Contact: TG @elvi8000
Languages: Finnish, English
I started pole in 2024, I have a background in other sports like gymnastics, surfing, pool diving and some team sports. I like to teach mobilizing movement, strength and flexibility practice and moves on the pole. My hobbies are painting, drawing, dancing, singing, crocheting, yoga and reading.
Milla
Contact: TG @millairis
Languages: Finnish, English
Teaches: Tuesday beginners (at times)
I started pole dancing here at Otanko in 2023. My favourite things in pole dance are learning pretty shapes, spinning around the pole, and getting stronger. When I’m not pole dancing, I study psychology, do pilates, read novels, play tango on the piano, and volunteer in different organizations.
Atte (he/they)
Languages: Finnish, English, plus a few others with varying capabilities
Teaches: spin?
I started pole dancing here at Otanko in 2023. My favourite part of the sport is how flexible it is: you can do anything from contemporary dance to crazy aerial gymnastics. Off the pole I study physics, read Sci-Fi and fantasy books, and play board games.
Annie
Contact: TG @annierolie
Languages: English, Finnish
Teaches: Tuesday beginners
I started pole dancing in a student club in Glasgow and have been doing it on and off since 2016. I love the creativity of pole dancing and aim to teach both tricks and ways to combine moves to allow you to make your own choreographies. Inclusivity and safe space principles are super important to me, so please come as you are, respect everyone around you, and have fun <3 I’m a psychology masters student and also love animals, being out in nature, folk music and dance, and languages. See you in class!
Adam
Contact: TG @aAdamHermann
Languages: English, Polish
Teaches: Strength pole
I started pole dancing in September 2025. Since then, I had an absolute joy attending different classes, teaching and performing. Besides pole, I like other sports like climbing and slacklining.