Inspiring Conversations with Christina Villegas of Flying Curves Dance Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Villegas.

Hi Christina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For well over a decade, I had a wonderful career as a reality television producer on docu-reality series for various networks. I was a Co-Executive Producer when I left the industry after a tragic incident that changed the trajectory of my life. After the incident, I realized that I wanted to move onto a different chapter of my life. I started a video production company, MercVille Productions, with my boyfriend, Jeff (who was also a reality tv producer). I also established Flying Curves Dance Studio where I teach Pole Dance and Burlesque classes.

My road to taking and eventually teaching pole dance classes goes back to growing up in a very conservative Filipino family. Any talk about sex or anything revolving around that subject was not acceptable. I would find out later in life that that was a big part of me that would need attention and nurturing. I recognized that in my 20’s when I was taking jazz dance classes. I would feel a disconnect with my body, my emotions, just going through motions of choreography. When observing other classes, I would notice a dancer that would stand out and had that je ne sais quoi I wanted and was missing. Who would have known I would find the answer to fill that void after taking my then boyfriend out to a strip club with his friends for his birthday.

I remember being entranced with the dancers. Their sensual movement, their confidence with their bodies, and the athletic ability to do these amazing tricks on the pole. I had never seen that before. This was way before pole dancing became more mainstream. I described it at the time as moving art on the pole.

I knew one thing after that night. This is what I had been looking for to fill that missing puzzle piece to my femininity. I went on a search for pole dance classes. I could not find any pole studios in Los Angeles at that time. I even searched the yellow pages (yes, we are going way back) in Vegas for classes. Nothing. And one fateful day, I was working on a show for Lifetime Television where we would receive submissions for story ideas and I came across a book about a woman who taught pole dancing in LA. Talk about fate! I immediately contacted them and booked my intro class. There were two things I knew after taking that first class. I found what I had been looking for and that I would want to teach a class I knew would bring me so much growth and connection to my sensuality.

After taking classes for over a year, I joined the teacher certification program. I taught at that studio while I was working as a reality tv producer and loved it. Seeing the change in women that would take my classes was so rewarding. After a few years of teaching, I had to leave it behind as my production schedule became more demanding and involved travel. I was sad but knew someday I would return to it.

And I did. I not only teach Pole Dance and Burlesque classes, I created a live stage show called Goddesses Empowered: The Show after being inspired by all the stories of growth and empowerment my students were experiencing. My teachings go beyond the pole. There is a personal development aspect where we do a deeper dive into how the messages and experiences we have had in life affect the woman we are today. Together with my video production company, we document the six months training program for the show culminating in each woman performing a live pole dance solo (as well as group performances) where the audiences can actually see how much each of these women evolved and advanced in a movement that has had so much taboo surrounding it. We have done nine of these shows with our 10th coming in March of 2022 and it has been incredibly inspiring and heartwarming.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any business, it has not been a smooth road. Making the decision to leave a good career to start businesses was and continues to be challenging. It comes with the territory. Living in a different financial bracket from my producing days was one of the hardest things to deal with. Being business partners with my boyfriend was frustrating until we found a flow. There were many times I wanted to throw in the towel. Through all the tests that I have had to endure, I didn’t give up because I was 100% certain that this was the right path. With MercVille Production, we get to tell stories and produce projects on our own terms. With Flying Curves Dance Studio…the rewards are endless and I feel honored to be able to be a part of such an important journey in my student’s lives.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My mission at Flying Curves Dance Studio is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where women of all ages and shapes can explore their sensuality and feminine power through pole, burlesque, dance movement, and personal development. Flying Curves’ classes and programs are designed for one purpose. To remind you of how beautiful, unique, and powerful you are.

This is an intimate, comfortable environment where I cater to each of your individual journeys. You all have different strengths, goals, and abilities. I work with you at your pace and level to help you achieve both your pole, dance movement, and personal desires. This is more an experience than it is a class. It’s a one stop shop for women’s needs ranging from getting fit to connecting with your sexiness and confidence to being a part of a tribe of welcoming and amazing women. Our classes are affordable so that every woman has the opportunity to connect to their best selves.

Most women will come to me saying “I can’t dance”, “I’m not strong enough” and it is those same women that find themselves on the stage in Goddesses Empowered; The Show! All women can dance. This is a fact. I loving helping women discover that and offering a space where women can go to and feel safe during this vulnerable exploration of oneself.

My goal is to change the world…one Goddess at a time. I am proud of the community of amazing and authentic women that has been built through classes, training programs, and our shows. I love hearing how my student’s lives have changes as a result of taking my classes and how that affects everything and everyone around them. We get one life. Let’s live it to the fullest!

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The biggest lesson I learned was how to pivot. Having businesses built around being with people was a big financial hit. It was during that difficult time that I realized what I was made of. Instead of succumbing to my thoughts of doom. I realized how resourceful and determined I was thinking outside of the box. In that time, new ideas were born and a focus to remain positive on what was/is important in life and how I wanted to live it. 

Pricing:

• Pole Dance Classes: 1st class $20
• Pole Dance Class Packages: 1 Single Class – $28 5 Class Package – $120 ($24 per class/ Expires In 2 Month From Purchase) 10 Class Package – $190 ($19/per class/ Expires 3 Months From Purchase) 15 Class Package – $260  ($17/ Expires 4 Months From Purchase)
• Burlesque: 1st class $15
• Burlesque: $20
• Goddesses Empowered; The Membership $33/month

Contact Info:

• Email: christina@flyingcurves.com
• Website: www.flyingcurves.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingcurvesdancestudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flyingcurvesdancestudio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mercvilleproductions
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/flying-curves-dance-studio-northridge
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/goddessesempoweredtheshow/

Image Credits
Michelle Pullman Maricela Martinez Alloy Images JoAnn DeLoera