Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Yvonne.
Hi Kelly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Choreography House, a pole dance performance academy, began in my home! In the early days I converted my living room into a creative space with poles, mirrors and training equipment. In a few short years the studio expanded into a storefront that included two studios, a lobby with a store, and an office. My client roster soon grew to include Lil Nas X, FKA Twigs, Myá, A$AP Rocky, Justin Beiber, Nike, Serena Williams, Kerry Washington and other great artists. The studio has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including Vogue’s September Issue.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The studio experienced the normal “growing pains” of any new venture, but we always came together as a community to navigate any challenges. The pandemic hit the hardest and we were forced to close the North Hollywood facility in 2021. The studio has since relocated to Northern California and will reopen its doors in Oakland, CA in Summer 2025!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an award-winning Pole Dance Choreographer creating content for various Live and Digital Media platforms. I was nominated for the Best Choreography award at MTV’s 2019 Video Music Awards (VMAs) for choreographing FKA Twig’s Cellophane music video. I also choreographed Lil Nas X’s Montero music video, the viral sensation known for its dynamic pole and lap dance sequences. This video was awarded Video of the Year at the 2021 VMAs.
I am also known for coaching, training and choreographing for Pole Performers and Athletes, from novice to professional levels. My work has won top honors at a variety of contests including United States Pole Dance Federation (USPDF), California Pole Dance Championship (CPDC), Pole Sport Organization (PSO), International Pole Championship (IPC), Pole Art, and PARAGON. I was named Choreographer of the Year by the International Pole Dance Fitness Association (IPDFA) and Pole World News (PWN).
I am most proud of all of the music videos I helped to create! As a child, I studied them on MTV so, to be honored at the VMAs professionally, meant the world to me. What sets me apart is my approach that is tailored to each client/project. I love the creative journey and am equally proud of both the process and the outcome.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice for finding a mentor is to consider people from all walks of life to learn from. I have mentors in dance, academia, engineering, entertainment, business, politics, etc. This works well for me because best practices for success are not aligned by industry or interest.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelyvon
