Instructor Bios

keisha

Keisha's love affair with movement began with street dance at the age of 8, but it wasn't until 1993 that her real hip-hop and freestyle house education began when she became an avid member of the underground scene. In 1999, she started studying Oriental (the proper term for belly dance) with some of the city's most elite instructors; centering most of her training in classical Egyptian and samba. Her experience with movement continued to evolve to other forms such as modern and African dance, and her work as a theatrical performer gradually brought her to pole. She became instantly connected to the athleticism and beauty found in the art form and how it makes every everyone who tries it feel sexy, confident, and strong. Keisha is a certified X-Pert Pole Fitness instructor and is certified in CPR/AED with the American Red Cross.

*Private Lessons Available*

NEWS! Feature story with Keisha at The Huffington Post - check it out!

People are saying...

"I checked this place out on yelp, youtube and google...I convinced a girlfriend of mine to take beginners pole dancing with me and lets just say from the very first class we felt stronger, sexier and more confident in our own skin! Keisha is the best of the best a truly gifted instructor and dancer. We have purchased our own pole, taken more workshops at very reasonable rate of $180 for 6week course and plan to keep this type of FULL BODY dance workout an on going thing for as long as we can climb that pole! lol In all honesty, people may be hesistant because of the correlation to the subculture of stripping but the truth of the matter is it has nothing to do with it...we learn the tricks, skills that I believe if practiced enough is just as good as the Cirque's in Vegas...I can sling my body weight around and do things I never thought possible and its because of my confidence, practice and the training provided by my instructor Keisha! I tell everyone I know about this class and type of workout...I've even taught a few of my friends a few things....I encourge women who have body issues, low selfesteem or any issues to walk into any dance class especially pole dancing-let it out, work it out on the floor; on the pole and leave walking a lil taller...b/c you will feel better and different :) once you leave one of Keisha workshops...

Take a chance, change your life & take a class ;)

I love Shockra Studio!!"

Stacy M.

Queens, NY

"I first went for a friend's 22nd birthday almost a year ago and fell in love! We lucked up and had Keisha Franklin as our Pole Teacher for the evening. She made it fun, exciting, and so enjoyable! I vowed to come back within a month and I did and again and again. She's amazing! She moves at your pace, yet pushes you to do more. She was never overbearing and allows you to work with what you have and just perfect that. She moves at ease and helps you to become comfortable with the pole which is most important. Every class we stretched before and after class and she reminded us how much of a sport pole dancing can be. She helps you feel comfortable no matter what size you are. I recently completed her 6-week course and I will definitely be back for another."

Jenelle F.

Briarwood, NY

"The Bellydance class at Shockra is incredible. The art of Bellydance can be very intimidating, but Keisha makes you feel so comfortable. I have body image issues and I have overcome them with the help of this class. No matter what shape, size or difficulty you have mastering the moves you always enjoy the class and leave feeling great."

M C.

New York, NY

"Keisha was so supportive and a great instructor. It felt like I was dancing with a long time friend."

"I LOVED taking classes at Shockra. It's my stress relief for the week. Not only does it help you get in shape, it's extremely fun. My instructor, Keisha, ROCKS. I'm pretty klutzy and have never taken a dance class in my life. She is patient, supportive and encourages you to simply have FUN. Above all - she knows her stuff. Whether it concerns music, dance styles, body movements or the best way to hang upside down from a pole (LOL), she's knowledgeable and her love for teaching really shines through. The classes are small and above all - there's no judgment. You can go at your own pace AND you'll get individualized attention. Most important for me - Keisha's class taught me that it's okay to explore feeling sensual and seductive. I learned that sexiness can come in all shapes, sizes and levels of clumsiness."