Iris Smoot

Iris first became fascinated with movement and exploring her body's capabilities while taking gymnastics classes as a young girl. When academics pulled her away, she never thought she would return to that world.

But in 2009, she discovered pole dancing videos on YouTube and got the itch to try a class- just one, just for fun. Having no prior dance experience, she wasn’t sure if she would fit in with the other students. However, after the first spin, she was hooked and knew she had found her passion Iris trained with Cat Gennaro at Poleates for one year - and at the encouragement of her teachers and fellow students, decided that one day she would also become an instructor.

In 2011, Iris met Sergia at Poleates and they developed a fast friendship. Shortly after that, Sergia opened The Vertitude and invited Iris to teach. Iris has also studies with Leigh Ann Orsi, Tiffany Hayden and Amy Guion at BeSpun Los Angeles; Tammy Brandel at The Choreography House; and Faith Daniels and Leigh Acosta at Poleates. She has trained in advanced workshops with Felix Cane, Zoraya Judd, Jenyne Butterfly, and Natasha Wang. Her recent performances include the grand opening celebration of The Vertitude, and dancing at Fly - The Afterparty for Girl Next Door - A Pole Dance Soiree. In addition to dancing, Iris photographs pole with her partner Joe Woods through their business, Alloy Images.