"Sometimes, we don’t find our calling- our calling finds us". For Gala, the founder of Amazons Studio, the path from a career in architecture to the vertical world of pole dance wasn't a straight line, but a series of doors that kept opening until she finally stepped through.
This month, we’re diving into Gala’s world to talk about the 'bruised' beginnings of her journey, the courage it takes to be 'in-elegant,' and how she built a sanctuary for women to find their power through movement.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m Gala, 35, the founder and owner of Amazons Studio- a space dedicated to movement, pole dance, and circus flexibility. Movement entered my life through yoga when I was about 24, but I never imagined it would become my calling.
Over the years, I discovered that movement is so much more than physical exercise; it’s a way to know yourself, to build inner strength, and to give yourself permission to be fully present in your body. Today, I don’t just train or coach- I accompany women on their personal journeys with their bodies, and it’s one of the most moving things I get to do.
What kind of movement sets your soul on fire?
I love pole dance in heels, pole acrobatics, and "contortion" (circus flexibility). But above all, I love movement that has expression. I’m drawn to movement that doesn’t just "perform a trick" but tells a story.
There are moments on the pole where the body simply knows the way on its own. In those moments, movement becomes a language. I feel like I’m speaking to my students and followers through motion, touching their hearts without saying a word.
How did your journey with pole dance begin?
I discovered pole dancing a few years ago when I was looking for a real challenge. I felt that in yoga, I wasn't getting enough "resistance" or enough room for free expression.
I still remember the first time I climbed the pole. It was hard, frustrating, and not elegant at all! My whole body ached and was covered in bruises. I found myself envying the women around me who weren't afraid to dare. But I immediately felt there was something deeper there. It wasn't just about physical strength; it was about courage. It was about breaking emotional barriers- the courage to try something you might fail at, and to face that failure and pain. I felt ready for it.
What does pole dance mean to you today?
Today, for me, it’s a rare blend of strength and emotion. It’s therapy. It’s meditation. It’s a connection to the four elements:
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Air: To hover and detach from the ground (our dreams).
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Earth: To hold onto something stable and trust it (our center).
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Water: To express emotions through flow (our feelings).
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Fire: To fully own your power and "fly" (our self-actualization).
It’s where the body and soul meet. Many women come to my studio for the sport, but they stay because of what it does for their confidence, their presence, and the way they carry themselves in the world.
You didn’t always plan on opening a studio, right?
Not at all! I actually worked in architecture and kitchen design for seven years. I didn't grow up with a "grand vision" of owning a business; in fact, for a long time, I didn't feel worthy of such a thing.
But the world of pole dance kept knocking on my door. The path kept finding me. From the first studio I’ve been practicing in ( that closed down) to finding a partner in another studio, and eventually teaching near where I live, my community followed me everywhere.
The turning point came in 2023. I was walking through a shopping center near my house and saw one last vacant space. I stood in front of it and just knew. No business plan, no calculations- just a deep feeling that this place was waiting for me. Sometimes the path isn't a pre-planned dream; it’s a series of steps that build you up for the exact moment you're meant to arrive.
What is your message to independent women and entrepreneurs?
Don’t wait to be ready. Most great things in life start just a moment before you feel truly secure.
I’ve learned that strength doesn’t always look like "confidence." Sometimes, strength looks like a woman who keeps walking her path even while she’s still learning the way. That, to me, is true power. Devote yourself to your mission.
How does it feel to move in Ripple?
The first thing I notice about movement wear is if I can forget I’m wearing it. When a garment is truly good, it doesn't interfere with your motion. That’s exactly how I feel about Ripple. There’s a simplicity, a comfort, and a freedom to move without thinking about the clothes.
