Instructors

Joni O. Lowe
As the owner of Positive Energy Dance for Women, Joni teaches Sensual Pole Dance classes, Pole Dance Parties, and even an occasional Lap Dance Party, and manages the business.

Joni attended intensive teacher training at the birth place of pole dancing for the everyday woman, at Sheila Kelley’s S Factor studio in Los Angeles, California. She has also trained privately with Tammy Morris (Winner of Best Pole Tricks and First Runner up for Miss Pole Dance World) at Tantra Fitness, Vancouver, BC. Joni has participated in numerous exotic dance classes in New York City.

Joni designed all of Positive Energy’s Sensual Pole Dance classes and loves sharing them with her students.  She’s been teaching since January 2006. She is a certified Primary Group Exercise Instructor by Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.

"I love the strength to maneuver my body on the pole, I love the flow of the movement and how incredible it feels, and I love the philosophy of it all; to truly feel good in my feminine body." - Joni

Kaysa Cruse
Kaysa’s passion for the pole is absolutely contagious. She can’t get enough of it and loves sharing it with her students. She’s powerful, adventurous, and beautiful on that pole. Kaysa attended all three levels of classes and then trained to be a teacher. She continues to challenge herself by learning all the tricks out there. Kaysa has always been involved with gymnastics, dance, and yoga. She keeps up with her obsession of movement by regularly taking dance classes of all sorts, and attending yoga classes weekly.

“Pole dancing is an amazing way to connect the mind and body. Everyday is such a rush to accomplish a task and hold up our end of the responsibility. I love pole dancing because it is a way to enjoy my own power; physically and emotionally. The physical strength it takes to really connect to the movement, and the mental strength it takes to let go of your control and just be in the moment.”

Kathy Henkel
Kathy Henkel has 19 years experience as a Fitness Instructor in all areas of fitness for both individuals and groups. She has taught Kickboxing, Strength Classes, Stability Ball classes, Hi/Lo Aerobics, Hip-hop,Cardio Sculpt, and Women on Weights classes. Kathy also does group training for kids. Kathy's passion is teaching fun, feel good classes to women. Kathy says: " I want the women leaving the class feeling like they have had an amazing workout. I want them feeling great about themselves and wanting more.......

Kathy is certifiedy by AFAA (Aerobic and Fitness Association of America) in Group Fitness and Personal Training, and is also certified in Kickboxing, and Self-defense. Kathy has been teaching "cabaret style" Belly Dance FIT for three years now. Kathy's students have raved about her Belly Dancing workout proclaiming it to be the "most enjoyable, fun workout they've ever done". www.GetFitWithKathyHenkel.com

Candi Muro
Candi Muro has been dancing since she was a child. Her formal training began in college where she studied hip hop, ballet and jazz. In college she earned a degree in Elementary Education, with a concentration in Fine Arts.

Her love of salsa began as early as she can remember, when she discovered that the music made her feel connected to her Puerto Rican roots. She started taking lessons in West Hartford in 1998 and has never stopped. Since then, she has studied with instructors all over the state of Connecticut , as well as Puerto Rico, Manhattan and Boston .

Candi has performed with many salsa dance teams. Performances include dancing on stage with the infamous El Gran Combo (featured on CPTV), The Green in New Haven, opening act for Latin Kings of Comedy at The Bushnell, and several commercials for Van Dome night club. She will be featured in upcoming movie La Epoca to be released in fall of 2008. She has also competed and has placed first on several occasions.

Candi has been a salsa instructor at many dance schools around the state. She now teaches with her fiancé for their studio Platinum Salsa. She looks forward to sharing her love of salsa with western Connecticut !

Candi also teaches couples Salsa in New Milford and is available for performances as well.  Check out her website at www.PlatinumSalsa.com.   Tell her Positive Energy sent you.

Jen Calise
Jen has always had an interest in health and fitness. She has been teaching group fitness since 2004. She enjoys teaching a variety of fitness classes including cardio kickboxing, Pilates, hi-lo aerobics, step, studio cycling, boot camp, interval and sculpting classes, but her passion is ZUMBA! She is a certified Primary Group Exercise Instructor by Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and a certified Zumba instructor.

Her educational accomplishments include an MS in Exercise Science and a BS in Health Education. She is certified in health and physical education and is currently an elementary health teacher. Jen loves the variety that comes with educating young children to stay healthy and fit as well making exercise fun and exciting for adults through her fitness classes.

Jill Svaleson
Jill has been teaching group fitness classes on and off for over 20 yrs. She is a certified holistic health practitioner, AFAA certified group fitness instructor & personal trainer as well as a certified Les Mills Body Pump Instructor. Jill has also taught ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray Dance Studios.

"I love helping people, especially women feel strong, powerful and able to improve their lives & health through fitness! I think it’s important to make working out fun & non threatening, no matter your size or fitness level!"

Jennifer Conciatore
Jennifer has been dancing most of her life and brings an enthusiastic energy to the studio.  She is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and a certified group fitness instructor through AFAA.  Jennifer has been teaching Adult Cardio Dance Classes which incorporate many styles including Hip Hop, Zumba, and Belly Dance for three years.  She is the busy "hockey" mom of three boys and has recently moved back to CT from Chicago, IL.  Jennifer loves motivating women through a fun, high energy workout!

Rebecca Atkinson
Rebecca is excited to join Positive Energy. Her terrific education and experience make her an asset to Positive Energy.

She has received her B.S. in Exercise Science and Nutrition at SCSU. Interned as an Assistant Exercise Therapist and also received her coaching certification through the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC). Over the past five years she has worked in different venues within Connecticut in Fitness Management, Personal Training and performing biometric health screenings.

Rebecca has a strong focus on women’s health & fitness. She enjoys seeing the success of her clients lose weight, become more active and increase strength and confidence for long term results. “Don’t just look better…. LIVE better”

Cindy Snow
Cindy is a Registered Nurse, BSN with a Masters in Public Health. She was working in the Intensive Care Unit when she discovered her passion is to prevention of sickness and disease, not just treat it. She thoroughly embraces the prevention wellness model with a holistic approach. She joins us as a Wellness Expert and Life Coach, to teach you about nutritional eating and a healthy lifestyle.

Cindy is a great source of energy, wisdom, and passion and is a true pleasure seeker. She’s also a powerhouse competitive rower.


Always looking for qualified instructors. Call Joni at 203-702-7026 to discuss teaching opportunities.