Our Instructors
Karissa Ruth
Hello! I am Karissa Ruth, Owner & Creative Director of ICT Pole Studio. I began my pole journey 6 years ago by taking pole dance classes and fell in love the first day! I loved it so much I ordered a x-pole for my home within a few months! After about a year or so of classes I took my skills to the club for a while, you can ask for stories in class lol!
About 2 years later, I was offered a wonderful opportunity to teach pole dance classes at another local studio, of course I accepted! That studio was great, but I was ready to create my own space for others to elevate, dance, & vibe, and so came ICT Pole Studio, Wichita’s first pole dance & pole fitness studio!
Pole has become my passion & lifestyle, I feel empowered and free when I pole. I hope you come to my class and feel the same way!
I teach Pole 101 & Pole 201, Pole Play, Pole Power, Private Lessons, and host parties or group classes! You can also book me for a performance or ambiance!
My current Pole Goals are to perform, teach and compete!
I truly believe taking pole classes will impact your life in many positive ways! I hope you choose ICT Pole Studio to help you begin your pole journey!
Feel free to ask me any questions, and come as you are.
(Check out my interview “from striptease to Midwest boss” on apple podcasts!)
Lauren
My pole journey began in the club, where I first discovered the strength, sensuality, and freedom; it awakened in me.
What started as a job quickly turned into a lifelong passion. Even after stepping away from the stage, I kept a pole in my living room for over a decade; teaching close friends, dancing for myself, and continuing to grow.
Now, I’m ready to bring that love for pole into the studio, where I’ll be teaching beginner pole classes (Pole 101). My goal is to create a welcoming space where new dancers can build confidence, strength, and self-expression from the ground up.
Kjersti
Kjersti (Shur-stee) Barney began her training in pole and aerial arts in 2015. She has trained with several studios and artists in Utah, California, Alaska, and Kansas.
Kjersti has competed in Aerialympics, and performed at a number of events, including the Monterey West End Festival, the Grand Opening of Pacific Grove's Synergy Studios, showcases of Ms Tryss Boutique, the Great Plains Renaissance Festival, and Wichita's Boo-tanica.
Kjersti began her pole and aerial teaching career in the spring of 2021. She became a certified yoga instructor in 2023 and continually strives to improve in her abilities as an instructor and a student in the aerial arts.