Creating Space to Grow: Inside Flying Squirrel Studio

For many athletes, movement becomes part of who they are long before they realize it.

For the founder of Flying Squirrel Studio, Chrissy, that relationship with movement began early through dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading. While she describes herself as “not particularly good” at those disciplines growing up, she always had one thing naturally on her side: flexibility — and a love for being upside down.

As adulthood took over, that outlet slowly disappeared.

“I tried Zumba and yoga to scratch the itch,” she explains, “but it didn’t feed the need I had to be upside down and monkey around.”

After completing the CPA exam and finally reclaiming some personal time, she attended her first pole class with a former dancer friend — and immediately fell in love with the possibilities of the sport.

What started as curiosity eventually evolved into something much deeper.

Chasing a Dream

Like many pole athletes balancing demanding careers, training wasn’t always easy.

Limited studio hours, long commutes to coaching sessions, and an inability to safely train certain skills at home created constant obstacles. But when she committed herself to bringing her Greatest Showman piece to the stage and pursuing a national championship goal, she realized something had to change.

“I decided to stop being a victim of these circumstances and do everything in my power to be able to train this piece to chase my dream.”

That decision ultimately led to the creation of Flying Squirrel Studio — a space born from determination, exhaustion, flexibility, and “a lot of elbow grease.”

Building a Space Around Community

At its core, Flying Squirrel Studio was never just about equipment or training time.

It was about creating freedom.

Freedom to train outside traditional studio schedules. Freedom to teach and coach without squeezing sessions into impossible hours. Freedom to pursue movement in a way that fit alongside a demanding corporate life.

But beyond that, the space quickly became something even more meaningful: a home for community.

“Flying Squirrel is about the community first and foremost,” she says. “I want people to feel safe — and hopefully loved.”

The atmosphere inside the studio is intentionally warm and welcoming. Students are encouraged to explore movement, chase goals, and simply exist comfortably within the space.

“We only allow good vibes in the Tree House.”

Those values have resonated deeply within the local pole community.

From open training sessions to workshops and community days, the studio has become a place where athletes can gather, support one another, and grow together.

“I think my favorite times are when we do Community Days and I get to see everyone together in my space — smiling, laughing, vibing, and connecting.”

The Importance of Independent Training

One of the most impactful changes Flying Squirrel Studio created for its founder was flexibility in training.

Previously, missing progress during a weekly coaching session felt devastating. Every session carried enormous pressure.

Now, having consistent access to practice space has completely shifted her relationship with movement.

“If I have a less-than-stellar day, I can just come back and try again tomorrow. That one session doesn’t make or break me now.”

She also believes independent training is often underestimated within the pole world.

While beginners can use practice time to strengthen foundational skills and transitions, more advanced athletes benefit from the freedom to chase goals outside traditional class structures.

“It takes a lot of self-determination and discipline to show up for yourself and put the work in — and that will show through in your progress.”

Movement as an Escape

Like many athletes, pole has become more than a hobby over the years.

At difficult points in her life, it became a source of purpose, healing, and belonging.

“When I started pole, I was in a very dark place in life. Pole saved me.”

Now, through Flying Squirrel Studio, that purpose has expanded beyond personal achievement.

She now has the opportunity to create the same sense of home and belonging for others.

“Over the years there have been many ups and downs in my relationship with pole,” she says. “Now, with this space and community at Flying Squirrel, I feel like I have an even broader purpose than just doing pole for myself.”

Even amid the pressures of corporate life, movement remains an outlet — a reminder that strength and resilience still exist, even during difficult seasons.

“It’s a happy escape for the few hours I can fit it in and remind myself that I am capable of crazy things even when life feels out of my control.”

Looking Ahead

As for what’s next, her movement journey continues evolving.

After stepping back from flexibility-based training due to physical limitations, she began exploring power pole skills she once considered intimidating — including fly-bys and flic flacs.

Now, she hopes to reconnect with flexibility training while continuing to pursue larger performance goals, including potentially applying for Pole Theater or USPC in the future.

And through it all, Flying Squirrel Studio continues growing as a place where athletes can train, connect, and believe in themselves a little more fully.

Because sometimes, creating space changes everything.

To learn more about Flying Squirrel Studio, visit:
Flying Squirrel Studio

Instagram:
@FlyingSquirrel.Studio