East-to-West
From the East coast to the West coast, and everything in between...S is on the move! Meet our spotlight S teachers from all of our studios.
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New York S Teacher Alex Torres-Ventura
Hi Alex! How did you become an S Factor teacher?
I was working at a Pilates studio in 2005 and stopped to chat with one of my colleagues, Nicole during a break. We were catching up on life, work, and our performing careers. She asked me if I would be interested in a new opportunity she had come across. One of her Pilates clients was seeking movement teachers to open a new studio in NYC. She suggested I interview with her client, Gerri Kyhill, who was spearheading a sensual movement school in NYC, called Sheila Kelley’s S Factor. She said that I would love the female sensuality aspect of the classes and that it would
give me ownership over my feminine body in a fun and powerful way. She also mentioned that the style of movement could enhance my performing quality and
help me get a gig or two. Needless to say, my curiosity was peaked. Click to read more...
Part of my interview with Gerri included a movement class with Sheila. I didn't know anything about S Factor, so I packed my typical modern dance backpack with my leotard and yoga pants. I brought jazz shoes and wrapped my hair in a bun. The movement class began and we were encouraged to take our hair down and allow it to fall free. Then we sat in a circle, and began the first warm-up exercise called Spine Circles. We were asked to let our hands touch our body in a nurturing way, then we were shown a dance routine and some pole tricks. It was a super sensual whirlwind of a class. Before I knew it, the interview was finished, and I realized that this wasn’t going to be just any ordinary fitness class with jumping jacks and push-ups. It was a class that mixed physical muscle exertion with emotional feeling. It was a class that was going to give me permission to find the sexy in myself that had gone missing for so long, since becoming a classical dancer. It was going to change the way I saw myself and allow me to share my experience with more women as a teacher. I accepted the offer to become an S Factor teacher in 2005 and the rest is history.
What's your Erotic Creature's name?
Biscuit
You can only own/read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
You can only own/watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It’s a cheesy 80’s guilty pleasure called, “Tuff Turf." I was obsessed with it and watched the film every day of my teenage life.
You're moving to Fiji and there isn't an S Factor studio there (yet!), what's the last song you dance to before you leave S Factor?
A heavy based male hip-hop gangster song chopped and screwed.
What's your favorite S Factor movement and/or pole trick?
My favorite pole trick is definitely the Helicopter!
What would you say to your current students who might be reading this right now?
Thank you for being MY teacher. You are all AWESOME women!
What would you say to your future students?
S Factor is a fun, safe and positive way to own and express YOUR feminine language. It’s about getting your sexy on physically, mentally, emotionally and soulfully. S Factor classes will leave you feeling young and silly, fresh and new, whole and ready to take on the world...one curve at a time.
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Chicago S Teacher Caroline Bertucci
Hi Caroline! How did you become an S Factor teacher?
My girlfriend sent me a link, it was when Sheila was on Oprah for the very first time, and she said "this is right up your alley." I was a fitness instructor, then did fitness competitions, so combining fitness and high-heeled shoes sounded perfect to me. I started doing the videos at home, then attended classes at a partnership studio. It was my safe haven, I didn't tell anyone I was going because it was my escape from all the demands of a busy life. I traveled out to the LA studio to meet Sheila in person. She then opened a studio in Chicago and my dream came true. After many intense weeks of training while balancing a full-time career, the studio opened, and I love this place from the bottom of my heart. Every time I walk in, there is just this amazing energy buzzing around the place, from the music spilling out of the studios, to the warmth of the Ambassadors greeting everyone at the desk, and the most amazing students and teachers moving about. Click to read more...
What's your Erotic Creature's name?
Mercedes
You can only own/read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
You can only own/watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Illusionist
You're moving to Fiji and there isn't an S Factor studio there (yet!), what's the last song you dance to before you leave S Factor?
Misty Blue by Ella Fitzgerald
What's your favorite S Factor movement and/or pole trick?
Ask any of my students and they will tell you Hip Circles!!! All kinds!
What would you say to your current students who might be reading this right now?
You have touched my life and left an imprint, hopefully as much as I have for you. And...I love you!
What would you say to your future students?
Do this one thing for yourself, stop thinking about it, just do it, you have everything to gain, and nothing to lose. It will be the wildest ride of your life.
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Houston S Teacher Gillian Boyer
Hi Gillian! How did you become an S Factor teacher?
Before there was a studio in Houston, I went to the first workshop and fell madly in love with the powerful/giddy/sexy feeling that I was filled with. You should have seen me S Walking through Whole Foods right after class, I just couldn’t help myself! I went to every workshop in Houston, and signed up for the first session when the studio finally opened. My job at the time was high-stress, lots of travel, 60+ hours a week and ultra-conservative and serious. Taking classes at S Factor was my escape, my sanctuary and the only time I got to act like a girly-girl…so I was there as often as possible, taking as many classes as I could fit into my schedule. When Teacher Training was announced in early 2008, I jumped at it, even though it frequently meant flying back to Houston after a week on location and driving straight from the airport to teach class until 10pm. Who needs sleep when you’re having fun at S Factor? Click to read more...
What's your Erotic Creature's name?
Predatory Panther
You can only own/read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Journeyer by Gary Jennings
You can only own/watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Dangerous Liaisons
You're moving to Fiji and there isn't an S Factor studio there (yet!), what's the last song you dance to before you leave S Factor?
Unsuffer Me by Lucinda Williams
What's your favorite S Factor movement and/or pole trick?
The Rocking Cat feels amazing, and I love a super slow Jack-knife / Reverse Jack-knife combo.
What would you say to your current students who might be reading this right now?
I love you all and it’s such an honor to be your teacher. Every week I am amazed, inspired and humbled by your fearlessness and your strength. I have the best job in the world! And here’s a quote I recently read that reminded me of my students: “If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together...there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” (Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh)
What would you say to your future students?
Read the poem below. Do you already feel this way about your hips (and every other part of your beautiful body)? If so, get in the studio and let’s celebrate that and see what those hips can do! If not, get in the studio and you soon will!
Homage to My Hips
by Lucille Clifton
these hips are big hips.
they need space to
move around in.
they don't fit into little
petty places. these hips
are free hips.
they don't like to be held back.
these hips have never been enslaved,
they go where they want to go
they do what they want to do.
these hips are mighty hips.
these hips are magic hips.
i have known them
to put a spell on a man and
spin him like a top
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Costa Mesa S Teacher Jennifer Nicolalde
Hi Jennifer! How did you become an S Factor teacher?
I came to an LA S Factor Intro as part of a friend's birthday party in January 2006. At the time, I had no idea it would be the first day of this amazing journey. Pretty much, I just thought it would be a good story to tell of a wild weekend, on a pole, with my friends. Instead, I was drawn in by the gorgeous women doing the demo, and the burn in muscles I didn't even know existed. I was all ready to sign up after the Intro but the OC studio hadn't opened up. Two months later, the OC studio opened and I was banging down the door to get into class. I had an amazing teacher, Tina, and was in a class surrounded by such a diverse group of girls. I'd need a whole book, or therapy session, to really describe what happened in that class...but the gist of it is, it changed my life. As a lawyer, I'd felt like I always had to be tough, have a tough exterior and never let anyone see the real me. In class I could be vulnerable, and was able to tap into a sensuality, sexuality and sense of feminine power that I never knew existed. I began to carry myself differently. I walked with a swagger, stood up with a keen awareness of how beautiful the curves of my hips were, and I appreciated my body. I was changed. Click to read more...
This is a snippet of an email I sent to my teacher at the end of Level 2: "I know this may be hard to believe, but when I first started S Factor I was so self-assured in every aspect of my life except when it came to my own beauty. I lacked self-esteem and wasn't in tune with the sexiness of my body. I was always very reserved when it came to my body -- and would have never felt comfortable enough to do any of the things that we've been doing in class (clothes peel?? touch what??!!). But after these last two sessions, I can honestly say that I have seen a transformation in myself. It is a transformation that I owe to you and the girls in class!! You have helped me gain a new perspective of self-beauty and a new awareness of my true feminine strength and sensuality. But above everything else, you have become such an inspiration to me. Your dedication to your family, work and your S girls is so admirable -- you embody all that a woman can be."
Tina and the girls in class gave me, in 16 weeks, what I had been searching for, and hadn't found, for the last 25 years on my own -- to feel sexy and empowered by my beautiful curves. I knew from that moment that I wanted to give to other women what had been given to me. I entered Teacher Training in January of 2007 and have been loving it ever since.
What's your Erotic Creature's name?
Destroyer
You can only own/read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
You can only own/watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Superbad
You're moving to Fiji and there isn't an S Factor studio there (yet!), what's the last song you dance to before you leave S Factor?
You'll Find a Way by Santigold
What's your favorite S Factor movement and/or pole trick?
Movement would definitely have to be a Cat Pounce...trick would have to be a One-Legged Layout!
What would you say to your current students who might be reading this right now?
I'm so proud of each and every one of you for embracing those two hours as your own. You keep me sane and allow me to continue to believe in the power of this movement. I am inspired by and thankful for the honesty, strength and vulnerability that you bring to class each week. It is an absolute honor to be a small part of your S Factor journey and I want to truly thank you for being a big part of mine!
What would you say to your future students?
What are you waiting for?? Come have fun with me...and take a chance...I promise you, you won't be disappointed...S Factor will change your life!!! I think the late Steve Jobs said it best, "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life... Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition." Don't let anything stop you from giving this a try. Come on in and let S Factor help you find that inner (confident and sensual) feminine voice that is just screaming and fighting to come alive. I can't wait to meet you!!
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Encino S Teacher Sue Hooker
Hi Sue! How did you become an S Factor teacher?
My mum saw Sheila on Oprah with Teri Hatcher. I was going through a very down period and she thought it would be good for me. I felt invisible in my own life. I had no identity and no voice and I just existed...barely. I never took an Intro, I just signed up for Level 1 and went to my first class. I was hesitant at first, as I thought I was too old (I was 45 when I started my journey). I was in awe of the calm peaceful setting and excited by the prospect of those tall shiny poles. As I began my first warm-up, my body started to relax and listen. About the third song in, I finally exhaled and felt like something inside had been awakened. The safety of what surrounded me started to warm a part of me that I thought was gone. Click to read more...
As I continued my journey through the levels, what I felt that day was something I looked forward to all week. I had found myself and my voice. I fell in love with the way my body felt when it just moved without hesitation. The fluidity, serenity and the emotional movement satisfied something I so desperately needed. To hear that I was beautiful was still hard to believe, but eventually I did believe. The women I came to know all understood. The depth with which my body listened to music was amazing... Every newly found song was another dance and another step in my journey.
I saw and appreciated women so differently, and I realized I had to open everyone's eyes to this fabulous secret I had found. The different journey I went through and am still going through as a teacher is hands-down the best thing I have ever done for myself, and I hope for others.
What's your Erotic Creature's name?
Lexi
You can only own/read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers
You can only own/watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
You're moving to Fiji and there isn't an S Factor studio there (yet!), what's the last song you dance to before you leave S Factor?
Seek and Destroy by Bassnectar
What's your favorite S Factor movement and/or pole trick?
The Rocking Cat, the S Walk, and the One-Handed Pole Cat.
What would you say to your current students who might be reading this right now?
I love each and every one of you. I enjoy every minute I spend with you, to see what I call the Erotic Creature fingerprint, that one of a kind way your bodies move like no other women alive...how I could recognize you anywhere, that is the most delicious thing on earth. I love the way I challenge you and you challenge me. To see and feel that bliss that has taken you somewhere, that has words, feelings and depth. I thank you for allowing me to be involved in such a special wondrous portion of your lives... You all warm my heart and soul...
What would you say to your future students?
Come and explore with me. Check your fears and judgments at the door. S Factor has something for every woman. I will stretch your muscles and your mind. I will give you the time and space to find the beauty in your body. I will cheer you through your journey and remind you how amazing, special and beautiful you are.
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Los Angeles S Teacher Paulina Berry
Hi Paulina! How did you become an S Factor teacher?
About 6 years ago watching the late-night repeat of Oprah, I saw Sheila take three women out of the audience, and they all came out and performed on poles. They were typical women representing us, and looked amazing after one experience with Sheila. Sheila was magnetic and I fell in love with her. That night I looked online and found that S Factor was in my neighborhood. Sheila was my first teacher, and on the first day of class, when we introduced ourselves, I said I wanted to be a teacher. Sheila teased me that "Paulina" was a great stripper name! When I began classes, I was carrying a few extra pounds having just lost my father. I loathed what I perceived as excess weight, and I remember sitting on the mat hating it. But when I would leave class, I felt inspired and I knew something was happening to me, but couldn't put my finger on it. I would tell all my friends how amazing I felt. I could look back in hindsight and recognize that I was changing the old story I believed about myself and was replacing it with pride and confidence in myself. Eventually, I knew I wanted to give that feeling back, and to help women recognize their beauty and celebrate it. Click to read more...
What's your Erotic Creature's name?
Wolf
You can only own/read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
You can only own/watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Flashdance; legwarmers!
You're moving to Fiji and there isn't an S Factor studio there (yet!), what's the last song you dance to before you leave S Factor?
I Can't Quit You Baby by Led Zeppelin. Enough said!
What's your favorite S Factor movement and/or pole trick?
My favorite movement is Jack-knife into the Reverse Polecat. Just because I can!
What would you say to your current students who might be reading this right now?
Breathe...
What would you say to your future students?
I can't wait to meet your Erotic Creature!
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San Francisco S Teacher Amanda Bassolino
Hi Amanda! How did you become an S Factor teacher?
I heard about S Factor from a random acquaintance and was immediately interested...I have been a dancer all my life but never had I done anything like the sensual movement that S Factor offered. I took an Intro class and went home with my mind totally blown. I signed up for Level 1 the next day. While I was in Level 1, I grew more and more attached to the movement and to what it meant to me and my life. I knew that as a longtime dancer I had to bring this movement into my life in a bigger way. Click to read more...
What's your Erotic Creature's name?
Phoenix
You can only own/read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
You can only own/watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Labyrinth
You're moving to Fiji and there isn't an S Factor studio there (yet!), what's the last song you dance to before you leave S Factor?
Ain't Nobody (Breakage's Suck It Up Mix) by Clare Maguire
What's your favorite S Factor movement and/or pole trick?
Rocking Cat and Body Spiral!!
What would you say to your current students who might be reading this right now?
Who I am as a teacher has been formed, informed, and inspired by you, my students. Each time I walk in the room and close that door behind me to begin class, I am in awe of all of you and your willingness to be present, open, emotional, and sensual. What I give as a teacher comes back to me ten-fold from all of you. You are amazing women!
What would you say to your future students?
Challenge yourself to be in the moment, to trust your body, to delve into your emotions...you will come to know your truest self and you will love her.
