Dubai, Diversity, and Dance: How Dawnie is Championing Black Voices in Pole

Cover photo credit: @louisiane_photography

When you think of Dubai, skyscrapers and luxury may come to mind, but for Dawn, the city is about pole, passion, and finding her people. Dawn is not just a pole instructor; she is a force of nature, blending strength, style, and soul in Dubai’s small but spirited pole scene.

We had the joy of catching up with Dawn, whose energy is as electric as her routines.

From Advertising to Aerials 

Originally from Sheffield, UK, Dawn’s path to pole fitness was anything but conventional. With a background in digital advertising, she lived and worked across London and Los Angeles before being headhunted for a role in Dubai. “Would you believe I resisted pole for over a year?” she laughs. “I started with hammock and silks, thinking pole was not for me. But my instructor Sarah kept encouraging me, and when I finally tried it, something clicked.”

That moment sparked an obsession, turning Dawn into a fixture in Dubai’s pole scene, where her high-energy tricks and sweat-worthy choreography inspire students to push their limits.

Dubai’s Pole Scene: Small, Spirited, and Competitive

Dubai’s pole community may be tight-knit, but it can also feel closed off. “There are only about three studios,” Dawn explains. “And it is competitive. Studios rarely let instructors teach elsewhere, which can create a sense of separation. But Dubai is a transient city. People come and go all the time, so the community is constantly evolving.”

But Dawn has felt the weight of being one of the few Black instructors in the city. “Mish, another pole instructor originally from the UK and co-owner of AYA Pole Studio in London, once said to me, 'You never see Black instructors outside of the US,' and she was right. In a studio with 800 students, there are only a handful of Black students,” she shares.

Despite the challenges, Dawn has carved out her space by embracing her unique style. “At first, I tried to teach like other instructors, mostly flow-focused routines. But that was not me. I am all about high-energy, sweat-worthy choreography, and pushing physical limits. Once I started teaching what I loved, the people who loved it found me.”

Celebrating Afrocentric Influence in Pole

Dawn’s classes are a celebration of power, rhythm, and culture. She blends dynamic movements with Afrocentric dance forms, often incorporating twerking and voguing—styles born from Black and queer communities. For Dawn, it is about more than movement; it is a tribute. “These dance forms are joyous and liberating,” she says. “I want my students to feel that same freedom, to move unapologetically and own their power.”

Music is the heartbeat of her classes. “If I put on Missy Elliott’s ‘Lose Control,’ you know we are about to go off!” she laughs.

Pole as a Tool for Self-Care and Empowerment

For Dawn, pole is more than just movement, it is therapy. “Throw all your emotions onto the pole,” she encourages. “I have had students going through grief, breakups, depression, sometimes they just break down in class. And that is okay. The pole community is built on positivity and empowerment, and my job is to make sure my students feel safe and supported.”

Her classes prioritise mental wellbeing, ensuring students never feel judged or embarrassed. “At the end of every class, we finish on something that makes everyone feel good, no matter their skill level.”

Navigating Cultural Differences in Dubai's Pole Community

Even though Dubai is one of the most modern and tolerant cities in the UAE, teaching pole fitness here requires cultural sensitivity and awareness. Navigating Dubai’s pole community means embracing its unique cultural landscape, and Dawn does so with both authenticity and care. She honours the sex worker roots of pole dance while remaining culturally considerate.

“When I teach old-school stripper style, I always name it as such because it deserves recognition. But I also frame it in a way that respects the diverse backgrounds of my students,” she explains.

In a city where modesty holds deep cultural significance, Dawn is mindful of her verbal cues during class to ensure every student feels comfortable. “We have students who observe modest dress, some even wearing full hijab,” she shares. “The priority is making everyone feel safe and included.”

She is equally mindful on social media, knowing that pole still carries stigma in some communities. “Consent is everything. I always remind students to ask before recording as some people cannot be on camera due to cultural sensitivities.”

Dawn’s ability to navigate these cultural nuances while staying true to herself is a cornerstone of her teaching style. She creates space for joy, empowerment, and self-expression, all while embracing the rich diversity that defines Dubai’s pole scene.

Why Kedeyahko Has Dawn's Heart

For Dawn, Kedeyahko is not just a brand; it is family. “Every time I wear Kedeyahko, I get so many compliments,” she shares. “There is something powerful about polewear that reflects my culture, my style, and my identity.”

Dawn deeply believes in Kedeyahko’s mission to uplift Black voices and celebrate heritage through polewear. “When you honour our culture through something as expressive as polewear, you are making a statement. It is more than fashion; it is a movement.”

Her connection to Kedeyahko goes beyond the clothes. It is about community, empowerment, and representation. “We need businesses like this that amplify Black voices in the pole community. When we support each other, we all win.”

Advice for Black Women Entering Pole Fitness

As one of the few Black instructors in Dubai, Dawn understands the challenges of entering a space where you do not see yourself reflected. Her advice to aspiring Black pole dancers and instructors is simple.

“Know that your background, culture, and experiences are valid. Representation matters, and your presence in this space can inspire others. When I first started, I hesitated because I did not see anyone who looked like me. But the more we show up, the more we create change.”

Final Thoughts 

Dawn’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and breaking barriers. In a space where pole fitness is still carving out its place, she is paving the way for others who may not have seen themselves represented before.

For Dawn, pole is not just about tricks or routines. It is about connection. “I love seeing my students grow, not only in skill but in confidence. Pole brings people together from different walks of life, and in that studio, we are a tribe.”

Her message is clear: “Show up as yourself. Take up space. Keep pushing boundaries. Pole is for everyone.”

As Dubai’s pole scene evolves, Dawn continues to champion authenticity, joy, and cultural expression. She is more than an instructor. She is a reminder that, with the right community, we can all blaze our own trail.

Dawn’s energy, authenticity, and love for movement truly shine through. Head to her page at @x_dawnie_x to keep up with her journey and explore more of her pole world.

Want more Tribe stories, training tips, and inspiration from the Kedeyahko community? Head to the Kedeyahko Blog.