Our Instructors
Gracie Niswanger
Having grown up with the Montana mountains and rivers in her backyard, Gracie had a natural born desire for adventure and adrenaline. Circus arts quickly caught her attention when discovered that they could satisfy both of those needs, and her journey began as an AcroYoga instructor and performer. After teaching, learning and performing acro internationally, aerial arts became the next big focus, and how she met her first real love, lyra. Pole was a natural next progression, and where her heart lies today!
Gracie opened Pole Fiction on Feb 1st, 2020, and has since then been even more dedicated to bringing the joy of pole to any and every BODY that is willing to take that first leap.
Gracie has multiple certifications including a 200 hr RYT, Elevated level 1 Pole Certification, Movement Flow Level 1, and a variety of acro and aerial trainings under her belt.
Skylar Coutinho
Skylar has been inspired by movement as long as she can remember. She grew up training in gymnastics and performing with her acrobatic dance team. After she started coaching gymnastics at age 15, she realized her love for the art of teaching and has since dedicated herself to learning, teaching and performing.
Forever a student, Skylar loves to learn new things. In addition to tumbling and pole, Sky has studied extensively in partner acrobatics, hula hooping, aerial arts, flexibility and hand balancing. She also enjoys ice skating, snowboarding and rock climbing! Really anything that allows her to be in the great outdoors!
Josh Martelon
Josh (aka Boots) has always been inspired by the power and importance of community and creative expression, whether that be through poetry, pole, or simply the people we surround ourselves with. Josh is passionate about making pole a welcoming place for all those that want to explore the sport, no matter their sex, gender, background or ability. Josh encourages all who have considered coming to a class to bring a friend, get out of their comfort zone, and explore that wonderful moment when discomfort becomes expression and strength.
V McIntyre
V (she/they) hails from Seattle, Washington and moved to Hamilton, Montana in 2010. She found the flow and circus arts scene in Missoula and never looked back. V has performed multiple disciplines on varying stages across the Northwest. From stilt walking to fire dancing, from Weird Al at The Wilma to Paradiso at The Gorge, and everything in between. (Maybe you've even been to a Coach V Pole Showcase Extravaganza at The ZACC?)
V began teaching pole in 2021. She is certified by Xpert (Xpole) in Aerial Hoop and Pole L3/4. Their classes range from beginner to low advanced and they take pride in finding successes for each student, regardless of skill level. WIth the experience of teaching group fitness since 2017, combined with the skills taken away from competitive gymnastics in youth and strength training as an adult, her classes are well-rounded and provide strong foundations for growth. Expect V's classes to be heavily structured but light-hearted with a sense of community.
What students are saying:
“Alongside her amazing strength and physical skill, V has an incredible brain for teaching. I’ve never had a teacher so tuned in to my exact skill level and needs, especially one who has so many students every week. I picture her brain like a rolodex with all of us students and our needs stored neatly inside! Talent doesn’t automatically come with the ability to teach your talent, but lucky for us V has both in equal parts.”
You can find V teaching weekly at her own single-pole private studio and monthly (plus the occasional guest appearance or pop-up class!) at Pole Fiction.
Tayler Gillespie
Marty Corette
Marty has a lifelong love of creative arts and has found tremendous joy in the movement and community of pole dancing. Marty first discovered the embodied magic of pole dancing at the original Pole Fiction studio here in Missoula and immediately became enamored with the dynamic exercise. She is a true believer that pole is for every body and aims to provide a fun and welcoming atmosphere for all while promoting body confidence, self-expression, and skill development.