Nita B Yellowcakes is a multi-talented NYC/New Jersey-based Liquid Motion® instructor. She teaches at Pole to Pole Fitness (NYC) and Alter Ego Pole Fitness (NJ). She is also an ElevatED Certified Pole Dance Instructor and Twerk Technician. Teaching and Performing is her passion.
1. You’ve been certified in the Liquid Motion® in all three levels, all within less than a year! Tell us how you got started with Liquid Motion®.
I got started with Liquid Motion® a few years ago. I believe it was later 2015 at Body & Pole. At first, I just wanted to try a new and, what I thought would be easy, class in between my pole training, but it was not easy at all. The Liquid methodology really helped me find so much freedom on the floor.
2. What is your teaching philosophy? Do you have a motto or mantra?
My motto is “Everyone has a different journey. Take your time; live YOUR life.” It’s so important to remember that we can’t compare ourselves to others. We should appreciate our movement journeys just as much as we appreciate other’s.
3. What has been your most rewarding teaching experience?
My most rewarding teaching experience is watching a student absolutely live their lives during their freestyles– incorporating their own styles with what was taught in the lesson. I love to watch them explore the movement pathways on their own. Seeing that makes me internally yell, “Yaaass!”
4. What has been your biggest struggle in your teaching journey?
The biggest struggle in my Liquid Motion® teaching journey has been teaching fresh new movers not to get frustrated when they feel they’re not “looking sexy.” I have to remind them that Liquid Motion® isn’t about looking sexy, but about using the tools to tap in one’s sensuality and connectedness of movement. They have to first do the work and make Liquid whatever they want it to be. I recall my own experiences to explain how worrying too much about a finished product, or looking like the people around you, can hinder your growth.
5. You also teach pole classes in addition to Liquid Motion®. Do you find that the Liquid Motion® methodology helps with other modalities, either as a student or as an instructor?
YES! As both a student and an instructor, it helps to improve fluidity on the pole, and in floor-to-pole transitions. It helps with awareness of movement pathways on the pole.
6. What are your goals in your own personal movement journey? Has Liquid Motion® had any impact in the way you approach these goals?
My personal goals are to remain honest in my movement, even when learning new tricks and transitions on the pole and floor. I LOVE strength-based tricks, but I very much enjoy slinking around the pole. Liquid Motion® helped encourage me to take my time to further explore even different ways to walk around the pole.
7. How do you prepare mentally for your own movement sessions and/or performances? How do you “get in the mood” and find the right head space to dance freely?
I prepare for my own movement sessions by making sure I’m dressed with the appropriate layers (or lack thereof) to get the most out of the movement –that way I can slide, slink or stick as needed for the exercises or choreography. I get in the mood by listening to vibe music just before class (Sexy vibes for sensual movement class, Upbeat Club Vibes for heels and twerk). My playlist goes from 80s rock hits to Meg Thee Stallion. The last thing I do is clear my mind and walk in, or on stage, with the only expectation being to take it all in and enjoy the experience, regardless of the outcome.
8. Do you have any hidden talents?
Haha. I can sing, and I do a few impressions. lol. Yea, I’m a dork.
9. You are very active in the pole community, between teaching, performing, and networking on social media. Do you have any tips for aspiring or new instructors who are hoping to build a supportive community for themselves?
My advice would be to make sure they’re true to themselves and their dance styles. Love and embrace your style and share your content with honesty. Also, follow and engage with movers you’re influenced by, as well as those you influence. Follow your students’ journeys and growth! Social media can be great when we filter it down to the content that we truly find interesting. I love to share and grow with the dance community.
10. In one sentence, share a life lesson you’ve learned – maybe a piece of advice that you’ve always held onto or a random comment you heard in passing that stuck with you. What do you think everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime?
“The most rewarding thing is to be loved simply for being yourself, and not for what you think people expect you should be.”