Today we’d like to introduce you to DeAnthony Poole.
Hi DeAnthony, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey started at a girls’ night pole dance class. I went just for fun, but the instructor told me I was a natural, and that one moment stuck with me. I kept going, kept learning, and eventually found another studio that offered aerial classes. That’s when I completely fell in love with movement, confidence, and the challenge of doing things I never thought my body could do.
Pole and aerial gave me more than just a workout. It gave me confidence, strength, discipline, and that bold “daredevil” side of myself that made me want to keep pushing. Once I saw how much it changed me mentally and physically, I knew I wanted to create that same feeling for other people.
I originally opened my studio in Virginia Beach, but later decided to bring the vision to Danville, Virginia. That move became something even bigger because T-Valley Studio is now Danville’s first pole studio, amongst other classes. We offer pole, aerial, dance, bootcamp, Zumba, dance choreo and confidence-building movement classes for people who want to feel strong, sexy, empowered, and supported.
For me, this studio is not just about tricks or fitness. It’s about giving people a space to feel free, build confidence, try something new, and realize they are capable of way more than they think. That’s how T-Valley Studio was born, and here we are today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been finding a location that truly works for everyone.
When I finally found the space I’m in now, I was so excited because it is big, beautiful, and full of potential. It gave me room to bring my vision to life and offer something different in Danville. But even with that blessing, there have still been challenges. One of the biggest is accessibility. The building has a lot of steps, so it is not as handicap accessible as I would like it to be. I have had people interested in coming to classes who unfortunately could not make it up the stairs, and that is hard because I want T-Valley Studio to be a place where as many people as possible can feel welcome.
Another challenge has been wanting to expand beyond regular classes. I have had ideas for showcases, talent shows, community events, and other creative experiences, but zoning rules, special use permits, and city requirements have slowed some of that down. It can be frustrating when you have the vision, the passion, and the community interest, but still have building-related and legal steps standing in the way.
Aerial fitness is also very expensive. Equipment, rigging, poles, safety needs, and studio build-out costs add up quickly. Right now, I am basically running my classes off one pole and working toward adding more poles and more aerial equipment as the studio grows. For now, I am making the best out of what I have and still creating a strong, fun, and confidence-building experience for my students.
On top of that, T-Valley Studio is currently a one-person run, operated, and instructed studio. That means I am teaching, planning, marketing, cleaning, answering messages, managing bookings, handling events, and trying to grow the business all at once. It is a lot, but I am proud of how far it has come.
So no, it has not been easy. But every challenge has pushed me to be more creative, more determined, and more committed to building something that lasts. T-Valley Studio is still growing, and I am excited for what it is becoming.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What sets T-Valley Studio apart is that we bring a mix of fitness, performance, creativity, and real training into one space. I am XPERT certified, Zumba certified, and also certified in multiple aerial specialties including lyra, trapeze, aerial silks, aerial hammock, and flying pole. Flying pole especially is something not many studios offer, so I’m proud to be able to bring unique forms of movement like that to Danville.
T-Valley Studio specializes in pole fitness, aerial arts, dance choreography, Zumba, bootcamp conditioning, stretching, and confidence-building movement classes. We are known for being Danville’s first pole and aerial fitness studio, but more importantly, I want us to be known as a place where people feel safe, strong, supported, and free to be themselves.
What I am most proud of is watching people build confidence. A lot of students come in nervous, shy, or unsure of themselves, and then they leave feeling stronger, more powerful, and surprised by what their body can do. That transformation is what keeps me going.
I think another thing that sets me apart is that I genuinely care about people’s individual needs. I am also a real estate agent, so putting people first and listening to what they need has become a big part of who I am. I bring that same energy into the studio. Everybody is different. Some people have different skill levels, different health conditions, different fears, different goals, and different comfort zones. I try to meet people where they are.
I also love creating in the moment. Sometimes I am making up routines on the spot, adjusting to the class in front of me, and finding ways to make movement work for different bodies and different levels. That keeps every class fresh, fun, and personal.
T-Valley Studio is not just a place to work out. It is a safe space to build confidence, try something new, feel sexy, feel strong, and be part of a supportive community. That is what makes it different.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is when my dad rented out a limo when I was about 10 or 11 years old and rode us all around town drinking apple juice as if we were drinking wine and just having fun and listening to music. I will never forget that day lol
Pricing:
- Pole Classes – $25 drop-in
- Dance Choreo Classes – $20 drop-in
- Kids Unlimited Membership – $100/month
- Zumba – $10 drop-in
- T-Valley Royalty Pass – $125 unlimited Monthly Classes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Tvalleystudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tvalleystudio?igsh=MWcwOGFoZnl6ZGtsNA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DcoGmsdzq/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thetoranzoshow?si=vIVKqqHLUAQCte86
- Other: https://share.google/KuM8mdfL3hnh4rdIg
