Atria Studios | Pole Dancing & Movement Space

Atria Studios is a pole dancing and movement space in Dubai founded by Mel Sidki in October 2022. After over a decade working in fitness and movement across Europe and the Middle East—teaching, leading workshops, organising wellness retreats and competitions—Mel created a studio rooted in the belief that movement can transform how people feel about themselves. The space welcomes individuals of all levels, sizes and abilities.

Classes span pole dancing (including beginner, all-levels, exotic and low-flow styles), aerial hoop, aerial straps, handstands, flexibility training (Fluid Lines), contemporary dance, strength training, and pole pilates. Beginners have dedicated classes; more experienced students can progress through all-levels and intermediate+ offerings. The schedule runs daily from early morning to late evening, with classes typically 60 to 90 minutes. For example, Monday includes all-levels pole at 6:30–7:30 PM, low-flow pole at 7:30–8:30 PM, and all-levels pole again at 8:30–9:30 PM. Tuesday adds pole pilates, pole gym, and flexibility sessions; Friday and weekend days balance beginner-friendly classes with more advanced options.

The studio is staffed by internationally experienced coaches. Mel Sidki teaches pole, aerial hoop and fluid lines; she has trained celebrities, organised competitions, published e-books and built an online coaching business. Daria Strepetova is a certified acrobatics teacher and contortionist from Moscow. Tina Mahmoudzadeh, a Persian pole instructor with 10 years' experience, was the first Iranian pole dancer to establish an underground pole studio in Tehran and is known for explosive, dynamic style. Gabrielle Botha is a professional aerialist, dancer, choreographer and acrobat with 17 years of training in ballet, contemporary dance and artistic gymnastics; she has worked with Cape Town City Ballet, iKapa dance Theatre and performed in international films and music videos (Cinderella: If the Shoe Fits, Black Mirror, Deep Blue Sea 3). She performs as an aerialist in La Perle and holds certifications as a PADI diver, stuntwoman and actress. Ksenia Klubova, originally from Russia, holds a Trinity Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance and teaches pole and low-flow with focus on musicality and expression. Zina Nikitidou, from Greece, began pole in 2022, earned her instructor certification in 2023, and competed in the Old School category at Exotic Generation Malta in 2025. Katya Stepanenko, from Ukraine, discovered pole in 2019, began teaching in 2020, and has competed twice in Pole Art competitions in Ukraine. Irena Rusanova is a Russian choreographer and performer with over 10 years' international experience across China, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Morocco, India, Lebanon and the UAE.

The studio is located on the first floor of 106 Al Asmawi office building on Sheikh Zayed Road in Umm Al Sheif, in the same building as Breville. RTA parking is available at the front and back; the studio is a 2–3 minute walk from FGB metro station and roughly 10 minutes from Dubai Mall. The space is bright and inviting; it can be rented for photoshoots, special occasions, classes or marketing purposes at 250 AED per hour. New students receive 15% off their first class.

Your first class depends on your level. Beginners attend dedicated pole beginners classes where no prior dance, gymnastics or acrobatic experience is needed—just a willingness to learn. All-levels classes are open to those already able to climb, invert and perform a gemini and scorpio comfortably. You'll work with coaches who create a supportive, encouraging environment focused on helping you progress and feel more confident in your body.

Atria's coaching team brings international expertise across pole, aerial arts, contemporary dance and flexibility. Founder Mel Sidki has over a decade of experience; Gabrielle Botha brings 17 years of training in ballet, contemporary and gymnastics plus professional circus and film work; Tina Mahmoudzadeh has 10 years of pole teaching experience and established the first pole studio in Tehran; Daria Strepetova is a certified acrobatics teacher and contortionist from Moscow; Ksenia Klubova holds a Trinity Level 6 Diploma and has taught across Europe, the Middle East and Asia; Zina Nikitidou competed in Exotic Generation Malta in 2025; and Irena Rusanova is a Russian performer with over 10 years of international experience.

Yes—the studio has dedicated beginner pole classes, beginner exotic classes, and welcomes all levels, sizes and abilities with no prior experience required.