About Us
Our Story
You know that badass feeling you get when you do something you didn't think you could? That extra spring in your step you get after pushing the edges of your comfort zone? Well, that feeling is what SkyBound was born from, and what we aim to deliver to everyone that walks through our doors.
SkyBound Pole & Aerial Studio was founded by Elly Ashley in 2024 with the vision of creating a supportive and empowering space where people could come to feel invincible, learn something new and create connections through the world of pole and aerial fitness.
Our Studio
Our studio is based in Dorking, in a beautifully characteristic hall and specialised dance studio.
With high vaulted ceilings and feature windows, the light and airy space helps inspire creativity and movement.
We have 6 x 4.4m stainless steel poles, giving you plenty of room to tumble! Fitted with professional dance flooring, full-length mirrors, a dance bar and a full sound system, our specialist space has everything you need to get the most from your training.
The space is fully heated to keep you warm through winter, and has fans to keep you cool in the summer.
We're 15 mins from M25 Junction 9, or a 15 min walk from Dorking Main & Dorking Deepdene Station. Find out more about how to find us here.
Our Instructors
Elly Ashley
Owner and Head Instructor at SkyBound Pole & Aerial Studios, Elly first started pole in 2017 and has been hooked since day one. Nowadays, she is invited to teach her dramatic dynamic pole skills at Workshops and Masterclasses around the country. Elly started teaching in 2019 and is fully Spin City Certified from beginners to advanced pole fitness, as well as holding accreditations in Stretch & Flexibility, Pre & Post Natal Pole, Anatomy & Physiology, and a BSc in Bioscience.
I remember seeing a friend's pole videos popping up on Facebook, years ago, and being totally mesmerised by all the gravity-defying tricks they could do, thinking "I wish I could do that!". I had no idea at the time how truly transformative Pole would be for me!
Pole quickly grew from a hobby to an all-out obsession. I was expecting my physical health and fitness to improve, but I completely underestimated how transformative it would be for my mental health and personal growth. I have found a colourful, inclusive and welcoming community, some of my dearest friends and more self-confidence than I've ever had before. I found my passion.
I feel very lucky to be able to teach pole, and share my passion with others. There is something so deeply gratifying to be able to teach someone to do something they didn't think they could, and see their confidence flourish.
Emily Dodd
Emily is a nationally renowned instructor and competitor. Her hypnotic flows and emotionally charged performances leave audiences speechless up and down the country and have helped her build an impeccable reputation in the UK. Emily now holds more competitive titles than you can shake a stick at, and has invested heavily in widening her knowledge of pole and aerial as far as she can. She has been teaching since 2019 and is fully Xpert qualified from Beginners to Advanced Pole and Aerial Hoop, holds qualifications in Heels Technique, Stretch and Flex, Conditioning as well as being a fully qualified PT. As if that didn't keep her busy enough, she also has Pole Strap in her arsenal overflowing arsenal and has been sharing her knowledge in that discipline since 2022. Her knowledge is second to none, her energy is infectious, and you'll be sure to leave any of Emilys classes feeling fabulous.
I first got into Pole because of a Musical Theatre job, I had 10 lessons to go and learn some “cool” tricks that I could perform on stage in the Musical. I then had a break and refound Pole in 2018 post horrendous break up - where I wanted to feel like myself again and be confident and strong. So I went to Instagram and had a stalk- I then found my Pole Mumma Jade Bensilum and haven’t turned back since.
Pole became an obsession for me very quickly and more came along the way- aerial hoop, straps, heels, flexibility. I wanted to learn more so I became a qualified instructor and got into competing because I wanted to perform this beautiful sport and share my stories.
I have found some of my greatest friends through Pole in both my teachers and students. I feel so grateful that I get to be a part of my students' Pole journey. There's no feeling better than being able to help someone achieve a new win, sharing that moment of celebration with them.
