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Our fitness philosophy

Gain strength, confidence, and a positive body image while interacting with the diverse and supportive Defy Gravity™ community. We'll cheer you on as you meet your goals and have fun.

Our trained staff

Our instructors are pole and aerial fitness professionals with the knowledge to make your experience safe and energizing. Instructors are required to continue their education by attending classes, completing certification programs such as ElevatED™, and learning a wide range of styles from various performers, dancers, and athletes.

Our students

"Defy Gravity is my heart home. I've struggled to embrace myself my whole life. They showed me how to embrace myself. It has also made me a better person as I've begun to accept others....in a way that I had never felt accepted. " -K.B.


"After a wide variety of health issues and experiencing a life-changing trauma, I felt like a problem rather than a person. Pole dancing and aerial was, and still is, a way for me to recapture my love for myself and life. DG is a beautiful family..." -B.P.


"I was so nervous to take a class, but I'm so glad I did! Now I'm stronger than ever before...in so many ways." -M.S.


Community involvement

Community events and appearances

  • Free summer and spring Defy Gravity open houses
  • Donor | Champaign Central and Champaign Centennial high school musical productions
  • Opening performer | Carnivale Debauche burlesque troupe (pro-bono)
  • Performer | Urbana First Fridays (pro-bono)


Class discounts, community assistance, and training stipends

  • Participant | Champaign, Illinois LGBTQIA+ Pride Parade 2017-2018
  • Free open gym for practicing strippers
  • All-expenses-paid instructor retreat for educational leadership training
  • Discounted private lessons for Defy Gravity Showcase participants
  • "Pay-What-You-Wish" pole classes 
  • Small Business Saturday discounts for the public
  • Sliding-scale financial assistance for students and instructors
  • Free public transit options to Chicago for instructor training

Directions

Info

We are located in Lincoln Square Mall

158 Lincoln Square

Urbana, IL 61801

(217) 516-4613 (answering service only)

[email protected]


Phone answered during hours of operation.
For a faster response, please email.

Hours

Hours vary based on the current class schedule, but generally DG is open: 


Mon-Fri: 4PM-9PM

Saturday: 12PM-5PM

Sunday: 2PM-4PM


Or by appointment.

Social

Contact us

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Please fill out the form if you have questions about Defy Gravity classes, teaching opportunities, talent bookings, or community involvement. Expect a response within 24 hours.


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