Leigh Acosta Aerialist, Pole Dancer and Instructor in Southern California

Leigh Acosta's passion for soaring began in Fayetteville, NC in the 4th grade. After discovering a natural strength and talent for rope climbing in P.E. class, her innate skill garnered her an invitation to compete in the county field day. Even as a young girl, her gift was undeniable, however, it was not until 2001 that Leigh’s interest truly blossomed. During a visit to an Arizona club, Leigh witnessed a woman bending and arching her body into the most beautiful shapes - on a pole. Leigh knew immediately that she wanted to do the same. Shortly after, she began training with a close friend on a humble pole in a tiny living room. As her strength and skill quickly developed into an artistry, Leigh decided she needed to find a way to make pole dance an art form that she could share with others.

In 2007, Leigh found one such outlet as she began teaching pole dancing at X-Polesitions in North Hollywood. Determination and dedication, along with the support and nurturing of her fellow instructors, allowed Leigh to expand her hobby into a full fledged career. Leigh began teaching seven to ten classes each week in addition to performing several nights per week at Hollywood's landmark bikini bar, Jumbo's Clown Room. Simultaneously, she continued to study various dance styles at California State University, Northridge in order to further develop and enhance her elegant movement style.

It wasn’t long before her talent caught the eye of a friend who then invited her to take an aerial tissu class in the Fall of 2007. Leigh fell in love yet again. It wasn’t long before she met another aerialist, Benjamin Sayles, in a choreography class at CSUN and suggested they train together. They formed an aerial and ground duet called Bound Lotus shortly after. The dynamic duo made their debut at Bar Sinister in Hollywood, CA, in January 2008. Since then they have performed at a myriad of events, including the Ink-N-Iron Tattoo Festival aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. Their movement style is sensual and strong with moves derived from traditional hand balancing and a technique they call "human pole".

After a year of training, Leigh was invited to join the Aerial Showgirls, an elite aerial troupe created by her aerial instructor. She was also hand-picked to be a part of the renowned pole groups the VertiGirls and the Tricky Vixens. Each group in which she participates has a unique style all its own, making Leigh an extremely well-rounded aerialist. As is typical with true artists, Leigh still trains constantly on every apparatus to ensure that she remains on the cutting edge of the industry.