About Tease Dance and Fitness
Meet Our New Owner: Mahja
Mahja is a business leader, movement artist, and wellness advocate whose passion for dance and community is at the heart of everything she does.
She discovered pole in 2012, and what started as a fitness hobby quickly became something much more. Over the past 14+ years, Mahja has immersed herself in the world of movement, becoming a certified instructor and training across multiple disciplines, including pole, low-flow sensual movement, lyra, aerial sling, and yoga. She has performed, competed, and taught for over a decade, helping students of all levels build strength, confidence, and connection through movement.
But for Mahja, this work goes far beyond technique.
“It’s given me a place to belong, a way to become confident, strong, and fully myself. It taught me that I can do hard things and create my own path.”
A Studio Built on Strength, Confidence, and Community
In 2026, Mahja stepped into ownership of Tease Dance & Fitness, bringing new vision to a studio that has been part of the Aurora community for nearly two decades.
As a longtime instructor at Tease, Mahja brings both deep roots in the studio and a clear vision for its future. Her goal is to grow Tease into a premier destination for pole, aerial, and movement education in the Chicagoland area, while staying true to what makes it special: a supportive, welcoming community where everyone belongs.
She believes you don’t need to be strong to start.
“You don’t have to get strong before you come to class, you get strong by coming to class.”
Teaching with Purpose
With over 13 years of teaching experience, Mahja is deeply committed to her students’ growth, both on and off the apparatus.
She’s known for creating an environment where people feel safe to try something new, challenge themselves, and evolve over time. For many students, Tease becomes more than a class, it becomes a space of support, encouragement, and transformation.
“Being an instructor means being part of someone’s journey, helping them see what they’re capable of and supporting them every step of the way.”
A Vision for the Future of Tease
Mahja’s vision for Tease is rooted in both artistry and opportunity. She is passionate about supporting instructors in building meaningful, sustainable careers, while continuing to expand the studio’s offerings in pole, aerial, burlesque, and evolving movement styles.
Her focus is simple: create something special—for the instructors, for the students, and for the community.
“I’m incredibly honored to continue the legacy of Tease. This studio has been part of the aerial arts community for nearly two decades, and I’m excited to see where we go next—together.”