OUR BEGINNINGS WERE HUMBLE

Black Box Creative was founded by myself, Shelbi Aiona, in 2020. It all began as a way to meet a need I felt in our local community. I knew we needed a space to feel safe, emboldened and empowered to move, learn, and create together. Black Box Creative is that space! Through community support, donations, and good ol fashioned hard work, our studio grew to the spectacular sanctuary and neon dreamscape it is now.

Our space is regularly described by our community members as "Welcoming", “A long-needed part of the community”, "Diverse", "Unique", "Empowering", and "My favorite part of my day". We're doing exactly what we set out to do, and could not be more grateful for our community having our back. 

Black Box Creative is a versatile, collaborative, and diverse space bringing a selection of pole, dance, movement, and fitness classes, as well as a boutique of artisan apparel and crafts to Austin's creative community. We aim to amplify and employ local POC and LGBTQ+ instructors and creators by providing a safe space to teach, learn, create, and sell their wares. In doing so, we offer a one-of-a-kind experience to our community of students and artists.

THE crew

Shelbi

Lead instructor and studio owner
Since moving here, Shelbi has been a fixture in the Austin pole community for over 8 years. She's been fortunate enough to learn from and work with artists such as Boner Bizarre, Velvet nox, Twisted Movement, Butter & Filth, and United Pole Artists, and Snoop Dogg as well as teaching at nearly every studio in Austin. Creating art, teaching, performing, and competing throughout the state has allowed her to hone her craft and become the founder, CEO, and lead instructor at Black Box Creative. She’s got a signature style that is both sludgy and slinky while being heavy and weightless. She is ghastly, hedonistic, and here to hypnotize! As an instructor, she aims to guide students safely through all levels of movement and stylization.