Local StoriesJanuary 21, 2026

Meet Mallory Barnes of Penny Luck Pole Dance

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallory Barnes.

Hi Mallory, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Mallory Barnes was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri, and was first introduced to pole dance years ago. What started as a fun challenge quickly turned into a full-on passion. Pole became the place where she could push herself physically, creatively, and mentally.

Nearly eight years later, pole is woven into every part of her life. She trains, competes, performs, and teaches, with a deep love for the powerful, dynamic side of pole. Teaching became just as important as training, giving her the chance to help others feel strong, capable, and confident in their own bodies.

Mallory is the owner of Penny Luck Pole Dance, a studio built on inclusivity, community, and intention. The name Penny Luck is inspired by her father, Wesley, who collected lucky pennies and believed strongly in signs, rituals, and superstitions.

Penny Luck Pole Dance was created as a space where people of all bodies, genders, and experience levels are welcomed and celebrated. Mallory’s journey has been nonlinear, ultimately leading her to create a studio that encourages strength, confidence, and empowerment.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Like a lot of people in pole or other adult hobbies, Mallory’s journey has been nonlinear and, at times, very frustrating. Progress didn’t always come quickly, and there were plenty of moments where skills felt out of reach, confidence took a hit, or imposter syndrome crept in. Learning to work with her body instead of against it was a big turning point, especially in a space where it’s easy to feel like you should look or move a certain way.

There were also challenges outside of training. Balancing work, teaching, finances, and burnout while still trying to grow as an athlete wasn’t easy. Opening her own studio came with its own set of hurdles; risk, uncertainty, and the pressure of doing things the right way while building something from the ground up. Mallory could have created Penny Luck without the help of her husband, Mike, who has been in the studio just as much as she has. He helped her every step of the way and really made her dream come to life.

Those struggles shaped how she shows up now: with more patience and empathy. They’re a big part of why she prioritizes inclusivity, realistic expectations, and celebrating effort over perfection.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Penny Luck Pole Dance is a pole dance and movement studio built on strength, inclusivity, and showing up exactly as you are. The studio offers pole and other fitness classes for all levels, from true beginners to advanced dancers, along with opportunities to train, perform, and compete in a supportive environment. The focus is on building strength, skill, and confidence.

What sets Penny Luck apart is its values. The studio is unapologetically inclusive, welcoming all body types, backgrounds, genders, ages, and fitness levels, and prioritizes consent, safety, and respect in every class. Students are encouraged to move at their own pace, celebrate every win, and enjoy the journey.

Brand-wise, what Mallory is most proud of is the community. Penny Luck isn’t just a place to take classes; it’s a space where people feel seen, supported, and capable of more than they thought possible. Penny Luck exists to help people feel strong in their bodies and grounded in themselves, both on and off the pole.

What does success mean to you?
Mallory defines success as celebrating every win, no matter how small. It’s recognizing progress in all its forms, whether that be showing up on a hard day, trying something scary, holding a move a second longer, or choosing rest when it’s needed. Success isn’t just the big milestones; it’s the accumulation of small moments that build confidence and resilience over time.

For her, success also means creating a space where those wins are seen and valued. When students feel proud of their effort, trust their bodies, and learn to celebrate themselves instead of comparing their journey to others, that’s real success. It’s about growth, consistency, and honoring the work it takes to keep going.

Pricing:

Founding Membership (unlimited classes per month) – $160
New Student Special (three classes) – $49
Drop-In Class – $25
5 Class Package – $110
10 Class Package – $200

Contact Info:

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