Butterfly Effect: A FairyFly Expo and Pole Competition

About this event

Upstate Alternative Fitness (UAF), an emerging Capital Region-based pole fitness group, is hosting its inaugural pole fitness competition named “Butterfly Effect: A FairyFly Fitness Expo and Competition” on May 2nd at the Ladies’ Playground from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m in Albany, New York.  

“This event will uplift people during their transformative moments, giving participants an opportunity to express themselves through art and dance,” said Upstate Alternative Fitness founder Maryika Stubbs. “Every day, cisgendered women and transwomen all over the world fall victim to different forms of gender-based violence, leading them to rely on their community while they rebuild their lives. Unfortunately, some women cannot survive such traumatizing ordeals and we’re bringing awareness to their plight. I’m more than ecstatic to partner with the judges and internationally-recognized organizations to provide this opportunity for members of the pole dance community to build upon their current skills while supporting a good cause. It’s also very exciting to host this niche entertainment event in the Capital Region.”

Upstate Alternative Fitness (UAF) is a start-up run by XPERT Fitness Level 1+2 Instructor Maryika Stubbs, a social entrepreneur based in upstate New York. UAF hosts pole fitness trainings, events and/or workshops. Sponsors include local studio Dance Hub in Troy and national pole fitness organizations X-Pole and X-Pert Fitness. Winners could leave with $500 cash and $1500 in various prizes or certificates. Audience members also have an opportunity to leave with prizes and vote on their favorite performance. The competition is slated to bring awareness to gender-based violence and will donate 30% of its earnings to charitable causes including local womens’ shelters in Albany; Charisma’s Heart in Los Angeles, CA; The Valerie Summers Black Trans Justice and Futures Fund in memory of advocate Valerie S.; and Upstate Alternative Fitness’ POLEFIT Gives Initiative, which seeks to provide free workshops for community resource groups. 

JuneMarie Gonzalez, also known as “Spin Queen” from reality TV show Joseline’s Cabaret on Zeus Network, is judging the event alongside Dance Hub owner Lena Yesman and award-winning trainer Adrenaline Spin from the nationally recognized Manhattan studio Foxy Fitness. Local recording artist Valentina Cyn will MC the event. Tickets are available online at butterflyeffect2025.eventbrite.com or purchasable on-site at The Ladies Playground or Dance Hub studio. For more event information or any questions regarding sponsorship, contact Maryika Stubbs at info@upstatealternativefitness.com or visit upstatealternativefitness.com