Our Story: The Rise of Femme Fatale Dayton
At Femme Fatale Dayton, we believe that every person deserves to feel empowered—confident in their body, secure in their identity, and bold in their pursuit of a meaningful life. To us, a true Femme Fatale is someone who knows their worth, moves with purpose, and refuses to settle for anything less than their full potential.
But confidence and self-love don’t appear overnight. These qualities take effort. Every member of our team has walked that path. While our stories are unique, we share a common thread: a desire for personal empowerment. We made the choice to take control of our journey, and now, we’re here to help you do the same.
Our story begins with Jacqueline Allen. At 26, after years in corporate America, Jacqueline found herself feeling disconnected, unhealthy, and uninspired. Ready for change, she left her corporate role and became certified in personal training and pole fitness. Her vision was simple yet powerful: create a space where women could explore movement and fitness in an uplifting, body-positive environment.
In 2008, Femme Fatale opened its doors and the response was overwhelming! After a front-page news feature, over 400 women reached out in a single day, eager for a fitness experience that prioritized strength, sensuality, and support. By May 2009, the studio expanded into a larger space, and Jacqueline went from training a few clients to dozens each week.
Much like Dorothy on her journey to Oz, Jacqueline was soon joined by an extraordinary team—each new member bringing unique talents and vision. One of the most pivotal additions was Cassandra Guard, a renowned burlesque performer whose passion and creativity added a new dimension to Femme Fatale. Cassandra eventually took over ownership and continued to lead the studio through a phase of growth and evolution.
Under Cassandra’s leadership, Femme Fatale gained significant recognition in the Dayton community. In 2016, she delivered a TEDx Talk on how burlesque empowers women to embrace their authentic selves. That same year, Femme Fatale was named “Best Place to Get Your Adrenaline Pumping” in the Best of Dayton awards – a title it would proudly hold for many years.
Recognizing that empowerment isn’t limited by gender, Femme Fatale expanded its offerings in 2018 to welcome students of all identities. Then, like so many small businesses, the studio faced a major turning point in 2020 with the arrival of COVID-19. Embracing innovation, Femme Fatale introduced virtual classes and flexible membership options, keeping the community strong and connected.
Later that year, Cassandra passed the torch to a new leadership team: Claudia, DesJaVae, Kara, and Stephanie. Each one hand-selected to continue the studio’s legacy. Together, they rebranded as Femme Fatale Dayton, committed to carrying the mission forward with even more inclusivity, energy, and ambition.
Since reopening post-COVID, Femme Fatale Dayton has expanded its class offerings and consistently earned top honors in the Best of Dayton awards, including Best Gym and Best Health/Fitness Center. As of 2025, the studio is proudly owned by Claudia, Kara, and Stephanie, and serves over 15,000 clients annually.
Today, Femme Fatale Dayton is not just a studio—it’s a movement. Our staff and students perform across the midwest, challenge limits, and uplift one another with every spin, step, and climb. The journey continues, and there’s no limit to what a Femme Fatale can achieve.
Welcome to the revolution. Welcome to Femme Fatale Dayton.