Walt Bushey

Owner / Instructor

Koryu Bujutsu - Shibucho/Jikimon Kenshi Komei Jyuku Iaijutsu - Senior Instructor.
Shotokan Karate - 5th Degree Black Belt
Head Coach - House of One MMA Fight Team.
Active Texas Peace Officer - Deputy Sheriff of Lubbock County
Texas Commission On Law Enforcement - (TCOLE) Instructor
Defensive Tactics Instructor - Lubbock County Sheriff's Office/ Hale County Sheriff's Office/
Lorenzo Police Dept./Slaton ISD Police Dept./ Front Line Security Agency/ Allegiance Security Agency.
Tactical Solutions Group - Firearms Instructor/Active Shooter Instructor/ Bladed weapons
Instructor/ OC Instructor/ Collapsable Baton Instructor/ Pepperball Systems Instructor
NRA - Range Safety Officer
United States Air Force Veteran

Walt Bushey

Owner / Instructor

Bio

  • Koryu Bujutsu – Shibucho/Jikimon Kenshi Komei Jyuku Iaijutsu – Senior Instructor.
  • Shotokan Karate – 5th Degree Black Belt
  • Head Coach – House of One MMA Fight Team.
  • Active Texas Peace Officer – Deputy Sheriff of Lubbock County
  • Texas Commission On Law Enforcement – (TCOLE) Instructor
  • Defensive Tactics Instructor – Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office/ Hale County Sheriff’s Office/
  • Lorenzo Police Dept./Slaton ISD Police Dept./ Front Line Security Agency/ Allegiance Security Agency.
  • Tactical Solutions Group – Firearms Instructor/Active Shooter Instructor/ Bladed weapons
  • Instructor/ OC Instructor/ Collapsable Baton Instructor/ Pepperball Systems Instructor
  • NRA – Range Safety Officer
  • United States Air Force Veteran

Cheryl Bushey

Owner / Instructor

Cheryl is a well-rounded dancer and athlete with an extensive career in the fitness field as a fitness instructor, personal trainer, kickboxer, and coach. She is also a published writer, magazine model, aerialist, and award winning dancer and choreographer.
Fitness

Cheryl began a career in fitness in 1994 and has served in many aspects of that field for decades. She currently teaches Focused Flexibility and Bootcamp classes as supplements to and cross training for the classes that ArtFit offers. She currently accepts a few personal training clients as her time allows.
Kickboxing

She began taking kickboxing classes and immediately fell in love with the sport. After several years of full-contact competitive training, she was given the opportunity to teach and coach a kickboxing team. Cheryl led this team to many local, regional, and statewide titles through Texas Amateur Contact Karate Association for almost a decade as the only female coach in the area at that time. She recently has rejoined our martial arts team and is teaching and coaching again.
Dance

Cheryl is the head of the dance program at ArtFit where she oversees all of the classes, teaches students, and mentors professional dancers and instructors. She has extensive training in ballet and modern dance as well as the many dance styles that she currently performs and teaches. She has been training and performing in many forms of dance for over thirty years and has spent years studying movement and dance theory.

“My goal is to mentor each student personally to help them achieve the level of dance that they wish to attain, help them achieve a style that is personal to them, and create a deep understanding and ability to execute dance theory, and provide performance opportunities for those who are interested.”- Cheryl

Bellydance

Cheryl has continued her training to specialize in the Egyptian style of dance by studying with world renowned dancer Amaya, her mentor, as well as many of the best dancers in Egypt. She has incorporated the graceful movements and unique staging of ballet into this in-depth study of Egyptian movement, culminating in the innovative and graceful styling that makes her a popular performer across the United States and beyond.

“When Cheryl dances, I think of a long wave of sparkling water. Her moves are so fluid. She is refreshingly different; a style of her own. It is unusual to see this kind of confidence and musical interpretation at any age, at any point in time. She is special.`` -Amaya

Pole dance

She began a foray into pole dancing, over a decade ago, when encouraged by a friend to do it for fun and fitness. Obsessed with dance and any physical challenge, this dance styled appealed to her on many levels. Cheryl has sought training with the best dancers in the field and trained extensively with Pantera Blacksmith, a pioneer of the sport. She has combined it with her extensive professional experience in the fitness field to provide the students at ArtFit with a fun, educational, supportive and safe environment for pole dance classes.
Aerial Silks

This same desire and love of adventure pushed Cheryl to explore aerial silks. This awe-inspiring and beautiful art form appealed to her on many levels. She trained rigorously for years with, circus performer and inspirational instructor, DeAnna Carney McCandless. Cheryl brings this curriculum and high-level of instruction to ArtFit. It is her goal to bring art and fitness together so that each class appeals to students in a physical fitness and an artistic way.
Lyra

Lyra completes Cheryl’s popular aerial trifecta. She has trained with Kenali Kendrick, of Huston’s Fenyx Aerial, and enjoys creating beautiful shapes and dynamic moves on this apparatus. Cheryl brings all of her dance, fitness, and aerial training to her lyra students as an expressive art form and comprehensive and safe curriculum.

Cheryl has traveled the U.S., for decades, searching out the most talented and informed artist to study with so she can bring the highest level skills to Lubbock. She hopes to inspire others through movement and enjoys helping women to become more healthy and vibrant while expressing themselves through dance and creating confidence through dance and martial arts.

Cheryl Bushey

Owner / Instructor

Bio

Cheryl is a well-rounded dancer and athlete with an extensive career in the fitness field as a fitness instructor, personal trainer, kickboxer, and coach. She is also a published writer, magazine model, aerialist, and award winning dancer and choreographer.

Fitness

Cheryl began a career in fitness in 1994 and has served in many aspects of that field for decades. She currently teaches Focused Flexibility and Bootcamp classes as supplements to and cross training for the classes that ArtFit offers. She currently accepts a few personal training clients as her time allows.

Kickboxing

She began taking kickboxing classes and immediately fell in love with the sport. After several years of full-contact competitive training, she was given the opportunity to teach and coach a kickboxing team. Cheryl led this team to many local, regional, and statewide titles through Texas Amateur Contact Karate Association for almost a decade as the only female coach in the area at that time. She recently has rejoined our martial arts team and is teaching and coaching again.

Dance

Cheryl is the head of the dance program at ArtFit where she oversees all of the classes, teaches students, and mentors professional dancers and instructors. She has extensive training in ballet and modern dance as well as the many dance styles that she currently performs and teaches. She has been training and performing in many forms of dance for over thirty years and has spent years studying movement and dance theory.

“My goal is to mentor each student personally to help them achieve the level of dance that they wish to attain, help them achieve a style that is personal to them, and create a deep understanding and ability to execute dance theory, and provide performance opportunities for those who are interested.”- Cheryl

Bellydance

Cheryl has continued her training to specialize in the Egyptian style of dance by studying with world renowned dancer Amaya, her mentor, as well as many of the best dancers in Egypt. She has incorporated the graceful movements and unique staging of ballet into this in-depth study of Egyptian movement, culminating in the innovative and graceful styling that makes her a popular performer across the United States and beyond.

“When Cheryl dances, I think of a long wave of sparkling water. Her moves are so fluid. She is refreshingly different; a style of her own. It is unusual to see this kind of confidence and musical interpretation at any age, at any point in time. She is special.“ -Amaya

Pole dance

She began a foray into pole dancing, over a decade ago, when encouraged by a friend to do it for fun and fitness. Obsessed with dance and any physical challenge, this dance styled appealed to her on many levels. Cheryl has sought training with the best dancers in the field and trained extensively with Pantera Blacksmith, a pioneer of the sport. She has combined it with her extensive professional experience in the fitness field to provide the students at ArtFit with a fun, educational, supportive and safe environment for pole dance classes.

Aerial Silks

This same desire and love of adventure pushed Cheryl to explore aerial silks. This awe-inspiring and beautiful art form appealed to her on many levels. She trained rigorously for years with, circus performer and inspirational instructor, DeAnna Carney McCandless. Cheryl brings this curriculum and high-level of instruction to ArtFit. It is her goal to bring art and fitness together so that each class appeals to students in a physical fitness and an artistic way.

Lyra

Lyra completes Cheryl’s popular aerial trifecta. She has trained with Kenali Kendrick, of Huston’s Fenyx Aerial, and enjoys creating beautiful shapes and dynamic moves on this apparatus. Cheryl brings all of her dance, fitness, and aerial training to her lyra students as an expressive art form and comprehensive and safe curriculum.

Cheryl has traveled the U.S., for decades, searching out the most talented and informed artist to study with so she can bring the highest level skills to Lubbock. She hopes to inspire others through movement and enjoys helping women to become more healthy and vibrant while expressing themselves through dance and creating confidence through dance and martial arts.

Olivia

Instructor

Olivia was raised in the dance studio and the dojo. She grew up mimicking the movements that she saw every day. She was belly dancing by age 3 and performing by 5. She has traveled to California, Oklahoma, and New Mexico to study and perform.

In addition to tribal fusion and cabaret belly dance, she has a passion for hip-hop and has studied it extensively since she was 7 years old. Olivia's hip-hop mentor, former Planet Funk Dancer, Taz Bright has passed on a love for street style hip hop to her along with an appreciation for the intricacies of the dance.

This well round young lady was also in the first class of Budo Babies that began in 1998 and now has, at times, served as an instructor of this young children’s karate class and keeps her skill up training in kickboxing.

Olivia’s grace, strength, and exquisite interpretation of music have made her an accomplished pole dancer as well. She began learning pole dance over a decade ago, training with her mother and internationally known instructors like Pantera and Felix Cane. She has continued to expand her aerial career into silks and lyra. She has trained extensively with, circus performer, DeAnna McCandless and, Fenyx Aerial’s, Kenali Kendrick.

Olivia’s exquisite musicality and ability to express emotion through dance have forged her personal dance style. You can see this lovely lady at ArtFit most days teaching pole dance, hip-hop, aerial silks, and lyra.

Olivia Wright

Aerial & Dance Instructor

Bio

Olivia was raised in the dance studio and the dojo. She grew up mimicking the movements that she saw every day. She was belly dancing by age 3 and performing by 5.  She has traveled to California, Oklahoma, and New Mexico to study and perform.

In addition to tribal fusion and cabaret belly dance, she has a passion for hip-hop and has studied it extensively since she was 7 years old. Olivia’s hip-hop mentor, former Planet Funk Dancer, Taz Bright has passed on a love for street style hip hop to her along with an appreciation for the intricacies of the dance.

This well round young lady was also in the first class of Budo Babies that began in 1998 and now has, at times, served as an instructor of this young children’s karate class and keeps her skill up training in kickboxing.

Olivia’s grace, strength, and exquisite interpretation of music have made her an accomplished pole dancer as well.  She began learning pole dance over a decade ago, training with her mother and internationally known instructors like Pantera and Felix Cane. She has continued to expand her aerial career into silks and lyra. She has trained extensively with, circus performer, DeAnna McCandless and, Fenyx Aerial’s, Kenali Kendrick.

Olivia’s exquisite musicality and ability to express emotion through dance have forged her personal dance style. You can see this lovely lady at ArtFit most days teaching pole dance, hip-hop, aerial silks, and lyra.

theresa

Theresa

Belly Dance Instructor

Theresa discovered ArtFit by accident when she saw a belly dance performance by Cheryl and the ArtFit troupe at a local fundraiser. She began classes after signing up for a version of the “Biggest Loser” at her work. Going into this competition, she knew that she had to find a workout program that was more motivating than going to a gym. She participated in her first belly dance class in March of 2006.

There was no turning back! She was hooked!

She has been studying under Cheryl for the last 11 years learning, perfecting, and performing. She can be seen regularly performing as a soloist and troupe member.

Theresa has completed Teacher Training and a mentorship with Cheryl. Through her mentorship, she has found her own personal style of dance and her personal style of teaching as well. She regularly teaches the beginner belly dance class for women with “curves and all”. She also is a substitute for the intermediate and advanced level belly dance classes and helps out where ever she is needed.

Theresa believes that no matter what size, everyone can learn to dance, “Give it a shot. What do you have to lose?”

Theresa

Belly Dance Instructor

Bio

Theresa discovered ArtFit by accident when she saw a belly dance performance by Cheryl and the ArtFit troupe at a local fundraiser. She began classes after signing up for a version of the “Biggest Loser” at her work. Going into this competition, she knew that she had to find a workout program that was more motivating than going to a gym.  She participated in her first belly dance class in March of 2006.

There was no turning back! She was hooked!

She has been studying under Cheryl for the last 11 years learning, perfecting, and performing. She can be seen regularly performing as a soloist and troupe member.

Theresa has completed Teacher Training and a mentorship with Cheryl.  Through her mentorship, she has found her own personal style of dance and her personal style of teaching as well. She regularly teaches the beginner belly dance class for women with “curves and all”. She also is a substitute for the intermediate and advanced level belly dance classes and helps out where ever she is needed.

Theresa believes that no matter what size, everyone can learn to dance, “Give it a shot. What do you have to lose?”

altanaeya

Altanaeya

Instructor

Altanaeya has loved dance for as long as she can remember. After begging her parents to start ballet lessons, she was finally enrolled at the age of six. After spending her whole childhood and adolescence studying ballet, moder, jazz and tap she went to college and earned a dgree.

She and her husband moved to Lubbock in 2016 and that is when she found Artfit. Immediately drawn to the amount of strenth, discipline and grace involved in pole dancing she signed up for her first class. By consistently taking lessons she has built strength, grown to be able to do things she never thought she could and even made some friends.

She has recently started teaching classed under the guidance of Olivia and Cheryl. She hopes to foster an uplifting and fun environment for any that take her class, and couldn't be more grateful to be a part of this community. If you're at all curious about pole or anything else offered come sign up for a class!

Altanaeya

Dance Instructor

Bio

Altanaeya has loved dance for as long as she can remember. After begging her parents to start ballet lessons, she was finally enrolled at the age of six.  After spending her whole childhood and adolescence studying ballet, moder, jazz and tap she went to college and earned a dgree.

She and her husband moved to Lubbock in 2016 and that is when she found Artfit. Immediately drawn to the amount of strenth, discipline and grace involved in pole dancing she signed up for her first class.  By consistently taking lessons she has built strength, grown to be able to do things she never thought she could and even made some friends.

She has recently started teaching classed under the guidance of Olivia and Cheryl.  She hopes to foster an uplifting and fun environment for any that take her class, and couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of this community. If you’re at all curious about pole or anything else offered come sign up for a class!

Christine

Aeirial Instructor Instructor

Cristine joined ArtFit in 2019 where she found inspiration in the strength, fluidness, and beauty of Aerial Silks. She always found dance, no matter what the form, to be beautiful and alluring. Seeing these forms up close in various countries made it even more exhilarating for her.

Cristine brings a focus, discipline and adaptability to her training that she acquired spending several years in the U.S Army as a military Police officer and completing a degree and licensure as a veterinary technician upon retiring in 2015.

She continued to excel in her aerial training and completed ArtFit’s Aerial Silks Level 1 instructor training and mentorship program. Her hope is that by becoming an instructor she will inspire many people and show them how determination and a ready smile can make anything possible.

Christine

Aerial Instructor

Bio

Cristine joined ArtFit in 2019 where she found  inspiration in the strength, fluidness, and beauty of Aerial Silks. She  always found dance, no matter what the form, to be beautiful and alluring. Seeing these forms up close in various countries made it even more exhilarating for her.

Cristine brings a focus, discipline and adaptability to her training that she acquired spending several years in the U.S Army as a military Police officer and completing a degree and licensure as a veterinary technician upon retiring in 2015.

She continued to excel in her aerial training and completed  ArtFit’s Aerial Silks Level 1 instructor training and mentorship program. Her hope is that by becoming an instructor she will  inspire many people and show them how determination and a ready smile can make anything possible.

Sandra

Pole Instructor

Sandra’s love for dance began at an early age. She trained as a dancer in ballet, jazz, and modern dance. In college, Sandra studied dance before deciding to pursue a career in healthcare. As an occupational therapist, she understands how one’s health and well-being are positively influenced by doing activities that bring purpose and meaning to one’s life.

In 2019, Sandra joined ArtFit reviving her love for dance and fitness as she explored the world of aerial arts. As a fitness enthusiast, Sandra appreciates how aerial silks and pole dance incorporate elements of strength, balance, and movement for a great total body workout. As a dancer, she appreciates how moving to music nourishes her soul whether it is on the dance floor or in the air.

In 2020, Sandra began performing with ArtFit and started training as instructor for the Pole Level 1 and Pole Flow classes in 2021. She is certified as a Fascial Fitness Trainer and incorporates fascial training elements in her training and instruction. Sandra loves the versatility of pole dance. Pole movements can be elegant and graceful, sassy and playful, or strong and powerful. Sandra believes there is a style for everyone.

Sandra

Pole Instructor

Bio

Sandra’s love for dance began at an early age. She trained as a dancer in ballet, jazz, and modern dance. In college, Sandra studied dance before deciding to pursue a career in healthcare. As an occupational therapist, she understands how one’s health and well-being are positively influenced by doing activities that bring purpose and meaning to one’s life.

In 2019, Sandra joined ArtFit reviving her love for dance and fitness as she explored the world of aerial arts. As a fitness enthusiast, Sandra appreciates how aerial silks and pole dance incorporate elements of strength, balance, and movement for a great total body workout. As a dancer, she appreciates how moving to music nourishes her soul whether it is on the dance floor or in the air.

In 2020, Sandra began performing with ArtFit and started training as instructor for the Pole Level 1 and Pole Flow classes in 2021. She is certified as a Fascial Fitness Trainer and incorporates fascial training elements in her training and instruction. Sandra loves the versatility of pole dance. Pole movements can be elegant and graceful, sassy and playful, or strong and powerful. Sandra believes there is a style for everyone.

erik

Eric

Karate Instructor

Eric has 19 years of experience in various styles of Martial Arts including Taekwondo, Krav Maga, NoGi Ju Jitsu, Kickboxing, MMA, and Shotokan Karate. He also spent three years in the US Army as a Forward Observer with the 82nd Airborne. Eric has been training with Walt Bushey since 2007 in MMA, Kickboxing, and Shotokan Karate. He has earned the rank Black belt in Shotokan and currently teaches one of The Adult Karate classes at ArtFit.

Eric

Karate Instructor

Bio

Eric has 19 years of experience in various styles of Martial Arts including Taekwondo, Krav Maga, NoGi Ju Jitsu, Kickboxing, MMA, and Shotokan Karate. He also spent three years in the US Army as a Forward Observer with the 82nd Airborne. Eric has been training with Walt Bushey since 2007 in MMA, Kickboxing, and Shotokan Karate. He has earned the rank Black belt in Shotokan and currently teaches one of The Adult Karate classes at ArtFit.

Brandi

Pole Instructor

Brandi started her Artfit journey at the age of 42 in April of 2019 with no athletic background and just a little endurance from riding a bicycle. She had tried going to a few gyms in the past but soon discovered she needed something challenging and motivating instead.
She had a great passion for pole for many years and finally dug up the courage to walk into Artfit and give it a try. She was instantly hooked and believes it is one of the best things she has done for herself.
Brandi feels that each day at Artfit is a new journey and every accomplishment feels like a reward. Inspiration from all of the instructors and the success she has had in her journey has deeply inspired her to keep pushing forward and accomplish new things. This inspiration has led to many accomplishments in pole and aerial silks.
Brandi has completed ArtFit’s Pole Level 1 teacher training and mentorship Program and continues to learn and perform.
“My advice is don’t be afraid to try something that interests you. You never know what to expect until you push yourself. Being successful comes with a lot of patience and tons of practice!” -Brandi

Brandi

Pole Instructor

Bio

 Brandi started her Artfit journey at the age of 42  in April of 2019 with no athletic background and just a  little endurance from riding a bicycle. She had tried going to a few gyms in the past but soon discovered she needed something challenging and motivating instead.

She had a great passion for pole for many years and finally dug up the courage to walk into Artfit and give it a try.  She was instantly hooked and believes it is one of the best things she has done for herself. 

Brandi feels that each day at Artfit is a new journey and every accomplishment feels like a reward. Inspiration from all of the instructors and the success she has had  in her journey has deeply inspired her to keep pushing forward and accomplish new things. This inspiration has led to many accomplishments in pole and aerial silks. 

Brandi has completed ArtFit’s Pole Level 1 teacher training  and mentorship Program and continues to learn and perform. 

“My advice is don’t be afraid to try something that interests you. You never know what to expect until you push yourself. Being successful comes with a lot of patience and tons of practice!” -Brandi

Sharon

Aerial Instructor

Sharon has a great passion for dance of all forms but her heart is in the art of Aerial Silks and West Coast Swing. Sharon has always loved performing, gymnastics, and dancing, so being able to teach aerial silks is a dream come true for her. For the last two years, Sharon has been taking aerial silks lessons, fell in love with the dance and now performs on an intermediate/advanced level. She has recently started teaching aerial silks under the guidance of Cheryl.
When Sharon first witnessed aerial silks she was intrigued, and wondered if she had the strength and finesse needed to participate. After hard work and determination, she learned to appreciate the art and has dedicated herself to aerial silks, enjoying training, performing and teaching. She brings a cheerful spirit and encourages each student to learn at their own pace. Sharon finds great satisfaction in watching her students gain aerial silks skills and strength and overcome their fears.
Entering into a new era of her aerial journey, Sharon is beyond elated to begin sharing her love of aerial silks with students and to enhance her own practice. Aerial silks has transformed her life, inspiring her to stay humble, relentless, and even changing both physically and mentally. Sharon is a firm believer that most things are possible, so she is sure to challenge you and take you to the next level!

Sharon

Aerial Instructor

Bio

Sharon has a great passion for dance of all forms but her heart is in the art of Aerial Silks and West Coast Swing. Sharon has always loved performing, gymnastics, and dancing, so being able to teach aerial silks is a dream come true for her. For the last two years, Sharon has been taking aerial silks lessons, fell in love with the dance and now performs on an intermediate/advanced level. She has recently started teaching aerial silks under the guidance of Cheryl.

When Sharon first witnessed aerial silks she was intrigued, and wondered if she had the strength and finesse needed to participate. After hard work and determination, she learned to appreciate the art and has dedicated herself to aerial silks, enjoying training, performing and teaching. She brings a cheerful spirit and encourages each student to learn at their own pace. Sharon finds great satisfaction in watching her students gain aerial silks skills and strength and overcome their fears.

Entering into a new era of her aerial journey, Sharon is beyond elated to begin sharing her love of aerial silks with students and to enhance her own practice. Aerial silks has transformed her life, inspiring her to stay humble, relentless, and even changing both physically and mentally. Sharon is a firm believer that most things are possible, so she is sure to challenge you and take you to the next level!

Sydney

Pole Instructor

Sydney has always been a hardcore athlete, but until she stopped by ArtFit to try out a pole dancing class, she never saw herself as someone with the ability to become a dancer. She earned a Master’s degree from Texas Tech University in 2018, and ArtFit was her escape during that highly stressful time. Pole dancing helped her take a break from all the tension and block out everything but her training, even if only for an hour or so. Years later, she is now a beginner level pole instructor and spends more time in the studio than anywhere else. She encourages her students to see their own potential, regardless of their background or lack of prior dance experience. Sydney strives to provide every student who enters the pole room with all of the tools they will need to succeed, all while making her classes fun and engaging for first timers and regulars alike.

Sydney

Pole Instructor

Bio

Sydney has always been a hardcore athlete, but until she stopped by ArtFit to try out a pole dancing class, she never saw herself as someone with the ability to become a dancer. She earned a Master’s degree from Texas Tech University in 2018, and ArtFit was her escape during that highly stressful time. Pole dancing helped her take a break from all the tension and block out everything but her training, even if only for an hour or so. Years later, she is now a beginner level pole instructor and spends more time in the studio than anywhere else. She encourages her students to see their own potential, regardless of their background or lack of prior dance experience. Sydney strives to provide every student who enters the pole room with all of the tools they will need to succeed, all while making her classes fun and engaging for first timers and regulars alike.