Charleston choreographer trains “The Righteous Gemstones” star, makes cameo

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)—The owner of a local fitness studio recently appeared on the popular HBO Max show “The Righteous Gemstones” after training one of its stars in pole dancing.

Tanya Christopher, owner of Amorous Dance Pole and Fitness studio on Old Towne Road, said scouts initially checked out her West Ashley space for filming.

Soon after, the Gemstones team learned of Christopher’s extensive training background and asked her to teach Tim Baltz, who plays BJ Barnes.

The teaching role transitioned into Christopher choreographing the practice and competition scenes that aired in episodes two and three of season four.

“They did have me choreograph in a couple of different ways. They wanted a couple different vibes of the routine,” she explained. “They weren’t sure if they were going to go the sport direction or not and I am very happy that they did.”

Baltz’s pole dancing venture is first introduced in episode two, where we see him practicing in a room full of fellow dancers while his show wife, Judy Gemstone, played by Edi Patterson, lingers on the edge of the room watching.

All of the fellow dancers in the practice session are Christopher’s students, who were picked by the Gemstones team to act as extras.  

At the end of the practice, Christopher appears as herself, exclaiming, “Nice job, BJ!” The pair exchange words before she walks off in her “Pole Sensations” crop and tie-dye shorts.

“For the studio scene, Tim did all that himself, that was him. There was no double,” she said. “We had a double on standby, but he didn’t have to use him, and he worked really hard for that.”

As far as her speaking role, Christopher said she didn’t know until shooting that she would say a few lines, “so that was thrilling for me and very exciting.”

The crew filmed the practice at the Citadel Mall in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Charleston.

In episode three, the audience sees BJ take the stage for an International Pole Sports Federation competition after a short pep-talk from Gemstone before he is ultimately injured during his routine.

Christopher said training Baltz was an enjoyable experience and that his respect for the sport helped him excel.

“He was great, oh my gosh… He was so into it like he really respects the sport. I mean, he took it all seriously,” she said. “He wanted to do a good job, and he did!”

According to a social media post from Baltz, the appreciation went both ways. He took to Instagram to thank Christopher, the team at Amorous, and his double, Jesse Weber.

“Endless gratitude to @tanyachristopherpole, who was the best coach I could’ve ever asked for and an amazing trainer. Everyone at @amorousdance for welcoming me with open arms and rooting me on. To @jesse_pole, whose skills were breathtaking – you were as kind as you are talented,” Baltz wrote.

Weber acted as a double during a few of the competition scenes given some of the moves used take more time to learn, Christopher said.

From a few team members stopping by to check out her studio to seeing herself and her choreography air on the acclaimed HBO show, Christopher is still in disbelief.

“I can’t even believe it happened. It’s just like definitely a highlight in my life for sure and my students,” she said.

Amorous opened in 2011 and has since broadened to offer pole, flying pole, aerial hoop, sling, chair dancing, stretch classes, strength training, and more taught by 20 licensed instructors. Christopher’s studio isn’t just about fitness, however.

“So, it changes the lives of people, and it makes people connect too. The friendships that are made here are one of a kind,” she said. “We take people, and we bring out the confidence. I like to say we strengthen the confidence.”

If you want to learn more, check out the Amorous studio website.