Meet out our BollyX Instructor of the Week, Dominique McGowan!

Q: Having a strong dance background, how different is Bollywood dance to all the other dance forms you have learnt?

A: Interestingly enough, a lot of the BollyX moves are similar to moves I’ve done in the past as a contemporary dancer. Plus, the performance component of BollyX feels extremely familiar and was what initially attracted me to this emerging fitness craze. Knowing that I can bring a move to life and empower others to do the same is one of my favorite parts of teaching.

Q: What is your favorite part of a BollyX class?

A: My favorite moment in a BollyX class is when the members start getting engaged in the performance. If they’re cheering each other on, being goofy, and really hitting their final pose, I know they’re having a good time.

Q: How do you incorporate active living into your daily life apart from BollyX?

A: I love being active. When I’m not doing BollyX, I’m choreographing a contemporary dance for DanceWorks Boston, training for a half-marathon, doing yoga, and planning my next backpacking trip. I’m a huge foodie too, so if I’m not working out, I’m probably eating…or drinking abnormally large amounts of coffee.

Join Dom’s BollyX classes at The Dance Complex, VIM Fitness, and SportsClub LA! Sign up here: https://bollyx.com/classes/boston/

Get to know Anita Patel, our Instructor of the Week: web designer by day, BollyX rockstar always!

Q: What inspires you to stay fit?

A: Wanting to stay healthy and active for the rest of my life is what inspires me to stay fit. I want to be that 90 year old that still goes snowboarding! I’m really glad that I have some inspiring and motivational people around me.

Q: What is your view on Bollywood dance, what sets it apart from other kinds of dance you do?

A: I grew up watching Bollywood films with my family even though I could barely understand Hindi. What drew me to the films was the music and dance. You didn’t need to understand what they were singing about to enjoy the colorful imagery and upbeat music. I feel that Bollywood dance only has one rule: have fun! I always tell my students, this is your chance to imagine yourself in a Bollywood film, be bold, be dramatic and you can’t help but smile!

Q: In your opinion, why should people take a BOLLYX class?

Getting and staying fit should be a lifetime commitment, not a short term fix. The best way to achieve this is to find a regimen that is fun and makes you actually want to exercise. People should take a BollyX class because after 50 minutes they will be saying “Is the class already over? I want more!”. Plus, where else can you perform like a Bollywood star and let your inner swag shine?!

You can join Anita’s classes in Boston at iDance Boston, Latin Beat Fitness Studio and Harvard University here: https://bollyx.com/classes/boston/

This week our ‘Instructor of the Week’ is none other than Greg Jarema! Greg is an enthusiastic and talented performer who has been dancing, singing and acting since the age of 8. Having graduated from NYU, Greg has performed all across the nation and now also teaches BollyX classes in NYC. Find out how Greg shares his inner passion for dance and active living with his students, his incredible ability to juggle BollyX with Yoga, and of course, what he loves about Bollywood!

Q: Which Bollywood song best describes showcases your personality?
A: “Hookah Bar” is definitely my favorite song that I teach. The lyrics (from what I have come to understand) mean “Your love is like a hookah bar.” I think that perfectly sums up how I love to have fun and not take life too seriously.

Q: Having a strong theater background, do you incorporate any of your musical and theater talents in a BollyX dance class, perhaps the performance rounds?
A: Coming from musical theater, one of the most important parts of a number is hitting your “button”. That’s the moment when the song ends, you hit a big pose, and the audience goes crazy. In my BollyX classes, I like to take a moment before performances to make sure that everyone has a strong pose for the end of their performance so that they can feel confident about their awesome performance.

Q: You’re also a certified Yoga instructor, how do you compare teaching a peaceful and quiet Yoga class to a party-like environment during a BollyX class?
A: BollyX is a perfect balance to a calming yoga practice. It’s good to mix up your workouts. Sometimes, I feel the need to be introverted and reflective in my yoga practice, but most of the time, I just need to get lost in the music and sweat everything out on the dance floor.

Greg’s BollyX class is hot in NYC. Sign up for his classes at https://bollyx.com/classes/new-york/.