This week’s instructor spotlight is on Boston rockstar Ellie! Graphic designer by day and BollyX instructor by night, Ellie teaches weekly classes in Cambridge and Boston. Read more about this rockstar instructor below!

Q: Tell us about yourself – what do you do when you’re not teaching? What are your hobbies? What other formats do you teach? Give us a little on your background.
A: I’ve always been dancing in one way or another! I actually used to train at Boston Ballet, but a gigantic growth spurt (I’m 5’11”) and a moody-teen phase later, I found myself exploring other formats. I minored in Dance Studies at Tufts University, and eventually found my way to BollyX! By day I am a graphic designer, by night I am a dancer and writer, and at all times I am a spaghetti enthusiast.

Q: How would you describe BollyX in one word?
A: MOORNI. Hahaha, no, I guess my word would be “sweat.” Anyone who has taken a class with me knows I am an absolute sweat monster. But becoming that sweaty beast means a lot of things – it means I’m working hard, but it also means I’ve let go of my ego. I don’t care what I look like; I’m having the best time!

Q: What is your favorite part of BollyX class? 
A: My favorite part of the BollyX class is the music. A lot of the songs I would never have encountered on my own. Most have spirit, silliness, and SICK BEAT DROPS. My energy is completely fueled by the music, and I love when I see my class lip syncing along, no matter what language the song is in!

Q: How has working with BollyX changed you or your lifestyle?
A: For one, BollyX has given me plenty of new material to bust out at parties. But it’s also sustained my love for dance and broadened that joy. If I have a bad day at work, I know that even when I can’t change my circumstances, I can change my mood. BollyX always gets me to a better place.

Q: How long have you been with BollyX?
A: BollyX has been in my life for almost three years! I have been instructing for a year.

Q: What is your favorite BollyX song to teach?
A: Oh, man. This is hard, but I think my all-time favorite is Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan.

Q: Where do you teach BollyX?
A: I teach regularly at the Dance Complex in Cambridge, and I also have a class at Boston University.

Take a class with BollyX instructor Ellie today!