Sandy is a Vermont-based BollyX Instructor who has been with BollyX since December 2014! In addition to being a BollyX Instructor, she’s also a licensed massage therapist and personal trainer. Learn more about Sandy from our interview with her!

Q: Tell us about yourself – where are you from, what do you do for a living, what are you passionate about, etc.

A: Hi my name is Sandy Stevens. I live in Bennington, Vermont with my husband and three sons. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and NASM Certified Personal Trainer. I have my own space where I am able to do both. I will be completing my Bachelor’s Degree this May in Exercise Science. Then I will start a Master’s Program in Sports Nutrition.

I am fortunate enough to have enough space at the office to sublease to another Licensed Massage Therapist and a Physical Therapist. Jodi Lawliss-Corrado, the Physical Therapist, and I co-teach BollyX on Fridays and Saturdays to an amazing group of ladies ages 26-75. We are able to give them both high and low options so they can work at their own pace and get the most out of their workout.

I am passionate about living a healthy life and helping others live theirs. In 2010, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I had chemo, surgery, and then radiation. I decided to do everything within my control to never feel that helpless again. I immediately became more active and chose to eat healthier. I want to share what I’ve learned with those that are looking for it.

Q:What attracted you to BollyX?

A: I found BollyX at Boston Mania. When I was signing up for sessions, I saw BollyX. I looked it up on line to learn more. I fell in love with it instantly. When I arrived at Boston Mania, I took BollyX twice. I trained in the program the next month and launched it at my office a couple of months later. Everyone taking the class fell in love with the moves, the music, and the way they felt while doing it. It is contagious and it makes you just want to Smile!

When I learned that BollyX was going to be at the ECA last year, I stopped in. I wasn’t able to stay for the convention because of other commitments, but had a chance to say, “Hi” and even sneak in a picture with Minal.

Q: How long have you been with BollyX and where are you teaching it?

A: I trained for BollyX December of 2014 in Boston, MA with Fen. She was an amazing trainer and has continued to be there to help with any questions I have. I took the training again late spring in 2015 with Meredith in Staten Island, NY. I am so glad I took it a second time. It gave me a chance fine tune my moves and see another style of teaching. I found it helpful and would suggest others consider taking the training a second time.

I am teaching BollyX in my office in Bennington, Vermont. I am proud to say that we are the first to offer it in Vermont, but certainly won’t be the last. We are hosting a training to be certified on March 13 so others in the area can learn the program. BollyX will be brought to Manchester, Vermont this spring.

Q: How would you describe BollyX in one word?

A: Badass!

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

A:My favorite part of class is when I look around the room and see how excited everyone is to be dancing. Facial expressions change. Attitude comes through. The movements are dramatic. I know I am having a good time and I can see the class is also.

Q:What differentiates BollyX from other dance/fitness platforms you’ve work with?

A:BollyX is the first dance program I have taught. I have taught other choreographed programs that were strength and/or cardio based but have chosen not to teach them any longer. The class sizes became smaller and the fees were very expensive. BollyX is affordable and the class size continues to grow.

Q: How has BollyX changed you?

A: BollyX has helped me come out of my shell and be willing to take it out into our community. We danced outside at Mayfest, the Cupcake Crusade, and Relay for Life. We are hosting a BollyX Fund Raiser for a local Family that lost their home in a fire. We are also working with two organizations to help raise money for their programs. It is a Win -Win for all of us.

Check out Sandy’s classes here!