This week’s instructor spotlight is on Bay Area instructor, Shruthi – Oracle Software Technology Sales Rep by day and BollyX instructor extraordinaire by night! Learn more about this Bay Area Bollywood star in her interview 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: My name is Shruthi – (pronounced ‘Ruthi’ with ‘Sh’ in the front – Sh-ruthi!)
During the day, I work for Oracle as a Software Technology Sales Representative. In the evenings, I do what I love to do – either teaching a workout class, or taking a workout class.
As I work towards becoming a dedicated fitness and wellness industry professional, I also practice strength-training, boot camps, and yoga – I love them all! I started dancing at the age of three and grew up performing Kuchipudi, a south Indian classical dance form. In my teenage years, I fell in love with the dhol, and progressed into Bhangra for its high energy and upbeat music.
If you can hear a beat and there’s room to dance, that’s where you’ll find me!
Q: How would you describe BollyX in one word?
A: Energetic. The energy at BollyX classes is infectious. I try my best to give energy to my students and I also feed off their energy. Together we push each other till the end.
Q: What is your favorite part of BollyX class?
A: My favorite part of BollyX class is the performance session and the cool down. I am sorry I just can’t choose one!
The performance session really brings out the inner-rock star in people due it being shorter and repeated multiple times. The students get so excited and their confidence grows when showing off their moves to the other half of the class!
I also love the cool down because it gives us an opportunity to take a moment and to be grateful for our bodies.
Q: How has working with BollyX changed you?
A: For the last several years, I have been professionally creating personalized choreography and teaching Bollywood dance to private parties. Prior to BollyX though, I didn’t have much knowledge about calorie counts, and the changes of intensity level. Since being part of BollyX, I have developed a better teaching structure and learned how to ‘pre-cue’ so the class can feel confident keeping up.
Q: How long have you been with BollyX?
A: I have been with BollyX for a little over a year. I love being part of the community because I believe that fulfillment is found when you are part of a tribe who understand you, and are equally passionate about what you value.
Q: What is your favorite BollyX song to teach?
A: I have many favorite songs but “Tune Maari Entriyaan” is my favorite routine of all. I love this song because I get to start it off freestyle, which helps the students to bring their own swagger. It also has the shimmy at the end that pushes the students to go as hard as they can.
Q: Where do you teach BollyX?
A: I teach in two Bay Area locations. The first is Oracle headquarters in Redwood City, CA where I work, and the other at Underground Fitness II in Newark, CA where I live. I wasn’t lying when I said that I live and breathe Bollywood dance workouts!
Take a class from Shruthi – find one of her classes on her profile!