BollyX Instructor, Susan aka Sus (pictured middle below), is a rockstar instructor in the Bay Area! This fitness super mom teaches multiple formats and is a BollyX super fan. Read more about Susan in our 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: Hi! My name is Susan or Sus. When I’m not teaching, my time is spent with my family which includes 3 kids (ages 7, 9, and 11 years old) and a 3 year old loveable mutt! I help out at school and also spend a lot of time chauffeuring the kids to their activities! I learn most of the choreographies listening to the music in the car. I am Group Ex Instructor AFAA certified and I also teach Zumba®. This summer, I am working on my certification for POP Pilates and getting licensed in STRONG by Zumba™. The fitness world is vast and and there are so many possibilities to gain greater in depth knowledge to better myself as group fitness exercise instructor! I love exercise not only due to the health and physical benefits but also because I’m a big believer that it is a prescription to improving mental health. I also dabble in beading and crafting when I have the time.

Q: How would you describe BollyX in one word?

A: Jubilation! I would love if everyone could feel joy while participating in a BollyX class. The music, the expression of dance, the energy, and the connection with each other all come together to create a joyful and festive dance celebration.

Q: What is your favorite part of BollyX class?

A: There’s so many things I love but if I had to choose one, it would be the noticeable changes I see with the participants each week. It could be anything from cracking a smile, squatting lower than before, feeling more relaxed, making a new friend in class, and much more! Any positive change, even if it is small, is really awesome to see!

Q: How has working with BollyX changed you or your lifestyle?

A: BollyX was the first fitness format that I branched out to after being a licensed Zumba instructor for 2 years. It opened the door for me to step out of my comfort zone to learn other fitness formats. It has also improved my skill level as an instructor with the pre-cueing techniques taught and also the ability to demonstrate low impact options from BollyX LIT (Low Impact Training). I find that my participants are able to follow even without any prior dance experience, and I love to see them successful and getting a great workout!

Q: How long have you been with BollyX?

A: I have been an instructor since July 2015. I fell in love with BollyX when I attended the training with the amazing regional trainer, Tamara Kodner. Her genuine smile and infectious energy made an impression with me. 🙂 I also love the BollyX community and how inclusive and encouraging they are with all the instructors and participants.

Q: What is your favorite BollyX song to teach?

A: This is a tough one because I love so many of them. My current favorite is the performance song “Make Some Noise for the Desi Boyz”. It is such an energetic song with fun choreography! I have a blast rocking out to this song with my participants!

Q: Where do you teach BollyX?

A: I teach BollyX with My Dance Addiction Fitness Group Tuesday mornings in San Ramon.