Our instructor spotlight this week is on Massachusetts BollyX instructor, Swasti! This active mom of two is a Bollywood star on and off the stage. Check out her exclusive interview with BollyX!
Q: Tell us about yourself – what do you do when you’re not teaching?
A: I am a Telecom engineer by profession but after recently discovering my passion for dance, decided to switch careers. I also have 2 kids: ages 8 and 5. I got certified as a BollyX instructor last year and got really lucky to have Fen as my mentor. I started teaching at YMCA Charlestown (thanks to Fen again) and then there was no looking back. I teach BollyX at the Academy of Creative Arts, Middleton library and also do few private classes. I also teach Bollywood and do Bollywood dance parties.
When I am not teaching I am cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, listening to music, reading, gardening or having fun with the kids.
Q: What are your hobbies? What other formats do you teach? Give us a little on your background.
A: I love reading and gardening. I teach Bollywood and Indian folk apart from BollyX. I am also part of Aangikaam Dance Academy and get to perform semi classical and folk dances at various events. I learned Kuchipudi ( an Indian classical form) as a kid but could not complete my training, so I’m planning to learn Bharatnatyam starting this fall. I absolutely love to dance!
Q: How would you describe BollyX in one word?
A: Stress-buster
Q: What is your favorite part of BollyX class?
A: It has to be the performance number. It is that part of the class where you see everyone shedding their inhibitions, dancing, cheering, expressing and just having fun.
Q: How has working with BollyX changed you or your lifestyle?
A: BollyX has totally changed me as a person and my personality. I used to be an introvert and stage shy but not anymore. I have made amazing friends. It’s a total stress buster for me and for those who come to my class.
Q: How long have you been with BollyX?
A: I got certified in July 2015 so it has exactly been a year now.
Q: What is your favorite BollyX song to teach?
A: I have so many but my two favorites are Go Go Govinda and Dilli Wali Girlfriend
Q: Where do you teach BollyX?
A: Currently at Academy of Creative Arts, Burlington on Thursdays and Sunday’s, Middleton library on Wednesdays and Monday mornings in Bedford.
Take a class with Swasti and rock out with her in Middleton, MA!