This week’s instructor spotlight is on Tom, an instructor from Cambridge (the birth place of BollyX!). From class participant to now instructor, this rockstar instructor inspires us to keep on dancing. Learn more about Tom in our interview with him 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 live in Cambridge, MA (right where BollyX started) and work at a software company by day. When I’m not working or teaching BollyX, I’m spending time in Boston with friends, travelling as much as I can or playing around with my music. I play a bunch of instruments (piano, guitar, violin, cello, and more) and I like making little multi-track videos for Instagram. I love trying different fitness and dance formats in my free time. Along with BollyX (Cardio and LIT), I’m also a licensed Zumba instructor and am currently studying to earn my AFAA certification for group exercise instruction. More recently, I tried out for and joined the Boston Bhangra Seniors Team, which has been incredible. I can’t wait to perform with them sometime soon.

Q: How would you describe BollyX in one word?

A: Partyfuntime! I hope fake words are alright. A BollyX class atmosphere is very party-like with all the good music and fun dancing. It’s definitely one of the highlights of my week.

Q: What is your favorite part of BollyX class?

A: My favorite part is the Bhangra element. I always try to have a song or two in my playlist.

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

A: Originally, BollyX gave me a fun way to get my cardio fix. But it’s become so much more over the last year. I’ve made great friends through the program and teaching has really given me a confidence boost. Before I started with BollyX, I didn’t have any real fitness or dance experience. Now I’m eager to learn more and have a healthier lifestyle.

Q: How long have you been with BollyX?

A: I started taking BollyX classes in 2014 at my gym. It’s actually the first dance-fitness class I’ve participated in. I became a certified instructor about a year ago (September, 2015) and started teaching shortly after. It’s been a blast so far.

Q: What is your favorite BollyX song to teach?

A: Superman! It’s from Tevar which was one of the first Bollywood films I’ve seen. In the song, the main character Pintoo is a bad*** and warns his enemies that messing with him equals fight-time. I think the BollyX choreo captures the song perfectly. And I think my class is always surprised how much of an upper-body workout it is. My more recent favorite song is Gutt Naar Di, which looks especially cool in a large class.

Q: Where do you teach BollyX?

I teach at the Charlestown YMCA on Tuesdays at 7:30pm. Check it out!