Special Guest Post: One Year of BollyX

by Emily Matos
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One Year of BollyX I love all things India, especially Bollywood. In the spring of 2015, I had a monumental task of losing weight to reverse a prediabetes diagnosis (it runs in the family). I was at a health crossroads, not knowing where to start and being intimidated by the gym, I googled Bollywood Workout, since that might motivate me enough to just try being active.

In May 2015 I attended my first BollyX class, with my best friend to cheer me on and make me stand in the front. I haven’t stopped dancing since. I’ve lost count of how many BollyX classes I’ve gone to in the past year (at least 100), but I have kept track of what I’ve gained in the past year: confidence, my health, and Bhangra moves!

Thankfully the prediabetes is gone (and I lost nearly double my original goal). What is left is an amazing community of people who can have fun, are not afraid to be rockstars, and grow together.

Favorite songs to dance to: Gallan Goodiyaan, Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan, and Mahari

Most classes in one week: Four!

Bollywood dream guy: Shahrukh Khan, always and forever!

BollyX Emily Matos
Not your typical before photo, but this was me at the end of April 2015, in my favorite place of course! What I see here is someone who’s really happy, but not healthy. I remember thinking that after this trip I needed to push myself to workout, even if cardio was scary.
BollyX Emily Matos
My first BollyX class ever, it was also the first time I’ve ever done HIIT (high intensity interval training). Pretty sure I was going to pass out during my first class. Now I go three times a week, it’s definitely still a challenge but so thankful I can give it my all for the dance battle.
BollyX Emily Matos
Some of my BollyX besties a year later. I always thought I was the crazy Puerto Rican that loved all things Bollywood until I met other like-minded people from such diverse backgrounds who enjoy being rockstars as well.

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About the Author: Emily is a rockstar BollyX-er extraordinaire who takes classes in New York! When she’s not rocking out in class, Emily works in humanitarian communications, sharing the stories of those impacted by clean water. She loves all things related to India, and when she’s not dancing along Bollywood music, she’s serving at her church or exploring her native New York City.

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