SUSMITA

I am a part of many cultures—born and raised in North Africa, college in India, lived in the US for over a decade. And yet, there is no mistaking the Indianess of my identity. I learned classical Indian dance and music (Hindustani) at different times in my life. I was intrigued by Zumba which focuses on Latin dance as a medium of fitness and certified as an instructor. I met Alexa through the Zumba community and before we knew it, we had pooled our varied experiences in dance, music, fitness, and love for Indian culture. Together, we created Bollywood Dance Party, a unique opportunity for fitness through a cultural medium that would reflect dance as celebration of life.

Dancing is truly a celebration—when I 'catch a rhythm/beat' I feel an ineffable completeness. It happens not just when I'm singing or dancing, but when I experience another person doing it. The beauty in music and dance is the experience of such 'perfect moments' strung together. For me, choreographing to a piece of music is a search for these 'perfect moments' when you are able to say- this is the step for that piece of music! There is inevitability about the outcome and an accompanying experience of satisfaction. When I dance, I offer up the totality of all that I am and experience to a moment. That moment is magical. My dream is to share the magic of music and dance with everyone who dances with us. Aaja Nachle! Come dance with us!

ALEXA

I remember being 5 years old begging my mother for ballet lessons. We lived in rural North Dakota where ballet was not an option. Since then I have always aspired to be a dancer. I am the girl dancing around the house, dancing at work, dancing at the club--just dancing. About three years ago I found Zumba and fell in love with Latin music and dance exercise. I fired my personal trainer, I gave up my step aerobic addiction, and started to take Zumba classes all around the area. At one time I had 3 gym memberships and an upset husband. He used to ask me why we were spending so much on gym fees. I promised him it was an investment--and it was. I have been teaching Zumba for 2 years, now the gyms pay me and I have a chance to help introduce and reintroduce the love for dance & exercise (two of my favorite things!) to all different kinds of people.

Besides dance, I have also always had a keen interest in culture. I have lived in Japan, traveled to 13 different countries, and have enjoyed music in a plethora of languages. One of my favorite types of music is Indian music. The beat, the rhythm, and the instruments are an invitation to dance! I was first introduced to Bhangra dance last year and was inspired to learn more. After Susmita and I started talking about mixing Bollywood with Bhangara, and adding a special cultural element--a concept started to emerge--together we dreamed up Bollywood Dance Party where you can leave your worries at the door, celebrate culture and dance while getting fit--Aaja Nachle! Come dance with us!