Fitness, Bollywood-style
By Arti Patel
Six dancers are told to suck in their abs as the popular Bollywood hit “Sheila Ki Jawani” plays in the background. Tucked away in a dance studio in Toronto’s west end, these women are taking part in a fitness program a little different than most.
BollyCORE is allowing people to learn South Asian-inspired dance routines in their everyday workouts.
Current artistic director Puja Amin says Bollywood music and the opportunity to mimic moves done by famous actors has been a selling point.
“It’s a very good mix of people who love Bollywood and (people) who love working out,” she says.
The fitness program, like any other, focuses on giving a boost to your physical body and everyday lifestyle. However, Amin says some workouts can be tedious, which is a reason BollyCORE focuses on dance.
“It is easier to (get caught up in) an exercise if it’s fun and enjoyable,” she says. “We focus on getting the steps (right) and soon after, pump it up to the max.”
The classes are diverse and attract a variety of individuals, including seniors with disabilities and mother-daughter pairings.
“It became a great family activity — it became a family workout plan,” Amin says.
Amin travels to the U.S. to host workshops and is hoping to build a bigger audience through the release of DVD, which will feature 20-minute routines.
