After a long week, most people usually relax at home, but Bollybeats Fitness owner and neurologist Dr. Priyanka Chaudhry dances her stress away instead.
Following the birth of her second child, Dr. Chaudhry wanted a way to exercise and lose weight. Not satisfied with any of the fitness programs in the area, Dr. Chaudhry decided to start her own.
“I have always loved dancing, and I especially love freestyle and Bollywood dance,” Dr. Chaudhry said. “I would hear some music and just start dancing.”
Dr. Chaudhry thinks coming together and dancing with others fosters self expression and relieves stress. Regardless of whether or not someone is a dancer, having a community with the same level of passion and drive can really improve one’s mental health and liveliness.
“I love dancing. Every time I dance, it helps me feel like my younger self,” student Dr. Deepika Kumaresan said. “I feel good when I sweat and get my workout in for the day.”
Bollybeats Fitness opened in 2015, with just a few neighbors and friends attending at first. Initially, Dr. Chaudhry struggled to promote the new business and attract students.
“I didn’t even know how to use social media to promote myself. It was mostly through word of mouth that people found out.” Dr. Chaudhry said.
Instructor Balaji Ramamurthy is a long-time friend and former student of Dr. Chaudhry. He was asked to choreograph some songs and given an opportunity to co-instruct with her.
“Priyanka is a bundle of energy coupled with a passion for dance. She has put in a tremendous amount of work in building a strong, supportive community.” Ramamurthy said. “Taking that opportunity has been rewarding in all aspects of my life.”
Dr. Chaudhry’s hobby allows people such as instructors Debapriya Chowdury and Lisa Maxwell to meet new people and form new bonds. As instructors, they can form deep connections with other BBF members through music and dance.
“Bollybeats Fitness gives me a feeling of community and a true sense of belonging,” Chowdury said. “This class – and Priyanka – has inspired me to become a more confident, disciplined and self-reliant individual.”
Maxwell thinks Dr. Chaudhry provided an opportunity for her to find her way back to fitness and find a community of like minded people.
Dr. Chaudhry credits her success to the support of her family and friends. She thinks it is important to have a source of support and encouragement in order to reach certain goals.
“My family has been so supportive,” Dr. Chaudhry said. “Having a support system has helped me achieve my passion.”
After teaching dance for nearly 10 years, Dr. Chaudhry’s lessons have transformed her students’ lives.
“When I was just starting out, someone came up to me after class and told me that she had been suffering from severe depression. She said that these classes had actually helped her come out of it,” Dr. Chaudhry said. “I felt like I had really changed someone’s life.”
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