Sheena Chen might not understand the words to the songs she’s dancing to, but that doesn’t stop her groove.
\n“I don't understand the lyrics, but I understand the music. The beat is international,” Chen says. “The most important thing is having fun and getting a good workout.”
\nChen is a member of the Bollywood Hotties, a dance troupe born out of the BollyX senior dance fitness class offered at the Austin Asian American Resource Center. And much like how the dance program fuses different music genres and dance, the class has brought together people from across the community to this Rundberg location.
\n“We come from different backgrounds,[and] we never know each other before,” says Jariya Chaicha. “[The] Only thing we know is we meet them here in this room.”
\nThe BollyX senior dance fitness class, dubbed 'The Bollywood Hotties,' practice at the AARC.
The BollyX dance program at the AARC started in 2022 after staff there received feedback that attendees were looking for a more energetic and challenging exercise class. BollyX is a relatively new program itself. Launched in 2013, the program incorporates both traditional Indian dance moves and newer Bollywood-inspired choreography for a heart-pounding cardio class.
\nInstructor Alicia Dean recalls that despite being a certified BollyX dance instructor for several years, she had some reservations about teaching the class.
\n“I didn't have a lot of experience teaching seniors,” Dean says. “One thing I learned really quickly to do was to modify the movements, try to select songs that had pacing that was a little bit more friendly. Because to their credit, the seniors will try to do whatever I do.”
\nIt was a new experience for many of the attendees as well. Most had no background in dancing, but all were game to try something new.
\n“I don't have any experience at all,” says Suvipa Wiri. “I'm 75. I don't think I can do all that activity. A lot of exertion, but it actually energizes me. I get more energy after the class.”
\nDean says that while weight loss isn’t the goal, she’s loved seeing attendees grow stronger and more confident.
\n“It's always interesting when people come and tell me, ‘gosh, you know what? I'm down 20 pounds since I've been taking your class and I feel I have so much more energy,’” Dean says. “To see them grow and evolve has been amazing.”
\nAttendees haven’t just grown as individuals. The group as a whole has gone from weekly exercise class to dance troupe. The group first performed as part of the AARC’s holiday festivities in 2023. That performance is also where the moniker ‘Bollywood Hotties’ took hold, though Dean is quick to point out that she didn’t have a hand in that.
\n“Actually I think it was Miss Sheena who named the group,” Dean says.
\n“I named the group Hotties,” Chen agrees. “I thought it was a one-time thing. Who knew?”
\nThe Bollywood Hotties strike a pose after a performance. Photo courtesy Alecia Dean.
The Bollywood Hotties have performed across the city, including at the City of Austin’s CelebrASIA Austin 2026, the Asian American Resource Center, and Austin Community College, to name a few.
\n“I was joking, if they keep getting these performance requests, they're going to need a manager,” says Dean.
\nFor Chaija, the opportunity to perform was a chance to show people that older adults can still learn and grow.
\n“It makes you feel like you’re part of the community,” Chaija says. “You’re still capable to learn.”
\nWhile all the members enjoy the performances, it’s not what keeps them coming back week after week to practice. Rather what draws everyone together is the community they’ve found in the Bollywood Hotties. Many of the dancers are newcomers to the Austin area, having lived across the state, the country, even the globe in some cases. Himadri Patel moved from Mumbai to be closer to her daughter. Even though her new home is half a world away from where she grew up, she’s forged new friendships through dance.
\n“I don't feel that I am lonely,” Patel says. “I have my family over here.”
\nBut it’s not just the dancers who have found new connections through the dance class. Dean says teaching the BollyX program has impacted her as well.
\n“What do I get out of this?” Dean asks. “I get an extended family that I never imagined, but also can't imagine being without.”
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