Today we’d like to introduce you to Surbhi Vij.
Hi Surbhi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m an IT engineer by education and spent over 14 years working in some of the biggest IT companies in technical roles. But through all those years, one thing never changed — my love for dance.
When COVID hit and life came to a standstill, I had a moment of realization: life is short, and our time should be spent in doing what we truly love. So, I took a leap of faith and completely changed my path. It’s been over three years since then, and I can proudly say it’s been one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life.
I’m a trained Kathak dancer and have been passionate about dance since childhood. No matter where I’ve lived, I’ve always found ways to keep learning and exploring new dance styles.
Over the years, I’ve become well-versed in Kathak, Bhangra, and Bollywood dance forms. My time in cities like Ahmedabad and Chennai also introduced me to Garba, Dandiya, and Kuthu styles, which I absolutely loved exploring. Today, I teach Bhangra and Bollywood dance to both kids and adults — sharing the joy, energy, and freedom that dance brings to life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Coming from an IT background and a service-oriented family, starting my own dance business was completely a new territory for me. I had no prior experience of running a business. Leaving a stable, well-paying corporate career for something I loved but had no income certainty, was a huge risk.
There were moments of doubt — wondering if I’d made the right choice, especially when I was starting from scratch and learning everything on my own. But those challenges also pushed me to grow, adapt, and trust myself more deeply. Every class, every student, and every small milestone reminded me why I chose this path. The stories I hear from parents as to how they love that their kids could dance on songs they grew up with & for new comers in the city to find a place like home are some things which motivate me to keep going.
The transition wasn’t easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding — both personally and professionally. Building Sway with Sur from the ground up has taught me resilience, creativity, and the true joy of following one’s passion.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in classical, Bollywood, and Bhangra dance forms. I do regular classes with recitals and event choreographies for cultural or personal celebrations— but what I’ve become most loved for is my ability to adapt my teaching style to the audience in front of me. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all choreography when it comes to one on one teachings or event choreographies. Instead, I create routines based on what people can comfortably do and, more importantly, what they’ll truly enjoy performing. One thing I often hear from my regular students is that my teaching style makes even non-dancers believe they can do it—and encourages them to step out of their comfort zones to try.
One of the things I’m most proud of is creating a space where adults can keep their dance journey alive — beyond just Zumba or fitness-style classes. I wanted to offer a place where people could reconnect with their passion for dance, meet like-minded individuals, and feel part of a community. For kids, my goal has been to recreate the cultural exposure we naturally get growing up in India — giving them a sense of connection and joy through dance here in the U.S.
What makes me proud every day is the beautiful family and community we’re building through Sway with Sur. It’s more than just a dance school — it’s a place where newcomers to the city find friends, where confidence grows, and where happiness spreads through every performance.
What truly sets me apart is that I started this purely out of my love for dance — not for fame or business. That authenticity shines through in everything I do, and I think people can feel that.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on this journey is to truly let go and celebrate growth — even when it means people moving on.
When few of my students left to explore other places or participate in competitions, I initially felt defeated. It was hard not to take it personally, because every student becomes a part of my heart and my Sway with Sur family. But over time, I realized something powerful — even though they moved on, our bond didn’t break. They continued to support me, help me, and show the same love as always.
That experience taught me that my purpose isn’t just to teach dance — it’s to inspire a lifelong connection to it. What I truly want is for every dancer who’s ever learned from me to keep dancing, to keep growing, and to continue spreading positivity wherever they go. People will evolve, find new paths, and seek new experiences — and instead of feeling hurt by that, I’ve learned to feel proud. Their continued dance journey is, in many ways, the biggest success of mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.swaywithsur.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaywithsur?igsh=NXJqYjV5ZTZqZjdq&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EyprFfBGg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@swaywithsur?si=uohFMpmpXNx3CxV-
