Gia Kourlas, The New York Times
Published: 02 Feb 2021 12:12 PM BdST
Updated: 02 Feb 2021 12:12 PM BdST The dancer and choreographer Bijoya Das, at home in Van Nuys, Calif., Jan. 29, 2021. The New York Times
The Bruins gymnastics team of the University of California, Los Angeles, has more than one secret weapon. Yes, there’s Nia Dennis whose floor routine, an exuberant and powerful celebration of Black culture, went viral last week. But the team also has another rising star: choreographer Bijoya Das. );
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BJ, as she is known, has been the volunteer assistant coach of the Bruins since 2019. A former gymnast, she also has a deep relationship to dance. A commercial dancer and choreographer living in Los Angeles since 2007, she has performed with Beyoncé, Pink, Usher, Avril Lavigne and others.
Sheâs the Dancing Force Behind Nia Dennisâs Viral Gymnastics Routines
Bijoya Das, a former gymnast with a deep relationship to dance, is training U.C.L.A. team members to let their personality light up the mat.
The dancer and choreographer Bijoya Das, photographed at her home in Los Angeles, was a gymnast herself until an injury in college forced her to quit.Credit.Rozette Rago for The New York Times
Feb. 1, 2021
The Bruins gymnastics team of the University of California, Los Angeles, has more than one secret weapon. Yes, thereâs Nia Dennis whose floor routine, an exuberant and powerful celebration of Black culture, went viral last week. But the team also has another rising star: the choreographer Bijoya Das.