7 Shocking Facts About Shiva's Dance And Fitness: The Studio Run By A 2024 Political Activist

As of December 2025, Shiva's Dance and Fitness remains a vibrant and dynamic fixture in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills fitness scene, but the story of the studio is inseparable from the multifaceted and often controversial public life of its founder, Shiva Bagheri. This isn't just another dance studio; it's a unique institution built on a foundation of competitive fitness, classical and cultural dance, and a surprisingly active role in conservative political activism, including a recent run for the California State Assembly in 2024. The studio, established in 2002, has cultivated a reputation for its *unique blend* of classes, catering to a remarkably wide age range—from two-year-olds to adults aged 82 and beyond. However, it’s the founder’s background as a gymnastics champion, fitness model, and political candidate that truly sets the institution apart, injecting a level of curiosity and depth rarely seen in a local fitness center.

The Dynamic Life of Shiva Bagheri: Biography and Public Profile

Shiva's Dance and Fitness is the brainchild of Shiva Bagheri, a figure whose professional life spans an incredible array of disciplines, from the world of competitive athletics to the high-stakes arena of California politics. Her background provides the foundational *topical authority* for the studio's diverse curriculum.

Shiva Bagheri: A Complete Professional Profile

• Primary Role: Professional Dancer, Choreographer, and Dance Instructor.
• Founder: Shiva's Dance and Fitness (established 2002).
• Athletic Background: Fitness Competitor and Gymnastics Champion.
• Modeling/Acting: Fitness Model and Actor.
• Fitness Expertise: Personal Trainer.
• Unique Side Role: Dog Walker.
• Political Affiliation: Conservative Activist.

The Political and Activist Career of Shiva Bagheri

What makes Shiva Bagheri a figure of high curiosity is her parallel career in conservative activism and politics, a rare combination for a Los Angeles-based dance studio owner. * 2024 Election Bid: Bagheri ran for the California State Assembly, representing District 51. She participated in the primary election on March 5, 2024, demonstrating her commitment to her political beliefs. * Beverly Hills City Council: Prior to her state assembly run, she confirmed a bid for the Beverly Hills City Council in the June 2022 race. * Beverly Hills Freedom Rally: She is the founder of the Beverly Hills Freedom Rally, a group associated with right-wing demonstrations and activism in the area. * Controversial Stances: Bagheri has been noted as an anti-mask activist, participating in protests outside major corporate headquarters in Burbank. This political involvement, while separate from the *dance instruction* itself, offers a fascinating glimpse into the strong convictions of the studio's leader, bringing a unique, high-energy personality that permeates the studio's atmosphere.

Beyond the Barre: The Unique Class Offerings and Methodology

Shiva's Dance and Fitness is celebrated not just for its owner's profile, but for its incredibly diverse and inclusive class schedule. The studio’s curriculum is a testament to Shiva Bagheri's wide-ranging expertise, merging classical training with contemporary and cultural forms.

The Unique Blend of Dance and Fitness

The studio is renowned for offering a *unique blend* of classes that cater to all skill levels, from absolute beginners to professional dancers. * Classical & Modern Dance: Offerings include foundational classes like Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and high-energy Hip-Hop sessions. * Cultural Dance: A key differentiator is the inclusion of Persian Dance classes, reflecting Shiva Bagheri’s heritage and providing students with a unique cultural and artistic experience not commonly found in typical Los Angeles dance studios. This class is a major draw for those seeking *cultural dance instruction*. * Specialized Skills: The studio also provides Tumbling classes, leveraging Bagheri's background as a gymnastics champion, and Musical Theatre (covering acting, singing, and dancing), showcasing her choreographic and performance skills. * Fitness Focus: Dedicated Stretch & Firm and general Fitness Classes ensure the studio caters to overall health and wellness, not just performance art.

The Furry Companion Fitness Angle

In a truly unique twist that highlights the studio's Los Angeles sensibility, Shiva's Dance and Fitness has been noted for offering specialized classes that involve "furry companions." This commitment to holistic, community-focused wellness—even extending to dog-friendly fitness—underscores the studio's innovative approach to movement and health.

Shiva Bagheri's Fitness Philosophy: Merging Discipline and Expression

The core philosophy at Shiva's Dance and Fitness is rooted in the founder's own journey: a powerful merger of the discipline required for a gymnastics champion and the expressive freedom of a professional dancer.

The Competitive Edge in Instruction

Shiva Bagheri's experience as a fitness competitor and personal trainer translates into an instructional style that is both demanding and highly effective. Students, regardless of age (from the youngest students at age two to seniors at age 82), are taught the importance of technique, consistency, and pushing personal boundaries. The focus is on achieving tangible results, whether that is mastering a complex ballet move or improving overall physical conditioning through Stretch & Firm routines.

Embracing Cultural and Artistic Expression

Despite the rigorous fitness focus, the studio maintains a strong emphasis on artistic expression. The Persian dance classes, in particular, serve as a focal point for cultural education and expressive movement. This unique offering allows students to explore a rich dance history and develop a deeper connection to cultural arts. Furthermore, her choreographic work, which includes ballets like "Sleeping Beauty," demonstrates a deep commitment to classical artistic forms.

A Community of Energy and Inclusivity

Reviews frequently praise Shiva Bagheri's "unreal energy," noting that she manages to make students "sweat and smile." This high-octane, positive environment is crucial to the studio's success. By serving a wide demographic—children's camps during school breaks, adult classes, and professionals—Shiva's Dance and Fitness fosters a truly inclusive Los Angeles community where everyone can find a path to health and self-expression. The studio's operating hours, typically Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM, are designed to accommodate busy schedules, ensuring accessibility for the diverse clientele in Beverly Hills and surrounding areas. The studio's longevity since 2002 is a testament to its successful model: a place where the precision of competitive fitness meets the joy of musical theatre, all guided by a founder with a fascinating and dynamic public life.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Shiva's Dance and Fitness

Shiva's Dance and Fitness offers far more than standard dance instruction; it is a reflection of the extraordinary life of Shiva Bagheri herself. From her roots as a gymnastics champion to her recent activities as a conservative activist and political candidate in the 2024 California State Assembly race, her personal drive fuels the studio's energy. The combination of classical Ballet, vibrant Hip-Hop, culturally rich Persian Dance, and innovative dog-friendly fitness cements its status as a highly unique and enduring institution in the Los Angeles fitness landscape. To experience the *unique blend* of discipline, culture, and high-energy instruction, the studio continues to be a top destination for anyone seeking a comprehensive approach to movement and wellness.