Actress Completed Intensive Training for Dance Role
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan underwent four months of rigorous dance preparation to perform as a collegiate Bollywood dancer.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Dancing
In the new Netflix film Best of the Best, actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan takes on the role of a collegiate Bollywood dancer. To prepare, the 24-year-old actor engaged in four months of high-intensity physical conditioning and technical dance training.
Why it matters
The training regimen demonstrates the significant physical preparation required to perform modern, classical, and folk dance styles at a professional level. Maintaining such an intensive schedule highlights the importance of incorporating strength and agility work when training for complex choreography.
The training program involved six classes per day, six days per week, over a four-month period. This regimen combined technical instruction in modern, classical, and folk dance styles with structured strength and agility sessions.
The players
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
An actress who performed as a lead dancer in the film Best of the Best.
Joya Kazi
A professional choreographer who designed and supervised the intense dance training curriculum.
Netflix
A global media streaming platform that released the film Best of the Best.
The details
Choreographer Joya Kazi oversaw the curriculum, which prioritized both artistic precision and physical endurance. The program functioned by layering daily repetitive movement drills with targeted conditioning to support the biomechanical demands of diverse dance genres.
Timeline
September 26, 2026: Best of the Best became available on Netflix.
Health Landscape
This development aligns with the established physical rigor seen in elite performance-based arts programs and their training standards. These regimens illustrate the transition toward treating dancers as high-performance athletes who require specific conditioning to prevent injury.
For those pursuing similar dance styles, the importance of integrating strength and agility work alongside technical practice is key to maintaining stamina and preventing strain. It is worth discussing safe, progressive training schedules with a sports physical therapist or fitness coach.
The takeaway
Achieving proficiency in complex dance styles requires a balanced approach that combines specific skill-building with physical conditioning. If you are starting a rigorous new exercise program, consult with a physician to ensure your body is prepared for the increased intensity.
Further reading
For more on the physical demands of various styles, visit Dancing.
