Lifestyle

Soccer Coach and Fitness Trainer Al Cairns Knew the 9 to 5 Was not For Him After Having an Internship during College, So He Embraced the World of Sports

Published

5 years ago

July 31, 2020

Internships can help make or break our passions. Though not everyone can afford to have an unpaid internship, it can be a very useful stepping stone for finding out what you want to do for the rest of your life or to gain valuable experience. Al Cairns, had an internship at a young age that inspired his passion for non-traditional work after his family moved to California.

“I was admitted to Cal State Fullerton where I studied one of my passions; Media & Production. I actually had a few internships towards the end of it, including one at Paramount Pictures on the set of The Doctors TV Show. An amazing experience seeing professionals who have truly perfected their craft in the entertainment industry. The internships enlightened me that the traditional path being presented maybe wasn’t for me.” recounts Al.

From here, Al decided to move to the Bay area and use his connection to leverage him into the soccer and coaching world. He found it very easy teaching many the wonders of the beautiful game that he experienced as a young kid, and ultimately grew up loving. Progressing his coaching for many years, a different kind of opportunity presented itself to Al.

“Since 2015 I’ve had the privilege to be a coach, leader and mentor to many amazing kids who will inevitably also become leaders for future generations. It’s an amazing and impactful feeling to have the opportunity to help shape the minds and values that will be instilled within our youth. Two years ago, another opportunity presented itself through my very diverse network of colleagues and friends. It was an opportunity to audition for a spot to become a Barry’s Instructor in the Bay Area and potentially a leading instructor at the new Palo Alto and Santana Row locations.” Al explains.

For Al, this was a special privilege for him and something he took up immediately. With a loyal clientele who lean on him to learn more about fitness and soccer specifically. Al is on top of all fitness trends and helps people continue coming back to his classes by connecting to them on many levels.

“Not everyone is cut out to be Barry’s Instructor or play a positive role in the lives of our youth. I have a personality that naturally includes others and a rare ability to not be afraid to make the first step in doing so. No matter one’s age, gender, sexual orientation, race or socioeconomic status, I hold the ability to quickly find common ground and make people feel comfortable. I am now a personal Fitness and Soccer Specific Trainer with programs through Barry’s Bootcamp, private soccer clubs, and my own separate clientele. Soccer is seasonal in nature, while there are more seasonal trends in the general fitness industry which I have an active pulse on.” Al says.

Al is different from many other trainers and coaches out there. As he said, he is able to make people feel comfortable no matter where they come from or what their background is, but even more so, Al has a personality that helps him create bonds through his genuineness and kindness to others.

“My open and genuine personality naturally enables me to differentiate from my peers. I believe to have a high Q – rating and understand it takes less than 30 seconds for someone who doesn’t know you to determine if they like you or not. I truly try to create real relationships with every individual I encounter. It’s not just result driven but learning about clients lifestyles, friendships, fitness goals, life goals, and overall personality to enable me to connect. None are the same and I take a holistic approach to learn as much as I can about each of these people and how I can make a lasting positive impression on their life.” comments Al.

Al’s piece of advice for those looking to start their own business or launch themselves into the fitness world is to not be afraid of hard work.

“People shouldn’t be afraid of hard work and putting themselves out there. I truly want to enable people to live better and more fulfilled lives and I believe I hold unique traits that other leaders hold in their ability to connect people.” advises Al.

To find out more about Al, you can check him out on Instagram @theboyskux

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

11 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.