Two Left Feet Podcast

How long did you stay at the beginner level when you started dancing?   This person is starting to feel discouraged because they believe that they are learning too slowly. They have been dancing for 1 year.   I want to start out by saying that Skill Level in Social Dancing is relative. Meaning you could be the best dancer at your school/socials/city/state. But as we all know, just take one look on Social Media, and you will see amazing dancers from all around the world. Please remember, Comparison is the Thief of Joy. Please compare yourself first and foremost to yourself in the past, not to others.   But I do believe as we dance longer, I think we naturally mellow out about levels. There is no end to being a beginner. You should always feel like you can continue to learn. I ask all my guest on the podcast, what does it take to go from Intermediate to Advanced Dancer. And guess what they tell me. Focus on the Basics.   The dancers who start thinking they're advanced are the ones w

On Today's Episode, we have the incredible Mr. Marcelo Alcaraz Who is a world champion Bachata Dancer, Instructor and Performer. He Started Dancing Tango in 2003. Salsa in 2004. Born in Argentina, Currently Lives in Lithuania.   Intro / Childhood - 0:00 How has Argentina Changed – 3:44 What is the dance culture like in Argentina – 4:57 Tango in Argentina – 06:55 Beginner Stage in Salsa – 11:15 Are Dancers Better in 2022 than in the 2002? - 14:10 Becoming a Full time Dancer – 16:53 Being Homeless in Buenos Aires – 23:12 His Mentality While Homeless – 27:13 What does it take to become a full time dancer? – 32:52 What made him successful? – 34:23 Becoming a World Champion Dancer – 38:50 Advice for Beginner Bachata Dancers – 44:50 What makes for a Good Follower? – 50:42 One Tip ? – 54:10 Outro - 55:50     ** Social Media **   https://www.instagram.com/marcelobachata https://www.nextlevelbachata.com/tricks https://www.facebook.com/marcelo.alcaraz1   #Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Rueda #Tarraxin

I like somebody in my Dance Class There is nothing particular in salsa that would make the situation any different in terms of how to ask someone out, the only thing that salsa is giving you is a chance to meet ppl and to start a conversation. So with that said my advice is to not be weird about it, just start a conversation, get their number/Facebook/Instagram and if they seem interested in getting to know you then ask them out. If you get a no then just continue with your life and don't push it or be a dick about it it is easier if you do it on a social rather than after class but it is still possible Build up a friendly relationship with them and eventually ask “hey let me know if you ever want to grab a coffee or [insert other activity idea] outside of class some time”. If they says no, let it go. If they are not interested, drop it COMPLETELY. That way you can continue to dance at the same venue without feeling awkward. If they ever change their mind, they can come back and say let’s grab that coffee. Bu

On Todays episode we have the amazing Ilias Benz. He is a Salsa Performer, Dancer and Instructor. He opened his first dance school in 2004, Baila Productions He currently runs 3 separate dance schools in the Greater Region of Montreal.     On this episode we talk about:   A video with a million views - 0:00   Self Defense Salsa – 1:00   Two Left Feet Podcast – 02:30   Why did those videos gain 1 million views? 06:45 His Background – 10:40   His Beginner Stage in Salsa – 11:30   Should you join a performance team? – 13:40 What to do if you are plateauing in Social Dance – 14:30   Do you need to know 1000 turn patterns? -  16:40   Stage Fright – 24:00   Boring Dance Performances -26:50   Art That makes you forget  you exist – 28:24   Hilarious Story Time – 28:54   Chasing the Dragon – 33:05   Falling in Love on the Dance Floor – 34:20   Advice on Running/Owning a Dance Studio – 40:00   Life on Guam - 42:30   High level Followers – 55:45   How a Follower can Take back Control/Power – 56:15   Relax – 58:05   Is

How to "feel" the rhythm / How to improve their musical interpretation   Whatever music genre you are dancing to, Listen to that music genre often ! As you become more familiar and comfortable with that genre of music, you will start to notice when the songs change energy. Maybe the feel is more sensual or the beat disappears, or you notice more 8th & 16th counts that feel more energetic, etc. Then you can start paying attention to the flow of the singer or the lead guitar and it adds another element you can match your dance to. Don't focus on all of these elements at once, it's too much to implement and can be overwhelming, and frankly requires knowing the song very well. Instead, focus on changing the energy of your techniques to match the energy of the song as these energy changes typically happen very predictably. You should also Count. You don't need any musical talent to do an 8 count. It will keep you on time with the music. Plus you are training your brain to associate where your feet should be st

Snippet From the Interview with Ilias Benz   #Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Rueda #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #Ginga #Forro #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #Socialdance #Socialdancing #Partnerdance #Partnerdancing #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers

Tips for better following Follower has been told that she anticipates moves. When you're practicing, ask your partner to sometimes throw in other moves as well! Preferably that starts somewhat the same. Try not to practice choreographies you see in classes in their entirety, but just their individual parts. Or you could even try practicing with a blindfold on. Obviously, ask the lead, someone you trust, to do this only basic steps and easy turns in a safe, well lit location where it’s just you and the lead on the floor. Try with and without music. Attending socials and dancing with different leads will help. Particularly if you see new faces or leads who learned elsewhere. I think something that's quite important psychologically for following to really work is trusting the leader and letting go of control. It's why the role is called following - you're not the one calling the shots. You're going along with what the leader is doing. This requires comfort, vulnerability, feeling safe. Those are not easy things

How to politely tell leads they are not leading right? Follower was nervous to dance with a particular lead, due to him almost hurting her during a pattern.  She also complained about the lead squeezing her hand too tight.   Pain or danger of getting hurt warrants clear communication. Point it out in a direct manner and if you can, right after it happens- sometimes an "ouch" will suffice with the hand squeezing. Don't be shy about it! There is no need to be nervous about protecting your physical integrity.   During lessons you should and are expected to provide feedback to the leads. It’s a fundamental part of their learning process. Now, I want to make a distinction between differences in opinion and comfort. If it’s painful then he should listen to you, period. There’s no argument. You should never be feeling pain. If you are, your lead is doing something wrong - even when you as a follow do so something wrong it’s the lead’s responsibility to prevent you harm, always On the topic of hand squeezing, this i

On Today's Episode, we have the amazing and wonderful Ms. Stella Anastasaki She is a Kizomba y Bachata Instructor in Greece. She specializes in Ladies' Styling and Afro styles. She was born and raised inChaniá, Greece. In this episode we talk about: Childhood - 1:20 How was she introduced to Kizomba - 03:40 Why does she enjoy Kizomba - 10:45 Musicality - 17:50 How to improve yoru musicaltiy - 19:55 Lessons Learned From Dancing - 21:40 Kizomba Scene in Greece - 26:00 Stuck in a beginners Rut - 32:35 Advice for Teachers - 35:30 Common Mistakes From students - 38:30 What makes for a Good Leader ? - 42:40 What Makes for a Good Follower ? - 46:40 How to be present when dancing - 48:21 Intermediate to Advanced - 50:30 A Good Social vs a Bad Social = 52:10 Shoutouts - 55:00 Final Words - 58:25 **Social Media Links** https://www.instagram.com/estrella_kizz/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Stella-Anastasaki/100010247293668/ #Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Dance #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #RetroZouk

Where to look while dancing? Where should I look while dancing? In the eyes of the follower? Or just don't overthink and keep it natural. Try to keep your head up and have a mixture of of connecting with follower and intentionally scanning your surroundings to make sure you aren’t dancing into anyone/anything and no one dances into you. Connection with follow can be a brief smile, quick scan of surroundings, then a smile again, broken up of course by your turn patterns and other moves, in which case you are looking in the direction you are leading the follow, ready to adjust course as needed. If looking at their eyes feels too much like staring into their soul, you can look between the eyebrows, or at the nose Remember you ALSO use your eyes to lead, so if you're going to move to the left maybe look to the left for the moment to indicate that's where the dance will go. The best leaders are enjoying the dance and music, and are trying to make sure I'm enjoying it too! You can tell when they are smiling authent

On Today's Episode we have the amazingly talents Mr. Stephane Kizomba He is a Urban Kizomba Dancer and Teacher based in France.  In this episode, we talk about:   His Childhood – 0:30 Lessons Learned from Taekwondo – 03:00 How has France Changed – 04:15 Introduction to Dancing – 07:10 Beginner stage in Kizomba – 08:40 Do not give up – 09:50 Leveling up – 11:20 Skin Color – 12:50 Urban Kiz in Paris – 14:20 Urban Kiz vs Kizomba – 16:05 Skill Level of the Instructors in Paris – 17:45 Social Dancing Scene in Paris – 19:30 Practice Time – 24:50 Qualities of a Good Follower – 30:20 Why does he love Kizomba – 32:00 Beginner Stage in Teaching – 33:30 Frame for a Leader – 36:10 Kizomba Basic Step & Weight Transfer – 38:25 What Makes for a good Lead – 41:15 Musicality – 43:50 One Tip – 46:45 **Social Media Links** https://www.instagram.com/stephane_kizomba/ https://www.instagram.com/stephane_agls/ https://www.instagram.com/stephane.annika/ https://www.facebook.com/Stephane.Agls #Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #

Can you forget how to dance if you take a break? If they take a break, stop dancing for the next year, will they forget everything they learned? Initially, it depends on how long you have been dancing. 6 months or less of training and you will probably forget most of the moves you learned. You probably will not forget things like how to step on the beat, your basic step, or the basic technique. So yes, you will forget parts of it. Not everything of course. You will learn faster when you return, though, as things you already knew once, come back quicker. I think it could be safe to assume that most skills are like riding a bike. You do not completely forget how, you might forget the routines or specific patterns. But they should come back after a couple of dances. If you are unable to dance for an extended amount of time, it does not have to be all or nothing. I do not advocate for skipping all socials/classes and forgetting about it, but do what's possible for you, and just also practice a bit on your ow

Social Dancing Burnout? This person has been social dancing for the past 5 years, and they consider themselves at an advanced level. Lately, I've been experiencing a bit of monotony with social dancing. They are starting to feel that all the socials are more or less the same. Same people, same songs, same patterns, etc. They go to dance class 4x week. Try mixing up your class training with some cross-training. Ballet, jazz, contemporary, afro-Cuban, hip hop, whacking, popping, etc. Humans crave new things all the time, and you can avoid burnout by giving your body something new to chew on. Be a beginner again; it’s wonderful with the right attitude. And the beautiful thing is…it will all still help your salsa in the end. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s ok to take a step back and see how it is. It is okay to try out a different dance style. It's probably good to think about the reasons a bit more deeply. Why do you need new people? Why do you need new songs? Why do you need new patterns? What are you lacki

On Today's Episode, we have the incredible Ms. Danielle Fontaine She is a salsa choreographer and Instructor. She was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. She is the director and Choreographer For Dance Team GWEPA. She started dancing Salsa in 2009 in Peru In this episode we talk about: Childhood – 1:10 Life after High school / Peru – 4:50 Regina, Saskatchewan vs Peru – 7:00 Beginner Stage in Salsa – 11:10 Dancing and Latin Music in Peru – 12:20 Classes in a dance school vs club lessons – 18:00 Director and Choreographer – 32:18 Greatest Impact – 38:00 What she wished she knew – 45:35 Quality vs. Quantity – 50:16 Lessons Learned -56:20 Beginner Advice – 59:55 Intermediate to Advanced – 1:02:30 One Tip – 1:05:40 Her new Dance Studio – 1:08:40 ** Social Media Links ** https://www.facebook.com/danielle.font.52 https://www.instagram.com/dani.marie.f/ https://www.collectivestudiosregina.com/ #Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Dance #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #RetroZouk #Ginga #Bolero #Forro #La

On Today's Episode, we have the incredible Claudio Osdomomento. He is an Mozambique Afrobeats y Kizomba Dancer. In this episode we talk about: Mozambique – 1:00 Pandza – 04:50 How Has Social Media Affected Mozambique – 11:30 Dancing - 14:21 AfroBeats – 16:45 What Skills Can you transfer from Afrobeats to Kizomba? - 19:15 Kizomba Teachers in Mozambique – 21:50 How Popular is Kizomba in Mozambique? – 23:00 Salsa/Bachata in Mozambique – 24:41 Beginner Stage in Kizomba – 27:00 What is Frame and how do you improve it – 29:30 Advice for followers - 33:40 – Musicality – 37:25 Lessons Learned – 40:50 Learning to Teach – 43:40 Age is nothing but a number - 45:30 The Basic Step in Kizomba / Weight Transfer – 46:50 One Tip – 50:35 ** Social Media Links ** https://www.instagram.com/claudio_osdomomento/ https://youtu.be/fHZvJ-twHRk

Jealousy and Insecurity with Significant other social dancing. in a relationship, both parties are allowed to feel how they want to feel. It takes open honest communication between people to find a happy ground that both are comfortable with. What that looks like depends on the individuals involved. Some couples have a no sensual dance rule, others prefer not to know about what their partner does on the dance floor. Everyone is different and the only way to get over those differences is to talk it out. Dancing is something important to you, or whatever hobby you enjoy. No one should ever sacrifice their hobbies and individual identity to be with someone! If you have to stop being yourself to be with someone then that person is NOT for you. Becoming a good dancer takes time and effort. It is not a hobby you can do once or twice a year. It is understandable if you are unwilling to give up your primary hobby because of someone else's preferences, regardless of whether they are driven by their culture, their pers

How to develop more natural body movement? This Lead, has been dancing Salsa for the past 8 months and he feels that His body movement is still very robotic The non-glamorous answer is 'practice'. Of course, being systematic about it will help and prevent you from spinning your wheels. Start with your basic as your baseline. Meanwhile, practice various body isolations, namely shoulders, rib cage and hips. Then build on your basic. Add on shoulders, then rib cage, hips, etc... If you try to do too much at once, your body won't be able to coordinate, which is why I suggest adding in one body isolation at a time. Eventually your body will get used to the new movement and muscle memory will slowly kick in. Body movement practice takes a lot of time, so be patient with it. Doing this practice daily will guarantee results. Even better if you started recording yourself for even more progress and humility. You can of course record yourself with a partner. But I suggest also recording yourself dancing solo since your

How to be productive in practice sessions with my partner? This couple struggles to give each other feedback. Wanted to know how to have a productive practice session? When they practice together, they are struggling to NOT become irritated with each other, for various reasons. I'm not an expert but I definitely believe partners can work through any issues if they are committed. 1. Focus on one or two things only in each practice session that you both can control within your own dancing, and give and receive feedback only on that thing. Works best when it is a technique item from a recent lesson. Agree to each other's items before starting practice and hold each other to it. 2. I think I would stop giving feedback on how I thought they lead or follow - the information was always better coming from the coach. 3. If you do not understand your partner's feedback or you are unable to implement it. Put it on a list for the coach for your next lesson or to ask an advanced dancer for advice if isn’t coach wasn't ava

Does learning from youtube videos create bad habits? The answer is both yes and no. This video, I will argue it from both sides. If your main goal is to become familiar/comfortable with the basic step. Online Videos can be a great help. If you are goal is to become proficient in partner dancing, Then you need in person classes. I prefer in person classes, since you can ask about anything that comes up, Online Pre-recorded Videos, You do not have the ability to question the instructor. But I will say it doesn't hurt for you to go through a few videos and learn the basics. Obviously, if you're by yourself, it's impossible to learn the partner work. Online videos only show a limited pre-scripted angle of dancing. It doesn't have the adaptive, flexibility of a teacher, the nuance of partner dancing and opportunities of class learning. It should be SUPPLEMENTARY to taking classes, not a replacement. If you watch a beginner video by a good and reputable teacher you are good. Initially you may even learn more than

On today's episode, we have the amazing and incredible Ms. Devon Near-Hill She is a Brazilian Zouk Instructor. She has a background in bellydance, ballet, salsa, and modern dance. She currently lives in California. She started dancing B-zouk back in 2014. In this episode we talk about: Childhood – 1:00 Belly dancing – 6:00 Training to become an actor – 14:00 Beginner Stage in Salsa – 17:30 Social Dancing vs Classes - Leading vs following: 22:00 Introduction Brazilian Zouk – 27:00 Safety for Follows – 30:33 Gilson Damasco – 34:00 History of Brazilian Zouk – 36:00 Jerry Lai – 40:00 Traits of a Good lead – 42:00 Efficient Follow – 43:30 Lessons Learned – 45:30 Followers influence on a dance – 47:30 Intermediate to advance – 50:30 Musicality – 52:00 Sensual bachata – 54:30 Common Mistakes – 59:30 One tip – 1:03:00 ** Social Media Links ** https://www.instagram.com/devonandjerry/ https://devonandjerry.com/ https://www.devonnearhill.com/ https://www.instagram.com/devonsandrika