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What if the fastest way to rebuild trust in a room is to dance? 

I sit down with educator and salsa maestro Rodney Eric Lopez to unpack how movement restores dignity, unlocks presence, and turns awkward groups into brave communities. He begins with a raw account of being publicly shunned by a religious community, then shares how a later church—built on crossing boundaries of race, class, gender, orientation, and age—helped him heal and see how discomfort can be a teacher.

From there, Rodney retraces his unexpected pivot from journalism and corporate PR to a life of social dance. We dive into inclusive facilitation for differently able-bodied participants, and we travel through culture with merengue, salsa, and Harlem swing—linking geography, history, and identity in a way that sticks far beyond the gym.

In the end, Rodney makes a compelling case to reunite mind and body in professional learning. He argues that schools should start the day with movement and arts so nervous systems are regulated before academics begin, boosting focus, teamwork, and well-being.

If you care about culture, belonging, and courageous teaching, this conversation will move you—literally and figuratively.

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