Summary

In this conversation, Austin Moulder engages with Gregory Almonord and Ethan Lassiter to explore the dynamics of the Chicago dance scene, particularly focusing on the People's Social event. They discuss the importance of creating an inclusive yet aspirational environment for dancers of all skill levels, the challenges of event organizing, and the need for continuous improvement in the dance community. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of mentorship, community support, and the balance between beginner and advanced dancers to foster a thriving dance culture. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of social dancing, particularly focusing on the concept of exclusivity versus accessibility in dance events. They discuss the importance of experimentation and feedback in evolving the dance scene, the role of objective standards in creating inclusive spaces, and the evolution of artists within the community. The conversation also touches on the future of social dancing and the vision for the People's Social, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and innovation in the dance community.

In the kickoff of Season Two of the Studio E podcast, host Austin Moulder reflects on the success of the previous season and introduces the theme of open conversations within the Latin dance community. He emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives, addressing critical issues such as consent and safety in dance, and previews upcoming episodes that will explore these themes in depth. The season aims to foster meaningful dialogue and representation, encouraging community engagement and participation.

Summary

In this episode, Austin Moulder interviews Eda Kachiri, owner of Yirii Dance Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They discuss Eda's journey to buying a studio space, growing the Minneapolis dance community, and using her network to become a traveling instructor across the nation. They also talk about unleashing passion in performances and finding connection in social dances.

The conversation touches on the impact of fusion on traditional Bachata, the importance of bridging the gap between studio dancers and Latinos, and the need for inclusivity and cultural awareness in the dance community.

Eda Kachiri discusses the importance of exploring different genres of music and dance before forming an opinion. Eda emphasizes the importance of passion and fun in dance performances, and how social dancing can enhance performance skills. She also discusses the role of the camera in performances and social dancing, and the need for genuine connections in both. Eda shares her approach to teaching and her goal of leaving a positive impact on the Latin dance scene.

In this conversation, Austin Moulder and Brian (B-Mac) discuss the importance of continuous improvement in the dance space and the journey to becoming a Bachata Sensual Ambassador.

They also touch on the importance of technical training and the challenges of balancing social dancing and competition. Brian emphasizes the need for dancers to constantly seek out resources and opportunities for growth, whether through private lessons, group classes, or online training.

The conversation explores the importance of continuous training and the fusion of different dance genres in becoming an amazing dancer. It also discusses the role of technique and foundations in Bachata Sensual, emphasizing the need to understand the history and traditional aspects of Bachata.

The Bachata Sensual ambassadorship program is highlighted as a way to learn and improve, with a focus on character and humility. The conversation concludes with advice for dancers in secondary cities on how to improve and make a worldwide impact.

Tiara and Briana are twin sisters who have a passion for salsa and bachata dancing. They have had different experiences and training in different locations, which has shaped their individual dance styles. They emphasize the importance of being true to oneself and not trying to mimic others.

They also discuss the challenges of being compared to each other and offer advice for beginner dancers to find their own style and continue to grow. The conversation explores the experiences of the speakers as beginner dancers and the challenges they faced in comparing themselves to more advanced dancers. They discuss the importance of finding role models and mentors, both in person and online, to inspire and guide their dance journey. They emphasize the need to give oneself grace and not to take the fun out of dancing by putting too much pressure on improvement.

The speakers also touch on the issues of racism, colorism, and body image in the dance community, particularly in relation to sensual bachata. Tiara and Briana discuss the importance of representation and diversity in the dance community. They talk about the pressure to look a certain way and perform for the camera, but also the need to balance that with genuine connection in dancing. They share their experiences as black women in the dance scene and the responsibility they feel to represent and inspire others.

They emphasize the importance of checking biases and diversifying dance partners to become better dancers. They also discuss the power of music and how it can redefine genres and inspire creativity.

Stephanie Groth, a physical therapist and salsa dancer, discusses common dancer pains and how to prevent them.

She emphasizes the importance of body awareness and technique in preventing overuse injuries. She also highlights the need for dancers to assess their bodies before each dance and adjust their movements accordingly.

Stephanie addresses the question of whether sensual bachata movements are appropriate for our bodies and emphasizes the importance of communication and listening to our bodies and partners. She provides insights on lower back pain and suggests focusing on core strength and lower abdominal control to alleviate the pain.

She also discusses the impact of heels on the body, foot pain in dancing, and the role of physical therapy in addressing these issues. Stephanie explains that wearing heels shifts the body's alignment and puts more pressure on certain areas of the foot, leading to foot pain. She emphasizes the importance of proper technique, flooring, and shoe wear in managing foot pain.

Stephanie also highlights the need for dancers to take care of their bodies through intentional practice, recovery, and self-care. Stephanie encourages dancers to trust their instincts and find a physical therapist who listens to their concerns and provides a feasible and effective treatment plan. She also shares a song that resonates with her and expresses her desire to leave a mark on the Latin dance scene by promoting body care and longevity in dancing.

We explore the concept of femininity in dance and how individuals can find and express their own version of it. Jocelyn and Nathalie discuss their experiences with dance and how they have evolved over time. They emphasize the importance of confidence and being comfortable in one's body when expressing femininity.

They also touch on the idea that femininity is innate but also needs to be nurtured and developed. The guests share their perspectives on social dancing and how they navigate expressing their femininity while setting boundaries and dealing with uncomfortable situations. The conversation also explores the importance of boundaries and emotional intelligence in social dancing.

The use of heels is discussed as a way to tap into femininity and enhance social dancing. They also discuss the fundamentals of becoming a good performance dancer and offer tips for fighting through discomfort and unleashing your inner confidence.

Brandon Hampton, founder of Ritmos Negros, explores the evolution and cultural significance of Bachata and Afro-Cuban movement. We delve into the challenges of researching and understanding the roots of these dance forms and the role of oral history in preserving their traditions. The discussion also touches on the fusion of different styles and the debate around maintaining the authenticity of the dance.

The importance of education, intention, and self-awareness for instructors is emphasized, as well as the need for ongoing research and collaboration to expand knowledge and create a more inclusive dance community.

Brandon and Austin also discuss the challenges of prioritizing and sharing content with their audiences. They explore the balance between creating engaging content and staying true to the roots of different dance styles. They also touch on the importance of diversity and collaboration within the dance community. Brandon shares his perspective on identity and the complexity of cultural experiences. Brandon's mark on the Latin dance scene is to spread joy, positivity, and allow people to feel and be present.

Natalye shares her diverse range of experiences in the dance world, from dealing with injuries to traveling while dancing.

She talks about her background in dancing, starting in St. Louis and her love for salsa and bachata. Natalye also discusses her journey of traveling to 11 countries and dancing in different scenes around the world. She emphasizes the importance of being a resource for others who want to explore different dance cultures and provides tips for finding classes and communities while traveling.

Natalye also opens up about her injuries and the emotional toll they took on her, but how she persevered and returned to dancing. Austin and Natalye talk about the benefits of stretching before socials and the cultural norms around warm-ups in the dance community.

They also explore the dynamics of dance relationships and the challenges of dating non-dancers. Natalye emphasizes the importance of rhythm in a partner and the potential conflicts that can arise when dating someone outside of the dance scene. Natalye expresses her desire to be known as someone who helps and encourages others in the dance space.

Taylor describes the DJ Diem Classic experience as focused on dancers and aiming to get as many people dancing as possible. He balances the needs of experienced dancers and newbies by being participatory and engaging.

Taylor's dance scene evolution started with competitive ballroom dance before joining a Latin dance troupe and eventually becoming a DJ. Dissatisfaction with the existing DJing products in the market led Taylor to start DJing and provide a diverse range of music. He shares recommendations for discovering new music and his process for organizing and vetting his music.

As a DJ, Taylor focuses on getting people dancing and building trust with the crowd before introducing more opinionated songs. He aims to expose people to the variety of salsa styles and stay true to the genre's history.

DJ DM Classic shares insights on the DJ lifestyle, including equipment setup, starting with house parties, and the financial aspects of DJing. He emphasizes the importance of marketing and promoting oneself as a DJ and building relationships with organizers.

DJ Diem Classic discusses his future goals, including playing at prime time spots in major festivals. He encourages aspiring DJs to bring something unique to the scene and to consider organizing their own events. He also emphasizes the importance of breaking down barriers and building relationships within the dance community.