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 who stop growing, The Dancers who believe that being known in their local scene means they're objectively good. Also do know and remember there is no clear-cut consensus on what is a beginner/intermediate/advanced. What is an Advanced Dancer in one city, could be intermediate in another city. Dancing isn't about being the best dancer, it's about being the best version of yourself Lastly here are some quick tips if you want to improve Faster: 1. Whatever Dance style you dance, Listen to that music Genre Often. Like all the time, as much as possible. Becoming accustomed to the music genre will make you a better dancer. This is easier to do if you actually enjoy the music. 2. Practice, practice, practice. As amazing as your teacher maybe it's your hours on the dance floor that will help you improve. Practice at the home, solo, or with a partner. Put in the work! #Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Dance #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #RetroZouk #Ginga #Bolero #Forro #Lamba #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #Socialdance #Socialdancing #Partnerdance #Partnerdancing #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers 2LF Links _______________________________________________ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tw0LeftFeet Instagram: tw0_left_feet Website: https://2leftfeet.blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2171874589599779/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoLeftFeetPodcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/two-left-feet-podcast/id1454425997 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bQSnwKDmHbDQdgnZ0OrC3 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Twoleftfeet Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR109vJ4Pbl146Ok1u5vSuA Anchor: https://anchor.fm/twoleftfeetpodcast

Fabrice Labrana aka "Fabbreezy

Who is a Dancer, choreographer, artistic director, trainer, and event producer.

He has danced alongside renowned artists such as: Mariah Carey, George Michael, Robbie Williams, Chris Brown and Matt Pokora.

in international films (Step Up 3, Street, Dance 3D).

Introductions: 0:00

Childhood – 01:10

How has Guadalupe Changed? – 05:05

France vs Guadalupe – 08:10

Growing up in France – 10:20

Hip hop in France – 12:10

Dance – 14:00 ?

Good vs Excellent Dancers – 17:40?

Imitation vs Creativity – 21:10

24:00 open the fridge

Finding your own voice – 25:10

How has dancing helped him – 27:40

Negativity - 31:50

Social Media Impact – 44:00

57:00 – One tip

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. But if that doesn't happen, forget trying to advance that relationship .

Please keep this in mind, There is NOTHING WRONG WITH being attracted to someone. No matter what anyone says, you are being a normal human being. Being attracted to someone does NOT make you a creep. It's called 'life' It might work out, it might not. If it doesn't work out, you've got to prepare for the social friction that will result. You might not be able to dance with that person again if the humiliation of romantic failure is too acute. Then again, what happens if it works out? And you get married, have babies, and start a family.

You need to ask yourself - what do you want most - a hot date, or to be a good dancer? They can't be the same priority. You have to choose what you want most. That choice will inform your romantic decisions.

If you want a date try to organize a post class happy hour. Also get to know as many dancers as possible to learn when and where house parties might happen. Volunteer at dance events! Pick up garbage, clean the floor, get to know EVERY-ONE.

#Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Dance #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #RetroZouk #Ginga #Bolero #Forro #Lamba #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #Socialdance #Socialdancing #Partnerdance #Partnerdancing #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers

2LF Links

_______________________________________________

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tw0LeftFeet Instagram: tw0_left_feet Website: https://2leftfeet.blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2171874589599779/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoLeftFeetPodcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/two-left-feet-podcast/id1454425997 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bQSnwKDmHbDQdgnZ0OrC3 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Twoleftfeet Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR109vJ4Pbl146Ok1u5vSuA Anchor: https://anchor.fm/twoleftfeetpodcast

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

#Tarraxinha

#Zouk

#Passada

#Ginga

#Forro

#LambaZouk

#Afro

#Latin

#African

#Socialdance

#Socialdancing

#Partnerdance

#Partnerdancing

#Pachanga

#Lambada

#Dance

#Dancers

2LF Links

_______________________________________________

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tw0LeftFeet

Instagram: tw0_left_feet

Website: https://2leftfeet.blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2171874589599779/

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoLeftFeetPodcast/

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/two-left-feet-podcast/id1454425997

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bQSnwKDmHbDQdgnZ0OrC3

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Twoleftfeet

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR109vJ4Pbl146Ok1u5vSuA

Anchor: https://anchor.fm/twoleftfeetpodcast

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 stepping.

When you find a song you love, listen to it as often as possible. While listening to it, visualize leading someone through a dance. The great thing about visualizing is that you are a perfect lead in your head and your partner follows everything perfectly.

Repeatedly listening to a song also helps you become more familiar with the cues in the song that indicate an energy change.

Next, watch some videos for ideas - just do a search for your favorite songs on YouTube . I'd be a little careful in who you select to watch,

Watching these videos isn't to help you learn techniques you don't know yet, but more to help you figure out what parts of the music people play with and how they change a basic technique to do that. Also, keep in mind that many of these dances are choreographed/rehearsed, so some of their chosen musicality may be difficult to implement socially.

Take more musicality/body movement workshops. if you have a good foundation with body movements it will definitely show in your dancing because you look more fluid and less robotic.

#Salsa

#Bachata

#Kizomba

#Podcast

#BrazilianZouk

#Dance

#Tarraxinha

#Zouk

#Passada

#RetroZouk

#Ginga

#Bolero

#Forro

#Lamba

#LambaZouk

#Afro

#Latin

#African

#Socialdance

#Socialdancing

#Partnerdance

#Partnerdancing

#Pachanga

#Lambada

#Dance

#Dancers

2LF Links

_______________________________________________

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tw0LeftFeet

Instagram: tw0_left_feet

Website: https://2leftfeet.blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2171874589599779/

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoLeftFeetPodcast/

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/two-left-feet-podcast/id1454425997

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bQSnwKDmHbDQdgnZ0OrC3

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Twoleftfeet

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR109vJ4Pbl146Ok1u5vSuA

Anchor: https://anchor.fm/twoleftfeetpodcast

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 the lady smiling when you dance with her ? – 01:01:25

So you think you are good ? – 01:02:40

Appreciation and Value - 1:05:26

Covid in Guam – 01:07:02

Influx of New Teachers on Social Media – 01:10:23

Advice for being stuck in a beginners rut – 01:17:31

Brazilian jiu-jitsu Intermission – 01:22:19

Musicality - 01:31:51

Good Social VS bad Social – 01:34:33

One tip – 01:35:50

It's the followers fault – 01:37:50

Its always the leads fault – 01:39:10

Outro – 01:43:11

**Social Media Links **

https://www.facebook.com/BailaProductions/

https://bailaproductions.com/en/

https://www.instagram.com/bailaproductions/

https://www.youtube.com/c/Bailaproductionstv/videos

#Salsa

#Bachata

#Kizomba

#Podcast

#BrazilianZouk

#Rueda

#Tarraxinha

#Zouk

#Passada

#Ginga

#Forro

#LambaZouk

#Afro

#Latin

#African

#Socialdance

#Socialdancing

#Partnerdance

#Partnerdancing

#Pachanga

#Lambada

#Dance

#Dancers

2LF Links

_______________________________________________

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tw0LeftFeet

Instagram: tw0_left_feet

Website: https://2leftfeet.blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2171874589599779/

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoLeftFeetPodcast/

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/two-left-feet-podcast/id1454425997

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bQSnwKDmHbDQdgnZ0OrC3

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Twoleftfeet

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR109vJ4Pbl146Ok1u5vSuA

Anchor: https://anchor.fm/twoleftfeetpodcast

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 to have especially starting off dancing with complete strangers who are clueless as well. So remind yourself of that and give yourself time to acclimate.

Now another aspect of it has to do with the quality of communication between leader and follower. Part of why you're predicting moves may be because of a poor ambiguous signal of a move from the leader. That's something that can only be determined by dancing with solid leaders. So ensure that in classes the instructor leads you through a move a few times so you know what it should feel like.

Another part may be that you've got to work on your framing, body control and positioning. This is basically what sets you up to be lead appropriately. If you're too loose, it'll be like trying to get cooked spaghetti to dance, it just goes everywhere. If you're too stiff it's like trying to move something really heavy across the floor which sometimes jerks around or gets stuck. From what I've seen, the best followers are excellent at shines and I believe that's because it gives them a solid amount of body control and positioning and a good understanding of what a person would need to have their body moved as they know how to move their own body. So I really recommend working on shines. If I was to start dancing anew - I'd prioritize shines over partnerwork. I'd film the instructor, practice solo, film myself, compare videos and slowly pick one thing at a time to fix about my movement and work on it.

Another common thing I found in my area with the best followers is that they did private lessons with a well-known specialist in teaching following. If there's someone like that in your area, it'd probably be a good idea to do a few lessons. Ask the good follows in your area and see what they say.

#Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Dance #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #RetroZouk #Ginga #Bolero #Forro #Lamba #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #Socialdance #Socialdancing #Partnerdance #Partnerdancing #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers

2LF Links

_______________________________________________

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tw0LeftFeet Instagram: tw0_left_feet Website: https://2leftfeet.blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2171874589599779/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoLeftFeetPodcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/two-left-feet-podcast/id1454425997 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bQSnwKDmHbDQdgnZ0OrC3 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Twoleftfeet Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR109vJ4Pbl146Ok1u5vSuA Anchor: https://anchor.fm/twoleftfeetpodcast

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 is something I am dealing with as an experienced lead with beginner follows. I guess this is just an issue with beginners. You can say something like "Hi, when you lead, you squeeze my hand and it makes me uncomfortable and it hurts. Can you please not do that again?"

Be direct. Your safety in dancing, especially as a follow since you're have less control, is greater than the lead's feelings. If they can't accept it, don't dance with them, or tell your instructor. Or if being direct is too much for you, tell the teacher and have them handle it for you.

I will say as a leader I WANT feedback about my dancing. So please do not withhold your opinion. Unless it's negative, don't tell me that. Tell me how good I was and how amazing of a time you had J

#Salsa

#Bachata

#Kizomba

#Podcast

#BrazilianZouk

#Dance

#Tarraxinha

#Zouk

#Passada

#RetroZouk

#Ginga

#Bolero

#Forro

#Lamba

#LambaZouk

#Afro

#Latin

#African

#Socialdance

#Socialdancing

#Partnerdance

#Partnerdancing

#Pachanga

#Lambada

#Dance

#Dancers

2LF Links

_______________________________________________

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tw0LeftFeet

Instagram: tw0_left_feet

Website: https://2leftfeet.blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2171874589599779/

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoLeftFeetPodcast/

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/two-left-feet-podcast/id1454425997

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bQSnwKDmHbDQdgnZ0OrC3

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Twoleftfeet

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR109vJ4Pbl146Ok1u5vSuA

Anchor: https://anchor.fm/twoleftfeetpodcast

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 #Ginga #Bolero #Forro #Lamba #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #Socialdance #Socialdancing #Partnerdance #Partnerdancing #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers

2LF Links

_______________________________________________

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tw0LeftFeet Instagram: tw0_left_feet Website: https://2leftfeet.blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2171874589599779/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoLeftFeetPodcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/two-left-feet-podcast/id1454425997 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bQSnwKDmHbDQdgnZ0OrC3 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Twoleftfeet Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR109vJ4Pbl146Ok1u5vSuA Anchor: https://anchor.fm/twoleftfeetpodcast