Two Left Feet Podcast

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 authentically, and their partner is like an extension of their enjoyment of the music. Personally, when I'm really having fun I don't even think about where I'm looking.

#Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Dance #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #RetroZouk #Ginga #Bolero #Forro #Lamba #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #CapeVerde #Caribbean #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers

2LF Links

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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

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 own and listen to the music. Going to classes, or socials, or doing some practice at home from time will help. The more the better of course, but even just once a month will help.

#Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Dance #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #RetroZouk #Ginga #Bolero #Forro #Lamba #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #CapeVerde #Caribbean #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers

2LF Links

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

2LF Links

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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

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 lacking?

If you live in a small place with very few places to dance. That's how you know you need to start traveling and going to festivals. I highly recommend going to festivals. That's such an energy and inspiration boost. And it will open your eyes to the potential, to the level you can aim to. Going to festivals and start meeting teachers from other cities/countries and learning from the very famous teachers you'll discover that the very high level you thought you have is not so high. Realizing that you still have room to grow and learn will bring your passion back and will open a whole new world of dance for you. You might even want to move cities to somewhere with a better dance scene

If the dance scene around you is not engaging enough, start your own projects. Get a group of like-minded dancers and meet weekly to practice. Once the ball is rolling you can invite some good instructors now and then. If your scene is not that big a handful of motivated dancers can make all the difference

Have you considered joining a team? Usually, they will dedicate more time to body movement drills and styling/technique and will help fine-tune the moves you already know.

#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

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

2LF Links

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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 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 personal insecurities, or something else. It is not about being a jerk or insensitive to your partner's feelings. If they are not happy with you dancing or any hobby, they are probably not a good fit for you.

#Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Dance #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #RetroZouk #Ginga #Bolero #Forro #Lamba #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #CapeVerde #Caribbean #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers

2LF Links

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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 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 focus will be more on your body movement and less on trying to be a good lead/follow for your partner. Freeing up your headspace to concentrate on your own movement is the idea.

In my opinion, become less robotic just comes with time and practice. As you become more familiar and accustomed to dancing. Your body will automatically pick up the social cues, of things you like. Meaning when you see a lead who you admire, you will automatically notice the things you feel you are lacking. If he is fluid in motion, you will notice what he does, and you will attempt to implement those things into your repertoire.

People underestimate the importance of practicing your basic, all salsa moves stem from a strong foundation of a basic. Many people think "practice makes perfect" is a good motto but realistically "practice makes permanent". Nobody will practice with perfect form at the start, but the idea is that to improve you need feedback. Doing the same thing over and over without feedback can create bad habits.

This is why I advocate attending body movement specific workshops and classes at monthly socials or at festivals and congresses. Or you can take shines/footwork classes, regardless of the level and just focus on shoulders, hips, etc... Whatever you want to improve. This will give you the opportunity to have feedback from an instructor. Or also take private classes; there is no better way to improve.

#Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Dance #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #RetroZouk #Ginga #Bolero #Forro #Lamba #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #CapeVerde #Caribbean #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers

2LF Links

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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 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 available for a while. That way your partner doesn't feel that their feedback goes unnoticed. 4. Mixed up your practice sessions - some days do stamina work like rounds, other days do a side-by-side practice, or go to a pilates class together, other days work on musicality. This variety can help remove the sense of having the same interpersonal problems day in and day out. 5. Like I said earlier but I feel it's very important to write down your feedback very specifically, then both of you go to your teachers TOGETHER and have them help you troubleshoot. What could possibly frustrate you two for hours, a good coach/teacher can troubleshoot in 15 minutes.

#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

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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

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 in the class because you can replay and practice at your own pace. BUT Still going to class is important to understanding the theory, and of course ask questions.

Watching videos does run the risk of creating bad habits. If you are a beginner and you try to learn intermediate/advanced techniques, This can lead to bad habits, Because you do not have a good understanding of the basic underlying fundamentals that lead to the more advanced techniques.

If you are curious what is the best use of your time, then you should pursue whatever is the most fun, it will get you past the beginners hump quicker and be more entertaining.

#Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast #BrazilianZouk #Dance #Tarraxinha #Zouk #Passada #RetroZouk #Ginga #Bolero #Forro #Lamba #LambaZouk #Afro #Latin #African #CapeVerde #Caribbean #Pachanga #Lambada #Dance #Dancers

2LF Links

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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