Two Left Feet Podcast

Carmine Finelli - The Mambo #Salsa

Carmine Finelli - The Mambo #Salsa He is a Salsero Born in Foggia, Italy. He is currently a full time dancer and instructor who teaches in Turin, Italy. He specializes in Salsa, Hip House, House and Reggaeton.   In this episode we talk about: Intro – 00:00 Childhood – 00:30 Introduction to Salsa – 7:40 His Beginner Stage in Salsa – 9:15 Advice for Beginners – 10:14 How do you stay motivated to improve ? – 16:15 Life of a full-time Dancer – 21:30 Advice for others wh...

Damla Peker - Urban #Kizomba Instructor

On today's episode we have the incredible Ms. Damla Peker. She is a Urban Kizomba Teacher. She is based in Berlin, Germany, where she hosts a weekly Urban Kizomba Class. She is of Turkish Descent.  In this episode we talk about : Introduction:0:00 Childhood – 2:00 Music Impact in her youth: 5:20 Dancing in her youth: 7:20 What did she want to be when grew up? – 9:10 University Years – 10:30 Nursing – 11:30 Introduction into Social Dancing – 13:05 The Sexualization of Kizomb...

Jay and Mia Banks (Salsa Instructors)

Jorge Ibanez y Maribel Munguia - Salsa Birmingham, Alabama

On today episode we have the amazing couple Jorge Ibanez y Maribel Munguia From Birmingham, Alabama.   Social Media Links https://www.facebook.com/maribel.munguia.18   https://www.facebook.com/jorge.ibanezhernandez   https://www.instagram.com/salsabirmingham_al/?hl=en   https://www.facebook.com/salsabirminghamAL/   https://www.instagram.com/corazondealabama_dance/   https://www.instagram.com/jorgeibanez_el_teacher/   https://www.facebook.com/salsabirminghamAL ...

5 Reasons to Take a Dance Class in 2024

https://youtu.be/onc0WOLBznI   5 Reasons to Take a Dance Class in 2024    

Condescending Dance Teachers

Back at it Again !!!

When to take a break from a hobby

Why I love kizomba

Traits of a good follower

Why you should learn to Lead and Follow

Traits of a good teacher

What makes for a good lead ?

Sorry about the audio quality on this one.   I set my gains way too high 

Are dance congresses worth the price of admission

Are dance congresses worth the price of admission 

Online classes

Back at it again

Sorry for the long hiatus. 

Honolulu School of Salsa - Review

I had the great opportunity of attending the Honolulu School of Salsa   https://www.facebook.com/schoolofsalsahawaii/   I apologize I could not remember the patterns taught.   The bachata class had some sensual bachata elements involved, take that for what it is.

T-zer - Kizomba/Hip Hop Dancer and Instructor

On Today's Episode, we have the incredible and amazing T-Zer.  She has a diverse background in many dance styles but she mostly focuses on Hip Hop and Kizomba.  She is From Sweden but currently lives in Amsterdam.  In this episode we talk about:   Her Childhood in Sweden – 1:10 Hip Hop Music in Sweden – 08:40 Her First Dance Crew – 10:50 Life after High School – 15:35 Life in Gothenburg, Sweden – 18:50 Introduction to Partner Dancing – 19:45 Influence of Solo Dancing on...

Trevor “El Morenito” Brown

(I am super sorry about my audio quality, I had my audio recording through my Camera instead of the microphone. I am super upset about this. I apologize. ) On Today's Episode we have the incredible Trevor “El Morenito” Brown. He is Salsa Dancer and Instructor.  He was born in New Jersey, currently living in Maryland. he has been dancing for the past 10 years and teaching for the past 6 years.   In this episode we talk about:   Introduction: 0:00 Childhood in New Jersery – ...

What makes someone an expert or Master at a skill?

What makes someone an expert or Master at a skill? In my opinion the only way you can become an expert at a skill is by teaching it. Can you truly consider yourself a master/expert if you are incapable of teaching a class or imparting your knowledge onto someone else? I have come to the conclusion that your skill level and the ability to teach are two different things. It is possible to be really good at something but incapable of effectively teaching someone your skill. In fact I woul...

Why should you spend money to go to a Dance Congress/Festival #Kizomba #Salsa #Zouk #Bachata

Why should you spend $ to attend a Dance Congress? Yes, Yes, I know, I can already here some people say. “ But Two Left Feet” I can spend $10/$20 to go to my local dance social on any day of the week, and dance my heart out”. Or “… But Two Left Feet, I can spend $10-$20 and take a dance class locally in my city. Or I can Spend $50 for a private lesson with my local instructor”. All of these are valid reasons, please, just hear me out. Have you ever been to a legit Dance Congress or ...

Social Dancing is a Second Form of Practice

Recently I uploaded a video about how Social Dancing is a Second Form of Practice.   For anyone who may be a beginner to Partner Dancing this is a very important step to the learning process. Now you may ask yourself Why is that?   In the classroom, you are learning in a controlled environment. Both the lead and follow understand what is being taught, and what is expected of each person.   This can lead to a false sense of competency and understanding, due to the fact that your ...

How to improve Posture while dancing?

How to improve Posture while dancing?   You have to constantly be mindful of it until it becomes a habit.   So when you're dancing or practicing, keep posture in mind and correct yourself when you notice a slip. Do this over the next few weeks and it should resolve itself. posture practice is about awareness of the different elements of how we organize our bodies while we dance, and then monitoring those doing movement practice. Good movements flow from good posture, and the best tim...

When to do shines?

When to do shines?   You can break apart for a shine whenever, but paying attention to the music - shows your musicality skills and that’s one mark of becoming a better dance Usually a good time to do shines is when the lyrics/vocals stop during the bridge of the song. This can be indicated by particularly interesting instrumentation or solos where you can really hear drums doing something unusual, for example. Sometimes you can shadow your partner and mimic the shine they are doing, ...

How do you politely but firmly decline dancing with someone?

How do you politely but firmly decline dancing with someone?   What’s the best way to politely decline when they ask? And if they keep asking after that, how do you make it clear that you’re not interested?     It is very Simple: Just say: no, thank you. If they ask again say the same and repeat the process until they get tired of asking. If they ask for an explanation just say you don't want to dance with them and that's it. No further explanation necessary.   if they are pe...

Social dancing with social anxiety.

Social dancing with social anxiety.   I will say this, in my youth, I would definitely take a shot or two before a class and also before a dance social. And I would also take another shot maybe midway through the night. I would keep a bottle of warm liquor In my trunk at all times. Say/Think what you will.   If you dance class has a social after the class, if you are not comfortable with socializing you can just dance. You don't HAVE to socialize if you don't feel up to that. You can...

Followers with big steps

What can you do as a lead when the follow continues to have super wide steps?     don't let her lead, you are the lead if you were the lead at the beginning. if you two are in standard orientation position, then the space between you two should be approximately constant throughout the dance. the only time that space will contract or expand is when one of you take a step/stride that's not the same length as the other.   Doing very small steps in regular basic. Doing very small side...

Advice and Tips for Going to a Dance Congress/Festival.

Advice and Tips for Going to a Dance Congress/Festival. Before you even go – look at the schedule of events and circle the workshops you want to do, and figure out where the rooms are. Make sure to bring enough clothes, you'll be sweating a lot. Also, make sure your shoes are up to the task, dance heels might be good for a 2-hour party, but not necessarily for a 3-day weekend festival. So bring maybe 2-3 different dance shoes. If this is your first congress - don’t go 100% on the first...

Difficulty remembering Dance patterns. #socialdancing

Difficulty remembering Dance patterns. #socialdancing How can I better remember the moves I learn as a lead in Salsa? This person was having difficulty remembering the more complicated patterns from class. ___________________________________________________ I think we all encounter this at some point as a lead. When you are in dance class learning a new pattern, instead of trying to learn the pattern in a specific order and detail. Your goal should be to understand the building bloc...

Cheating Scandals In the Dance Community #bachata #salsa #kizomba #zouk

Cheating Scandals #bachata #salsa #kizomba #zouk #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...

How much arm and hand movement is too much?

How much should my hands/arms move when leading? How much arm and hand movement is too much? ______________________________________________________________ If an arm movement supports the body movement, then it can be fine or even recommended. But body movement should come first. You do not want washing machine arms, wax-on wax-off hands. This is a No-No. Arm movement originates from your body movement, As long as you're not 'leading' anything, you can keep relaxed arms, elbows next t...

Saying Hurtful Things

  Saying Hurtful Things   Today I was informed that I hurt someone’s feelings, and It does not make me feel good about myself. In an effort to be funny, I came off as harsh, mean, unsympathetic, emotionless, an idiot, just overall not a kind and good person. And thus I am paying for it now. And so what must I do, I must apologize, and this apology very well may fall upon deaf ears. But I have to do it, this may be more so for myself. Because I am unsure what else I could do to rectify ...

Tall Leads who Struggle with Turning Shorter Follows

Advice for tall leaders Having difficulty spinning shorter partners. He is also having issues with rhythm. He has been dancing for 3 months, so he’s still a beginner. Spinning people is less about height and more about technique. Spinning a partner is not about force but rather guiding the spin and allowing your follow to complete the turn using her own energy. If you ever find yourself forcing a move rather than it being a smooth transfer of energy, focus on using the least amount of mov...

Sweaty Palms #SocialDancing

Sweaty Palms   This individual stated when they get nervous/anxious, their palms tend to sweat a lot. And they were looking for advice. _______________________________ I've seen people with a handtowel or handkerchief hanging out of their back pocket. A lot of moves you lead with the tips of your fingers, so your palms are not always involved.   So As a lead you can pretty much avoid touching anything with your palm, unless your fingers also get sweaty, you can probably manage...

Musicality & Creativity

Musicality / Creativity – How Does one become creative on the dance floor. I think creativity comes from your comfort level. It is very hard to be creative when you are in a state of tension/anxiety/nervous. So how does one become comfortable on the dance floor? Extended and prolonged exposure to dancing and social dancing/ dancing with partners. I would argue that you will never see a beginner dancer do something creative on the dance floor. Why is that? Because they are still learning t...

How to ask for feedback from fellow dancers?

How to ask for feedback from fellow dancers? This individual wants to ask for feedback, but feels too awkward after the dance to ask.   I think asking right after one dance would put someone on the spot. It can be tricky to come up with helpful advice so quickly. I would recommend asking someone after a few dances with them. You can say something like “Hey that was fun! I’m trying to get better; do you have any feedback for me?” Or "Hey, I'm looking to improve. Do you have any c...

Eye contact and smiling - Social Dancing

Eye contact and smiling? They want learn how to maintain eye contact and smiling during dancing. Are you a leader or a follower? It makes a bit of a difference: a leader should look around a bit to keep an overview of available space around, so they don't bump their follower into other couples, or maybe save their follower from another inattentive dancer. A follower can look around to accentuate their movements and styling. When you're in an open position you can definitely look at you...

Delayed Gratification

Delayed Gratification #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/ ...

The Importance of a Good Teacher

The Importance of a Good Teacher   #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/ Faceb...

Should you dance with an Injury?

Should you dance with an Injury? This person sprained their ankle but does not want to wait few weeks for the injury to heal.   I am of the mindset that you should not. I understand not dancing for a few weeks is rough! But not dancing for longer because you keep on hurting yourself is even worse!   You could possible make the injury worse. If you do not give the injury time to heal, it will heal badly and you'll be massively at risk of developing long term problems. If the injur...

Feeling Powerless

Feeling Powerless – unable to effect change   I have everything I could ever ask for. Home, stable job, food, clean water, clothes, electricity, I live like a fucking KING.   Why do I feel powerless, no matter my efforts, nothing seems to change. Despite my greatest efforts I feel powerless. SO how do you regain power In your life? Your daily decisions, not weekly not monthly. Your daily decisions – that can help you regain control.   #Salsa #Bachata #Kizomba #Podcast ...

Followers - Finding it difficult to execute lady's styling while dancing with a partner.

Followers - Finding it difficult to execute lady's styling while dancing with a partner. This Follower who has been taking ladies styling both in-person and online is able to execute ladies styling solo.  However, whenever she dances with a partner she finds it very challenging to incorporate the steps she’s learning in the lady's styling courses Thoughts? / Help?     The majority of styling classes will only teach you solo styling. And while some of that can be incorporated into p...

Self Doubt

SELF DOUBT #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: htt...

Swallowing Your Pride

Swallowing Your Pride #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/ ...

Mimi Mariposa #BrazilianZouk

On today's episode, we have the amazing Ms. Mimi Mariposa. She is from Nashville Tennesse. She is a Brazilian Zouk dancer, instructor, and organizer for over seven years. She has a background in Ballroom and Latin Dance. Childhood – 00:45 Introduction to Social Dancing – 06:20 Beginner Stage in Salsa/Bachata – 10:45 Dealing with Shyness / Overcoming your inhibitions- 15:45 Defensive Dancers – 18:00 How can leaders make their follower feel safe ? – 21:15 Beginner Stage in B...

Some ways to recover after a night of dancing?

Some ways to recover after a night of dancing? Muscles are still sore days after This individual went to a festival and danced for 3 days straight, and is now sore from all the dancing.   They wanted to know what can they do before and after to help minimize the soreness?   In the exercise and weightlifting community, we call this DOMS. Delayed onset muscle soreness. It means you're pushing yourself and getting stronger! The best thing to do is to eat well, rest, and continue train...

This is What I DO

INSECURITIES ON THE DANCE FLOOR

Insecurities on the Dance Floor?   I am not good enough I will never be as good as X person   How to deal with your insecurities? 1.Why I made this video? TO discuss Insecurities This is something we all deal with in all facets of our lives. I will tailor this to the dancing scene. 2. I have often found myself thinking: I am not good enough I will never be as good as X person 3. How I would aim to resolve these issues: Ask yourself what is In your control? What do you h...

What do followers look for in a good lead ?

What do followers look for in a good lead ?   As a leader it is your job to protect the follow. People on the sideline see everything, so you want to be more protective in a crowded dance floor.  When people see that you are safe to dance with, you get more dances.   I do believe that when surveying a dance floor people can recognize with someone is smiling politely, vs. actually and truly having an amazing time. A genuine smile vs a fake smile.   If a lead can make a follower tr...

Can I social Dance if I am overweight ?

I am Conscious to go social dancing due to being overweight This person was conscious because they believe that only the skinny and good looking followers get asked to dance.   Being Overweight, does not mean you cannot be a good dancer. I know plenty of plus sized dancers who are absolutely fabulous on the dance floor. I also know plenty of in shape people who are terrible dancers. Your weight should not hinder your desire to learn if you are feeling insecure that also brings your e...