Welcome to Episode 23 of the 'Why We Move' podcast! 🕺🏽💃🏽 In this solo episode, Ricardo (Rico) breaks down the essential etiquette for every social dancer, whether you’re just stepping onto the floor or have years of experience. From respecting personal space and maintaining good hygiene to understanding the unspoken rules of dance floor navigation (a.k.a. "floorcraft"), this episode covers everything you need to know to create an enjoyable, respectful, and safe environment for you and your dance partner.
Rico dives into the fundamentals of social dancing etiquette, covering tips like asking for consent, handling non-verbal cues, and embracing a positive attitude. Every tip is designed to enhance your social dance experience, avoid those awkward or cringe-worthy moments, and foster real connections within the dance community. 💫
Plus, stick around for Rico’s biggest takeaway from nearly a decade of social dancing, and a bonus tip that emphasizes the power of gratitude on the dance floor. 🙏 Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this episode has something for everyone!
If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with your fellow dancers! Let’s keep building a respectful, welcoming dance community. 🎉
👉 IG: @whywemovestories
👉 Subscribe to stay updated on more social dance insights, tips, and stories!
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Chapters / Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
00:23 - Imagine This… Setting the Scene for Etiquette
01:17 - Welcome Back to the Why We Move Podcast!
01:50 - Why Social Dance Etiquette Matters
02:15 - Tip #1: Personal Hygiene is a Must
02:34 - Tip #2: Respect Personal Space
03:10 - Tip #3: Ask for Consent Before Dancing
03:50 - Tip #4: Floorcraft - Navigating the Dance Floor
04:30 - Tip #5: Give Space to Others
05:15 - Tip #6: Communication with Your Dance Partner
06:01 - Tip #7: Non-Verbal Cues - Watch the Body Language
06:50 - Tip #8: Practice Positive Attitudes
07:20 - Tip #9: Never Critique on the Dance Floor
08:10 - Biggest Takeaway: Every Dance is an Opportunity to Connect
08:50 - BONUS TIP: Gratitude - End Every Dance with a Thank You
09:40 - Outro and Final Thoughts & NEW MERCH 🧢
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This podcast was NOT sponsored by any brand or product. We are constantly looking for new brands to sponsor this podcast to increase the awareness of dancing & align with our mission to bring dancing to everyone in every part of the globe. If you want to support us, please send over a DM or email and we'll happily spark up a conversation :)
🕺🏽🪩💃🏽 In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Allie Ray, a passionate social dancer and co-founder of Philly Zouk. Together, we dive deep into the world of Zouk, exploring its roots, the unique energy of the dance, and how it has transformed Allie's life both personally and in the dance community. 🌟 What to Expect: Allie shares her journey from salsa to Zouk and the magic of connecting through dance. Insights on the importance of community and building a supportive dance scene. Tips for beginners looking to dive into Zouk and maximize their dance experience. A fun rapid-fire round where we discuss dance styles, preferences, and a little humor! 👉 Don’t miss out on this insightful discussion about the power of dance and connection! Hit that subscribe button and follow us for more dance stories and inspiration! ⏱️Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:26 - Why Allie Moves: A Journey into Dance 03:10 - Allie's Dance Background and Discovering Zouk 06:50 - What is Zouk? A Deep Dive 10:00 - The Importance of Solo Practice 15:15 - Building a Zouk Community in Philadelphia 20:00 - Challenges and Misconceptions about Zouk 25:45 - Tips for Beginners in Zouk 30:00 - Allie’s Insights on Dance and Life 35:20 - Rapid Fire Questions 40:00 - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Allie 📲 Follow Allie: Instagram: @ZoukRay @PhillyZouk ☄️ Join Our Community: Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more dance content! Share your thoughts below and let us know what you think about Zouk or your experiences with dance! 📲 Connect with Us: Instagram: @whywemovestories Spotify: @whywemovestories #Zouk #SocialDance #WhyWeMove #DanceCommunity #Bachata #Salsa #DanceJourney -------- This podcast was NOT sponsored by any brand or product. We are constantly looking for new brands to sponsor this podcast to increase the awareness of dancing & align with our mission to bring dancing to everyone in every part of the globe. If you want to support us, please send over a DM or email and we'll happily spark up a conversation :) --------
Welcome back to the 'Why We Move' podcast! 🕺🏽🪩💃🏽 In this episode, Ricardo (Rico) reflects on his incredible journey as a social dancer over the past 9 years. As we wrap up Season 2, Rico dives into 9 ESSENTIAL tips that will benefit dancers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. He covers everything from the importance of communication and embracing mistakes to understanding music and staying curious. Each tip is designed to enhance your dancing experience, improve your skills, and foster a deeper connection with the dance community. Plus, stick around for a bonus tip that will inspire you to keep learning and growing as a dancer! 😉 Whether you’re hitting the dance floor for the first time or looking to refine your craft, this episode has something for everyone. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your dance buddies! 🫡 Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content! ❤️🔥 IG: @whywemovestories This podcast was NOT sponsored by any brand or product. We are constantly looking for new brands to sponsor this podcast to increase the awareness of dancing & align with our mission to bring dancing to everyone in every part of the globe. If you want to support us, please send over a DM or email and we'll happily spark up a conversation :)
In this episode, we're joined by the international instructors from Spain, Antoni y Belen! They came all the way from Spain to the USA on a tour of instructing bachata, performing, and travel! They've been dancing since they were children and instructing together since shortly after the pandemic. They performed and competed countless of times & are continuing to do so around the world to this day! Join us as these instructors and I go deep into the social dancing realm, speaking on their experience of teaching around the world, helping other instructors and students of dance get better, and much much more. Get ready for an engaging conversation that's going to have you wanting more! Make sure to give them a follow on their social media pages found at @Antoniybelenoficial Big s/o to Sensual City Philadelphia for hosting us at their studio for this special episode! Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content! IG: @whywemovestories This podcast was NOT sponsored by any brand or product. We are constantly looking for new brands to sponsor this podcast to increase the awareness of dancing & align with our mission to bring dancing to everyone in every part of the globe. If you want to support us, please send over a DM or email and we'll happily spark up a conversation :)
In this episode, we're joined by the incredible Jose Maldonado, philly-native dancer with 27 years of experience dancing, who has taught classes all around the world, & is a 10x world champion! Talk about putting time in! After dancing for this long, you know there's bound to be stories that he's accumulated over the years. Not only is he still instructing to this day, but he also owns a car detailing company! Give him a follow on IG at @jose_palante & @josethedetailguy to follow him along and support his journey.Join us as Jose and I go deep into the social dancing realm, speaking on the wisdom he has to share from building community in your realm, going deep into the music when dancing, and much much more. Get ready for an engaging conversation that's going to have you wanting more! Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content! IG: @whywemovestories This podcast was NOT sponsored by any brand or product. We are constantly looking for new brands to sponsor this podcast to increase the awareness of dancing & align with our mission to bring dancing to everyone in every part of the globe. If you want to support us, please send over a DM or email and we'll happily spark up a conversation :)
In this episode, we're joined by an incredible panel of social dancers from Philadelphia, PA. Meet Joe Schiavo, a skilled carpenter; Serena Martinez, a dedicated physical therapist; Flora Marciano, an environmental engineer; and Emmanuel Toro, a cloud computing engineer. Each of these guests brings a unique background, range of experiences, and profound passion for social dancing. Join us as Joe, Serena, Flora, and Emmanuel share their diverse stories, insights, and tips about the world of social dancing. From balancing demanding careers with their love for dance to offering tricks for beginners and seasoned dancers alike, this episode is packed with valuable advice and heartwarming stories of true connection on the dance floor. Get ready for an engaging conversation that highlights the power of dance to unite people from all walks of life. You won't want to miss it! Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content! IG: @whywemovestories This podcast was NOT sponsored by any brand or product. We are constantly looking for new brands to sponsor this podcast to increase the awareness of dancing & align with our mission to bring dancing to everyone in every part of the globe. If you want to support us, please send over a DM or email and we'll happily spark up a conversation :)
In this episode, we're joined by the multi-talented Ryan Brown, a tax accountant by trade, hobbyist by nature, and dancer at heart. Ryan has been a vibrant part of the Philly salsa scene for the past 2.5 years, not only as a dancer but also as an event organizer and entrepreneur. He's the mastermind behind community events like Brunch & Bachata, Mambo & Mimosas, and Salsa y Cervezas through his catering business, "Brown's Test Kitchen." Join us as Ryan shares his unique journey of integrating dance into his life, including how he’s fostering a love for dance in his son to strengthen family bonds. Ryan’s dedication to supporting the dance community through his engaging events and his constant drive to learn and grow as a dancer is truly inspiring. Get ready for an insightful conversation filled with passion, community spirit, and invaluable tips from one of Philly’s dedicated dance enthusiasts. You won't want to miss it! Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content! IG: @whywemovestories This podcast was NOT sponsored by any brand or product. We are constantly looking for new brands to sponsor this podcast to increase the awareness of dancing & align with our mission to bring dancing to everyone in every part of the globe. If you want to support us, please send over a DM or email and we'll happily spark up a conversation :)
In this episode, we're joined by the legendary Giovanni Escobar, a staple of the Philadelphia salsa scene for over 18 years. Giovanni is a versatile Instructor, Dancer, Director, DJ, and Promoter who has trained with nearly every prominent figure in Philly's dance community and attended countless events. His journey has been one of growth and dedication, making him a familiar face to many. Join us as Giovanni shares his mission to elevate Philly's dance scene and highlight the city's incredible talent. He discusses his philosophy of making everyone feel comfortable and joyous on the dance floor, drops great technical knowledge on some social dance genres, and sheds light on the vibrant mambo culture in Philadelphia. Get ready for an engaging and inspirational conversation filled with insights from one of Philly's most passionate dance advocates. You won't want to miss it! Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content! IG: @whywemovestories This podcast was NOT sponsored by any brand or product. We are constantly looking for new brands to sponsor this podcast to increase the awareness of dancing & align with our mission to bring dancing to everyone in every part of the globe. If you want to support us, please send over a DM or email and we'll happily spark up a conversation :)
In this episode, we're joined by the multi-talented Brandon Walker, also known as the creative force behind "Dancers that Shoot" on YouTube. Brandon is a remarkable Videographer, Photographer, Content Strategist, Mambo Instructor, Choreographer, and social dancer who took his first steps into the dance world through salsa without any prior club experience.Join us as Brandon shares his incredible journey from starting salsa to becoming an expert mambo dancer, all while building a successful videography and photography business. His unique blend of humor and passion for dance shines through as he discusses how he balances his professional life with his love for the dance floor and teaching. Get ready for an engaging conversation filled with laughter, inspiration, and valuable insights from one of the dance community's most dynamic creators. You won't want to miss it!Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content!IG: @whywemovestories This podcast was NOT sponsored by any brand or product. We are constantly looking for new brands to sponsor this podcast to increase the awareness of dancing & align with our mission to bring dancing to everyone in every part of the globe. If you want to support us, please send over a DM or email and we'll happily spark up a conversation :)
In this episode, we're joined by the phenomenal Joe and Yatz, the passionate dancers behind the community page "Sensual City." Joe and Yatz have a longstanding experience in dancing socially and have dedicated themselves to bringing bachata sensual to Philadelphia and helping grow the scene. Join us as they share their invaluable insights on dance etiquette, their deep passion for dancing, and what it truly means to be a good dancer. Get ready for an enlightening conversation filled with tips, inspiration, and a deep dive into the world of bachata sensual. You won't want to miss it! Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content! IG: @whywemovestories This podcast was NOT sponsored by any brand or product. We are constantly looking for new brands to sponsor this podcast to increase the awareness of dancing & align with our mission to bring dancing to everyone in every part of the globe. If you want to support us, please send over a DM or email and we'll happily spark up a conversation :)
In this episode, we're joined by the incredible DJ Kevin Ngo, a seasoned DJ, MC, instructor, and social dance enthusiast with 24 years of experience in the dance scene. Kevin has performed internationally and now dedicates his time to instructing and organizing local indoor and outdoor dance events in Philadelphia. Join us as Kevin shares his inspiring journey of discovering dance, enriching his life, and unlocking parts of himself he never knew existed. His passion for dance, dedication to community growth, and infectious energy make this episode a must-watch.Get ready for an engaging conversation filled with insights, personal stories, and Kevin's unique perspective on the transformative power of dance. You won't want to miss it!Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content!IG: @whywemovestoriesThis podcast was NOT sponsored by any brand or product. We are constantly looking for new brands to sponsor this podcast to increase the awareness of dancing & align with our mission to bring dancing to everyone in every part of the globe. If you want to support us, please send over a DM or email and we'll happily spark up a conversation :)
In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Alix and Lauren, two dynamic dancers hailing from Orlando and now making their mark in Philly. With backgrounds in ASL interpreting and personal training, Alix and Lauren bring unique perspectives to the social dance realm. Join us as they share their journey, insights, and experiences navigating the world of social dancing, from embracing various styles to spreading kindness on and off the dance floor. Get ready for an engaging conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of dance. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more captivating stories and engaging content! IG: @whywemovestories Key Notes: Fusion Video reference of @samuelfunflow: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6em3hii0_t/
Welcome to Episode 3 of Season 2, coming to you from the vibrant city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome DJ Valentin, a local legend in the Philadelphia dance scene. Valentin is not only a master of his craft but also a dedicated organizer, known for curating unforgettable experiences at local clubs and outdoor events. Join us as Valentin shares insights into his journey as a DJ, his passion for elevating the dance scene, and his relentless drive for growth and innovation. Get ready for an engaging conversation filled with beats, inspiration, and a glimpse into the heart of Philadelphia's nightlife. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more captivating stories and engaging content! IG: @whywemovestories This podcast was NOT sponsored by any company or space. We are currently seeking other brands & businesses to sponsor us, so if you are one, please slide into our DM's :)
Welcome to Episode 2 of Season 2, right here in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! In this episode, we're joined by the incredible Miguel Baez, also known as @miggieon3 on Instagram. Miguel is not only a talented dancer and artist but also a renowned meme creator whose work has taken the internet by storm. Join us as Miguel shares the fascinating story behind his journey into meme creation, how it skyrocketed to fame, and his unique perspective on blending dance and digital art. Get ready for an insightful conversation filled with laughter, inspiration, and a glimpse into the world of one of social media's most iconic creators. You won't want to miss it! Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content! IG: @whywemovestories This podcast was NOT sponsored by Liquid Death. We just really like the brand and want to show support until one day they watch us and sponsor us :)
Welcome to highly anticipated episode 1 of season 2 here in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvannia! Keila Perez, dance instructor, non-profit organizer, performer extraordinaire, & mother of a recent newborn baby (perhaps a future dancer??) kicks off season 2 with all the knowledge & wisdom she's learned over the years dancing since she was only 8 years old! You don't want to miss the conversations we have here highlighting the key takeaways from social dancing she's come to learn on her path towards mastery. It was a true honor to host her on the show & can't wait to have her (& hopefully her husband) back on for another episode in the near future!
Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content! IG: @whywemovestories *This podcast was NOT sponsored by Liquid Death. We just really like the brand and want to show support until one day they watch us and sponsor us :)*
Lyndie has been such a pleasure to know & befriend as her heart is one of the purest I've come to understand. Not a dull hour exists when she's in the room! And boy are there GEMS in here she drops about using both your brains (left & right) to function together on the dance floor. She's an engineer and a DAMN good one! In this episode we go into the nitty gritty of being creative and mathematical on the dance floor. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed having Lyndie on the podcast! Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content! IG: @whywemovestories **This podcast was NOT sponsored by Liquid Death. We just really like the brand and want to show support until one day they watch us and sponsor us :)**
Jaime spills the BEANS on how he improves his social dancing & makes a conscious effort to make sure that not only he is having a good time, but his partner as well. This discussion between us two was one for the books and I took away so many good things from it to use on the dance floor myself. It's conversations like these that really centers you and brings a whole new perspective to how much energy goes into a dance. Jaime is a perfect example of someone who works HARD to make his dances epic. He's a master! Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content! IG: @whywemovestories **This podcast was NOT sponsored by Liquid Death. We just really like the brand and want to show support until one day they watch us and sponsor us :)**
This amazing soul aka Stacey has blessed the dance community with her fun & energetic character. She's a role model everywhere & I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to get her on the podcast. In this episode, we dive into multiple realms of showing up for yourself, for others, & for the greater good of the dance community to spread positivity. Stacey is a massage therapist by occupation, (follow AND lead) dancer at night, and an amazing friend! Catch her on the dance floor grooving, making the best faces ever, & spreading her loving energy to everyone she dances with. Truly a gem of a human. Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content! IG: @whywemovestories ***This podcast was NOT sponsored by Liquid Death. We just really like the brand and want to show support until one day they watch us and sponsor us :)***
After dancing for more than a decade when dancing was JUST getting started, Jose reveals his experience growing on the dance floor & putting in REPS. This man jumped FULLY into this world and has so many great gems to share. You don't want to miss this episode. Make sure you take good notes! It was such a blessing to have Jose on this podcast & I can't wait to share his story with the world.
Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content! IG: @whywemovestories
Saba, Kendra, & Alisha are not only great conversationalists, but amazing dancers & performers! In this episode, we discuss the good, the bad, & the ugly of latin social dance with some key notes on what is happening on the dance floor that most might need to hear if they've never stepped foot there. You definitely don't want to miss this one! Make sure to tune into their podcast called "Just A.S.K."! Don't forget to like, comment, & subscribe to our Instagram to keep up to date on more stories and more content! IG: @whywemovestories