Ballroom Chat
Casual long-form interviews between Samantha, the owner of the ballroom dance studio Love.Live.Dance, and her weekly guests from around the dance world. Listen in for discussions regarding the history of different dance styles, interviews with dancesport athletes, judges and coaches, general dance industry news, and even tips and tricks for dancers. A great source of dance industry information for beginners and professionals alike.
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Dancing with Alec the Bard | Alec Lachman | Episode #67
06/28/2023
Dancing with Alec the Bard | Alec Lachman | Episode #67
In Episode 67 of Ballroom Chat, Alec Lachman, aka Alec the Bard, explores the connection between ballroom dance and TTRPGs. Samantha and Alec discuss the process behind creating a mask or character, tips for improvisational storytelling, the importance of failing epically, and how to navigation conflict resolution. Alec Lachman is a professional ballroom dancer and TTRPG content creator. Follow Alec the Bard's journey: Support the Podcast on Patreon! Ways to see more from Love.Live.Dance and Ballroom Chat:
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Following the Universe's Timing | JT Thomas | Episode #66
05/17/2023
Following the Universe's Timing | JT Thomas | Episode #66
In Episode 66 of Ballroom Chat, JT Thomas discusses her dance career, from classically trained dancer to Smooth Champion to Country dancer. JT and Samantha reflect on how timing, in life as in dance is incredibly crucial, how exploring the essence of movement can take your dancing to the next level, and how planning for failure can lead to your success. JT also explains how country ballroom created an opportunity for her to begin a new chapter after completing her Professional Ballroom career. JT Thomas is a two-time US and World Professional Smooth Champion. She holds a BFA in Dance and is a current adjudicator and judge for ballroom dance. Find out more about JT Thomas: Support the Podcast on Patreon! Ways to see more from Love.Live.Dance and Ballroom Chat:
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Preventing Dance Injury | Alisa Pravdo | Episode #65
02/15/2023
Preventing Dance Injury | Alisa Pravdo | Episode #65
In Episode 65 of Ballroom Chat, Alisa Pravdo discusses dance injury prevention and recovery. Samantha and Alisa delve into the common causes of feet and ankle related injuries for dancers and answer some listener questions related to their own injury experiences. Alisa also stresses the importantance of proper strength and conditioning training, cross training, and nutrition for dancers and non-dancers alike. Alisa Pravdo is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science. She also is a Board Certified Orthopedics Specialist and a Fellow of Orthopedics in Manual Physical Therapy. Alisa also holds a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Dance from Goucher College. Find out more about Alisa Pravdo: Support the Podcast on Patreon! Ways to see more from Love.Live.Dance and Ballroom Chat:
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Inside the Ballroom Box | Duffy Betterton | Episode #64
12/07/2022
Inside the Ballroom Box | Duffy Betterton | Episode #64
Duffy Betterton is the owner of Dance Dress Couture, and the Ballroom Box. Samantha and Duffy discuss her entrepreneurial projects and growth as a dance industry vendor. The pair also delve into her dance experience as an amateur in both the ballroom and country ballroom scenes. Find a on the Ballroom Chat website. Follow Duffy Betterton's projects: (Use code BallroomChat to support the podcast!) Support the Podcast on Patreon! Ways to see more from Love.Live.Dance and Ballroom Chat:
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SENtertainment | Noël | Episode #63
09/21/2022
SENtertainment | Noël | Episode #63
SENtertainment's owner and founder, Noël, shares his journey from photographing cars as a hobby and passion to becoming a small business owner in the ballroom dance industry. Noël and Samantha discuss learning the ropes from Salsa to Waltz and Peabody and Noël shares some of the behind the scenes technical information about capturing the perfect dance moment. SENtertainment is a photography and videography business serving the ballroom dance industry. Follow Noël and SENtertainment: https://www.sentertainmentdigitalmedia.com https://www.Instagram.com/sentertainment.digitalmedia https://youtube.com/c/SENtertainmentDigitalMedia https://sentertainmentdigitalmedia.zenfolio.com/f321987626 Support the Podcast on Patreon! Ways to see more from Love.Live.Dance and Ballroom Chat:
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Hey Mambo! | Matt Bielli | Episode #62
09/07/2022
Hey Mambo! | Matt Bielli | Episode #62
Matt Bielli talks about his background in dancing Latin social styles while growing up in Italy, his move to the US, and his choice to separate his 10 dance competitive experience from his passion for Mambo, Salsa and other Cuban style dances. Samantha and Matt discuss his perspective on current rhythm dancing versus Latin dancing and he shares his knowledge and perspective on social Latin styles. Matt also delibrates on the pros and cons of switching to a competive Rhythm or 9-Dance future. Matt Bielli is a Professional 10 dance dancer. He is also a pro-am instructor and will be competiting in this year's USDC Mambo World Championships. Follow Matt Bielli: https://www.facebook.com/mattbielli https://www.instagram.com/elbaile223 https://www.youtube.com/mattbielli Support the Podcast on Patreon! Ways to see more from Love.Live.Dance and Ballroom Chat:
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It Takes a Team | Todd Munson and Ricci-Lee Hotz | Episode #61
08/24/2022
It Takes a Team | Todd Munson and Ricci-Lee Hotz | Episode #61
Ricci-Lee Hotz and Todd Munson of TM Ballroom Dance Studio discuss how to balance ProAm and Professional competition, their mindset and philosophy when it comes to preparation for competitions and how they set goals and expectations properly both for their students and for themselves. The pair reflect on the importance of finding a good coaching team to support you and guide you, as well as just their take on the Rhythm category and how they navigate their own dancing. Ricci-Lee Hotz and Todd Munson are a professional Rhythm couple based in Denver, Colorado. Todd is the owner of TM Ballroom Dance Studio, and Ricci-Lee is a registered dietician (Denver's Dancing Dietician). Together they are Rising Star and Open Professional Rhythm finalists, and compete Pro-Am in all styles with their students. Follow Todd and Ricci-Lee: https://www.tmballroomdance.com/ https://denversdancingdietitian.com/ Support the Podcast on Patreon! Ways to see more from Love.Live.Dance and Ballroom Chat:
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You Don't Know, What You Don't Know | Enio Cordoba and Terryl Jones | Episode #60
08/03/2022
You Don't Know, What You Don't Know | Enio Cordoba and Terryl Jones | Episode #60
In part two of her conversation with Enio Cordoba and Terryl Jones, Samantha asks whether dancesport engages in gatekeeping, Enio discusses the pendular nature of judging, and Terryl explains her approach to bridging the beginner-intermediate gap in Yoga instruction. The group also delves into the ever growing gap between competitive and social dance, and the health benefits of dance, yoga, and pilates as individuals age. Enio Cordoba was a US amateur Latin champion, Quarterfinalist at Blackpool and a US Pro Rising Star Latin champion. Terryl Jones was a Ohio Star Ball Professional Ballroom Quarterfinalist. Together, they were the Cabaret Champions at the World Swing Championships. They choreographed for "Dance with Me", they starred as themselves in "God and Salsa", recently launched an online platform called Yoga 4 Long Life, and they also provide consulting to dance, studio owners, and professionals through EXT consulting. Follow Enio and Terryl: https://enioandterryl.com/ https://yoga4longlife.com/ https://www.extdanceconsulting.com/ https://www.letsdancela.com/ Support the Podcast on Patreon! Ways to see more from Love.Live.Dance and Ballroom Chat:
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A Different Approach | Enio Cordoba and Terryl Jones | Episode #59
07/27/2022
A Different Approach | Enio Cordoba and Terryl Jones | Episode #59
In part one of this two part conversation, Enio Cordoba and Terryl Jones sit down to reflect on their early dance careers, discuss the importance of mentorship, and their approach to dance education. The pair explore how the traditional dance studio system often fails to build a sustainable dance community, and explain how we don't know what we don't know. Enio Cordoba was a US amateur Latin champion, Quarterfinalist at Blackpool and a US Pro Rising Star Latin champion. Terryl Jones was a Ohio Star Ball Professional Ballroom Quarterfinalist. Together, they were the Cabaret Champions at the World Swing Championships. They choreographed for "Dance with Me", they starred as themselves in "God and Salsa", recently launched an online platform called Yoga 4 Long Life, and they also provide consulting to dance, studio owners, and professionals through EXT consulting. Follow Enio and Terryl: https://enioandterryl.com/ https://yoga4longlife.com/ https://www.extdanceconsulting.com/ https://www.letsdancela.com/ Support the Podcast on Patreon! Ways to see more from Love.Live.Dance and Ballroom Chat:
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Politics and Purpose | Tony Nunez | Episode #58
07/13/2022
Politics and Purpose | Tony Nunez | Episode #58
Tony Nunez returns to the Ballroom Chat podcast to explore the importance authenticity and inclusivity in ballroom dance. Tony and Samantha discuss the balance between politics and purpose, and Tony shares his philosphy of leading with gratitude. Tony Nunez is a World WDSF Professional Smooth Finalist, US-WDSF 9-Dance Silver Medalist, US-WDC 9-Dance Finalist, World and US WDC Mambo finalist, and World Salsa Vice Champion. Tony is also a Pro-Am instructor and a member of Infinite Flow. Follow Tony Nunez: https://www.facebook.com/Antonio-Nunez-218626741544736/ Support Infinite Flow and their efforts to build a more diverse and inclusive community: https://www.infiniteflowdance.org/ https://www.instagram.com/infiniteflowdance/ https://www.facebook.com/InfiniteFlowDance/ Support the Podcast on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ballroomchat Ways to see more from Love.Live.Dance and Ballroom Chat: https://www.lovelivedance.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/ballroomchat https://www.instagram.com/ballroomchat
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International Dancing Minds | Martina Kornett | Episode #57
02/09/2022
International Dancing Minds | Martina Kornett | Episode #57
Martina Kornett sit's down to talk about her background, going from ballet to ballroom to now doing counseling, advising and training through the International Dancing Minds. Martina explains her approach to a more holistic training, both in body and mind, including her "Expanse" program. She and Samantha discuss controlling the things you can control being more mindful in the moment, and knowing when it is time to ask for help with things feel too heavy. Martina Kornett holds Master's Degrees in Sports Science and in Education Science. She is a former ballerina, trained at the German Opera House in Berlin, and a professional ballroom dancer that represented Germany and Australia in 10 dance. Martina currently serves as an advisor on the Mental Wellbeing Board to the World Dance Competitor's Commission, through her group, the International Dancing Minds. She is also an organizer of the Ice Ball Competition in London. Support Martina and International Dancing Minds: Ways to see more from Love.Live.Dance and Ballroom Chat:
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Progress not Perfection | Jon Osborn | Episode #56
12/15/2021
Progress not Perfection | Jon Osborn | Episode #56
Jon Osborn sit's down to talk about mindset going into performance and competitions and the difference between positive and negative self-talk. Jon and Samantha also discuss the key factors to a helpful mindset and how to prepare better for benchmarks and goal setting when it comes to competitions or performances. Jon Osborn is part of the RJ Performance Group and is a Mental Performance Coach. He holds a Master's Degree in Sports and Performance Psychology.
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Life of a Competition Organizer | Sid Pocius | Episode #55
10/27/2021
Life of a Competition Organizer | Sid Pocius | Episode #55
Sid Pocius sit's down to talk about his background in amateur dancesport and his take on the word dancesport itself. Sid and Samantha take an inside look on all of his competitions and discuss the behind the scenes information that competitors should know when they are picking a competition.
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State of the Podcast | Episode #54
09/29/2021
State of the Podcast | Episode #54
Samantha shares a quick update on the state of the podcast, future plans for guests and conversations, and answers some questions from the Ballroom Chat Instagram.
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Heartsoles Foundation | Deborah Holmes and Stefan Badea | Episode #53
08/18/2021
Heartsoles Foundation | Deborah Holmes and Stefan Badea | Episode #53
Deborah Holmes and Stefan Badea sit down to discuss their non-profit foundation, the HeartSoles Foundation and its mission. The pair also explore how their pro-am dancing relationship blossomed into a friendship and business partnership, and how the dance community has come together to build a stronger and more supportive ballroom family. The HeartSoles Foundation provides dance shoes, competitive attire and scholarships to dancers in impoverished communities.
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Argentine Tango | Koichiro Suzuki and Yulia Zhukoff | Episode #52
07/14/2021
Argentine Tango | Koichiro Suzuki and Yulia Zhukoff | Episode #52
Koichiro ("Chewy") Suzuki and Yulia Zhukoffsit down and talk about their love of music, the history of Tango and why the connection and embrace of Argentine Tango is so unique, compared to other dance styles.
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Being the Best You | Christian Alva | Episode #51
06/23/2021
Being the Best You | Christian Alva | Episode #51
Christian Alva discusses his early career, life lessons that he's learned along the way and his particular approach to teaching and friendship. Christian and Samantha chat about goal setting and appreciating the joy and artistry of ballroom dance.
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Communicating Effectively | Viktorija | Episode #50
06/09/2021
Communicating Effectively | Viktorija | Episode #50
Viktorija discusses her early career, finding her own expression, and defining how she and her partner Nick want themselves to be seen on the dance floor. She and Samantha also talk about navigating the different relationships and expectations in the dance world, along with tips for young professionals that are thinking about becoming dance instructors, and helpful tips for students trying to navigate their goals and expectations.
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Entertaining and Connecting | Igor Litvinov | Episode #49
05/05/2021
Entertaining and Connecting | Igor Litvinov | Episode #49
Igor Litvinov discusses his amateur career and his journey becoming a dancer. Samantha and Igor also breakdown his professional show dances for Ohio Star Ball and why choosing music and something that suits your personality is so important to connecting to the audience. The pair also talk a little bit about his decision to switch from competitor to competition organizer, and why he decided to launch the Boxstep app.
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Dancing her Truth | Oxana Kashkina | Episode #48
04/28/2021
Dancing her Truth | Oxana Kashkina | Episode #48
Oxana Kashkina discusses her journey, from amateur dancer to English Educator to professional ballroom instructor. Oxana and Samantha delve deep into topics surrounding body image, cross-training, teaching methodology, and telling your story on the dance floor.
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Teaching and Learning | Yuriy Kravets | Episode #47
04/21/2021
Teaching and Learning | Yuriy Kravets | Episode #47
Yuriy Kraveys discusses his journey from amateur to professional, from Ukraine to the United States and everything in between. Yuriy and Samantha analyze the structure of ballroom dance education in the US and in Europe, and chat about how instructors and pro-am students can approach the different levels of competitive dance.
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Exploring SuperShag | Chris Johnston | Episode #46
04/07/2021
Exploring SuperShag | Chris Johnston | Episode #46
Chris Johnston discusses his early dance career and how music and organizing parties became his passion in the industry. Chris and Samantha discuss the ups and downs of building a career in ballroom dance, the importance of recording and remembering our history, and where he sees the future of dancesport heading. Chris Johnston is the co-owner and founder of SuperShag dance studios and SuperShag video production.
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Growing Pains: From Gymnast to Pro-dancer | Megan Rund | Episode #45
03/31/2021
Growing Pains: From Gymnast to Pro-dancer | Megan Rund | Episode #45
Megan Rund discusses her start in gymnastics, what happens when your plans suddenly change and your life has put on a completely different path, and the growing pains and culture shock of moving to Utah for college and for ballroom dance. Megan and Samantha also reflect on the interesting challenges of navigating the transition from amateur and student to professional and especially pro am instructor.
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From the Rink to the Ballroom | Jessica Mancini | Episode #44
03/24/2021
From the Rink to the Ballroom | Jessica Mancini | Episode #44
Jessica Mancini chats about growing up in the figure skating world, making the transition to ballroom dancing. Jessica and Samantha also discuss how to navigate the difficult balance between setting goals for your students and expectations while also encouraging them to remember the joy of the activity that they are doing. Jessica Mancini is a five time US National Pro-Am champion in Rhythm, Smooth, and 9-Dance. She was also a former team USA figure skater, and current Professional competitor.
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Raising the Bar | Christine Bar Noël | Episode #43
03/17/2021
Raising the Bar | Christine Bar Noël | Episode #43
Christine Bar Noël discusses taking up the challenge of finding her own path to success in the ballroom dance industry. Christine and Samantha chat about dance entrepreneurship, and finding life-work balance. The two reflect on the importance of saying no, and explore ways to raise the ceiling for future dancers to flourish. Christine Bar Noël is a former World Rhythm Champion as part of a Pro-Am father-daughter duo, is a certified life balance coach and the host of the Recovering Perfectionist podcast.
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Dance and the Creative Couple | Sophia D'Angelo | Episode #42
03/10/2021
Dance and the Creative Couple | Sophia D'Angelo | Episode #42
Sophia D'Angelo discusses finding herself in ballroom dance and the intersectionality between navigating relationships in ballroom dance and in the real world. Sophia and Samantha discuss her book, Dance and the Creative Couple, and how instructors and students can use the lessons within the book to have a greater understanding of how we communicate through dance.
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Creating Ballroom Hair & Make-up | Boyko Ivanov | Episode #41
03/03/2021
Creating Ballroom Hair & Make-up | Boyko Ivanov | Episode #41
Boyko Ivanov is a former youth 10-dancer, who started creating hair and make-up looks for ballroom dancers after moving to the United States. 15 years later, the name Boyko & Co. is synonymous with some of the top looks and trends for styling ballroom dancers. Boyko sits down to chat with Samantha about discovering his passion for dance and later hair and make-up. He discussing his pursuit of beauty, and why coping trends is only a short term solution to a long term problem.
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Building the Las Vegas Dance Community | Tristen Sosa | Episode #40
02/17/2021
Building the Las Vegas Dance Community | Tristen Sosa | Episode #40
Tristen Sosa discusses growing up in a dancing family in Utah, and his dance journey in both competitive ballroom and the performance industry. Tristen and Samantha debate the longevity of virtual dance instruction, and the struggles of building an inclusive and accessible community for all dancers.
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Living in the Moment | Natalie Crandall | Episode #39
02/10/2021
Living in the Moment | Natalie Crandall | Episode #39
Natalie Crandall discusses the importance of positive reinforcement and grounding techniques for dancers at all levels, but especially in the competitive arena. Natalie and Samantha chat about the transition from Pro-Am to Professional dancer, and how she brings lessons learned from yoga and cycling into the ballroom.
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Instinctive Perception | Luca Baricchi | Episode #38
02/03/2021
Instinctive Perception | Luca Baricchi | Episode #38
Luca Baricchi discusses the mission of The Baricchi Institute of Movement and Art and what he means by instinctive perception. He and Samantha explore the luck involved in finding the right coach for your movement and how exploration and critical thinking can unlock a dancer's potential. Luca also explains what he means by being truthful in one's dancing.
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