Sonrisa Dance Podcast

Bringing back the podcast by sitting down to speak with Shiloh Cardenas about starting her new monthly Bachata/Kiz social in SoCal called The Rendezvous Social and the unseen work around managing a social. We also touched on other issues such as being a female host in a male dominated space and how to have a more mindful/safer social dance community. Be sure to follow Shiloh and Rendezvous on Instagram to stay updated on her monthly social.

I was so incredibly proud to have Saroya and Jené join me to have an important conversation about the racial bias that exists in our community. This has been a learning/eye-opening experience to many who have not experienced this in their dancing journey. They shared their experience with racial bias, what they were able to share through their live interview, and what we can do to fix this in our community.

I got to have an important discussion with fellow dancer, Karina Rodriguez, on taking care of one's body. Of course going to a medical professional is important, there are definitely things we can do to keep our bodies from breaking down so quickly. We often neglect our bodies, especially us dancers, and don't do things to treat them until problems become more serious. Karina is working to help people have a healthier relationship with their bodies.

I got to continue the conversation on dating in dance scene with my friends Brandon and Eileen. After adding more to that conversation, we discussed our thoughts on returning to dancing post-quarantine. What we want to see at venues to make us feel safe to return.

I have to thank my good friend Brandon Ortega for agreeing to start this conversation with me. Dating is always difficult and our dance community can bring up it own unique set of circumstances. This is definite just the start of the conversation. We would like to know your personal experience in dating in and out of our dance community. How can things improve?

I had an awesome time interviewing the wonderfully talented and friendly Co-Director of WE Dance Academy: William Carpenter. We discussed about how it's important for students to learn as many dance styles as they can if they want the most growth in their favorite style and how their teachers should take advantage of that extra knowledge they gain. We also had fun discussing how he and his partner Eden structured their student's progression around the elements from Avatar The Last Airbender.

I had the wonderful privilege to interview one of the biggest local bachata DJ and promoter: Demetrio Rosario AKA DjSooNaasty. We discussed how he helped the explosive growth of bachata in LA, his growth into becoming the main promoter at Steven's Steakhouse, growing his successful social media platforms, and how he's anticipating his return post-quarantine. You find more about him and sign up for his online bachata course at bachatadanceacademy.com

I got a chance to interview my fellow dancing friend, Cedric Papa. He's a kind guy who is has thoughtful perspectives on dance and life. He also has a unique view at how we teach and learn in dance as he teaches in schools. He's also a co-host on the Creative Emotions Podcast; where they explore the emotions we feel from day to day.

It was a pleasure to have a wonderful discussion with the director of RF Dance Company, Mike Zuniga. It was recorded live so sorry about to louder audio. I'll be sure to adjust for that in the next episode. We talked about his role in being a director and the thought process of running such a large team. We also explored his role in being an influencer to many dancers, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. You can find more about him and his company at rfdance.com

I finally managed to get a livestream going for the podcast. I'm trying to be creative on how to keep the episodes coming while we're all stuck at home. I was also experimenting to see if we can get some feedback from the community live during recordings. I hope to have more livestreams in the future as long as it is ok with the guest.

Had fun talking to the current president of the CSULB Salsa Club, Phoung Nguyen. It was interesting to learn how she got her start in latin dancing back in her home country. We also discussed the things she has learned by being the current president of a local college dance club. We also advocated for more alumni to go and support the current college community.

Had a nice chat with one of my newest friends and amazing supporter, Mark. We bring up the differences in learning and social dancing in LA vs San Diego. We also mentioned how often we are disappointed that we see dancers performing moves and not moving along with the music. Musicality really improves your dancing without the fancy movies.

Had a fun conversation with one of my greatest teacher and close friends, Jenny Mee. It was interesting to get her perspective on our dance community because of how much experience she has in various dance styles. We also get to discuss on how we can encourage our community to grow. Please follow her and her business: Araiza Events.

Had an insightful conversation with Erika Menjivar about working to improve the dancers in our community. Student's growth is definitely kept in mind as she owns and operates the Level Up Dance Studio in Long Beach, CA. Learning through classes at a studio is very different from the learning that a dancer typically gets from at clubs or socials.

Martin Manelit is such a nice and wonderful guy I've gotten to meet in the dance community. He has such a unique and fun style of dancing that makes you want to stop and watch. He is also a loving husband and father, and it was great to get his perspective on coming out and dancing in our latin dance community. You should definitely follow him and his company: MT Drones Pro.

I just wanted to thank you guys for listening and keeping up with this experiment to grow our community. I wanted to update you on the status and goals of this show. I also share about topics I would like to discuss in upcoming conversations.

It was great to have Luis Aragon for an insightful conversation about his role as a DJ and event promoter. We talk about his growth in the community and what we could do to support DJs and promotors. Follow him and his Cielo Events online with the hashtag #StalkLuis

Had a great talk with John Manego and how he's grown into the many roles he plays. He runs the monthly Zoukchata event in Anaheim, DJs, teaches, and runs a dance team. I ask him to share how he's gotten to him position to see what we can learn from him.

Incredibly fun conversation with Juan Martin Torres about our journey as social dancers and performers. Follow him on The Late Bloomer Podcast.

Had a wonderful conversation with the amazing Marissa Rivera. We had a discussion on her growth as a dancer and how that led to her becoming a zouk instructor. We also shared our thoughts on improving the teaching community and about eliminating the judgement between the differing dance styles.

I had a great conversation with my wonderful partner, Samantha Salazar, about what we could do about consent. Giving ideas on what to do when it is violated and how to prevent it. We need to create accountability for change. For everyone's safety and piece of mind.

I have a sitdown interview with my long time friend, Peter Araiza, about etiquette and learning to respect the culture of dance. Also discussing how instructors are jumping in to teach when they are not ready.

I have an open discussion about problems that are in our dance community about consent. I also talk about the consequences of excessive drinking at dancing event. I'm also looking to get more insight from anyone who is willing to give it to me.

I talk about wanting to improve the community around Latin dancing around the Los Angeles area. I want to bring up how to help others stay in the community and minimize the negative side of dancing. Inappropriate behavior, the injuries, the egos, the judgment. I want to improve the community with positivity and a healthy conversation.