The Mix: A Fusion Dance Podcast

The Mix: A Fusion Dance Podcast
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Mix - a fusion dance podcast, where we dive into the world of blending dances and all that comes with it We’re talking about everything from: the highs of nailing that perfect combo to the lows, dance chemistry, musicality, emotional and mental challenges, and more. And if you’re new to the dance scene, don’t worry: we’ve got you covered with practical tips to help you get started, feel comfortable, and most importantly, have fun. So, come on in, we can’t wait to dance with you!

  1. 5d ago

    #33: I Danced 20 Hours a Week for a Month. Here’s What Happened

    What happens when you dance 20 hours a week for an entire month? One of us did an experiment and found out firsthand. And well… you learn A LOT. We’re going behind the scenes of an intensive month of dance training, and the surprising lessons that came out of it. In this episode, we talk about: Why “you have to train to engrain.”  How learning to lead made us a better follower in partner dance, and why its important to understand what your partner is experiencing on the other side of the dance. Why safety comes before creativity: when a complicated or flashy move isn't worth it on the dance floor The problem with overdancing: why trying too hard actually makes the dance harder for you. Why technique matters more than creativity Why the most versatile dancers make the best dancers: Learning different styles exposes you to different ways of connecting, moving, and interpreting the music’s rhythm, melody, instruments, and lyrics Why you should speak up when something hurts. (Hint: Your partner's fun should never come at the expense of your body). And maybe the biggest takeaway? Sometimes it's better to be boring than unsafe. Because once trust is broken on the dance floor, it's hard to get it back. ———————————— 🙏Shout out and THANK YOU to John Monday @johnmondaymusic who helped us out and edited this podcast episode! RESOURCES: • FU (Fusion University) is here!  To be the first to know about our classes, practicas, demos, assessments, social community events, and more, sign up for our email newsletter here at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6 • 📌 FAQs: We’ve answered the same questions 50+ times about Fusion University (because we love you), but you can check out FAQ here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iHFXnIC8lxQcxDACRpjZQ2_-QkktxOgnbCt_1tKELDs/edit?tab=t.0 • Wondering on where to social dance in LA?  Stay up-to-date on all the upcoming events in the LA area here: https://bit.ly/Social-Dance-LA  — RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW US! 👍 This helps us support and reach more people just like you! Listening on APPLE Podcasts? https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastApple Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Listening to this on SPOTIFY? Go to https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastSpotify . Tap on the star icon underneath our podcast description to rate and help us out! (Rating is available on mobile app only). — CONNECT WITH US! Instagram: www.instagram.com/fusiondancepodcast  Tiktok:  www.tiktok.com/@fusiondancepodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fusiondancepodcast  📧 Email us your podcast topic ideas and suggestions at fusiondancepodcast@gmail.com  FOLLOW FUSION UNIVERSITY (FU): Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572519666676  Instagram http://instagram.com/fusionuniversity  Email Contact: FusionUniversityLA@gmail.com  Join FU’s email newsletter at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6

  2. Aug 19

    #32: Why Trophies Don't Make Better Dancers (A Review of the ThrowDown Dance Event)

    This week we're taking you behind the scenes of our trip to The ThrowDown, a fusion dance weekender and competition in the bay area (Oakland) in California. Yes, we competed. Yes, we made finals…but that wasn't the shiny highlight of the weekend. Instead, we found ourselves asking much bigger questions: What actually makes someone a great fusion dancer? How should competitions judge dancers in fusion? What role does feedback play in helping communities grow? In this episode we discuss: - Why traveling outside your local dance scene is one of the fastest ways to grow and how traveling exposes you to possibilities your local scene can't always provide. - Why inspiration is contagious and often what many dancers are missing to see what's possible - We unpack our honest thoughts on everything - from social dances, the music, classes, , competitions to judging, registration logistics, DJ battles, etc. and how they were ran - How Fusion University's practicas unexpectedly prepared us for competition and feedback. - Why clear judging criteria matter if we want to shape the future of our dance - How the dance scene grows when organizers are willing to experiment. If you've ever wondered whether competitions are "worth it," or you've been feeling stuck in your local dance scene, this conversation might be exactly that different perspective you've been looking for. ———————————— RESOURCES: • FU (Fusion University) is here!  To be the first to know about our classes, practicas, demos, assessments, social community events, and more, sign up for our email newsletter here at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6 • 📌 FAQs: We’ve answered the same questions 50+ times about Fusion University (because we love you), but you can check out FAQ here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iHFXnIC8lxQcxDACRpjZQ2_-QkktxOgnbCt_1tKELDs/edit?tab=t.0 • Wondering on where to social dance in LA?  Stay up-to-date on all the upcoming events in the LA area here: https://bit.ly/Social-Dance-LA  — RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW US! 👍 This helps us support and reach more people just like you! Listening on APPLE Podcasts? https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastApple Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Listening to this on SPOTIFY? Go to https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastSpotify . Tap on the star icon underneath our podcast description to rate and help us out! (Rating is available on mobile app only). — CONNECT WITH US! Instagram: www.instagram.com/fusiondancepodcast  Tiktok:  www.tiktok.com/@fusiondancepodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fusiondancepodcast  📧 Email us your podcast topic ideas and suggestions at fusiondancepodcast@gmail.com  FOLLOW FUSION UNIVERSITY (FU): Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572519666676  Instagram http://instagram.com/fusionuniversity  Email Contact: FusionUniversityLA@gmail.com  Join FU’s email newsletter at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6

  3. Aug 5

    #31: Why Is Partner Dance So White? And How to Fix It

    Is partner dancing losing its roots? What happens when we stop caring or asking about where a dance came from? This week, we're joined by Dave Harris for one of the most thought-provoking conversations we've had on the podcast. We dive into the intersections of dance, culture, history, identity, and what it really means to create an “inclusive place” - not just in theory, but in actual practice. This isn't a surface-level conversation. It's an invitation to get curious on why there aren’t enough people of color in dance, challenge assumptions, and think more deeply about the future of fusion dance. What we talk about in this episode: 1) Why aren't more people of color in partner dance? The barriers that often go unseen. Why saying "everyone is welcome" is *not* always enough. Practical ways organizers and communities can create spaces where more people genuinely feel they belong. 2) Why dance, cooking, writing, and even sex have more in common than you think 3) When does fusion become colonial without organizers & teachers realizing it? A thoughtful discussion on cultural exchange versus cultural extraction. Why intention matters - but education matters too. How honoring history can actually make us better dancers and humans What gets lost when we separate a dance from the culture that helped shape it. 4) The hidden mental load of being "the only one" What it's like to walk into a room where you're the minority. The invisible emotional labor many dancers carry before they even step onto the dance floor. Why belonging is about far more than receiving an invitation. How empathy begins by listening to experiences different from our own. 5) Questions every dance community should be asking: What voices are missing? What kind of culture are we creating? —for today's dancers and the next generation? This conversation may challenge you. It may make you uncomfortable in moments. And honestly? That's okay. Some of the most meaningful growth happens when we're willing to stay curious instead of becoming defensive. Whether you're a dancer, teacher, DJ, organizer, or someone who simply cares about building a stronger dance scene, we hope this episode sparks important and much needed conversations. ———————————— RESOURCES: • FU (Fusion University) is here!  To be the first to know about our classes, practicas, demos, assessments, social community events, and more, sign up for our email newsletter here at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6 • 📌 FAQs: We’ve answered the same questions 50+ times about Fusion University (because we love you), but you can check out FAQ here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iHFXnIC8lxQcxDACRpjZQ2_-QkktxOgnbCt_1tKELDs/edit?tab=t.0 • Wondering on where to social dance in LA?  Stay up-to-date on all the upcoming events in the LA area here: https://bit.ly/Social-Dance-LA  — RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW US! 👍 This helps us support and reach more people just like you! Listening on APPLE Podcasts? https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastApple Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Listening to this on SPOTIFY? Go to https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastSpotify . Tap on the star icon underneath our podcast description to rate and help us out! (Rating is available on mobile app only). — CONNECT WITH US! Instagram: www.instagram.com/fusiondancepodcast  Tiktok:  www.tiktok.com/@fusiondancepodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fusiondancepodcast  📧 Email us your podcast topic ideas and suggestions at fusiondancepodcast@gmail.com  FOLLOW FUSION UNIVERSITY (FU): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572519666676  Instagram: http://instagram.com/fusionuniversity  Email Contact: FusionUniversityLA@gmail.com  Join FU’s email newsletter at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6

  4. Jul 22

    #30: Why Experienced Dancers Are Quietly Leaving

    It’s SEASON 2 of The Fusion Dance Podcast!  We took a hiatus because we have been understaffed and overworked but we are back with more hot takes this time.  Is fusion dance losing its spark? We have an honest conversation about the future of fusion, what makes dancers stay (or why many leave), and how DJs have more influence than you might think. From behind-the-booth lessons learned while DJing across the country to bigger questions about community growth, the concept of inclusivity, and vision, this episode challenges some of the thoughts people have about dance.  In this episode we talk about:  The DJ technique that instantly wins over a dance floor. Why some fusion scenes stop growing (including LA's)The uncomfortable truth about why dancers leave. Are we making fusion too beginner-friendly? What great organizers understand that others miss. Our vision for the future of fusion dance.  Whether you're a dancer, DJ, organizer, or simply love thoughtful conversations about partner dancing, this episode is sure to get you thinking. RESOURCES: • FU (Fusion University) is here!  To be the first to know about our classes, practicas, demos, assessments, social community events, and more, sign up for our email newsletter here at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6 • 📌 FAQs: We’ve answered the same questions 50+ times about Fusion University (because we love you), but you can check out FAQ here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iHFXnIC8lxQcxDACRpjZQ2_-QkktxOgnbCt_1tKELDs/edit?tab=t.0 • Wondering on where to social dance in LA?  Stay up-to-date on all the upcoming events in the LA area here: https://bit.ly/Social-Dance-LA  — RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW US! 👍 This helps us support and reach more people just like you! Listening on APPLE Podcasts? https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastApple Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Listening to this on SPOTIFY? Go to https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastSpotify . Tap on the star icon underneath our podcast description to rate and help us out! (Rating is available on mobile app only). — CONNECT WITH US! Instagram: www.instagram.com/fusiondancepodcast  Tiktok:  www.tiktok.com/@fusiondancepodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fusiondancepodcast  📧 Email us your podcast topic ideas and suggestions at fusiondancepodcast@gmail.com  FOLLOW FUSION UNIVERSITY (FU): Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572519666676  Instagram http://instagram.com/fusionuniversity  Email Contact: FusionUniversityLA@gmail.com  Join FU’s email newsletter at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6

  5. 11/03/2025

    #29: We Traveled To The Middle East! (& What It Taught Us About Dance)

    Welcome back to another episode of The Fusion Dance Podcast! Today, we’re going on a little journey - halfway across the world, actually. In this episode, Trang shares her unforgettable adventure through the Middle East and what it revealed about connection, culture, and the way we move with one another through dance. You’ll hear about : The unexpected challenge of finding partner and social dances in a region where it’s not so common.If people there dance differently or the same —and what stood out most The #1 BIG epiphany Trang had, on how this trip to the Middle East connects to partner and fusion dance So grab your headphones, and let’s dive into the insights that a trip across the world (and a few missed dance socials) can teach you. ———————————— RESOURCES: • FU (Fusion University) is here!  To be the first to know about our classes, practicas, demos, assessments, social community events, and more, sign up for our email newsletter here at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6 • 📌 FAQs: We’ve answered the same questions 50+ times about Fusion University (because we love you), but you can check out FAQ here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iHFXnIC8lxQcxDACRpjZQ2_-QkktxOgnbCt_1tKELDs/edit?tab=t.0 • Wondering on where to social dance in LA?  Stay up-to-date on all the upcoming events in the LA area here: https://bit.ly/Social-Dance-LA  — RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW US! 👍 This helps us support and reach more people just like you! Listening on APPLE Podcasts? https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastApple Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Listening to this on SPOTIFY? Go to https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastSpotify . Tap on the star icon underneath our podcast description to rate and help us out! (Rating is available on mobile app only). — CONNECT WITH US! Instagram: www.instagram.com/fusiondancepodcast  Tiktok:  www.tiktok.com/@fusiondancepodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fusiondancepodcast  📧 Email us your podcast topic ideas and suggestions at fusiondancepodcast@gmail.com  FOLLOW FUSION UNIVERSITY (FU): Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572519666676  Instagram http://instagram.com/fusionuniversity  Email Contact: FusionUniversityLA@gmail.com  Join FU’s email newsletter at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6

  6. 10/28/2025

    #28: Our Honest Take on The Bay (SF/Oakland) and "City in Motion" Event

    We’re taking you behind the scenes of our recent trip to the San Francisco and Oakland fusion dance weekender — City In Motion. We’re talking all about the highlights and lowlights from our experience, what made the Bay Area scene stand out, and how it compares to what we’re building right here in LA. You’ll hear our honest thoughts on: The vibe and style differences between LA and the Bay — is the Bay really that much better as people say? What we saw at City In Motion that we’d love to bring back home to our local scene. The growing conversation around contact improv on the social dance floor — how organizers view it and how dancers feel about it Our favorite moment from the weekend that reminded us why we love this dance so much. ———————————— RESOURCES: • FU (Fusion University) is here!  To be the first to know about our classes, practicas, demos, assessments, social community events, and more, sign up for our email newsletter here at ⁠https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6⁠ • 📌 FAQs: We’ve answered the same questions 50+ times about Fusion University (because we love you), but you can check out FAQ here: ⁠https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iHFXnIC8lxQcxDACRpjZQ2_-QkktxOgnbCt_1tKELDs/edit?tab=t.0⁠ • Wondering on where to social dance in LA?  Stay up-to-date on all the upcoming events in the LA area here: ⁠https://bit.ly/Social-Dance-LA⁠  — RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW US! 👍 This helps us support and reach more people just like you! Listening on APPLE Podcasts? Go to ⁠https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastApple⁠ Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Listening to this on SPOTIFY? Go to ⁠https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastSpotify⁠ . Tap on the star icon underneath our podcast description to rate and help us out! (Rating is available on mobile app only). — CONNECT WITH US! Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/fusiondancepodcast⁠  Tiktok:  ⁠www.tiktok.com/@fusiondancepodcast⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@fusiondancepodcast⁠  📧 Email us your podcast topic ideas and suggestions at ⁠fusiondancepodcast@gmail.com⁠  FOLLOW FUSION UNIVERSITY (FU): Facebook:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572519666676⁠  Instagram ⁠http://instagram.com/fusionuniversity⁠  Email Contact: ⁠FusionUniversityLA@gmail.com⁠  Join FU’s email newsletter at ⁠https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6⁠

  7. 10/15/2025

    #27: What’s Your Dance Love Language? Plus The Power of Stillness

    Today, we’re diving with Meredith Levine into one of the most often overlooked aspects of partner dancing: stillness.  We’re exploring how less can truly be more on the dance floor, and how presence, breath, and energy exchange can transform a simple step into a meaningful body conversation. You’ll also hear about the Six Dance Love Languages - that helps explain why certain dance partners just click, while others don’t. What we talk about in this episode: What the Six Dance Love Languages mean and how to find out which ones you are, and how understanding these “dance love languages” can help you connect more authentically with your partners and yourself.How breath, connection, and energy exchange deepen the quality of your dance.How to find that balance between quiet stillness and expressive energy - even when your partner’s style is totally different.Simple ways beginners can start exploring stillness without feeling awkward or disconnected. ———————————— RESOURCES: • FU (Fusion University) is here!  To be the first to know about our classes, practicas, demos, assessments, social community events, and more, sign up for our email newsletter here • 📌 FAQs: We’ve answered the same questions 50+ times about Fusion University (because we love you), but you can check out FAQ here • Wondering on where to social dance in LA?  Stay up-to-date on all the upcoming events in the LA area here: https://bit.ly/Social-Dance-LA  — RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW US! 👍 This helps us support and reach more people just like you! Listening on APPLE Podcasts? Click here. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Listening to this on SPOTIFY? Click here. Tap on the star icon underneath our podcast description to rate and help us out! (Rating is available on mobile app only). — CONNECT WITH US! Instagram: www.instagram.com/fusiondancepodcast  Tiktok:  www.tiktok.com/@fusiondancepodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fusiondancepodcast  📧 Email us your podcast topic ideas and suggestions at fusiondancepodcast@gmail.com  FOLLOW FUSION UNIVERSITY (FU): Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572519666676  Instagram http://instagram.com/fusionuniversity  Email Contact: FusionUniversityLA@gmail.com  Join FU’s email newsletter at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6

  8. 09/22/2025

    #26: Sacrificing Your Joy, Plus When Grief & Burnout Hits You As A Dancer

    Hey friend, this episode is a deeply personal one. We’re talking about grief, growth, and how to keep your joy alive on the dance floor - even when life throws challenges your way. In this episode, we talk about: Trang shares her reflection on her recent experience grief and depression, exploring the impact of losing someone in the dance community, a dance partner moving away, and what it taught her as a dancer and a person. How teachers and more developed dancers need growth too, and why keeping elders inspired is essential to prevent burnout. The balance between sacrificing your own joy to help others versus protecting your own body and energy.  Inspiration matters: beginners need to see what’s possible to spark their own growth. — RESOURCES: • FU (Fusion University) is here!  To be the first to know about our classes, practicas, demos, assessments, social community events, and more, sign up for our email newsletter here at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6 • 📌 FAQs: We’ve answered the same questions 50+ times about Fusion University (because we love you), but you can check out FAQ here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iHFXnIC8lxQcxDACRpjZQ2_-QkktxOgnbCt_1tKELDs/edit?tab=t.0 • Wondering on where to social dance in LA?  Stay up-to-date on all the upcoming events in the LA area here: https://bit.ly/Social-Dance-LA  — RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW US! 👍 This helps us support and reach more people just like you! Listening on APPLE Podcasts? https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastApple Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Listening to this on SPOTIFY? Go to https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastSpotify . Tap on the star icon underneath our podcast description to rate and help us out! (Rating is available on mobile app only). — CONNECT WITH US! Instagram: www.instagram.com/fusiondancepodcast  Tiktok:  www.tiktok.com/@fusiondancepodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fusiondancepodcast  📧 Email us your podcast topic ideas and suggestions at fusiondancepodcast@gmail.com  FOLLOW FUSION UNIVERSITY (FU): Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572519666676  Instagram http://instagram.com/fusionuniversity  Email Contact: FusionUniversityLA@gmail.com  Join FU’s email newsletter at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6

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About

Welcome to The Mix - a fusion dance podcast, where we dive into the world of blending dances and all that comes with it We’re talking about everything from: the highs of nailing that perfect combo to the lows, dance chemistry, musicality, emotional and mental challenges, and more. And if you’re new to the dance scene, don’t worry: we’ve got you covered with practical tips to help you get started, feel comfortable, and most importantly, have fun. So, come on in, we can’t wait to dance with you!

Information

  • Creator
    The Mix: A Fusion Dance Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Mix: A Fusion Dance Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Mix: A Fusion Dance Podcast