Swing To The Rhythm with Damon D'Amico and Gilbert Raya

Damon D'Amico Gilbert Raya
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Swing to the Rhythm with Damon D’Amico and Gilbert Raya, your inside look at the world of partner dance — from West Coast Swing to Country Two Step. Each week, dance coach Damon D’Amico and co-host Gilbert Raya explore the journeys of dancers, teachers, and communities, uncovering how dance changes lives mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. You’ll hear stories, practical tips, and behind-the-scenes insights into competitions, teaching, music, and dance culture. Whether you’re a beginner curious about your first class or a seasoned dancer chasing stardom this podcast will move you

  1. 12/17/2025

    Forever Country Dance Fest 2025 Recap + Two-Step Tips — Swing to the Rhythm (Ep. 20)

    Damon just returned from Forever Country Dance Fest 2025 (Irving, TX) after teaching three Country Two-Step workshops. In this recap he covers what he saw across bar dancing, Country Swing, West Coast Swing, line dancing, and Two-Step—plus floor-etiquette notes (stopping/standing), practical Two-Step tips, and final takeaways. Thanks to event directors Steven & Lacey for having us!

  2. 12/17/2025

    Why Ladies Feel “Heavy” (Not What You Think) + #1 Dance Frame Mistake — Ep. 21

    Why do some ladies feel “heavy” to dance with? It’s not what you think. Damon and Gilbert cover mindset, timing vs. acting early, positive following, what leaders can do better, and the #1 frame mistake that kills connection.

  3. 11/01/2025

    I Skipped a $150K MBA to Learn AI for Dance (700–1,000 Hours in 5 Months)

    The AI revolution is here — even for dancers.In this episode, Gilbert and Damon break down how they spent 700–1,000 hours using AI in just 5 months to grow D’Amico Dance instead of going back for a $150,000 MBA. We talk about AI, dance, marketing, and why the people with fundamentals (business, teaching, dance) will win when AI becomes normal in 2026. In this episode: 0:00 – 1:51 AI, dance, marketing, business strategy & 2026 1:51 – 4:42 Our first reaction to ChatGPT + our education/entrepreneurship background 4:42 – 7:10 AI Misconception #1 7:10 – 10:10 “Back up… what is AI?” 10:10 – 11:40 Learning before the internet (encyclopedias in the 80s) 11:40 – 16:25 AI Misconception #2 16:25 – 21:27 Patience with AI (don’t give up, don’t be scared) 21:27 – 23:03 AI Misconception #3 23:03 – 25:59 AI and DANCE 25:59 – 32:09 The future of dance marketing in 2026 32:09 – end Our new Swing to the Rhythm book Links we mentioned: 📕 Our book – Swing to the Rhythm (Amazon): https://a.co/d/75ws7gW🎁 $12 Dance Smarter, Not Harder bundle (ebook + WCS crash): https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/bundles/dance-smarter-not-harder🌳 All D’Amico Dance links: https://linktr.ee/damicodance About the show:Swing to the Rhythm is one of the only dance shows talking openly about West Coast Swing, Country Western, teaching, money, and now… AI. Hosted by Gilbert Raya and Damon D’Amico (D’Amico Dance, Houston, TX).

  4. 10/18/2025

    Ep. 14 - Should Amateur Dancers Get Paid to Teach? | Swing to the Rhythm

    Our Facebook question pulled in 170+ comments in 24 hours—so we brought it to the show. Damon & Gilbert unpack: what “amateur” really means, when it’s okay to charge, how social media muddies the waters, and how dancers can vet teachers (and level up) without getting burned. We cover: • What is an “amateur” dancer? • Buyer-beware checks before you pay anyone • Are we celebrating average? • Social media, clout, and credibility • Pathways from amateur → pro • Should amateurs get paid? Our take • Why many nightclubs don’t care (and what to do) • Final verdicts + advice for students & aspiring teachers Links & Resources • Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/damicodance • $12 Crash Course Bundle (eBook + WCS Foundations): https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/bundles/dance-smarter-not-harder • $10 / 10-Day Anchor Step Challenge (Follows): https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/products/courses/10-day-anchor-challenge • West Coast Swing Masterclass (31 videos): https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/products/courses/wcs-masterclass • Watch the YouTube version: https://youtu.be/UkrTEIzlLA4 Timestamps 0:00 – Episode intro & how this topic started (TikTok) 2:06 – What is an amateur dancer? 4:19 – We hope amateurs who teach keep improving 5:42 – Are we celebrating average? 8:03 – Buyer beware 8:45 – Social media & amateur teachers 12:15 – Pathways to become a pro 14:55 – We want people to be better dancers 17:08 – What about getting paid? 21:24 – Do nightclubs care about dancing? 26:55 – Final thoughts: answering the question 30:16 – Outro

  5. 10/07/2025

    Ep. 13 - Men: You’re Leading Wrong (Here’s Why) | Swing to the Rhythm

    Leaders: stop muscling, start leading. In Ep. 13 we show how to be deliberate (not “strong”)—telegraphing without force, resetting with basics, and the mindset that gets you a second dance. Plus: “Dance with her brain and her body will follow”—what it actually means on the floor. Resources & courses: https://linktr.ee/damicodance • $12 Crash Course Bundle (ebook + WCS intro) • $10 / 10-Day Anchor Step Challenge (follows) • West Coast Swing Masterclass Chapters 00:00 Intro & why leading matters 01:43 Leadership on/off the floor 03:20 Is your “dance stock” rising? 05:06 “Dance with her brain…” explained 07:23 Handling performance pressure 11:45 What dance does for your brain 14:50 Protect newer partners 16:58 Social leading vs. routine leading 18:25 Followers: don’t ask for a “strong” lead 21:43 Final thoughts & CTAs

  6. 09/26/2025

    Ep. 12 - Aging, Dance & Health w/ Dr. Jacob Kendall (PhD, MSW, MPH, MDiv) | Swing to The Rhythm

    Our first-ever guest joins Swing to the Rhythm — Dr. Jacob Kendall, an aging expert with 4 graduate degrees and lived experience including two heart surgeries. Damon & Gilbert discuss how to age well, why dance boosts health and connection, and what’s broken (and fixable) in the U.S. healthcare system. What you’ll learn: Daily practices to age better Positive impacts of dance (and ageism in dance scenes) What aging looks like in the U.S. & globally Why healthcare rarely recommends dance — and how that can change Resources for patients & caregivers Where leaders should innovate for a rapidly aging population Guest: Dr. Jacob Kendall → 4daging.com + thesmartpatient.com 🎁 Learn with D’Amico Dance (Online): $10 | 10-Day Anchor Challenge (Follower Styling) $12 | Crash Course Bundle – Swing to the Rhythm eBook + 30-min WCS foundation class $249 | West Coast Swing Masterclass (31 videos) 🔗 All offers → linktr.ee/damicodance

  7. 09/23/2025

    Ep. 11 – Stop Faking Your Anchor: Real West Coast Swing Class Breakdown

    Ever wish you could sit in on a real West Coast Swing class and hear the exact cues that fix anchors fast? In this behind-the-scenes episode of Swing to the Rhythm, Damon D’Amico opens up a live D’Amico Dance class — no polish, no posing — just real coaching, mistakes, and breakthroughs. What you’ll learn in this episode: How the female West Coast Swing anchor is built from the ground up Damon’s go-to corrections for double resistance, hip settle, and foot articulation The most common anchor mistakes — and how to fix them in minutes A quick dose of anchor history (why we do it this way) Live class practice moments you can follow along with If you’ve ever wondered why your anchor doesn’t look or feel right, this episode is like a private lesson you can rewatch and practice with again and again. 📚 Learn with us online: $10 10-Day Anchor Challenge (Female Styling) → [insert Thinkific link] $12 Crash Course Bundle (Swing to the Rhythm Ebook + 30-min WCS class) → [insert Thinkific link] $249 West Coast Swing Masterclass (31 videos, full beginner curriculum) → [insert Thinkific link]🎥 Watch the full class experience on YouTube: [insert YouTube link]

  8. 09/23/2025

    Ep. 10 – The Many Versions of Country Two Step: Fixing the Confusion

    Why are there so many versions of Country Two Step? From sideways travel to strange footwork, the confusion is real — and it’s holding back new dancers, followers, and even instructors. In this episode of Swing to the Rhythm, Damon D’Amico and Gilbert Raya break down the history, common mistakes, and modern variations of Two Step, explaining why clarity and consistency matter more than ever. This isn’t just about technique — it’s about creating a better experience for both leaders and followers, and helping instructors teach the dance in a way that supports growth, confidence, and fun. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why counting Two Step incorrectly creates major problems The history of Two Step and why it matters today Why the latest version often isn’t visible on social media What new dancers do that makes it harder for everyone How instructors are teaching Two Step wrong — and how to spot it Why followers deserve more clarity and consistency Tips to avoid getting lost in a dance world full of conflicting styles 📚 Explore our training programs: $10 Anchor Step & Female Styling Challenge → [insert Thinkific link] Beginner Crash Course + Ebook Bundle → [insert Thinkific link]🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: [insert YouTube link]

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Swing to the Rhythm with Damon D’Amico and Gilbert Raya, your inside look at the world of partner dance — from West Coast Swing to Country Two Step. Each week, dance coach Damon D’Amico and co-host Gilbert Raya explore the journeys of dancers, teachers, and communities, uncovering how dance changes lives mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. You’ll hear stories, practical tips, and behind-the-scenes insights into competitions, teaching, music, and dance culture. Whether you’re a beginner curious about your first class or a seasoned dancer chasing stardom this podcast will move you

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