Staying Grounded

Vienna Tango School
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Staying Grounded is a podcast about learning tango, creating a welcoming dance community, and sharing the journey of building a thriving tango business. Hosted by Amanda, Melody, and Jon, each episode covers real experiences, practical tips, and candid conversations about what makes tango so captivating.

  1. JAN 6

    Staying Grounded #25 - Plateauing

    Plateauing in tango can feel frustrating, confusing, and surprisingly common—no matter how long you’ve been dancing. In this episode, we unpack what it really means to “hit a plateau” and why it often has less to do with talent and more to do with habits, comfort zones, and how we engage with our community. We talk about the role competitions can play in creating focus and momentum, how inspiring teachers and teaching styles can reignite curiosity, and why dancing with a wider variety of partners is essential for long-term growth. From accommodating familiar habits to unintentionally locking ourselves into one way of dancing, we explore how plateaus form—and how to move past them with intention. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or unsure of what’s next in your tango journey, this conversation offers perspective, encouragement, and practical ways to keep growing. As always, we’d love to hear from you. Share your experiences with plateauing, what helped you move through it, or what questions you’re still wrestling with—drop them in the comments. #StayingGroundedPodcast #TangoPodcast #ArgentineTango #SocialDance #DanceCommunity #TangoCulture #TangoLife #TangoTalk #LeadAndFollow #MilongaMoments #DanceEducation #TangoTips #DanceJourney #TangoInspiration #DanceConversation #TangoWorld #TangoLifestyle #TangoLearners #DancePodcast #ViennaTango #Tango #SocialDance #CommunityBuilding #Milonga A product of Vienna Tango School LLCProduced by Amanda Garley, Melody Yazdani, and Jon ZhangEdited by Jon ZhangBusiness & Media inquiries: hello@viennatango.com

    34 min

  2. 12/16/2025

    Staying Grounded #24 - Who Keeps it Interesting

    Who’s actually responsible for keeping a tango dance interesting—the leader, the follower, or both? In this episode, we dive into one of tango’s most quietly contentious questions: expression vs execution, voice vs reaction, and where “following” ends and dancing truly begins. We unpack musicality, texture, embellishments, flow state, and the invisible line between contributing to the dance and pulling focus from it. Along the way, we challenge assumptions about roles, responsibility, and what it really means to be present with your partner. This one gets philosophical, a little spicy, and very honest. Join the conversation—and tell us where you draw the line. #StayingGroundedPodcast #TangoPodcast #ArgentineTango #SocialDance #DanceCommunity #TangoCulture #TangoLife #TangoTalk #LeadAndFollow #MilongaMoments #DanceEducation #TangoTips #DanceJourney #TangoInspiration #DanceConversation #TangoWorld #TangoLifestyle #TangoLearners #DancePodcast #ViennaTango #Tango #SocialDance #CommunityBuilding #Milonga A product of Vienna Tango School LLCProduced by Amanda Garley, Melody Yazdani, and Jon ZhangEdited by Jon ZhangBusiness & Media inquiries: hello@viennatango.com

    40 min

  3. 12/09/2025

    Staying Grounded #23 - The Cool Kids Part II

    In Part II of our conversation on “the cool kids” of tango, we go deeper into what lies beneath the label — identity, visibility, community dynamics, and the assumptions we all make in the milonga. We talk candidly about race and representation in tango, how appearance influences who gets seen (or ignored), and the complex experiences of Black dancers, queer dancers, and non-binary dancers navigating spaces that weren’t built with them in mind. Is tango a meritocracy? A popularity contest? A vibe-based ecosystem with a dash of social psychology? Maybe a mix of all three — and we explore why those perceptions form, how they evolve, and what assumptions might be holding us back. If you’ve ever felt invisible, intimidated, confused, or just curious about how social dynamics actually operate on the dance floor, this episode opens the door. And we really do want to hear your experiences — whether you feel like an outsider, an insider, or both depending on the night. Drop a comment and let’s unpack the mythology of the “cool kids” together. #StayingGroundedPodcast #TangoPodcast #ArgentineTango #SocialDance #DanceCommunity #TangoCulture #TangoLife #TangoTalk #LeadAndFollow #MilongaMoments #DanceEducation #TangoTips #DanceJourney #TangoInspiration #DanceConversation #TangoWorld #TangoLifestyle #TangoLearners #DancePodcast #ViennaTango #Tango #SocialDance #CommunityBuilding #Milonga A product of Vienna Tango School LLCProduced by Amanda Garley, Melody Yazdani, and Jon ZhangEdited by Jon ZhangBusiness & Media inquiries: hello@viennatango.com

    42 min

  4. 12/02/2025

    Staying Grounded #22 - The Cool Kids Part I

    Who are the “cool kids” in tango… and why does that idea exist at all? This episode takes a candid look at community perceptions, the psychology behind exclusivity, and what really happens on the social dance floor versus what we think is happening. We talk intimidation, assumptions, cliques (real and imagined), and the long path from feeling invisible to finally feeling at home in the community. Spoiler: it’s rarely about skill alone, and it’s almost never the story we tell ourselves. If you’ve ever wondered whether people are unapproachable — or worried you might seem that way to others — this episode will give you a whole new lens on tango culture. #StayingGroundedPodcast #TangoPodcast #ArgentineTango #SocialDance #DanceCommunity #TangoCulture #TangoLife #TangoTalk #LeadAndFollow #MilongaMoments #DanceEducation #TangoTips #DanceJourney #TangoInspiration #DanceConversation #TangoWorld #TangoLifestyle #TangoLearners #DancePodcast #ViennaTango #Tango #SocialDance #CommunityBuilding #MilongaA product of Vienna Tango School LLCProduced by Amanda Garley, Melody Yazdani, and Jon ZhangEdited by Jon ZhangBusiness & Media inquiries: hello@viennatango.com

    43 min

  5. 11/25/2025

    Staying Grounded #21 - Tango Insecurities Part II

    In Part II of our tango insecurities series, we take a deeper look at what really fuels feelings of intimidation, exclusion, and self-doubt at the milonga. We break down how “cool kids tables” form, why people often feel rejected without actually being rejected, and how personality differences affect how we read each other on (and off) the dance floor. We also talk honestly about visibility, desire, social skills in tango, and how communication can dissolve a lot of the misunderstandings we carry silently. If you’ve struggled with feeling “not seen” or “not good enough”—you’re far from alone. Follow the podcast on Spotify, and share your own experiences—we’d love to hear from you. #StayingGroundedPodcast #TangoPodcast #ArgentineTango #SocialDance #DanceCommunity #TangoCulture #TangoLife #TangoTalk #LeadAndFollow #MilongaMoments #DanceEducation #TangoTips #DanceJourney #TangoInspiration #DanceConversation #TangoWorld #TangoLifestyle #TangoLearners #DancePodcast #ViennaTango #Tango #SocialDance #CommunityBuilding #Milonga A product of Vienna Tango School LLCProduced by Amanda Garley, Melody Yazdani, and Jon ZhangEdited by Jon ZhangBusiness & Media inquiries: hello@viennatango.com

    20 min

  6. 11/18/2025

    Staying Grounded #20 - Tango Insecurities Part I

    In this episode of Staying Grounded, Amanda, Melody, and Jon dive into the tangled world of tango insecurities. From overthinking every step to wondering why certain dancers never invite you, we explore how doubt shows up on the dance floor—and what you can actually do about it. We break down the difference between genuine skill gaps and the stories we invent in our heads, why feedback from your peers matters more than you think, the role of personal “dance dialects,” and how community dynamics can accidentally feed (or soothe) insecurity. What We Cover: • Why insecurity doesn’t disappear with experience • How to ask for useful feedback (without spiraling) • Understanding “dance dialects” and why some partnerships click • Rejection myths: what it usually really means • How social dynamics—not skill—shape who gets seen • Strategies for reframing intrusive “I’m not good enough” thoughts • The difference between internal work and external goals We’d love to hear your experiences—share your insecurities and how you’ve handled them through our site or social channels.  Follow the show for more honest conversations about tango, community, and growth. A product of Vienna Tango School LLC Produced by Amanda Garley, Melody Yazdani, and Jon Zhang Edited by Jon Zhang Business & Media inquiries: hello@viennatango.com #StayingGroundedPodcast #TangoPodcast #ArgentineTango #SocialDance #DanceCommunity #TangoCulture #TangoLife #TangoTalk #LeadAndFollow #MilongaMoments #DanceEducation #TangoTips #DanceJourney #TangoInspiration #DanceConversation #TangoWorld #TangoLifestyle #TangoLearners #DancePodcast #ViennaTango #Tango #SocialDance #CommunityBuilding #Milonga

    35 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    Staying Grounded #19 - Why Are Classes Boring For Followers

    Why do followers get bored in tango classes? In this episode, Amanda, Melody, and Jon unpack why so many group classes leave followers feeling uninspired — and what teachers, leaders, and followers themselves can do to fix it. From passive learning habits to unbalanced class structures, they explore how everyone can play a more active role in creating meaningful tango learning experiences. Highlights: Why followers disengage during group classes How to stay mentally and physically active while following The teacher’s role in keeping classes dynamic Communication tips for partners and feedback exchange Reframing “boring” classes as opportunities to deepen understanding 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, follow Staying Grounded for more candid conversations about tango, community, and the art of keeping your feet — and your focus — on the floor. A product of Vienna Tango School LLCProduced by Amanda Garley, Melody Yazdani, and Jon ZhangEdited by Jon ZhangBusiness & Media inquiries: hello@viennatango.com #StayingGroundedPodcast #TangoPodcast #ArgentineTango #SocialDance #DanceCommunity #TangoCulture #TangoLife #TangoTalk #LeadAndFollow #MilongaMoments #DanceEducation #TangoTips #DanceJourney #TangoInspiration #DanceConversation #TangoWorld #TangoLifestyle #TangoLearners #DancePodcast #ViennaTango #CommunityBuilding #Milonga

    31 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    Staying Grounded #18 - Organizer Expectations

    In this episode of Staying Grounded, hosts Amanda, Melody, and Jon dive into what dancers really expect from organizers—and what organizers owe (or don’t owe) their communities. From the myth that organizers must dance with everyone to setting healthy boundaries, hosting logistics, and crafting memorable events, they pull back the curtain on the often unseen work behind the tango scene. Highlights: What dancers expect vs. what organizers can realistically provide Balancing hosting duties with personal boundaries Creating thoughtful, welcoming tango spaces The “must-haves” every milonga should offer The importance of community feedback and safe-space policies Julio & Silvina Workshops: https://viennatango.com/guest-workshops-julio-silvina 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, follow Staying Grounded for more candid conversations about tango, community, and the art of keeping your feet—and your values—on the floor. A product of Vienna Tango School LLCProduced by Amanda Garley, Melody Yazdani, and Jon ZhangEdited by Jon ZhangBusiness & Media inquiries: hello@viennatango.com **#StayingGroundedPodcast #TangoPodcast #ArgentineTango #SocialDance #DanceCommunity #TangoCulture #TangoLife #TangoTalk #LeadAndFollow #MilongaMoments #DanceEducation #TangoTips #DanceJourney #TangoInspiration #DanceConversation

    36 min
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About

Staying Grounded is a podcast about learning tango, creating a welcoming dance community, and sharing the journey of building a thriving tango business. Hosted by Amanda, Melody, and Jon, each episode covers real experiences, practical tips, and candid conversations about what makes tango so captivating.

Information

  • Creator
    Vienna Tango School
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Vienna Tango School
  • Show Website
    Staying Grounded