Step by Step

"We're just getting started" is more than a motto; it’s a growth mindset. It’s a daily reminder that making things better takes consistent effort. In this deeply honest conversation, we sit down with Jorge Burgos — better known as Ataca — one half of the legendary Ataca y La Alemana and co-founder of Island Touch. Ataca opens up about the true essence of bachata, why the "basic&...

After 24 years of chasing perfection in ballet, one night at a tiny social in England changed everything. What if the secret to dancing (and living) better was learning to let go completely? In this deeply moving conversation, former ballerina turned bachata dancer Eva Maria Bredler shares how 24 years of ballet trained her into perfectionism, conformity, and chronic self-judgment, and how discove...

What if the thing keeping you from becoming a better dancer has nothing to do with your technique — and everything to do with how you see your body? Registered Dietitian and Bachata dancer Tiia Huuhka reveals the hidden body image crisis in the dance world that nobody is talking about. In this powerful conversation, registered Dietitian and Body Awareness Coach Tiia Huuhka opens up about the toxic...

🧠 What if the reason you're not improving as a dancer has nothing to do with technique — and everything to do with what's happening inside your head? A psychologist and bachata dancer reveals the mindset shifts that transformed her dance and her life. In this powerful episode of the Step by Step podcast, we sit down with Fiorella— a psychologist, bachata dancer, and movement therapist — w...

In this deeply moving conversation, Mayra opens up about her extraordinary life journey — from growing up dancing in Argentina to studying medicine, working on TV, facing a devastating health crisis at just 21, and surviving the 2020 Beirut explosion. Through every chapter, dance remained her anchor and her medicine. Now, alongside her partner Michael, Mayra has developed a powerful methodology ca...

Nastia breaks down the biggest misconceptions about Bachata Influence, from the myth that it requires "remix music" to the false belief that it's all about sharp, tense movements. She shares her incredible journey from complete beginner in Ireland to international Bachata Influence dancer, revealing how the style is actually about connection, emotion, and storytelling rather than jus...

From dancing alone in discos to quitting teaching due to imposter syndrome, here is Carlitos' real story. In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Carlos, a professional bachata instructor and performer who recently won a competition in France. Carlos opens up about his unconventional path from social dancing in Barcelona discos to becoming a respected teacher, his battle with imposter synd...

He was told he needed surgery. Doctors said he couldn't lift more than 20 kilos above his head. He chose a different path, and kept dancing. Arthur has been dancing for nearly 20 years and has taught across Brazil, Australia, Spain, Mexico, and beyond. In this conversation, he shares the philosophy behind his teaching methodology, why he makes students wait over a year before learning head mov...

Unlock the power of expressing yourself without words, through dance. Meet Jess, a dancer who transformed her confidence and career one step at a time. Dive into the world of Jess, a dancer whose journey spans from shy childhood to a confident performer. Discover the power of movement as a means of self-expression, the importance of role rotation, and the impact of gender dynamics in the dance ind...

Join Smiley Stav as she unveils the magic of authenticity and connection on the dance floor! Ever wondered how dancers transform simple steps into mesmerizing performances? In this captivating episode of "Step by Step," we delve deep into the world of dance with the dynamic Smiley Stav. With her unique journey from a beginner salsa dancer to a transformative influencer armed with the pow...

Can you really start dance "late" and still make it to the international stage? 💃🕺In our very first episode of Step by Step, we sit down with the incredible Greg Henriques: https://www.instagram.com/greg.henriques Greg didn't start dancing until later in life, yet he’s managed to navigate the highs of international competition and the realities of becoming a world-class educator. W...