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

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

Swing To The Rhythm with Damon D'Amico and Gilbert Raya is a arts podcast hosted by Damon D'Amico Gilbert Raya, with 17 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Damon D'Amico Gilbert Raya hosts Swing To The Rhythm with Damon D'Amico and Gilbert Raya, a arts show with 17 episodes published.

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  Episode #20

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

  Dec 17, 202512 minS0

  <p>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!</p>

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  Episode #21

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

  Dec 17, 202531 minS0

  <p>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.</p><p><br></p>

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  Episode #16

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

  Nov 1, 202533 minS0

  <p>The AI revolution is here — even for dancers.<br>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. </p><p><br></p><p>We talk about AI, dance, marketing, and why the people with fundamentals (business, teaching, dance) will win when AI becomes normal in 2026.</p><p>In this episode:</p><p>0:00 – 1:51 AI, dance, marketing, business strategy & 2026</p><p>1:51 – 4:42 Our first reaction to ChatGPT + our education/entrepreneurship background</p><p>4:42 – 7:10 AI Misconception #1</p><p>7:10 – 10:10 “Back up… what is AI?”</p><p>10:10 – 11:40 L...

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  Episode #14

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

  Oct 17, 202530 minS0

  <p>Our Facebook question pulled in 170+ comments in 24 hours—so we brought it to the show. </p><p>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.</p><p>We cover:<br />• What is an “amateur” dancer?<br />• Buyer-beware checks before you pay anyone<br />• Are we celebrating average?<br />• Social media, clout, and credibility<br />• Pathways from amateur → pro<br />• Should amateurs get paid? Our take<br />• Why many nightclubs don’t care (and what to do)<br />• Final verdicts + advice...

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  Episode #13

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

  Oct 7, 202523 minS0

  <p>Leaders: stop muscling, start leading. </p><p>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. </p><p>Plus: “Dance with her brain and her body will follow”—what it actually means on the floor.<br />Resources & courses: https://linktr.ee/damicodance<br />• $12 Crash Course Bundle (ebook + WCS intro)<br />• $10 / 10-Day Anchor Step Challenge (follows)<br />• West Coast Swing Masterclass</p><p>Chapters<br />00:00 Intro & why leading matters<br />01:43 Leadership on/off the floor<br />03:20 Is your “dance stock” rising?<br />05:06 “Dance with her brain…” explained<br...

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