Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The CityInMotion Podcast

Brittany Wood is a San Diego–based fusion and Argentine tango dancer, teacher, and DJ. She was first introduced to partner dancing as a kid growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area when her oldest brother took her to a Lindy Hop dance in Golden Gate Park. From that moment, she was hooked. Several years later starting in 2009, she eagerly sought out every swing dance opportunity she could find, building a lifelong love of social dance. In 2012, while starting college, Brittany discovered Fusion and Blues dancing at house parties and fell in love with the depth of connection, creativity, and presence they offered. Her curiosity and passion for learning eventually led her to explore West Coast Swing and Urban Kiz before finding a deeper focus in Argentine tango. Today, Brittany is an active member of both the fusion and Argentine tango communities. She is passionate about teaching, DJing, and cultivating welcoming spaces for queer tango and fusion dancers in San Diego. Dancing both roles, she believes that learning to lead and follow helps dancers develop greater empathy, versatility, musicality, and connection. At the heart of Brittany's dancing, teaching, and DJing is a deep commitment to community. She strives to create environments where people feel safe, valued, included, and free to express themselves through movement and connection. She is equally committed to her own growth as a dancer, embracing continuous learning and seeking opportunities to deepen her understanding of movement, partnership, and the art of social dance.

Shaheed Qaasim, a Los Angeles-based West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, blues, and fusion dance teacher, DJ, choreographer, competitor, and enthusiastic student. I’ve been partner dancing since 2004, and my journey has taken me across the country teaching, learning, and building community through dance. Fusion holds a special place in my heart, it invites us to move beyond genre and instead connect through intention, creativity, and presence. As a teacher, I focus on helping students develop a deep understanding of connection and movement, and I’m passionate about guiding people toward finding their own voice on the dance floor. My goal is always to help dancers show up authentically, joyfully, and respectfully; with themselves, their partners, and their communities. I care deeply about community building because I believe partner dancing is more than artistic expression, it’s a powerful tool for connection and healing. That’s why I encourage organizers and dancers alike to move with purpose, awareness, and care for the spaces we’re co-creating. I’m constantly reconnecting with my own love of dance and expanding my movement vocabulary through styles like Kizomba, Bachata, and hip-hop. I’m honored to be part of City in Motion, an event that reflects the diversity, depth, and joy of fusion. Let’s move together. recorded May 6, 2024

Falina is just a fusion dancer who’s trying to be helpful. She’s slowly (very slowly) become more involved in her home scene of Los Angeles after moving there from Sacramento over a decade ago, and now DJs, volunteers, and occasionally teaches. Mostly, she overthinks things—dance included.Recorded: Feb 25, 2024

Flouer Evelyn is a partner dance instructor & Embodiment Coach from New York City, currently based in Turin, Italy. Although she was around back in 1999 during the beginning of the "fusion/blues/swing" era, she's been formally teaching what we call Fusion today since 2011. She has an MFA in dance and a background in Blues, Lindy, Contemporary, Latin Ballroom, ballet, and ice skating, among others. At this point she has performed and taught all over the globe, and won plenty of partner dance competitions in various styles. And sure, all of those are important experiences, but what matters most is that in the classroom Flouer has a warm, encouraging way to help people learn to move their bodies and connect with others. In Fusion, Flouer brings her fascination for how the systems of different partner dances fit together, offering simple ways to give structure and context to the concept of “free partner dancing”. She is known for her values of artistry and personal expression, complimented by her ability to break down any movement into incredibly specific detail. Using imagery, anatomy, rhythm, cultural context and embodiment concepts, she will help you become the master of your own dance from the ground up. https://flouerdances.com “The reason to master technique is so the body does not prevent the soul from expressing itself” – la Meri

Tony Sciscio (He/Him) fell in love with the Fusion scene in 2011, and has since invested ridiculous amounts of his time and travel around the US to co-build the Fusion community, attend its epic events, and support the vibes and magic it creates (through some organizing, but mainly DJing and volunteering). He still continues to invest every inch of his dancing soul to Fusion to this day, making sure that fun is always present in some way.

As a teacher, Ted Maddry has helped thousands of students improve their dancing and sometimes even their lives. In his classes, he will challenge you to develop dance technique, experiment and take risks in your dancing all the while maintaining a comfortable & entertaining classroom environment. Ted has also started and run weekly dance events in Seattle and San Francisco, as well as Camp Blues. His passion is inspiring people to engage more fully, as dancers and in their lives.

Andrew Sutton has been teaching Fusion since before it had a name & is widely regarded as one of the founders of the movement. He was the creative director for the Fusion Exchanges & introduced the idea of Fusion-as-priority (originally referred to as Fusion-as-philosophy). He’s also a vice World Lindy Hop Champion, thanks to world-class teachers, including Olympic & MLB/NFL coaches.Having taught in over 236 cities across 38 countries, Andrew’s mission is to help dancers & instructors elevate their craft. His Dance Ninjas methodology empowers teachers worldwide, helping them grow thriving dance communities. His clients have doubled their scene sizes in under 90 days, gone from 0 to 40 students in a month, earned over $1 million in 3 years & learned how to have non-stop amazing dances multiple nights in a row.Andrew believes teachers are the lifeblood of dance. Whether you want to make every Fusion dance extraordinary or build a thriving dance scene, Andrew is here to help you succeed.

Hi my name is Ren. I'm a traveling Fusion dancer, instructor and organizer based between San Diego and San Francisco. As a trans fem dancer I love the Fusion scene. I love the queerness, the affection for one another, and the unique study and and somatic approach we bring to movement. I found dance late in life and have been obsessed with it over the last 6 to 7 years having traveled to 10 states, and 5 countries in just the last 2. I travel In pursuit of a holistic understanding of Fusion dance and the community I've come to love. It has been a literal dance journey that has changed my life. Currently my background is in a dozen different sprinkles of West Coast Swing, Blues, Tango, Zouk and Kizomba.

Meet DJ Salt Queen (aka Sabrina Ramos) - a versatile DJ known for creating dynamic and electric dance environments This LA-born, NYC-based life-long music fan has been lighting up lindy hop, blues, and fusion scenes for over a decade. Sabrina's musical journey began in her living room, where her Colombian mother's eclectic vinyl collection sparked a lifelong love of rhythm and movement. With a dance background as diverse as the New York skyline, Salt Queen has embraced everything from lindy hop and blues to salsa and tango - and she's always eager to learn more! This passion for all things dance has powered her DJ sets across the globe, from cosmopolitan Bogotá to vibrant Barcelona. For 10+ years, Salt Queen has been the heart and soul of swing socials, blues gatherings, and fusion parties. Her musical magic has energized crowds in LA, NYC, Vegas, and even Honolulu, creating unforgettable nights and happy dancers wherever she goes. What makes her sets special? A mix of infectious energy, bold musical choices, and an instinct for what keeps people moving. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or trying your first steps, DJ Salt Queen creates a welcoming atmosphere that'll have you dancing all night.

A’lan brings over two decades of experience to the dance floor, specializing in close-embrace dance forms such as Blues, Fusion, Tango, and Micro. A prominent figure in the national fusion scene, A’lan is known for his insightful teaching that emphasizes connection, consent, safety, and clear communication. He frequently travels across the US, teaching and DJing at various dance events.

Joe Russo started swing dancing in the late 90s but not because it was cool.  He kept doing it after it was no longer cool, and if you do something long enough, eventually you get decent at it.  These days Joe focuses primarily on fusion and blues dancing, but mostly doesn't care what style you call it as long as it was fun.  He hosts a regular fusion house party in NYC.

Alfredo Melendez (he/him) has been teaching partner dancing for almost 25 years.  He has taught a multitude of dance styles all over the world and has focused the last 11 years on fusion and American blues.  The heart of his teaching is on the power and beauty of connection and the conversational aspect of a good partner dance experience.  He currently resides in his birth barrio of The Boogie-down Bronx.

Instructor Bio“You are truth in motion when you dance, Ms S.” - Jason​Jenny Sowden is an award winning, full-time, international dance instructor based in New York City where she is the founder and director of Brooklyn Swings. Jenny has been training in dance for over twenty-five years and teaching for over twenty, with a BA in Dance and Theater from San Diego State University. She has studied 34 different styles of movement including Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, West African, Capoeira, Aikido, Tango, Salsa, Lindy hop, Balboa, and Blues. Her background influences her teaching and general style through musicality, variety, expression and an understanding of body mechanics. Jenny believes the dance floor is a ‘World of Yes,’ where by constantly accepting and being inspired by what happens, creates an amazing place to be. We then take classes in a ‘World of Intention’ to expand our ‘World of Yes.’ Find out more at JennySowden.com. To book her or schedule a private lesson please Contact Jenny DJ Bio"I know when you DJ I'll go on a journey and be taken care of on the way" - ShiraMeet Jenny from the block, in NYC. She is an award winning international DJ and instructor who loves to create a party with music whether with Blues, Swing, Fusion, or just House Party Style incorporating vintage, 'classic' and modern eras. Enjoy the jams as she will be surprising and make you say 'what is that song?!" Get ready to be inspired to create in your next dance. More info at JennySowden.com

Brendan McGlynn grew up social dancing to Motown tunes at his family's house parties. During college, he toured with an international folk dance ensemble. Brendan learned the Lindy Hop hanging out with the legendary Frankie Manning, and later taught the dance at New York City's leading dance schools, including DanceSport and You Should Be Dancing. He has performed on numerous occasions, including at Radio City Music Hall with Tony Bennett, at the Rainbow Room with Nell Carter, and at the Mohegan Sun Casino with Ben Vereen. Brendan believes in the healing power of dance, and revels in sharing his love of the art form with all those around him.

Arielle is a multifaceted artist whose inspiration constantly seeks its equilibrium among visual, sonic, and physical elements. An avid fusion dancer, her experience includes ballet, tap, modern, contact improv, Luigi jazz, modern/contemporary, salsa, tango, zouk, blues, swing, ballroom/latin, flamenco, and American square dancing. With multiple degrees from the Juilliard School (music) and Fashion Institute of Technology (fashion design, haute couture), Arielle explores the convergence and interdependence of many art forms - especially dance, music, and fashion/costume design - while striving to achieve fluidity and flow in every collaboration. Arielle is a 2021 recipient of the City Artists Corps Grant for her multidisciplinary work. For more info, on Arielle’s other pursuits, please visit www.arielleharp.com.

Kathleen (DJ Katalyst) discovered fusion in 2012 after building a background in blues, salsa, contra, and bhangra. She got hooked at the Las Vegas Fusion Exchange and became a DJ to recreate the excitement of that incredible weekend. For the past 5 years she's honed her craft spinning at blues and fusion events in NYC, where she runs a monthly fusion house party. Kathleen enjoys exploring and cross-pollinating with other scenes, and she has played at events like DJX Fusion Weekend, Motley Hue, High-Fidelity Fusion, Mission Fusion, and DoubleShot. She enjoys creating a mood for dancers to play with – whether playful or intense, sexy or soulful. She loves discovering new artists, and she can never resist a good cover."

Jesse O’Sullivan (they/he) is a nerd of feelings, bodies, bikes, and cities. When they’re not busy being a dad and a lawyer, you can find them dancing, writing, or staring wistfully into the distance. They started blues dancing in 2012 in Pittsburgh, and fell in love with the connection and collective creativity of dance. They started fusion dancing in 2013 when they moved to San Diego.

Alethia Espinal, a native of San Diego, CA, had always found solace in dancing, often indulging in it as a personal experience. It wasn't until her best friend of 18 years persuaded her to attend a Swing social dance event in 2015 that her dance journey took an exhilarating turn. From that point forward, she embraced a diverse range of dance styles, expanding her repertoire to include Blues, Fusion, West Coast Swing, Tango, and New Style Hustle. Following a brief medical hiatus in 2017, Alethia returned to the world of social dancing, only to realize that the Fusion dance form she had come to love was conspicuously absent from local social dance events. She took matters into her own hands and in November of 2017, she took the step of founding the first Fusion monthly in San Diego, aptly named "First Friday Fusion." Her vision is to have not only enrich the local dance scene but have also create a vibrant space for dancers to connect, express, and evolve.