Explore every episode of the podcast Swing To The Rhythm with Damon D'Amico and Gilbert Raya

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!

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.

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).

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

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

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

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) → https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/products/courses/10-day-anchor-challenge

• $12 Crash Course Bundle (Swing to the Rhythm Ebook + 30-min WCS class) → https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/bundles/dance-smarter-not-harder

• $249 West Coast Swing Masterclass (31 videos, full beginner curriculum) → https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/products/courses/wcs-masterclass

  
  🎥 Watch the full class experience on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yOBVWcjP3Ck?si=3nOxwvAGDA0hs2-V

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:

• Two Step Masterclass → https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/products/courses/twostep-masterclass

• Beginner Crash Course + Ebook Bundle → https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/bundles/dance-smarter-not-harder
  🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yTz9K_0dA3o?si=MEiLFHrqoahRcLD6

In this hard-hitting episode of Swing to the Rhythm, Damon D’Amico and Gilbert Raya tackle one of the most pressing issues in the dance world: fake, unqualified, or underprepared instructors. Too many students waste time and money on teachers who can’t deliver real results. So how do you protect yourself, your wallet, and your growth?

Damon and Gilbert share insider knowledge, personal stories, and practical tips to help you separate true professionals from the pretenders.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why some instructors get paid without delivering value

• How to spot a great teacher (and what questions to ask before paying)

• The truth about overpriced ballroom lessons

• Why real teaching means adapting under pressure

• The importance of training under qualified professionals

• Red flags that every student should watch out for

📚 Want to learn from real pros?

• $10 Anchor Challenge for Female Styling → https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/products/courses/10-day-anchor-challenge

• West Coast Swing Crash Course + Ebook Bundle → https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/bundles/dance-smarter-not-harder

  
  🎥 Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fDDdTrHI6RA?si=1e0BJYmGcsU-4vke

Ever been bumped, blocked, or confused on the dance floor? In this episode of Swing to the Rhythm, Damon D’Amico and Gilbert Raya break down the unspoken rules of social dance etiquette — the stuff that most dancers are never taught but absolutely need to know.

From brand-new beginners to seasoned dancers, everyone makes mistakes. Damon and Gilbert share how to avoid common pitfalls, improve dance floor flow, and make the scene feel better for everyone. Plus, they recap Episode 7’s heated discussion on gender roles and explain how this ongoing conversation is shaping today’s dance community.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The essential rules every dancer should know

• Mistakes that both new and experienced dancers make

• Why traffic flow matters — and how followers play a key role

• Houston’s younger dancers & progressive country swing

• Why dance floors “collapse” and how to prevent it

• The difference between racetrack vs. slotted dance floors (like West Coast Swing)

• What’s next for D’Amico Dance (new book + new online courses)

📚 Learn with us online:

• Beginner Crash Course + Ebook Bundle – $12 → https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/bundles/dance-smarter-not-harder

• West Coast Swing Masterclass for Dancers & Instructors – $249 → https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/products/courses/wcs-masterclass

  Watch the Youtube episode here: 🎥 https://youtu.be/eWxin2k76Ig?si=Ju8UvQZyIxrqF61B

Are gender roles still relevant in partner dance? In this bold episode of Swing to the Rhythm, Damon D’Amico and Gilbert Raya tackle one of the most controversial topics in West Coast Swing and Country Dance: who leads, who follows, and how those roles are changing.

From the rise of “degenderization” in social dancing to politics in competition, they break down how role-switching, same-sex partnerships, and evolving norms are reshaping the future of dance. Whether you value tradition or embrace change, this episode will challenge how you see partner dancing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The current state of gender roles in West Coast Swing & Country Dance

• Damon’s personal take on leading, following, and competing

• Common misconceptions about gender in dance

• Why judges may reward bad dancing — and if gender plays a role

• The politics of tradition in dance communities

• Role-switching, same-sex partners, and the future of dance partnerships

📚 Start your West Coast Swing journey: Grab our Crash Course + Ebook Bundle for just $12 →https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/bundles/dance-smarter-not-harder

🎥 Watch this full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7np4JwhXOew?si=DJ6zriA9jIi-0Rmm

Country music has changed — but what does that mean for dancers? In this episode of Swing to the Rhythm, Damon D’Amico and Gilbert Raya explore how music in country dance halls has evolved from 1987 to 2025. From DJ choices to dancer expectations, they uncover why the dance floor often feels disconnected — and what we can do to fix it.

Whether you’re a DJ, dancer, or bar owner, this candid discussion sheds light on the unspoken tension between what country bars play and what dancers actually need.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How country music and dancing evolved from the late 1980s to today

• The “secret” country music format dancers expect

• DJs vs. dancers: why the relationship is often strained

• What happens after 10:15 PM and why the vibe changes

• Why not everything is a Two Step — and why that matters

• Final takeaways for both new and experienced dancers

📚 Start dancing today: Get our West Coast Swing Crash Course + Ebook Bundle for just $12 → https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/bundles/dance-smarter-not-harder

🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d44CHeIq8p0?si=ojcaH2W0yxz8KKF1

In this behind-the-scenes episode of Swing to the Rhythm, Damon D’Amico and Gilbert Raya dive headfirst into the most intense choreography routine of their dance careers at Wild Wild Westie 2025. With only 15 hours of prep, they learn and perform a full routine taught by four champion-level pros:

• 👑 Gary & Susan – 3x US Open Champions

• 🌍 Thibault & Nicole – 3x World Champions

From grueling rehearsals to a full music video shoot and a live curtain-call performance, this episode gives you an insider look at the highs, struggles, and triumphs of a major West Coast Swing choreography intensive.

What you’ll experience in this episode:

• Group instruction + walkthroughs with champion coaches

• 15+ hours of solo practice condensed into days

• Behind-the-scenes of the final music video shoot

• The pressure and reward of performing on the Wild Wild Westie stage

📚 Start your dance journey: Get our West Coast Swing Crash Course + Ebook Bundle for just $12 → https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/bundles/dance-smarter-not-harder

🎥 Watch this full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M3YyriXImlM?si=-Mt1rLgBqT4vKMAV

In this inspiring episode of Swing to the Rhythm, Damon D’Amico and Gilbert Raya explore how partner dancing transforms lives — from shy beginners to confident performers and teachers. Whether you’re nervous about your first class or looking to grow as an instructor, this conversation reveals how dance can unlock confidence, connection, and self-expression.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Real transformation stories of students and teachers

• How partner dance helps introverts become extroverts

• Confidence tips for both dancers and instructors

• The role of community and social reward systems in dance

• What to do if you’re scared to step on the floor

• Damon’s personal yoga journey and how it parallels dance

• Do cliques exist in dance communities?

📚 Grab our West Coast Swing Crash Course + Ebook Bundle: https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/bundles/dance-smarter-not-harder

🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DX0WqDrPCtE?si=iqdGXC3hCkZO_g81

What’s the #1 mistake new dance instructors make? In this episode of Swing to the Rhythm, Damon D’Amico and Gilbert Raya break down the transformation from student to teacher — and reveal what separates great coaches from the rest.

You’ll hear Damon’s unique perspective as a pro dancer and studio owner, including the D’Amico Dance teaching method, red flags to avoid in the classroom, and how to build trust and credibility as a coach. We also explore the influence of social media, the business of dance, and the differences between Country Two Step and West Coast Swing instruction.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Damon’s journey from student to teacher

• The importance of developing a teaching foundation

• Common pitfalls and red flags for dance instructors

• Real advice for new teachers

• How social media shapes the dance world

• The business of teaching West Coast Swing and Country Two Step

  
  

📚 Grab our West Coast Swing Crash Course + Ebook Bundle: https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/bundles/dance-smarter-not-harder

🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QwE7rOJg3Uo?si=x17JCglhvHARaZ2i

In this heartfelt episode of Swing to the Rhythm, Damon D’Amico opens up about his early life, family struggles, and how dance gave him purpose. From breakdancing as a teen, to being recruited into ballroom, to teaching country dance at Denim & Diamonds, Damon shares the pivotal experiences that shaped his career and inspired thousands of students.

Joined by co-host Gilbert Raya, Damon also dives into his coaching mindset, the influence of motivational tapes, and how the power of dance can transform lives and even fight dementia.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Damon’s family roots and early breakdancing years

• How one ballroom studio ad changed his path forever

• Teaching with his father and the rise of country dance at Denim & Diamonds

• Coping with family loss, dementia, and using dance as healing

• The myth of muscle memory and the true science of learning movement

• The evolution of West Coast Swing — aka “Modern Swing” — and judging at competitions

📚 Get our West Coast Swing Crash Course + Ebook Bundle: https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/bundles/dance-smarter-not-harder

🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ODHs0BVDv7c?si=PvQepE_eBH1CUUTb

In this premiere episode of Swing to the Rhythm, Damon D’Amico shares how dance shaped his life, why it’s a lifelong path to growth, and how partner dancing creates lasting impact — mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Joined by co-host Gilbert Raya (dance coach and long-time student), Damon opens up about his family, the 55+ dance community, and the science behind why dance captivates people. We also introduce our new book Swing to the Rhythm and discuss the brain-body connection, accountability, and how Country Swing leads into West Coast Swing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Damon’s dance history and family story (including caring for his grandmother with dementia)

• How dance transforms lives at every age

• The science of dance and neurochemistry

• Damon’s unique teaching style and coaching philosophy

• The physical benefits of dance: weight loss, fitness, and confidence

📚 Get our West Coast Swing Crash Course + Ebook Bundle: https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/bundles/dance-smarter-not-harder

🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i8LQNR7GeGw?si=nS1uuouiTrrQHX1s