Step by Step

Tiia Huuhka: Body Image in Dance

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 body image standards she discovered after entering the bachata community. Drawing from her background in clinical nutrition, a 150-person survey, and weekly Instagram Lives with dancers around the world, Tiia exposes how narrow beauty standards, body commenting culture, and perfectionism are silently harming dancers of all sizes. She shares her own journey from obsessive "clean eating" to body liberation, offers practical strategies for showing up authentically on the dance floor — from choosing comfort over appearance expectations to sending yourself voice messages — and explains why true magnetism in dance comes not from how you look, but from how present you are. This episode is a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt "not enough" in a dance space. 💃 JOIN THE COMMUNITY: - Subscribe for more dance mindset tips and interviews with amazing people: @flowstepbystep - Follow us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowstepbystep/ - Follow us TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flowstepbystep

Fiorella: Get Out of Your Head

🧠 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 — who shares how dance became her gateway to healing, self-discovery, and purpose. From starting bachata at 24 to co-founding a dance school championing role rotation and equality, Fiorella opens up about how we store unprocessed emotions in our bodies, why most of us are "walking heads," and how simple mindset tools like anchoring, mantras, and reflection can radically transform your experience on the dance floor and beyond. She also discusses the dangers of comparison, the myth of "not being good enough" to ask someone to dance, and how to strip away performance to find your authentic self through movement. 💃 JOIN THE COMMUNITY: - Subscribe for more dance mindset tips and interviews with amazing people: @flowstepbystep - Follow us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowstepbystep/ - Follow us TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flowstepbystep

Mayra Cigliutti: Healing Through Dance

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 called "Dance Healing" that blends technique, nervous system regulation, somatic work, and mindset coaching to help dancers unlock their fullest expression. She breaks down the science of why we freeze on the dance floor, how masculine and feminine energies play out in partner dance, and why true embodiment — not just technical perfection — is what separates good dancers from extraordinary ones. This episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants to dance with more freedom, authenticity, and connection. 💃 JOIN THE COMMUNITY: - Subscribe for more dance mindset tips and interviews with amazing people: @flowstepbystep - Follow us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowstepbystep/ - Follow us TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flowstepbystep *Content Warning:* This episode contains a firsthand account of the 2020 Beirut explosion, including descriptions of witnessing death and destruction. It also includes discussion of psychedelic plant medicine. Skip ahead to avoid the Beirut explosion account. *Disclaimer:* The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the guests and do not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Discussion of psychedelic substances reflects personal experience only. Laws regarding these substances vary by country — please consult your local regulations.

Nastia Laisheva: Let's Talk Influence

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 just executing moves.💃 JOIN THE COMMUNITY: - Subscribe for more dance mindset tips and interviews with amazing people: @flowstepbystep - Follow us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowstepbystep/ - Follow us TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flowstepbystep

Carlos Cantó: Love and Musicality

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 syndrome, and what it's really like to have your life partner as your dance partner. He also breaks down the true meaning of musicality and why most dancers are getting it wrong. 💃 JOIN THE COMMUNITY: - Subscribe for more dance mindset tips and interviews with amazing people: @flowstepbystep - Follow us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowstepbystep/ - Follow us TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flowstepbystep