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

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

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

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.

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

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 [https://a.co/d/75ws7gW] 🎁 $12 Dance Smarter, Not Harder bundle (ebook + WCS crash): https://damicodancedigital.thinkific.com/bundles/dance-smarter-not-harder [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).

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

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 [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

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

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