Jive Buddies

Tony Riccardi returns to the podcast to tell us how he puts his music together for weekenders and freestyles. Hear how he uses "guidelines" instead of "playlists". Guess the magic track that he played at Swish. Find out why 40 Years is such a special song for him. This is going to be a deep dive into a DJ's thoughts!   Chapters: Tony's first DJ gig [1:07] How to put a playlist together [2:50] Avoiding "same old, same old" music [6:15] Using guidelines, instead of playlists [9:10] Getting the floor back [13:00] Paul's Motown memories [14:05] How long did it take Teddy Swim's The Door to get onto Tony's playlist [16:35] Overplayed songs [17:20] Dealing with requests [18:35] Tony's magic track at Swish [20:45] 40 Years by Tone Damli - why Tony loves this song [24:35] Is a 4 hour playlist four times harder than a 1 hour playlist? [26:50] Thoughts on slowing down the tempo towards the end of the night [29:55] Older music for the older crowd? [35:40] Ton and Paul have to get to the next Sunday Exciter freestyle [39:20] Summary [41:00] Up next [42:00]   Listen to how Tony started his dance journey in last year's interview at https://open.spotify.com/episode/32gwWLlISmGrimUhWklILJ?si=kgqR2JvnQTi4TWWmhheQTQ   What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/18LVULeM5y/?mibextid=wwXIfr   Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

We met a cheeky married couple early in their dance journey, and wanted to know what made them go (spoiler: Tiktok!), what their first class was like, and how it fits into the rest of their social life. There's a lotta laughs in this episode!   Chapters: How did you find out about dancing? [0:45] Beginner's class expectations [3:50] Bethan whisked away while Dan stuck on his own [5:20] Dan finds private lessons [7:00] First couple of freestyles [10:30] Comparing themselves to the original TikTok video [14:35] When the Jive Buddies first met Bethan [16:20] What Bethan does when Dan is sitting out [18:38] Their social life before dancing [19:50] Why changing partners in the lesson helps your dancing [22:30] Dan tries to dance with everyone in a freestyle, using the "octopus" move first [24:40] Bachata classes [28:30] Dan more confident with bachata [30:40] Summary [31:10] Wrap up [32:10]   What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1ChQjNkP5g/?mibextid=wwXIfr    Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

New Ceroc teacher Nic Lewis has recently started her classes at the relaunched Burton-upon-Trent venue, owned and operated by Ceroc Inspire. We chat with her to find out whose idea it was, what she did to advertise it, and hear about her solutions in adapting to the unique challenges of this venture.   Chapters: Intro First gig at Ashbourne [1:05] Creating social group to get to know each other [2:00] Dancing in a pub [3:10] Social group going to Northwich [4:20] Background to opening Burton [6:00] Advertising the launch [8:20] Overcoming teaching in a narrow room [12:40] Teaching on the same level as the class [16:00] Keeping numbers up [17:55] Importance of a good taxi team [18:40] Talking to new lead dancers [21:00] Shout outs to the taxi team [21:40] Why Burton is a good venue [24:20] Freestyle + challenges [24:50] Setting challenges to get a dance [26:00] Etiquette of walking onto dance floor + slotting [27:30] How does Nic choose the intermediate routine? [29:50] Add musicality moves [31:00] Summary [34:00] Wrap up [35:00]   What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1HdTCLErVQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr   Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

What a year it has been! We look back at some of our favourite episodes and highlights of a fantastic year of interviews and fun and laughter!   Listen to our favourite episodes: NRG weekender review with Jan: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4omCoRNYe0Mvz3FvxdWdVN?si=Glj84gMxQIODJPs-v3eCdw  Lucy's Me-Time story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VtDX2y9Sa8piouslcEUca?si=iXJtYpIsSCOusyWdJYttag  The love for Essie Jo: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2eivKS62aZnO0nttpBCBLG?si=Fhd8XcfKQOe2fzUm5jWTkA  Lesley's dating on the dance floor: https://open.spotify.com/episode/71mZJGowcWKH4Cz7Lc9hQg?si=qL5gzhwSRzmzMmMMv-nvhQ  Sue O'Reilly and the Ceroc Angels: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Dw9TY8exXQQchlLBEgR4T?si=3qAlNI-5TROUVDBzSFateg  Gen Z dancer Monica launching Season 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6tgdeW0lrGElQJDJ8w6MHu?si=LGcWiT20TAufBR9Wf-eMbA    Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Martin tells us about his love of disco and trance music and how he's trying to find the moments of "collective euphoria" in Ceroc. His sports psychologist background gives us unique insights into different learning experiences, micro-expressions and how there's a third person when you dance as a couple. It's a fascinating discussion!   Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Holly joins us again for a fascinating discussion on sensual connection in dance. It's an open and honest conversation and we were brave enough to bring up the famous George Bernard Shaw quote "dancing is a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire".   Listen to Holly's thoughts on other forms of dance connection at https://open.spotify.com/episode/64Y1OLgDVL738Wv6mubdC0?si=gbNML4RuR8CXRAjquqwHfg    Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

We discover how the young Rickie and Zoe got into Ceroc. Their first experiences were scary, but one enjoys it and the other one loves it! Listen to their thoughts on this joint activity. Stay tuned for their news at the end!   Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Jordan travelled across the country to follow his dream. Hear how he went from the East Midlands to South Wales via chill-out events in the Bristol area to owning a franchise in Somerset. It's an inspirational story of how a young man's dream became a reality.   Listen to an interview with his co-owner, Shannon Finn, at https://open.spotify.com/episode/6d6oWd2wqbICYfEAc98nt6    Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

The Jive Buddies meet up with teacher Barry Watson to hear how he brings in his bachata and zouk influences, with other techniques and insights, into his classes and workshops. There's also a fascinating discussion about the future of Ceroc. But first, we find out what Barry was doing as a kid for entertainment, how he got blackmailed into line dancing and his professional dance background. What an intriguing journey for this Scottish lad!   Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Kate joins us for the New Year Eve's celebrations with Revolution Dance at Stockport Town Hall. We tell you about the reception, the venue, the dancers and the Auld Lang Syne. And there's a few words from Janey and Keith Davies too!   Listen to Janey talk about the preparation she does for all her freestyles at https://open.spotify.com/episode/7rxIA1OWF24QHCqFdeBRV9?si=OhIPADemSFyOqopADVVPAQ    Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

David Rokov, along with his wife Val and DJ Vince Silva, created the Utopia brand of chilled music. Hear about the people, dance styles and tunes that influenced and helped fashion this very successful mix of chilled music and dancing.   Listen to a review of the Lux weekend 2025 at https://open.spotify.com/episode/1PGUXXrJSmNDBFYpAUfFuM    Find out more about the upcoming 2026 Pure weekend, also organised by David Rokov, at https://www.pureweekend.co.uk/   Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

The Jive Buddies meet a new beginner, Sarita, at their local Ceroc venue and she says she "loves it"! We find out what her background is, how her first class went, and what she thought of her first freestyle at Burton Town Hall.   Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

The Jive Buddies bump into a researcher and creative arts therapist, and wonder what that is all about. Listen to the benefits of dance; learn what "social prescription" is; hear what we can do to get more people into this happy hobby.   Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

The Jive Buddies speak to Matthew Butler again to find out ideas on how to keeping people dancing by catching the dancing bug. Listen to some of the games that Matthew does in his classes, and what kind of social activities bring a sense of community. It's a great conversation - what keeps you dancing?   Buy your Fuego dance shoes with a 10% discount at https://fuegodance.com/discount/JIVEBUDDIES10   Listen to Matthew's ideas on Etiquette at https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MiRVew9XXt7GNGeimsLuC    Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

The Jive Buddies spoke to two newbies about their first experience of a Ceroc weekender, after they went to Ceroc Bliss at Norbreck Castle in Blackpool. Find out what they talked about in the car on the way up, who they met there and what they'd do differently next time!   Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

It's a very different episode today! The Jive Buddies talk to their favourite guest, Holly, on the topic of "connection in dance". Listen to her thoughts about the physical, musical and emotional connection. It's a fascinating discussion as we all learn a bit more about our favourite hobby.   Hear Holly talking in an earlier episode about Etiquette on the dance floor at https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TPr7LAPqfcvj3iPTlE2e0?si=uJ8Hc82tQOmv8vfPJbm_aQ    Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Listen to Shannon Finn's story of how she got dragged by her mum to a Le Roc class and fell in love with jive dancing. After taking a break, she entered the world of Ceroc, doing competitions, co-teaching in workshops before co-owning a franchise in Somerset. It's a great story!   Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Sometimes, you just have to go for it! Listen to Steph talk about how she just up and went to her first Ceroc class, how she learnt to enjoy letting go, and how she overcame her nerves at her first freestyle!   Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.  

Whilst at the Rock Bottoms weekender, the Jive Buddies interview the well-loved teacher pairing, Lee and Dawn, to find out how they got started and what makes their crazy classes so much fun!   Listen to the review of the Rock Bottoms 2025 weekender at https://open.spotify.com/episode/385msM1geODZy0c3TMLhQv?si=T8Hg2fIbQpmEf4lg4N2row    Go to our Facebook page to see the rehearsal of the Pyjama Class and the performances of Lee and Pheonix at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast. Hit our Follow button there so you get the links to every new episode.

It's another great review of another great weekender! The Jive Buddies, with our special guest Lisa, give their thoughts on the Rock Bottoms weekender in Torquay, organised by Hev Mate. Spoiler alert: they all had a fantastic time!   Listen to Hev Mate's interview last year for some of her secrets: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7xonN2CPge4g5lEs5cTMfN    Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.