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© Alex Muresan for Mondans
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Welcome to Dance Sport & Life—the unfiltered podcast where we get real about what it means to be a dancer! No fluff, no edits—just raw conversations that reveal the highs, lows, and everything in between. We chat with dancers who spill the tea on their lives, their struggles, and what fuels their passion. If you’re looking for juicy insights and authentic stories that go beyond the stage, you’ve come to the right place. Tune in and join the dance revolution!
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I sat down with Anastasia (or Nastya as friends call her) right after breakfast and before a long day of private lessons, groups and rounds. We chatted about her start in dance and all the moves she had to make. In the process she found skills that led her to setup LOAD - a brand that creates unique dance pieces that you could wear off the dancefloor. We go into life in HK for a dancer, their routines to being in top shape to compete worldwide year round.
Kim was introduced to me by a dear friend who I asked “who’s the best dancer you know in Miami?”. I met Kim at her aerial gym, training for a new act for Art Basel Miami. She took time to share her path to getting booked internationally for the top festivals and parties; from training, to finding what moves you to actionable steps (that’s we’ll share soon as a full course) to getting booked and building a portfolio that gives you the ability to get booked daily if you wanted to. So many dancers today are looking for new ways to make money and performances are a great way to supplement your income, become better known and raise your stock, plus you meet a lot of amazing people in the meantime. And let’s be honest, dance is so beautiful that we need to share it with audiences. It was a pleasure talking to Kim, hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Show Links:Kim’s InstagramMUVU's Instagram - Kim's Performance CourseDance Sport & Life + Mondans Socials:Instagram & Podcast instagramFacebookTikTokYoutubeGet better at ballroom and latin with our masterclasses, courses and camp lectures: LinkWatch Beyond (A Dance TV Show): Link
Veronika trained her whole life to become who she is today, and she’s only getting started. She started dancing as a child in St Petersburg, Russia, choosing dance over music and after graduating from college with degrees in dance and choreography she dove into competing, showdance and adding new styles to her repertoire. Today she runs Danceflow dance studio in Miami with her husband and partner, Alexander and they’re growing a community of dance lovers and professionals while falling in love with improv, showdance and lately Argentine tango. I loved this conversion and I hope you will too. The episode was made possible by our sponsor, Gymdesk. If you are like Veronika and run a studio, you understand the stress that comes with all the admin, while trying to add new customers. Our friends at Gymdesk are giving you a 30 day free trial (no credit card needed) plus they’ll help you migrate from your old system [or no system yikes]. Streamline your billing, automate your marketing, manage memberships and bookings - all in one system.Our Sponsor: Gymdesk (Gymdesk.com for a 30 day free trial) Show Links:Veronika’s InstagramVeronika and Alexander's FacebookDanceflow Dance Studio InstagramLearn Wedding Dances with Veronika and AlexDance Sport & Life + Mondans Socials:Instagram & Podcast instagramFacebookTikTokYoutubeGet better at ballroom and latin with our masterclasses, courses and camp lectures: LinkWatch Beyond (A Dance TV Show): Link
Valentin became a dear friend since we met. I haven’t met anyone in the dance world that’s as open to collaboration, trusts in the vision of a better dance world as him. I spent a few days with him and Anna in Columbus at Ohio Star Ball, where he was competing in ProAM with a student of his to bring joy to her performance. There was a balance between the love and respect everyone had for them and how silly they could get (we filmed an APT Reel with Reagan To and Daniil). In this episode you’ll hear an unfiltered, raw Valentin talking about growing up dancing in Russia in the 90s, moving to Canada into his 30s and building a life with Anna and John Snow (their puppy). I hope you enjoy this episode!The episode was made possible by our sponsor, Gymdesk. If you are like Valentin and Anna and run a studio, you understand the stress that comes with all the admin, while trying to add new customers. Our friends at Gymdesk are giving you a 30 day free trial (no credit card needed) plus they’ll help you migrate from your old system [or no system yikes]. Streamline your billing, automate your marketing, manage memberships and bookings - all in one system.Our Sponsor: Gymdesk (Gymdesk.com for a 30 day free trial)Show Links:Valentin’s InstagramValentin’s TikTokValentin’s YouTubeInfinity Dance Shoes Collection CollabDance Sport & Life + Mondans Socials:Instagram & Podcast instagramFacebookTikTokYoutubeGet better at ballroom and latin with our masterclasses, courses and camp lectures: LinkWatch Beyond (A Dance TV Show): Link
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Anton in his studio, Kirova Dance, in Hallandale Beach, Florida. He’s got one of the most impressive resumes: World Professional 10 Dance Champion, and 29-time Canadian National Champion. Immigrating to Toronto from a small Ukrainian town, Anton rose through the ranks with determination, training under Oleg Yedlin at OLSI DanceSport and learning from the world’s top Latin and Standard experts. With his partner Antoaneta Popova, he dominated the amateur circuit, winning multiple World titles before transitioning to the professional WDSF field, where he continued to excel.
Now he is in Florida, transforming a traditional dance studio into a competitive ballroom and latin studio while filming engaging social content and staying in the best shape of his life (listen to hear about his morning routine, 5 mile+ runs and secret protein smoothie recipe)
Tune in to hear his whole life story, learn what it takes to become the best in the world, how to evaluate your team of teachers, your relationships with your partner and so much more…
Show Links:
Anton’s Instagram
Kirova Dance
DanceSportLife & Mondans Socials:
Instagram & Podcast instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Youtube
Get better at ballroom and latin with our masterclasses, courses and camp lectures: Link
Watch Beyond (A Dance TV Show): Link
Reagan's schedule is jam packed. I coordinated with Julianna, her mom our podcast session months before out trip to Columbus, OH (USA) for Ohio Star Ball and even on the day of the shoot, she was booked back to back. This is what it takes to be a fast growing actress, model and dancer. Any one of those are impossibly hard to achieve, but somehow Reagan was full of energy and smiles when we sat down even though she had a dress fitting before, partnership meetings, training with her partner Daniil Babenko and content shoots after. She goes to school, acting lessons, auditions, dance lessons, competition, photoshoots... it's impressive. You may have seen Reagan on Squid Games (Season 1&2), Disney Pixar's Elementals (Ember), Jane the Virgin, Young Sheldon, in Target ads or at one of the buggest dance competitions in the world.
It was an absolute pleasure connecting with Reagan and I can't wait to see what the world brings to her and the changes she's already creating for young ballroom and latin dancers in the US.
1. Mondans Socials:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Youtube
Get better at ballroom and latin with our masterclasses, courses and camp lectures: Link
Watch Beyond (A Dance TV Show): Link
2. Guest Links:
Reagan's Instagram
Reagan's Tiktok
Reagan's imdb
Reagan's Website
I sat down with Anna in Columbus, OH, USA the weekend of Ohio Star Ball, after long hours of driving from Toronto. Anna was there to support Valentin who was competing in Pro-AM and their students. We spent the weekend together and I got to hear about the intensity of being a young female dancer in Ukraine, talking about her teachers and how at 27 she started working with Vibeke and Donnie Burns and understood the important of learning the basics.
Anna and Valentin have won the Pro Canadian Latin Couple 5 times before moving into teaching and competing in television shows like Revolution in Canada. Anna cares most about listening to your body, taking care of your mental health and happiness. They have a new dance studio in Toronto called “Casita” to build a home to dancers to flourish and reach their potential.
I hope you enjoy our episode!
Show Links:
1. Mondans Socials:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Youtube
Get better at ballroom and latin with our masterclasses, courses and camp lectures: Link
Watch Beyond (A Dance TV Show): Link
2. Guest Links:
Anna’s Instagram
Anna and Valentin’s Instagram
Infinite Dance Shoes Collection
I sat down with Winson in Rome after 10 hours of him training at Top Dance Real Camp (Organizers: Vanone & Soale) after recognising his and Anastasia’s unique dance style, but being able to place a name with the style. At that moment I realised a lot of times we see dancers on stage, performing and it’s hard to relate to them. They’re in make-up and costumes, fully focused and we’re cheering from the sidelines. I was a bit nervous approaching them for this reason, but Winson was super relaxed and agreed to sit down with me later that same day. We set up 2 cameras on a couch in the teacher’s lounge, in a poorly lit space because we just wanted to hang out and chat like 2 regular humans.
Winson shared his life story, what made him fall in love with dance, his struggles early on with his body image and how we conquered it all, moved across the globe to pursue his dream. In the process he learned how to enjoy life, vacation and the pleasures life offers (food is life after all). Watch the full episode to hear his story from the first dinner dance to world champions to starting LOAD (Life of a Dancer) - their super cool street and dancer wear brand.
Show Links:
1. Mondans Socials:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Youtube
Get better at ballroom and latin with our masterclasses, courses and camp lectures: Link
Watch Beyond (A Dance TV Show): Link
2. Guest Links:
Winson's Instagram
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Harry started GOC in 1987 in Mannheim’s “Rosengarten”, wanting to create a better experience for dancers and started a revolution. We sat down with him to get an insight into what the future of ballroom and latin look like and how we can save it from the demise coming from within.
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Facebook
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Learn with us: Link
Watch our TV Series: Link
Andreea Matei is an 8-time Romanian Ballroom Champion and recent Silver Medalist at the World Championship in Leipzig (Germany), alongside her partner Rares Cojoc. As they're fighting their way up to become #1 in the world, you'll hear what it takes to perform at this level, what Ada's life is like, her passion and love for dance and what makes her stand out from all other women in ballroom dance today.
If you enjoyed this episode, come to Mondans.com, where we have educational content, podcasts, tv shows and a beautiful dance community.
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Andreea Matei on Instagram
Mondans on Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok
Alex sits down with Rares Cojoc, the #1 Ranked WDSF Ballroom Dancer, 22x Romanian Champion to dig deep into what was the catalyst that started his dance career, the teachers who "found" him and nurtured him (Catia and Giordano Vanone), what it feels like to quit the thing that brings you so much joy in life and more.
Alex spent a long weekend with Rares and his partner Andreea Matei (next episode) in Bucharest looking at their practice routine, family life, balancing dance, family and business in a healthy way.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over to dancesportlife.com to start a FREE 7-day trial and enjoy dance content, over 50 courses in ballroom and latin dance, fashion, makeup and contest preparation.
About our guests Massimo and Laura are finalists in Professional Latin at the WDC European Championship and semifinalists in all the top competitions from the WDC World such as Blackpool or the International Championship. You can follow them on Instagram Topics discussed in this episode Dance Amore Camp lectures Their dancing story Their best memories Personality differences The three main characteristics of a great dance couple You can watch our interview on YouTube. Would you love to learn choreographies, technical details, and different methods for improving your posture, style, and overall performance from the comfort of your home studio? Our online platform – Dancesportlife Academy – offers you a vast library of courses and high-quality recordings of dance camps from all over the world at highly discounted prices.
About our guests Pavel & Oxana are currently finalists in the WDC World Professional Latin and in the WDC European Professional Latin Championships. They grace us with their style of dance and in this interview, they share their story with us. You can follow them on Instagram Pavel Instagram Oxana Topics discussed in this episode Dance Amore Camp lectures Their dancing story The main characteristics of a great dance couple Showdance Support of the family Believing in your dreams You can watch our interview on YouTube. Would you love to learn choreographies, technical details, and different methods for improving your posture, style, and overall performance from the comfort of your home studio? Our online platform – Dancesportlife Academy – offers you a vast library of courses and high-quality recordings of dance camps from all over the world at highly discounted prices.
About our guests Malthe & Sandra are semifinalists in all the big competitions from the WDSF Latin world and Danish Champions. You can follow them on Instagram Malthe Instagram Sandra Topics discussed in this episode Their beginning Relationship & dancing Musicality Communication Inspiration Schedule Importance of dance camps Trusting yourself Would you love to learn choreographies, technical details, and different methods for improving your posture, style, and overall performance from the comfort of your home studio? Our online platform – Dancesportlife Academy – offers you a vast library of courses and high-quality recordings of dance camps from all over the world at highly discounted prices.
About our guests Peter & Kristina Stokkebroe are one of the biggest names in the world of Latin-American dancing. They are multiple times Danish Champions, British Open Champions, European & World Champions. You can follow them on Summer Dancecamp website Instagram Kristina Instagram Peter Topics discussed in this episode Their dance history Magical moments Uniqueness Having the right teachers The continuous quest Life after competing The growth of knowledge About quick fixes Summer Dancecamp Dance Federations The viral video of little William Would you love to learn choreographies, technical details and different methods for improving your posture, style, and overall performance from the comfort of your home studio? Our online platform – Dancesportlife Academy – offers you a vast library of courses and high-quality recordings of dance camps from all over the world at highly discounted prices.
About our guest Marco Cavacini is the personal trainer of Team Diablo - one of the most well-known names in the WDSF world. He prepares personalized training sessions for champions like Gabriele Goffredo & Anna Matus and many others. You can follow him on Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Topics discussed in this episode Marco’s background in sport Learning to work with dancers The relation between a personal trainer and the dancers Names that went through Marco’s training program Sacrifices dancers make Dealing with injuries Team spirit & motivation The new generation of dancers Team Diablo camps Would you love to learn choreographies, technical details and different methods for improving your posture, style, and overall performance from the comfort of your home studio? Our online platform – Dancesportlife Academy – offers you a vast library of courses and high-quality recordings of dance camps from all over the world at highly discounted prices.
About our guests Andrea Silvestri & Martina Varadi are one of the top WDSF Amateur Latin couples. They are finalists in all the major events such as Grand Slams and World Championships. Andrea & Martina are very passionate and they tell us all you need to know about what inspires them. You can follow them on Facebook Martina’s Instagram / Andrea’s Instagram Topics discussed in this episode Their dance journey What they love about dancing Planning a busy schedule Maintaining a healthy relationship Finding inspiration Where they see themselves in 5 years A challenge for our audience Would you love to learn choreographies, technical details and different methods for improving your posture, style, and overall performance from the comfort of your home studio? Our online platform – Dancesportlife Academy – offers you a vast library of courses and high-quality recordings of dance camps from all over the world at highly discounted prices.
About our guests Emanuel Valeri & Tania Kehlet are one of the most loved standard dancers. Their long career has been filed with great results both in Amateur and Professional division. Among their best results are titles like Blackpool Amateur champions and WDSF World and European Professional Standard champions - WDC & WDSF. They retired the competitive world at the PD World championship in Aarhus, Denmark in November 2016. You can follow them on Facebook Emanuel’s Instagram / Tania’s Instagram Twitter Topics discussed in this episode Beginning of their dancing career Schedule What is important in a dance couple What to look at when in search of a dance teacher Finding inspiration Bits of advice for teachers Life after the competitive career Would you love to learn choreographies, technical details and different methods for improving your posture, style, and overall performance from the comfort of your home studio? Our online platform – Dancesportlife Academy – offers you a vast library of courses and high-quality recordings of dance camps from all over the world at highly discounted prices.
About our guest Dr. Jerry Lynch is a coach, mentor, and teacher who guides and coaches athletes and parents to explore the meaning and purpose of sport. He has been recognized as one of the top five in his profession nationwide. He is the author of 13 books and amongst them is “Thinking Body, Dancing Mind”. You can follow him on Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Topics discussed in this episode What is Tao-Sport How to read “Thinking Body, Dancing Mind” Dealing with perfectionism Building confidence Recovering from injuries Our surprise guest “Win the day” Would you love to learn choreographies, technical details and different methods for improving your posture, style, and overall performance from the comfort of your home studio? Our online platform – Dancesportlife Academy – offers you a vast library of courses and high-quality recordings of dance camps from all over the world at highly discounted prices.
About our guests Pasha Pashkov & Daniella Karagach are one of the most popular dance couples at the moment, both for dancers and dance fans and they participated at the American show “World of Dance”. They are the winners of Blackpool (British Open) Rising Star Professional championship. They are smart, talented and charismatic, willing to share some of their secrets. You can follow them on Pasha Facebook/Instagram Daniella Facebook/Instagram Topics discussed in this episode The beginning of their story; The role of the man in the couple; Being in tune with your body; Balance in a dance couple; Personality on the dancefloor; Dancing together and being in a relationship; Going from Junior 2 straight to Adult; Their schedule; The difference between US competitions and European ones; World of Dance; Pasha’s dance bible - “Thinking Body, Dancing Mind” Would you love to learn choreographies, technical details and different methods for improving your posture, style, and overall performance from the comfort of your home studio? Our online platform – Dancesportlife Academy – offers you a vast library of courses and high-quality recordings of dance camps from all over the world at highly discounted prices.
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