Nastia Laisheva: Let's Talk Influence

"I don't like the way they dance in the Dominican Republic." That's what Gloria Meres said before she got on the plane. Then she landed — and everything changed.In this episode of Step by Step, we sit down with Gloria Meres — a dancer whose path wound from ballet and swimming as a kid, through salsa, fashion TV, and sensual bachata, all the way to living in the Dominican Republic to learn traditional bachata at its source. Gloria shares the random, almost accidental story of how a canceled flight led her to Santo Domingo, how the culture of bachata hit her the moment she stepped off the plane, and why she believes every teacher — sensual or traditional — should understand and honor where this dance truly comes from. We dig into her practice philosophy (slow motion, mirror work, consistency), the power of dancing in a team, stage fright, and her heartfelt take on why respecting bachata's roots matters, no matter what style you dance.

"Nobody ever told me to *feel* something before I moved — they just told me where to put my arm."Gatica reveals the emotional reality behind Bachata Influence, the pressure of life as a touring artist, and why protecting your boundaries matters more than any dance move.In this intimate at-home interview, Gatica — one half of Bachata Influence alongside Melvin — takes us through her remarkable journey from the Norwegian Opera and Ballet, through salsa and tango, and finally into the bachata world where she found her voice. We dive deep into the philosophy of storytelling and emotion in dance, the glamorous-yet-brutal reality of life as a touring social dancer, and the crucial conversation around boundaries, consent, and respect on the social dance floor. Gatica shares her honest views on Jack & Jill competitions, offers practical tools like her famous "left arm power" technique, and leaves us with a powerful message about curiosity over judgment. This is a must-watch for any bachata dancer who wants to understand the heart behind the art.

"We're just getting started" is more than a motto; it’s a growth mindset. It’s a daily reminder that making things better takes consistent effort.In this deeply honest conversation, we sit down with Jorge Burgos — better known as Ataca — one half of the legendary Ataca y La Alemana and co-founder of Island Touch. Ataca opens up about the true essence of bachata, why the "basic" is being lost, and how social media both built and blurred the dance world. He shares the mindset behind 20+ years of partnership, what genuine connection really means (even after separating from Tanja), where his musicality comes from, and the powerful lesson his father taught him about happiness. Whether you're a dancer, an artist, or just love a great story about legacy and staying true to yourself, this one delivers.💃 JOIN THE COMMUNITY:- Subscribe for more dance mindset tips and interviews with amazing people: @flowstepbystep - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowstepbystep/

After 24 years of chasing perfection in ballet, one night at a tiny social in England changed everything. What if the secret to dancing (and living) better was learning to let go completely?In this deeply moving conversation, former ballerina turned bachata dancer Eva Maria Bredler shares how 24 years of ballet trained her into perfectionism, conformity, and chronic self-judgment, and how discovering bachata rewired her relationship with her body, her art, and her life. From the neuroscience of nervous system co-regulation to the spiritual experience of connection, Eva unpacks what it really means to dance (and live) from the inside out. We explore perfectionism, identity, creativity, the power of self-talk, and her beautiful new community projects like Inside Out and Bachata Sunrise in Barcelona. Whether you're a dancer who freezes when filmed or someone trapped in the pursuit of "good enough," this episode is your permission slip to let go.Connect with Eva Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eva.bachata/Inside Out: https://www.instagram.com/ins.de_out/ Bachata Sunrise: https://www.instagram.com/bachatasunrise/💃 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

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

🧠 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

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 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

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

He was told he needed surgery. Doctors said he couldn't lift more than 20 kilos above his head. He chose a different path, and kept dancing. Arthur has been dancing for nearly 20 years and has taught across Brazil, Australia, Spain, Mexico, and beyond. In this conversation, he shares the philosophy behind his teaching methodology, why he makes students wait over a year before learning head movements, how he rebuilt his body after a serious spinal injury without surgery, and why the dance community needs more patience, respect, and awareness. From shining shoes at age eight to building an international dance career, Arthur's story is one of relentless curiosity, resilience, and gratitude. He also discusses his upcoming book on dance methodology, body awareness, and the difference between being a messenger and being a true teacher.💃 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