What motivates us to create, to move, to channel all that passion to bring into being? Join me, Ilias Benz, Salsa Black Belt and owner of Baila Productions as I dive deep into what motivates us to grow, to be better. Find out what makes people tick, why some of us choose live life on our own terms. For lessons off the dance floor, step into the Baila Room.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#53 Elle S'échappe De La Tour d'Ivoire avec Catherine Baril
1:13:46
1:13:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:46
Ma prochaine invitée n’a pas peur d’exprimer son désarroi face à notre système d’éducation. Professeur depuis 20 ans, elle milite sur les réseaux sociaux afin de mettre la loupe sur les endroits de notre système d’éducation qui auraient besoin d’attention. Honnête et passionnée, elle nous donne l’heure juste sur sa réalité en tant qu’enseignante, m…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#52 Ai is HERE… Should YOU Continue to Create?
19:57
19:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:57
In this video i am sharing with you some of my random thoughts about the Ai and it's repercussion on the content creator world.By Ilias Benz
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#51 Creating a Dance School From Scratch Featuring Sonia Clarke
15:02
15:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:02
I recently Visited the National Dance School of CANADA to chat with the co-founder She understood at a very young age that to make a living from art, you have to be versatile. We talked about the challenges of creating a school from scratch and what it takes to work in the dance business Without further due I bring you Sonia Clarke…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#50 Life Dojo Featuring Robin Campbell
1:08:40
1:08:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:40
Robin Campbell is a brilliant entrepreneur, teacher, YouTube content creator and citizen of the world. He’s the founder of the Dance Dojo an online school that specialized in Salsa and Bachata. He operates his business in Medellin Columbia. During the conversation, one thing that stood out for me is his amazing ability to reverse engineer the learn…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#49 The Prodigious Polyglot Youtuber Featuring Big Bong
1:03:54
1:03:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:54
Today I had the privilege to sit down and talk with an awesome and very passionate Youtuber/ Influencer who specializes in language learning. It was a pleasure to dive into Big Bong's world.By Ilias Benz
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#48 You Have Only One Turn On The Carousel Featuring Ilias Benz
1:35:42
1:35:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:35:42
Ilias is the founder and director of Baila Productions, one of Montreal's premiere Salsa dance schools. He has more than 20 years of experience in numerous dances: Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, African Dances and of course Salsa! My mission is to offer you a shortcut to happiness thru Salsa.By Ilias Benz
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#47 I Can't Remember My Salsa Moves ! What Can I Do? A ShortCast Featuring Ilias Benz
5:46
5:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:46
In this episode I discuss a situation that every male salsa student goes thru at least once during the learning process.By Ilias Benz
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#46 Invincible & Free Featuring Jesse Snow
1:24:54
1:24:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:54
Jesse Snow Born in Texas, he started training in gymnastics to then pursue cheerleading and finally he got a black belt Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. I was very curious on his views on politics and religion. We had an amazing conversation.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
# 45 What I Ask Of People I Ask Of Myself Featuring Sonia Clarke
1:15:14
1:15:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15:14
Sonia Clarke is a Producer, choreographer, dancer and teacher, Sonia has been working in the show business sector for over 25 years. With a background in classical ballet, jazz, modern, Afro-Caribbean and street dance, her career has given her the opportunity to work for dance companies in Quebec and Europe, as well as in the commercial sector such…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#44 No Winter In Texas Featuring Kenneth Mockler
59:37
59:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:37
Welcome to the Baila Room Podcast, my name is Ilias and today I had the chance to catch up with my old friend Kenneth Mockler. He’s an accomplished musician and currently works at Meta formally known as Facebook. 6 years ago he moved from Quebec to Texas so I was really curious about his perspective on this state. We also talked about the developme…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#43 I Hate Running!!! So I Ran Everyday For 365 Days Featuring Gérard Pierre
58:30
58:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:30
Today I had the chance to talk to very inspiring individual that accomplished something truly amazing. He ran everyday for one year and since, he never stopped running. After, listening my next guest speak you will feel that nothing is impossible and that the only thing stopping you for doing amazing things is your brain. Without further due I brin…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#42 Not So Anonymus Dancers Featuring Marius & Elena
1:07:55
1:07:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:55
Today I had the chance to talk to 2 amazing dancers, teachers and a very well established Youtubers. We talked about the state of Bachata in the world, Their business partnership, The life of a Youtuber and the current situation in their home country Roumania. Directly from Roumania, i bring you Marius & Elena.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#41 BaBaBachata : Une Histoire de Dépassement de Soi avec Alexandro Gonzalez Hidalgo AKA Juste Chano
1:13:26
1:13:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:26
Aujourd’hui j’ai eu la chance de recevoir Alexandro Gonzalez Hidalgo AKA Juste Chano, un artiste très discipliné dans le perfectionnement de son art:la danse… plus spécifiquement la Bachata. Mais ce qui m’a impressionné le plus c’est son histoire de dépassement de soi. Une histoire qui va vous inspirer j’en suis convaincu.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#40 Engineers Are Artists Too Featuring Eric Caillibot
1:00:10
1:00:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:10
Today I had the chance to speak Eric Caillibot an aerospace engineer that has a little-known skill: Writing. He’s been developing this skill on the side while he choose the more traditional professional path. Now his book series the Kiynan chronicle are ready to be released to conquer the world. We talk about the challenges of being an author in th…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#39 I Deadlifted a Person Featuring Patrice Elisson
53:04
53:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:04
Let me start by saying i believe people can change. What i'm curious about is how this change operates in our lives. That said, my next guest is an exemple of will power and discipline. She worked as a child care worker with very difficult cases and during covid she started to train…and train she did. You will hear a very confident women but that d…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#38 Full Steam Ahead With Pikliz On The Side Featuring Corinne Tardieu
1:06:18
1:06:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:18
Today I had the chance to speak with an amazing dancer and teacher. Most of all, You will hear a very driven businesswoman. This conversation made me feel energized and motivated. Hopefully it will have the same effect on you;) I bring you Corinne Tardieu.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#37 Now That I Know, it’s Hard To Let Go Featuring Laurent Duperval
1:53:58
1:53:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:53:58
Today I had the chance to speak with a multitalented individual that dropped a lucrative job and decided to follow the creative path of writing. We talked about social media inner workings, the art of content writing and of course salsa dancing. To properly introduce my next guest I will use a quote pulled out an article that he wrote for our Salsa…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#36 Move Your Virtual 2.0 Butt Featuring Audrey Gaussiran
1:06:43
1:06:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:43
My next guest is a multitalented dancer choreographer. But most of all she’s what I call a true artist. I’m a huge fan of her work. We talked about the creative usage of Virtual reality and new technologies applied to the dance world, my one night in jail situation, how she deals with criticism and much more. As you will hear I had loads of fun cha…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#35 Stop Caring What Others Think! Featuring Patrick Moriarty
1:00:10
1:00:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:10
Today I had the chance to talk to a fellow dance school owner from Vancouver. He’s 3X Professional Canadian Salsa Champion, US Open Salsa Champion and he got the 2nd Place World Salsa Summit but most of all he’s extremely humble, great motivator for the development of a competitor mindset but also fosters a don’t leave anyone behind attitude. Witho…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#34 Être sur son X avec Marie-Josée Rioux
57:06
57:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:06
Être sur son X c’est bien ce qui caractérise ma prochaine invitée. Elle a un parcours fascinant et non conventionnel. Son Parcours à débuter par l’industrie de la mode ensuite elle tomba dans l’aérobie pour enfin terminer sa course avec le Yoga. Elle est la fondatrice du studio de Yoga et Pilates: Centre Yoga Santé Laval et de la plateforme en lign…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
# 33 Happiness is a Choice Featuring Sergio Guerra
45:36
45:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:36
Today I had the chance to speak to an amazing individual. Someone who will, by his strength of character, inspire you to become a more grateful and positive person. Even thought we touched a very difficult subject in this podcast I think ultimately this conversation will inspire and uplift you.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#32 How Do I Become Dance Again? Featuring Nataša Pavićević
1:09:54
1:09:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:54
Today I had the chance to speak to Nataša Pevićević an amazing choreographer and teacher from Croatia. She completed a university degree to become an english teacher and then stopped everything to follow her life long dream to become a dancer. It was a very uplifting and inspiring conversation that i'm happy to share with you guys;)…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#31 What if Today Was Your Last Day ? Featuring Rania Greiche
1:13:22
1:13:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:22
Rania Greiche is a choreographer, dancer, teacher and a very well established promoteur in the Montreal Salsa scene. On top of that she runs an event planning company that specializes in weddings. She’s a multi-talented business woman with a very positive mindset.By Ilias Benz
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#30 She Polishes My Dance and I Dirty Hers Featuring Tito Ortos
48:02
48:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:02
Ortos J. Gutiérrez Ortiz, better known as Tito Ortos, was born in Santurce on December 26, 1974. After finishing a Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science from the University of Puerto Rico and studying music, vocals, bass and clarinet, Tito started his career as a Salsa Dancer by his parent's initiative, both musicians. Also he develops as a dancer o…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#29 The Master of "Rond de Jambes" Featuring Rodrigo Cortazar
1:13:52
1:13:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:52
Today I had the chance to speak with one of the best salsa dancers in the world. Born in Veracruz, Mexico, he is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, has a talent for singing, has contagious energy and a broad knowledge of the history of Mambo / Salsa. Let me just say that if I could choose only one person to represent what Salsa means to me I wo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#28 Le Déclic d'une Pirate avec Cadleen Désir
1:27:11
1:27:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:27:11
Cadleen Désir est PDG et fondatrice de Déclic, un réseau de professionnels au service des enfants à besoins particuliers du Grand Montréal, et présidente du Groupement des chefs d’entreprises du Québec. Impliquée dans la gouvernance de plusieurs organisations, elle y insuffle sa vision d’un leadership humain et inclusif, nourri par l’intelligence c…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#27 - Porteuse De Mémoires Avec Rhodnie Désir
58:23
58:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:23
J’ai eu la chance de parler avec une très grande artiste. Je dis très grande sans exagérer, car, vous allez vous en rendre compte durant la conversation, que ça démarche artistique est très claire et surtout puissante. Elle est la lauréate du Grand Prix de la Danse de la Ville de Montréal. Et ici Je cite le jury qui l’a selectionner « Cette artiste…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#27 What Covid FORCED me to Learn ( Chapter 2 )
6:41
6:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:41
If there's one thing positive about this Covid situation is that I got even closer to my son ;)By Ilias Benz
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#26 - Une Architecte De La Danse Avec Ilham Rouissi
1:10:45
1:10:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:45
Elle a étudié en architecture en France puis arrivée à Montréal elle consacre les 20 dernières années à maitriser et surtout enseigner la Salsa... De la Bachata au Fox Trot en passant par le Ballet, le Baladi et le Rock'n'Roll, On dit d'elle qu'elle savait danser avant de savoir marcher.By Ilias Benz
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
No Space For Arts Featuring Dominique Wang
53:00
53:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:00
Today I got the chance to chat with a very special business woman. She studied dance all her young life in China, came to Montreal Canada completed an MBA and created a multi-studio concept called Espace Des Arts that became a Mecca for many dance styles and dancers. I started this conversation with no expectations and I discovered a smart, thought…
…
continue reading
My name is Ilias and I have owned a Latin dance school in Laval for 16 years now (another one in the West Island and Ile-Perrot ). We manage to operate with restrictions, at 20% of our pre-Covid sales. For the moment, I have no salary and my business is struggling to survive because of the measures put in place. I am now afraid of losing my well-es…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
A Deep Dive In The Tango World With Carol Horowitz
1:39:25
1:39:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:39:25
An experienced dancer, tango teacher, performer and dj. We made a deep dive in the Tango world… So much to learn about that world… especially how to ask someone to dance only by using this Tango eye technique: The Cabaceo ;) Please welcome Carol Horowitz.By Ilias Benz
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
From Cuba to USA to Ste-Sophie Quebec Featuring Maylena Chaviano
1:08:47
1:08:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:47
1. Intense Dance Training in Cuba 2. Striking a balance between communism and capitalism 3. No one from the outside should criticize the ways of a nation 4. Cuba USA rocky relationship 5. Don't come to my house and tell me what to do 6. Her Amazing Cuban Immersion 7. A bit of Cuban Embargo History 8. Covid in Cuba 9. Afro Something…
…
continue reading
Some Covid ThoughtsBy Ilias Benz
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Comment Se Rendre Au Coeur De La Danse Avec Nadyne Bienvenue
1:01:42
1:01:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:42
1. Comment elle a réglé ses douleurs chroniques 2. Comment apaiser l'autocritique et développer de la bienveillance envers soi 3. La méditation en mouvement 4. Les défis du "marketing" de son approche : La Danse Pleine Conscience 5. L'importance de la respiration en danseBy Ilias Benz
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Never Leave Your Mother Behind Featuring Gil Sanchez
1:29:19
1:29:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:29:19
How he got in the Salsa World Coaching techniques and approach His experience in the Philippines with his husband Dealing with hard family issuesBy Ilias Benz & Gil Sanchez
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Practice Makes Perfect Featuring Andy Dacoulis
1:26:14
1:26:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:26:14
Today I had a chance to talk to one of the best jazz-blues guitarist in Canada. He holds a Jazz Performance degree from McGill University and has accompanied many renown artists. In this podcast You’ll learn about what it takes to be a full time professional musician!By Ilias Benz
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Reverse Culture Shock - Featuring Russell Rodgers
1:30:06
1:30:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:30:06
In this podcast I go down memory lane with an accomplished musician and teacher. My next guest and I have something in common: We both love playing guitar and we both spent time working in Taiwan. He recently came back from Taiwan so I was eager to talk to him about his journey abroad. Here are some subjects discussed: Challenges of Working Abroad …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
No Mask Required - Featuring Belinda Roche
1:23:45
1:23:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:23:45
A lovely conversation with Belinda Roche. High school teacher, amazing salsa dancer and very very good friend. Dealing with Isolation Sending Our Kids to School During Covid Salsa Dancing Post Covid-19 Stigma of Masks Salsa dancing do's and don'tsBy Ilias Benz
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
If You Can't Handle The Truth Don't Talk To Sonia Clarke
1:35:58
1:35:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:35:58
Initiated to the universe of dance at age 4, Sonia graduated in Classical Dance at the Grands Ballets Canadiens in 1989. She is also certified in superior studies in the management of cultural projects, with a specialization in inner city youth outreach and intervention, obtained in Lyon (France) in 1994. We discussed her Grands Ballets Canadiens T…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Artists Will Save The Day - Featuring Adam Duff
1:01:14
1:01:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:14
In the Salsa world, where i come from, we get to met really amazing people… this is where Adam Duff comes in. Adam is a concept artist, graphic designer veteran salsa dancers and all around amazing guy. He worked as art director for Electronic Arts and Disney. We talked about... how he became a professional artist, why he started a Youtube channel,…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Main Event : Doctor VS Covid-19 featuring Martin Pham Dinh
1:13:17
1:13:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:17
Martin Pham Dinh is a physician with 20 years of practice in emergency medicine who now focuses on clinical communications and the science of wellness and longevity. He also a fitness freak, passionate home cook and lover of life. We discussed his important role in the Covid-19 pandemic.By Ilias Benz
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Covid-19 VS Dance Schools ( Round 1 ) Featuring Christine Harrison
1:08:21
1:08:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:21
A conversation with my good friend and dance school owner Christine Harrison in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis. Here's some topics discussed. 1. The impact of the virus on dance schools 2. The usage of Zoom for virtual classes and meetings 3. Business strategies during lock down 4. The post Corona virus prognosis…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Buzz vs COVID-19 - Featuring Stanley Bastien
44:33
44:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:33
Welcome to the Baila Room Podcast…Before we begin, I want to state in which condition we’re doing this podcast: We are in Quebec, Canada, on the second week of the Covid19 outbreak and its lock down. Here’s an important Caveat before we start. We are no experts on Covid-19 or any related matter. So anything we say about the virus situation during o…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Misdiagnosed - Featuring Ronald Mompoint
1:42:38
1:42:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:42:38
A great conversation with an amazing dancer and friend: Ronald Mompoint. We talked about our shared passion of dance. We went back to the late 80s high school life. We talked about the current state of affairs of social media and politics and finally, he shared with me the traumatic story that happened to his father in our medical system.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What does it take to be an artist? Featuring Audrey Gaussiran
1:10:23
1:10:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:23
A great conversation with an amazing dancer, performer, choreographer and friend: Audrey Gaussiran.Here are the main topics discussed: 1. Things they don’t show on TV from the So you Think you can Dance show 2. Drama in the dance world 3. Traveling and working as a dancer around the world 4. Dealing with hard criticism in the arts world 5. Managing…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Best Colombian Salsa Dancer in Montreal ;) Featuring Wendy Hernandez-Zamora
1:42:59
1:42:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:42:59
I sat down with my good friend Wendy to talk about some interesting topics. Here are some of them: 1. The Salsa dancing scene in Montreal 2. The Zumba business model 3. How Social media is changing us 4. Her bouts with Anxiety ...much moreBy Ilias Benz
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Forget about doing the robot, you could be dancing with one soon
2:03:42
2:03:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:03:42
An awesome discussion with Salsa colleague about the evolution of Salsa Congresses. New tech and business ideas to expand the dance offering and reach. The Virtual Salsa congress concept. The scary outcome possibilities of artificial intelligence, Tesla talk and much more...By Ilias Benz & Mehdi Serrar
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Your level of tolerance will dictate how people treat you - Featuring Luciano Ucci
1:53:12
1:53:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:53:12
I sit down with Luciano Ucci, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with over 15 years of training under his belt. Passionate and dedicated to the sport and known for his technical knowledge, Professor Luciano quickly established himself as a top trainer and corner men of several public figures in the world of professional mixed martial arts. Over the y…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
There's 2 captains on this ship - Featuring Corinne Tardieu & Victor Alexis
53:16
53:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:16
They reveal what it takes to be a performer in the Salsa/Bachata world. How they prepare for competition. What is their creation process like. They go into the business side of being a performer/teacher and much much more..By Ilias Benz
…
continue reading