Meech Souliotes: From LA Clubs to China's First WCS Scene

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Swing Content - A West Coast Swing podcast

Affinity Swing

6 episodes

5 days ago

A West Coast Swing podcast. Real conversations with real dancers. Welcome to Affinity Swing's first podcast - where Harold dive's deep into the minds, methods, and journeys of the people shaping West Coast Swing. From rising stars to seasoned pros, from innovative teachers to community builders, we explore what makes dancers tick and what drives the evolution of our dance.

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Meech Souliotes: From LA Clubs to China's First WCS Scene

Swing Content - A West Coast Swing podcast

56 minutes 5 seconds

3 months ago

Meech Souliotes: From LA Clubs to China's First WCS Scene

Every dance scene has that one person who changed everything – but what if their story involved starting a West Coast Swing music revolution in LAV, teaching in Communist China, and literally making enemies to save an art form? Meet Demetre "Meech" Souliotes, the champion dancer who refused to accept the status quo.When Meech couldn't find anywhere in LA worth taking three professional backup dancers to see West Coast Swing, he didn't just complain – he started a movement that would transform the dance forever. From invite-only swing clubs to becoming the first person to teach WCS in China, Meech's journey reads like a dance world thriller.In this explosive conversation, Meech reveals the story behind TAP (The After Party), the events that define modern West Coast Swing, and why his generation literally had to "drag this community" toward the future while "pissing a lot of people off" in the process.You'll discover:The controversial invite-only club that launched modern WCS cultureHow a group of teenage dancers revolutionized an entire art formThe real story behind California's biggest dance scenes (spoiler: it's all Meech)What happened when WCS met Communist China for the first timeWhether you're a seasoned competitor or someone who just discovered WCS on social media, Meech's insights will change how you see this dance and its community. Plus, get the inside story on why TAP has become the event every dancer talks about.Tag @affinityswing and @meechwise to join the conversation!Dancers & Pros Mentioned:Ben Morris - Instagram: @benmorrisdanceJordan Frisbee - Instagram: @Jordancer98Tatiana Mollmann - Instagram: @tatianadwcsdanceKyle Redd & Sarah - Instagram: @kylesarah.wcsChuck Brown - Instagram: @chuckbrowndanceBenji Schwimmer - Instagram: @benjischwimmerSean McKeever - Instagram: @seanshiggityParker Dearborn - Instagram: @parker.dearbornPete Green - (Classic/early LA scene pioneer)Thibault Ramirez - Instagram: @thibault_ramirezTorri Zzaoui (formerly Smith) - Instagram: @MaximeandTorriNicole Ramirez (formerly Clonch) - Instagram: @nicrmzRJ Santino - Instagram: @arjaycentenoBrandy Guild - Instagram: @brandiguildJade Bryn - (San Diego scene)Jeff Wingo - Instagram: @therealjeffwingoHelen Tocco - (San Diego scene)Joel Torgeson - Instagram: @joeltorgesonLarisa Tingle - Instagram: @larisatingleConnor McClure - Instagram: @cmcmoveAidan Keith-Hynes - Instagram: @aidanwestcoastswingDavid Guido - (San Diego scene)Ryan Boz - Instagram: @heyimryryElizabeth Spann - Instagram: @lizzy.spannRachel Shook - Instagram: @Rachel.shakesSebastian Quinones - Instagram: @sqdanceJakub Jakoubek - Instagram: @jj.movesEmeline Rouchefeuille - Instagram: @em_rocMaxence Martin - Instagram: @maxlau_Brad Wendt - Instagram: @bradwendt21Classic Champions Mentioned:Phil Adams, Annie Hersh, Jack Carey, Charlotte and Wayne, Marion Nunez Event References:TAP (The After Party) - Co-founded by Chuck Brown and MeechAustin Rocks - Event now owned by MeechAtomic Ballroom/Swinging the Blues - Founded by Ben MorrisBlackout Friday - Co-founded by Meech and Carlos Reid