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Baila Room

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.
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Episodes

#60 Danser avec les Machines Avec Audrey Gaussiran

Un balado qui explore les tensions et les beautés de la création artistique à l’ère de l’intelligence artificielle. Peut-on parler d’écologie en utilisant des outils numériques polluants ? Comment former une identité quand on danse entre deux cultures ? Entre corps, code et culture, ce balado donne la parole à Audrey Gaussiran une chorégraphe qui réinventent la scène.

Aug 04, 20251 hr 21 minEp. 60

#59 La danse d’un électron libre avec Natalie Poirier

Aujourd’hui, je reçois Natalie Poirier. Elle incarne à merveille la force tranquille et l’audace inspirante. Femme d’affaires accomplie, elle navigue avec assurance dans l’univers du coaching, après avoir fait ses armes dans le monde des médias télévisuels. Ce qui la distingue? C’est cette capacité rare à écouter profondément sa voix intérieure… et à oser la suivre, même lorsqu’elle l’entraîne à l’autre bout du monde. Assumée, rayonnante, avec un leadership aussi naturel que contagieux, elle dég...

Jun 30, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 59

#58 How Subtle Change Builds a Black Belt With Bashar Bou Karroum

Bashar Bou Karroum is a man of sharp wit and even sharper self-awareness. Beneath a wall of sarcasm lies a very smart individual—someone who’s walked the path of self-discovery with honesty and humility. What intrigued me most is this: although naturally competitive, he chose not to chase glory on the world stage. Instead, he devoted himself to teaching—crafting an approach where testing ideas matters more than being right. He’s fiercely loyal & thoughtful but he doesn’t claim to have all th...

May 07, 20251 hr 3 minEp. 58

#57 Alex Horvat : Le Calme au Cœur du Chaos

🎙️ Mon prochain invité a plus de 25 ans d’expérience dans plusieurs disciplines des arts martiaux, et il œuvre chaque jour dans un milieu où peu de gens osent s’aventurer : le système carcéral. Mais ce qui m’a le plus marqué chez lui… ce n’est pas seulement son expertise encyclopédique du jiu-jitsu, ni sa quête constante de l’efficacité dans le combat. Ce qui m’a vraiment frappé, c’est son attitude face à son travail — un environnement où le cynisme peut vite remplacer la compassion, et où il f...

May 05, 20251 hr 32 minEp. 57

#56 When Life Spins Him Around, He Doesn’t Break… or Does He? With Chris Eagleton

Chris Eagleton is a fellow dance school owner, the founder of the Break City dance school, and a proud member of the world-renowned break crew Illmask . With over 25 years of breaking experience under his belt, he's a true pillar of the breaking community. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of business and personal struggles. And let me tell you—what he’s been through in the past two years is more than what most people face in a lifetime. Yet, despite it all, he continues to rise, stro...

Mar 26, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 56

#55 Trouver son X et surmonter l'adversité avec Andrea Cadotte

Aujourd'hui, j'ai le plaisir de recevoir une invitée exceptionnelle, une femme dont le parcours n'a pas toujours été facile, mais qui a su transformer chaque défi en une leçon de vie précieuse. Depuis son plus jeune âge, elle a trouvé sa vocation, son "X", et a construit une carrière solide en restant fidèle à elle-même. Andrea Cadotte est une femme forte, authentique, qui n'a pas peur de partager ses pensées profondes et ses émotions, offrant une perspective véritablement unique sur la vie. C’e...

Feb 06, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 55

#54 Un Enfant...Ça Change Tout ! Avec Emil Blotor

Mon prochain invité est une vraie mine d’or en expériences de vie. Avec des études poussées en histoire et un parcours fascinant qui l’a mené à devenir Directeur d’agence chez Industrielle Alliance, il a su conjuguer savoir et action pour marquer les esprits. Ce qui le motive au quotidien? Améliorer la vie des gens, tout simplement. Et même s’il est trop humble pour se vanter de ses succès, notre conversation mettra en lumière à quel point il réussit, jour après jour, à avoir un impact positif a...

Dec 12, 20241 hr 18 minEp. 54

#53 Elle S'échappe De La Tour d'Ivoire avec Catherine Baril

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, mais aussi en tant que parent.

Oct 19, 20231 hr 14 min

#51 Creating a Dance School From Scratch Featuring Sonia Clarke

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

Dec 05, 202215 minEp. 51

#50 Life Dojo Featuring Robin Campbell

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 learning process. He is the definition of putting yourself in the shoes of your students to understand their real needs....

Oct 28, 20221 hr 9 min0

#49 The Prodigious Polyglot Youtuber Featuring Big Bong

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.

Sep 25, 20221 hr 4 minEp. 49

#48 You Have Only One Turn On The Carousel Featuring Ilias Benz

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.

Jun 14, 20221 hr 36 minEp. 48

#46 Invincible & Free Featuring Jesse Snow

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.

Apr 25, 20221 hr 25 minEp. 46

# 45 What I Ask Of People I Ask Of Myself Featuring Sonia Clarke

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 as television and corporate events. Working backstage as a stage manager, both locally and on tour, she quickly developed her management skills. As a...

Apr 14, 20221 hr 15 minEp. 45

#44 No Winter In Texas Featuring Kenneth Mockler

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 development of virtual reality and how Facebook posts are reviewed. And guess what we even talked about Trump ;) I had a blast taking to him.

Feb 03, 20221 hrEp. 44

#43 I Hate Running!!! So I Ran Everyday For 365 Days Featuring Gérard Pierre

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 bring you Gerard Pierre.

Jan 20, 202259 minEp. 43

#42 Not So Anonymus Dancers Featuring Marius & Elena

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.

Jan 20, 20221 hr 8 minEp. 42

#40 Engineers Are Artists Too Featuring Eric Caillibot

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 this new digital world where attention spans are very short. It’s very inspiring conversation for those who contemplate a less traditional path in life…...

Nov 25, 20211 hrEp. 40

#39 I Deadlifted a Person Featuring Patrice Elisson

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 doesnt mean that this confidence is not sometimes shaken. Finally, when you’ll hear about her transformation i hope that it will encourage you to get o...

Sep 30, 202153 minEp. 39

#38 Full Steam Ahead With Pikliz On The Side Featuring Corinne Tardieu

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.

Sep 24, 20211 hr 6 minEp. 38

#37 Now That I Know, it’s Hard To Let Go Featuring Laurent Duperval

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 dance school: One of my great regrets is that it took me 50 years to realize how much I needed dancing in my life. Now that I know, it’s hard to let ...

Aug 14, 20211 hr 54 minEp. 37

#36 Move Your Virtual 2.0 Butt Featuring Audrey Gaussiran

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 chatting with her. Without further due I bring you my friend Audrey Gaussiran.

Jun 07, 20211 hr 7 min

#35 Stop Caring What Others Think! Featuring Patrick Moriarty

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. Without further due I bring you Patrick Moriarty

May 27, 20211 hr

#34 Être sur son X avec Marie-Josée Rioux

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 ligne Virtuel Yoga Santé. Une entrepreneure que j’admire beaucoup, sans plus attendre je vous présente Marie-Josée Rioux.

Apr 29, 202157 minEp. 34

# 33 Happiness is a Choice Featuring Sergio Guerra

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.

Apr 08, 202146 minEp. 33

#32 How Do I Become Dance Again? Featuring Nataša Pavićević

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;)

Mar 23, 20211 hr 10 minEp. 32

#31 What if Today Was Your Last Day ? Featuring Rania Greiche

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.

Mar 08, 20211 hr 13 minEp. 30
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