Dominican Raised in Puerto Rico Fransheska Pena
Terence: Hey, and welcome to the 4th Episode of the Two Left Feet Podcast. I am joined today by a very-very special guess Fransheska Pena.
Fransheska: Hey you all.
Terence: All right. So, just as I guess an update, today I did a lot of work. I was able to setup everything that I needed to do. So, this is really the first in-house episode. I’m very excited to a lot of work and a lot of researching like Google and YouTube. I’m really calling people just trying to figure out how to get it all setup man but I finally got it setup so I’m very excited to be doing this. I’m extremely happy.
Fransheska: I’m excited too.
Terence: I can’t wait. I can’t wait. All right. So, today we’re going to usually just get to know my guess today who’s Fransheska. So, Miss Fransheska, how long have you been dancing?
Fransheska: That does a freaky question. So, I grew up in household where people just love to dance.
Terence: Where you from exactly? Tell me.
Fransheska: I was born and raised in Puerto Rico but my family is from Dominican Republic.
Terence: Okay. So, everyone in your family you grew up dancing like what you mean by that?
Fransheska: Yeah. It was just a thing at home like we will get together every weekend and we’ll just play some music, play some domino. And that was the thing at home.
Terence: Okay. What type of music do you mean though?
Fransheska: So, we were really into Bachata, Méringue, not into too much Salsa but yeah, that’s what we used to do at home.
Terence: Okay. So, you grew up in Puerto Rico. At what age did you come to United States?
Fransheska: I was 17.
Terence: Okay, all right. You came by yourself, you came with the family? What?
Fransheska: I came with my mom and my youngest brother.
Terence: Okay, all right.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: Why did you moved here? I’m curious.
Fransheska: Well, my family used to travel back and forth but my mom really between Puerto Rico and New Orleans. So, it just got to a point where she was traveling so much and every time she used to travel she will stay longer and longer. So, it didn’t make any sense to keep traveling back and forth.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: So, we just decided to move.
Terence: Now, I’m very curious. You have a strong accent. Do you know how to speak English?
Fransheska: Can you understand me?
Terence: All right. So, you moved here when you’re 17.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: What did you do from there? Did you go to college? Did you go to like high school? What did you do when you got here?
Fransheska: I didn’t do anything.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: Yeah, like nothing for about a year.
Terence: What do you mean? Did you stay at home? What do you mean?
Fransheska: Yeah. So, when I was in Puerto Rico I haven’t really started college and I thought I could just go to college when I came here. And that was not the case.
Terence: What happened?
Fransheska: Because of the language barrier, I couldn’t just go to college. I got to go through the ESL process and I couldn’t understand that. I did not want to go through that. I was just like, “What?”
Terence: So, hold on. So, you’re saying when you first moved here you don’t know any English?
Fransheska: Oh, yeah, like nothing.
Terence: Oh, wow. Okay. So, that’s actually pretty intense. So, you moved to a whole different country where you didn’t even know the language.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: Okay. That’s quite a very —
Fransheska: If anybody is watching this that is — you’re just trying to fix somebody up and just move to another place, just make sure that you do that right into transition as smoothly as you can. Don’t just do that.
Terence: Okay. I’m curious. How difficult was to learn English for you then?
Fransheska: So, I personally refused to learn the language for like almost two years. I was like, “No.”
Terence: Why?
Fransheska: I just didn’t want to. I was very-very upset like it was really hard for me to transition, to accept the environment.
Terence: What finally made you accept this change?
Fransheska: I mean you have to do what you have to do.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: First of all, secondly my family was happy being here. I was the only one who wasn’t. So, I wasn’t going to keep them from enjoying the city, right?
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: So, at the end of the day I also agree to move. So, I had to accept the change.
Terence: Okay. I understand.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: What was the hardest part about learning English? I’m very curious.
Fransheska: Just training the ear.
Terence: Okay. How did you go about that?
Fransheska: Just listening to it like all day long.
Terence: Okay. It’s pretty weird because I grew up English speaking, so that’s all I really know.
Fransheska: Right.
Terence: So, for you to actually learn it is very impressive.
Fransheska: But you learn Spanish too, right?
Terence: I’m trying too.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: I have an amazing city.
Fransheska: It’s the same.
Terence: So, that helps. Okay.
Fransheska: It’s the same, just a whole different language but it’s the same.
Terence: Okay. All right. What did you start learning first to dance? You say you grew up dancing as a child, right?
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: Did you start taking lessons from anyone or how’d you transition?
Fransheska: Oh, yes. Definitely like when I was in high school I joined the dance team in the high but that was just us getting together having some fun, going to parades and stuff like that.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: But then once I was living here and I got acclimated, I was like I want to go out and dance. I just run out of steps.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: Like I want to have something new. I want to learn how to move and this and that. So, it took me few years. I was actually able to start taking lessons seriously for about a year ago.
Terence: Where did you first start taking lessons?
Fransheska: I was going to any random classes like here and there.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: But my first instructor, my first like actual dance instructor was De’Jon.
Terence: De’Jon who?
Fransheska: Polanski.
Terence: He owns a dancing, what is it called?
Fransheska: Tropic Vibe.
Terence: Okay. You told me before you were on that team, correct?
Fransheska: Yeah, I sure was.
Terence: Okay, sure. So, you started with Salsa or what?
Fransheska: Yeah, like I remember my first class was Bachata.
Terence: How was that?
Fransheska: Oh, my God. I thought I was able to dance.
Terence: And what?
Fransheska: And I was not.
Terence: What do you mean you were not? Why not?
Fransheska: It’s the different type of dance when you actually social dancing and actually learn it not necessarily a routine but actually breaking the dance down. It’s different like learning the timing or why — just learning the timing is a whole different thing.
Terence: Okay. I understand it. All right. So, you go from Bachata. That’s your first class.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: And then just slowly transition in the Salsa?
Fransheska: Yeah. So, he teaches both.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: So, yeah, but that was just my first class. And then I knew I couldn’t dance Salsa like I just knew that.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: So, that was hard. It’s still hard.
Terence: Yeah, of course. I remember my first Salsa class.
Fransheska: How was that?
Terence: It’s definitely challenging. It’s a lot to memorize but do I guess constant practice and repetition, right?
Fransheska: Yeah. I agree, a lot of repetition.
Terence: Yeah, of course. My question here is what did you start with? Did you start with On1, On2?
Fransheska: On2, to learn On2.
Terence: Okay. And so, it’s different because you can learn one and know the other. That’s what I want to say.
Fransheska: Oh, yeah. So, I thought that all Salsa were the same.
Terence: Right.
Fransheska: Like I just didn’t know.
Terence: Right, exactly, yeah.
Fransheska: So, like I remember like after a few months of taking classes we’re like, “Okay, frankly.” You’re counting On2 in a way but you’re dancing On1. They explain to me that usually — well, usually not like Puerto Rican Salsa style is On1. I was like, “Oh, well, that explains a lot.”
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: So, yeah.
Terence: So, you joined a dance team, correct?
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: How was that experience for you?
Fransheska: It was amazing.
Terence: Yeah?
Fransheska: Oh, yeah. I think anybody that’s interested in dancing and level up or just feeling more comfortable with your step. I think what’s best is to join a dance team and just be dedicated for the time being. It takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of effort. There were times that where I did not sleep a lot and had to go to work the next morning but it was worth-it. I loved it. That is my advice. It’s awesome.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: For me, it works better than just going to a class.
Terence: I understand. Did you have a big passion for performing?
Fransheska: No.
Terence: And why not? I’m curious.
Fransheska: Maybe saying I don’t like it is too strong but I personally prefer social dancing.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: That’s what I like.
Terence: I understand that completely.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: I was on a performance myself and performing was not my favorite aspect either.
Fransheska: No? What? Why not?
Terence: I just enjoy the practices because I know I was getting better.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: We have practices two or three times a week and each practice there’ll be two-three hours long.
Fransheska: That was intense.
Terence: Yeah. I mean I know you use the same thing, right?
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: You get out late and so, you go to bed and you had to go to work the next morning.
Fransheska: Yeah, like —
Terence: Yes, but I’ll just say for me personally you know, my dance level improved so much when I was on a dance team.
Fransheska: Yeah, mine too. Yeah, definitely.
Terence: So, you go from Bachata and then you go for Salsa. What are the dance steps that you know?
Fransheska: Well, you got me into Kizomba.
Terence: Oh, I did. Okay, all right.
Fransheska: Oh, my God. I was not going to try that.
Terence: Why not?
Fransheska: I don’t know. Maybe because at that time I was really trying to get Salsa On2 timing.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: And it was just not working for me. So, maybe that’s why but I wasn’t attracted to that dance at that time.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: But you love it.
Terence: It is. That’s definitely my favorite. I love the Kizomba.
Fransheska: Yes, you do.
Terence: So, I’d just say I’m probably dancing Kizomba for maybe about three years now.
Fransheska: It’s been a minute you know. It’s been some time, yeah.
Terence: Yeah. So, I know we’ve probably lessons and I’ve really enjoyed that. I’m just so happy like I can do it once maybe like year and a half ago and I met Peter.
Fransheska: Yes.
Terence: Peter is really good. Peter is a wonderful. He’s one of my instructors. I was very glad he’s down here.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: And also Talia — oh, sorry. Not Talia.
Fransheska: Tina?
Terence: Tina.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: Tina is very good as well, so I think we’re very blessed to have both of them.
Fransheska: Oh, yeah. I agree, yeah.
Terence: And especially Tina for Brazilian Zouk. Tina is amazing at Zouk.
Fransheska: That’s the other one that you like.
Terence: Yeah. So, from Bachata to Salsa and took a Kizomba. And you know a little bit of Zouk as well, correct?
Fransheska: Yeah. I do. You’re getting me hook Terence:. You’re getting me hook.
Terence: So, I’m curious. How do you feel about Zouk?
Fransheska: How I feel about Brazilian Zouk, I don’t think I feel any type of way towards it.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: But it is just a whole different dance like you move different parts of your body that you — I mean you might move them in Salsa like in Kizomba, not really like in Kizomba. I wouldn’t think but it’s just a whole different type of dance and I liked it.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: It sticks in time and it’s going to take a lot longer to get used to it but I liked it.
Terence: Okay. I feel like the Zouk, Brazilian Zouk is definitely my weakness right now. So, I definitely need more practice but I thought it’s easy to dance.
Fransheska: So, how long have you been dancing the Brazilian Zouk then?
Terence: I’ve been doing Zouk on and off honestly.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: So, when I leave the Richmond Virginia we will go to DC and they will do Essential Bachata and so, from my understanding I feel like Essential Bachata is a mixed between Bachata and Zouk.
Fransheska: Oh, yeah.
Terence: I think it’s a really beautiful dance. I really enjoy it.
Fransheska: Sure, yeah.
Terence: It is a very nice dance. So, I was doing a Zouk on and off and it wasn’t really until — I want to say I got down here with a team well, like I was actually able to take like a real Zouk class you know.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: I went to a couple congresses and I took like just some Zouk classes there. We took Zouk classes there which is amazing.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: But yeah, Tina I guess really the first person I know who really has like a true passion for it you know.
Fransheska: Oh, yeah. She definitely does.
Terence: Tina definitely does. Well, I’m going to have her on the show for probably more. So, I’m very excited to have a sit on Tina and Peter. We’re going to have them on. They have a lot. They have a wealth of knowledge on Kizomba, Brazilian Zouk, as well as like Salsa and Bachata you know.
Fransheska: Yeah. What a nice people.
Terence: Of course. Yeah.
Fransheska: So, can I ask you a question?
Terence: All right, please tell me.
Fransheska: So, why do you get into Kizomba or how?
Terence: Oh, men. To be honest with you I don’t even know. I know I was living in Richmond Virginia at the time and how I was introduced to Kizomba. The only thing I can say is I was living in Richmond and there was this Russian guy name Boris.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: He was a Kizomba instructor at Richmond Virginia.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: He was more so like Tango and Ballroom trained but somehow he found out about the dance and started teaching it.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: So, I started going in his class every week. Every Wednesday I would go to his class and just started practicing and I truly fell in love with it. He would have a socio every Saturday night and he would play Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba. So, it was a great opportunity for me to practice on Wednesday night as well as go to the socio on Saturday nights.
Fransheska: Okay, yeah.
Terence: And to be honest with you like why I quit that, I can’t even tell you is this. It’s one of those things that you know, why do you like what you like and this is something I just do.
Fransheska: Yeah, things like that.
Terence: Yeah. I like that so much of the fact that I started taking five more lessons with the young lady.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: And so, I wake up every Sunday morning. I will drive an hour and a half.
Fransheska: Talking about called man to man.
Terence: I’ll drive an hour and a half and so, I take this probably without any cost. I was actually paying quite a lot of money for private lesson. I spent a lot of money for it but I can easily say it was the one thing I look forward to every week definitely.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: Because one, she’s an amazing teacher, and Miss Tania first teaching in Virginia but just an amazing teacher at such an amazing time. I learned so much because it was just one on one.
Fransheska: Right.
Terence: So, I was just able to practice what I needed to do but it’s one of my favorite things to do. So, when I moved here you know, I really wanted to continue that.
Fransheska: You sure did.
Terence: Yeah. That’s why I was so happy I found Peter and also Sergio.
Fransheska: Oh, my God, yes.
Terence: Yes. I’m pretty sure I started taking Sergio’s class. Sergio teaches Salsa. I’m pretty sure I started with him taking the Salsa class and I’m pretty sure he introduced me to Peter and Tina.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: We’re going to have Sergio as well.
Fransheska: Oh, yeah. Nice guy.
Terence: Yeah. Sergio was the man. He’s got the moves.
Fransheska: Yeah, like I remember we’re in broken ball first started.
Terence: Okay. Yeah.
Fransheska: I don’t know how long it has been on now but it’s been a while. I was able to go to one of his classes and I wish, I was like, “Oh, my God. I want to take classes.” But my schedule at the time didn’t allow me to.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: But he got me motivated, so I started taking classes for sure, yeah.
Terence: Yeah. I know we’ve found him pretty sure. We’ve met him right before.
Fransheska: Yeah, we did, sure did.
Terence: Exactly. So, Sergio uses to teach classes there though?
Fransheska: No. So, every Tuesday when he first started they will have a different instructor teaching a different lesson.
Terence: Oh, okay.
Fransheska: So, I went to his.
Terence: Oh, okay. Sergio is nice. He’s got some great classes.
Fransheska: Yeah, really nice guy.
Terence: Because he teaches Salsa and Bachata.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: Yeah, he’s real good.
Fransheska: Yeah. Can I ask you something?
Terence: Please.
Fransheska: Can you tell me more about Two Left Feet? Like why? Because I’m still trying to figure out about you, just so you know.
Terence: I forgot what exactly.
Fransheska: What actually made you do this?
Terence: Well, I was thinking about it for a while. I want to put my energy to voice something outside of work.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: And just debating. I guess only one thing I truly love is like taking dance classes.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: So, I was really contemplating how can I incorporate my love of dancing into something and keep thinking about it, keep ruminating on it and I actually like enjoy this in the podcast on my free time. We talk about certain zodiacs. So, I was thinking myself I don’t really know so many dancing podcast you know?
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: And it’s basically why don’t we specifically put like Kizomba or Salsa, Bachata or Brazilian Zouk? And so, I was like you know, why not start my own?
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: I know so many amazing dancers. It would be a great opportunity for me to just interview them and talk to them, let them show their stories and their experiences.
Fransheska: Yeah, okay.
Terence: So, the biggest obstacle was just building the courage and you know, pull the trigger to start it.
Fransheska: Yeah. I wanted to shoulder you.
Terence: But I mean yeah, just thinking about it for a couple days and I was like why not do it?
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: So, I brought all the equipment, did a lot of research. I’ve been hitting a lot of people to try to get them on the show.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: So, yeah. I mean, to be 100% with you I would love for this to become my full time job you know.
Fransheska: It just might.
Terence: You don’t have to take a lot of work.
Fransheska: It will.
Terence: And take a lot about you but I think it’s possible, right?
Fransheska: It’s more than possible. You’re ready on it. I don’t know that we had talk about it you know, but I think it’s really nice and it’s more than nice, right? It’s really interesting and it’s scary.
Terence: Right.
Fransheska: At least to me it’s nerve wracking but like I have said to you before. I think that podcast will be the missing link, right?
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: I think we do travel as dancers or you know, those people that know about it because I just learned about it about a year ago. I didn’t know that people travel for fun.
Terence: Yeah.
Fransheska: I never heard that. So, when you go to this place and not everybody is able to go first of all. Secondly there’re so much stuff going on in social limits you know, limits the space or limits time and you want to do so much and you can only be at a one place at one time, right?
Terence: Yes.
Fransheska: So, I mean I’m excited for what’s to come.
Terence: Oh, yeah, exactly.
Fransheska: That’s what I’m trying to say, yeah. It’s going to be awesome, so be ready man.
Terence: I mean, you’re right about that. I’m very optimistic for the future you know.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: I think we would bring a lot of value to people just by talking to them, interviewing a lot of people. So, now, you’re right here.
Fransheska: Yeah. It’s going to be awesome.
Terence: I think so.
Fransheska: It’s going to be awesome. Yeah. Not being the same but it’s going to be awesome.
Terence: So, tell me, you know different dance steps now. Which one has become your new favorite?
Fransheska: Kizomba and Brazilian Zouk.
Terence: And I’m curious and why do you say that?
Fransheska: Because of you Terence:.
Terence: So, why is it my fault exactly? Tell me.
Fransheska: Because you hooked. So, I’m hooked.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: So, Brazilian Zouk is really hard for me like really-really-really hard. So, I mean, about comfort level, definitely Kizomba.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: But I like them both. It shows that I’m still trying to get use to Brazilian Zouk and learning those parts on my body but I will say that I’m still not used to it. So, it’s just a challenge just like Salsa is for me.
Terence: Okay, just so I know. I was talking to Tina and she actually has a syllabus for us. So, I told her we will start taking practice with her again.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: So, yeah. She’s actually very detail and thorough and excellent. It’s also like week one, week two, week three.
Fransheska: Okay. Oh, nice.
Terence: So, I have to show you that because it’s very detailed. It’s actually one of opportunity just for instead of what’s being so like have to pass it and just practicing different things randomly while have something to this basically for —
Fransheska: Oh, that’s perfect. Yeah.
Terence: Yeah. So, I’m very excited to start that with her.
Fransheska: Yeah, me too.
Terence: I feel like my comfort level with Brazilian Zouk as well, it’s just — I’m not very confident in my skill, my ability to lead it.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: So, I’m just being honest with you.
Fransheska: Shocked. Okay.
Terence: So, I just got to practice more. We have to practice more.
Fransheska: So, you’ve been in one team.
Terence: Yeah, but I’m excited. I enjoy dancing. I think the reason why I love Kizomba and Brazilian Zouk is because I truly like some of the songs.
Fransheska: Oh, okay.
Terence: I think it truly takes the dance to a different level where you truly resonate with the song, where you truly like it, right?
Fransheska: I agree, yeah.
Terence: Yeah. So, I think that’s why those are my two favorites. Now, let’s say that I don’t like Salsa, Bachata but I truly like Kizomba music.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: I like Zumba too. I really love Zumba. Zumba is — this one boy got to us only thing.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: Somewhat. Yeah. He’s a way to go.
Fransheska: He’s the kind of chill guy.
Terence: Yeah. I also really like some Bachata remixes.
Fransheska: Oh, yeah.
Terence: I do like that as well.
Fransheska: I like that too.
Terence: Yeah. I’m a fan of the Sensual Bachata. I tell I was going to — I say I won’t say anything like that.
Fransheska: No? Why?
Terence: I’m going to have a future at DJ on the show so I’m very excited for that.
Fransheska: Oh, what? Surprise.
Terence: Yeah. So, I’m actually very excited for that.
Fransheska: Oh, that’s awesome.
Terence: Right? And I’m actually a truly fan of this music.
Fransheska: Oh, yeah. Okay. That’s exciting.
Terence: It is. I’m very excited doing that.
Fransheska: Oh, cool. Why?
Terence: I don’t know.
Fransheska: Okay. So, I know we talked about a little bit about it but so, when you’re realistic and you — I don’t know if you have done this already but when you’re realistic and you look into the future and you take those emotions out, what you see, what do you foresee for Two Left Feet?
Terence: What do I see, that I take my emotions out.
Fransheska: Yeah. I don’t know if you have done that.
Terence: I don’t know if I have here honestly.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: I think the hardest part is just going to be to stay in consistent with it.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: I think it’s so easy now because it’s on the beginning stages but how am I going to feel like a year-end.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: Like a year and a half end where I’m just been working every day straight and I don’t really — and I won’t see the life in there.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: I think that’s the road test is how do I feel year-end but I think my constant reminder is like my day job and that makes you a real fan of it.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: So, me going to work every day is a constant reminder of why I’m doing this.
Fransheska: Okay. Now do it, yeah.
Terence: Exactly. I’m just trying to keep that fire going, stay ground, stay working every day, keeping enough people, try to find guest for this one. My ultimate goal needs to be to provide value to people.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: You know, to make sure that people are learning something. I want to try to be something, I guess on that can see something. I can give the story. So, in fact I know it. I know for a fact that as long as I can provide value and I do this long enough you know, I’ll be rewarded.
Fransheska: Oh, yeah, definitely.
Terence: So, the goal is just to provide value and to continue do this the rest of my life honestly.
Fransheska: Okay. This is serious. This is very serious.
Terence: Yeah. It’s really is like two parts. There’s one part scary and like also one part amazing because I am the living — in fact if you understand me, this thinking go as far as I’m taking it.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: Right?
Fransheska: Yes.
Terence: And it’s also scary because at the same time it’s all up to us. It’s all to me. This will go as far as I’m willing to put the work in.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: Right? So, like I said I’m still very optimistic for it. I’m actually excited to learn. When I first start doing this I do nothing about the audio engineering.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: So, it’s always crazy. I’m just trying to set everything up and just Google and get a YouTube. But it was just so different because I was eager to learn it. I want to learn it. So, I could tell you like easily for this even in this beginning stages I ran to so many obstacles but I was excited to overcome them.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: So, that was really cool because I was really far. I enjoyed it.
Fransheska: Okay. Like for me, I mean I’m pretty sure I have only seen like a really small percentage of where you’ve been going through to put this together. But I don’t know like I’m just still in shocked, right? I’m like, “What? It’s going on right now?”
So, for you guys like to me, I just woke up at one day and he’s just like researching all kind of stuff and like, “Terence:, what are you doing?” He’s like, “Oh, still learning about it.” Like, “Terence:.” Like, “What’s going on?” Like, “The days go by.” And like, “What is going on?” And one day you tell me like, “Oh, I’m going to do this podcast.” I’m like, “Okay.” Like, “What’s going on?” “Oh, I got equipment. It’s coming in.” Like, “What is going on?” “It’s going to be about this. It’s going to be about that.” I’m like I still like I was just like, “What is going on?” Like, “How long he has been thinking about this?”
Terence: Right.
Fransheska: And just for me, personally, to being able to witness an idea, a dream come together is amazing. Like seeing you motivated is motivating me, right? It’s just amazing. It’s just amazing. I think like I’m pretty sure like I feel in myself that if this is what you want to do, people will support you.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: And like you said, this will get as far as you take it.
Terence: Yeah.
Fransheska: And I think that I don’t know, like the community in general is missing that. I don’t think we have ever had that connection, that place where we can actually go and connect these dances like this has always been at least for me I don’t know somebody else. It has always been word of mouth.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: Things like, “Oh, this person know this person.” But what do you do like for me, like I’m going to hone new place. I don’t know anybody. I don’t know the person that knows that person, and at the time Google wasn’t that great.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: So, I was like, “Where do I go.” What do you do? I think with technology now, of course we’re not going to go backwards. People in the future like they’re going to be able to go back and see what does people that are looking at right now didn’t you know, back in the day, where they coming from. It’s going to be the community will be able to go somewhere and find some motivation.
Terence: Okay. Yeah, definitely.
Fransheska: Some path I guess.
Terence: I guess you know.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: So, I think I’m excited. I’ve been hitting up a lot of people. I say in this last week I probably hit up maybe 250 people.
Fransheska: That’s a lot of people.
Terence: On Instagram, my Facebook. I know it’s really cool because a lot of people don’t respond. Some people want to see a finish product.
Fransheska: Right.
Terence: And the other segments of people who like just answer me and said, “Yes. Let’s do it.”
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: So, that’s amazing. So, between those 250 people that I’ve hit up, 32 have said, “Yes.” Just like off the jump, off the —
Fransheska: Okay, wow.
Terence: Which is amazing.
Fransheska: That is amazing.
Terence: Yeah, exactly.
Fransheska: Yeah. This is like end of the beginning stages like the very-very beginning stages.
Terence: Yeah. So, like validating and it’s reassuring to know that people will support you and they help you go with the journey you know.
Fransheska: Oh, yeah.
Terence: Since day one you’ve been very supportive and I really appreciate that.
Fransheska: Aye Terence:.
Terence: Yeah. I’m excited to have those people on, to talk to them, to hear their story, to like I say you know, they have so much experience. I’m glad those people I’ve really had on the podcast, both of them had on the radio. They both own their dance studios. They both were on performance teams. They’ve been dancing for multiple years, 10 plus years in their lives. So, the information they have is just so valuable. So many people from beginner all the way to the ends, you know.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: Advice some type of lesson. It’s amazing to just hear their story because they’re also business owners as well.
Fransheska: Yeah. They have taken it to a whole of their level.
Terence: Yes and I can say that they’re doing what they love. They both for full time instructors and business like their lives evolved around Salsa, around dancing.
Fransheska: Yeah. That’s insane.
Terence: It is. It’s amazing. To be 100% honest you know, I’m jealous you know. I would love to do what I love for living you know. I’m pretty sure a lot of people would.
Fransheska: Oh, yeah, so that everybody is praying.
Terence: Yeah, exactly. So, that was just really good. I’m so glad like I just hook to them. And they were just regular people, normal people you know, down to earth, had a great conversation with which is wonderful. I’m so glad.
Fransheska: Yeah. I was able to see those interviews.
Terence: Yeah.
Fransheska: Really nice people. And I think like you were saying that’s where assurance and it also shows that type of humanity or that podcast just diving into, right?
Terence: Yeah.
Fransheska: I think you know, that like it doesn’t matter where you’re from, what you do like what your background is. I don’t know. It’s something about that environment that it just sucks you in.
Terence: Yeah.
Fransheska: I mean I don’t know how people feel about it but to me it’s just like this is how it ends and this is it like you know, this is good, like I’m good with that.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: It’s just that type of environment like people are just open. You know what I mean?
Terence: Yeah.
Fransheska: Well, you know.
Terence: Definitely.
Fransheska: Just like those two guys. People are just open and welcome and it’s okay. It’s insane but it’s just what it is. There’s no much more to that. Yeah.
Terence: So, tell me a little bit more about yourself please. As far as you did. Do you think you could do this the rest of your life?
Fransheska: The podcast?
Terence: Oh, your day job.
Fransheska: My day job? We’ll know.
Terence: You’ll know?
Fransheska: I’ll know.
Terence: So, what is this right here then? A stepping stone to something greater?
Fransheska: I mean most definitely.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: There’s no way I’m going back.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: But I think in this phase of my life where I’ve tried different things and I’m able to say, “Okay. I don’t want to try that.”
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: Because I have learned certain things about myself, right? And there are certain things that I am willing to try that I haven’t and give those things a try but I’m not 100% sure of my future but I’m searching some things that I don’t want to try.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: So, I’m just that stage of my life where I can actually say or I don’t want to try that or in order to understand, why not, right? And just stick with things that I really do. And if something gets on the way, me enjoying that thing that I like to do then being able to recognize that and just drop it because it’s not worth it.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: That it took me a while to understand that. So, that’s where I am like I have an idea where I want to go, what I want to do, right? I know certain things I don’t want to go through in a few years from now. So, I work towards those things you know, like dancing is one of those things that I always like, that it came a point in my life where I was like I’m not enjoying this. I’m not having a good time like what is going on? Like I was frustrated like I did not want to do it. I was just stuck and I didn’t understand why if I love it so much, right? If I always enjoy this.
So, I had to understand or realize to actually take a step back and be like, “Okay, this is what’s getting the way between you and dancing. You have to let that go.” And that’s what I did. So now, I’m going to social dancing. I’m trying different things that work better for me.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: So, that’s what I see in my future and as far as like my day job is not — I’m not going to say that’s not what I want to do because it’s simply not what I’m going to do but it’s definitely professionally for what I am working towards to, it’s preparing me for those that will start to come.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: So, it’s not always a time that I may sure of when I took that job.
Terence: Okay. I understand it.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: I definitely understand that. I think will it’s more like a greater goal you know.
Fransheska: Oh, yeah, definitely.
Terence: So, I guess what will be your ideal job then, fulltime?
Fransheska: You already know. No. My goal is to own like either a guest house or I would take hotel.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: Just a place where people can go and have a good time and feel like somebody is leaving the room either the place that you had growing up and you feel comfortable, the place that you call home or the place where you wanted to go. It’s just that place.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: So, yeah. That’s my dream. I can see me doing that for the rest of my life almost definitely.
Terence: Okay. That’s something on the hospitality business and okay. I understand that.
Fransheska: Yeah. I liked that a lot.
Terence: Okay. And I understand that completely.
Fransheska: Okay. Can you tell me a little bit more about yourself Terence:?
Terence: About myself.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: Currently serving the United States military, 27 years old. For a long time I was just living life kind of aimlessly like when you know, goals or the aims in life. So, it feels really good to have a goal to work towards and like a reason to get up in the morning besides just your own clock you know.
Fransheska: Oh, yeah. Yes.
Terence: So, I’m very thankful for that. I don’t want to like regret this process you know, and what I mean is I don’t want to be in such a rush that I miss life.
Fransheska: Oh, yeah.
Terence: You give me sort of like —
Fransheska: Oh, yeah. Absolutely.
Terence: I don’t want life to rush by me. So, since I’ve been working on this I feel like there’s been a million things I need to do every day and I need to do it but I’ll just slow it down and just like realize like this is my life lesson.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: So, I guess what I really want to say is I need to enjoy this journey.
Fransheska: Oh, most like yes. You have to.
Terence: Yeah, enjoy the journey. Because I feel like the end result is inevitable.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: I can see that you just give value. I feel like the end result is inevitable so I need to fall in love with the journey, just fall in love with the process you know.
Fransheska: Yeah. Be patient.
Terence: Yeah. That’s the hardest part, right?
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: Be patient. You know, because I want it all right now but yeah, being patient I thought is the key.
Fransheska: Well, I read some quote somewhere that were saying like, “When you acts yourself, when you act somebody about their day or about yesterday, things doesn’t seem to have change much.” Right? From the day today is the same to have a change much but in your case looking week ago — what? This is not where your life looks like a week ago at all.
Terence: You’re right about that.
Fransheska: So, I think you will figure it out like I don’t know. I think it’s sort of journey like it will be a personal journey, right?
Terence: Yeah, definitely.
Fransheska: And it’s going to be yours and you’re going to have to own it.
Terence: Yeah.
Fransheska: And there might be things that you don’t like but inspire of it because you know, how you’re going to know what you truly like if you don’t know what you don’t like? That’s my way of thinking, right? Because I cannot know what’s all the things that I like because I mean how many things that I’ve try you know, so far but I can definitely say I don’t like something. You know what I mean?
Terence: Okay. Yeah, definitely I understand that.
Fransheska: So, I think that’s going to happen to you.
Terence: I definitely.
Fransheska: I mean obviously you’re realizing that.
Terence: Yeah. I think just that I talk. It’s kind of scary because I just know like it all kind of all falls on my shoulders.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: Yeah. No one is going to do this for me, so I have to put this work in every day.
Fransheska: But I think I mean definitely sounds terrible but yeah, it’s only you.
Terence: Yeah.
Fransheska: But at the same time it’s not like —
Terence: It’s for you at the same time.
Fransheska: Yeah. I mean, it’s your journey because you’re not one person building that block for —
Terence: Yeah.
Fransheska: That it’s going to impact so many lives. That is going to help somebody somewhere one day. I personally may not fully understand that, right? Because I’m not that person but I can see why it is nerve wracking, right?
Terence: Yeah.
Fransheska: And its own idea like who’s to say that idea is going to work, right? We cannot see into the future. But I think that even though it is your journey because like I say you’re the one building that platform. It’s not your journey alone.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: You know what I mean?
Terence: Yeah.
Fransheska: Like if we were then I wouldn’t here.
Terence: Okay.
Fransheska: And if we were then those 30 plus people you know, when there’s — I mean when they haven’t seen the final product, right? Like it’s at the very beginning stage like this is haven’t even taken off like it’s still on the ground, right?
Terence: Right.
Fransheska: So, I think it’s amazing and I think that shows to like what the community needs and I think it’s going to be — that is important for those people to have a voice. So, excuse me. Like I said it’s not just your journey. It’s going to be all those people watching on you whether you know them or no. You know what I mean?
Terence: Definitely.
Fransheska: That support is definitely there.
Terence: Yeah, definitely. I definitely understand that.
Fransheska: So, it’s okay.
Terence: So, that I got to have you on the show.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: Yeah, definitely.
Fransheska: Okay.
Terence: Give the audience a place where they can like reach out to you if they want to get in contact with you. Why don’t plug yourself. So, what is your Twitter? What’s your Instagram?
Fransheska: Oh, my goodness.
Terence: Or do you have one at all?
Fransheska: I don’t have a Twitter. I don’t use Twitter.
Terence: Okay. What about Instagram?
Fransheska: This is crazy. You can guys all just brush me up. My Instagram is Franshezs and I should be able to come up.
Terence: Okay. All right.
Fransheska: Yeah. Instagram is the first place for me.
Terence: Like I said I’m so glad you came. Well, I really appreciate it.
Fransheska: I love to be here Terence: and going through this journey with you.
Terence: So, I want to thank you all for joining this Episode 5 of Two Left Feet Podcast.
Fransheska: Yeah.
Terence: You want to call it a wrap.
Fransheska: Yeah. Have it going.
[End]
