How Dance Became My First Language: Identity, Culture, and Finding Belonging Beyond Words | The Making of Me

What if the language of your heritage lives not in your words — but in your body?In this beautiful and deeply personal episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Rodney Eric López — featured in the acclaimed documentary Mad Hot Ballroom — shares how growing up in the Bronx as a Puerto Rican who didn't speak fluent Spanish shaped his identity, and how salsa dancing gave him a powerful new way to connect with his roots.🎯 In this episode, you'll discover:How language shame shaped Rodney's sense of identity growing up in the BronxThe way salsa dancing became his bridge to his Puerto Rican heritage and communityWhy he chose passion over corporate stability — and never looked backHow movement and art can create belonging when words fall shortThe inspiring story behind his memoir "I Don't Speak Spanish, But I Understand Everything When I'm Dancing"What it truly means to find your people through culture and creative expressionWhether you've ever felt caught between two worlds or struggled to find where you belong — Rodney's story will move you in every sense of the word.🔗 Learn more about Rodney Eric López & his memoir: https://www.rodneyericlopez.com/🔗 Connect with Rodney Eric López on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-eric-lopez/📌 Don't forget to:👍 Like this video if it resonated with you🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode💬 Comment below — What's one cultural tradition or art form that connects you to your roots?#Identity #Dance #LatinoCulture #Salsa #MadHotBallroom #MakingOfMePodcast #RodneyEricLópez #Podcast #Belonging #Bronx #PuertoRican #CulturalIdentity #Memoir #Creativity #PersonalGrowth