What happens when you mix 20 passionate bartenders, one killer rum brand, and a few incredible dance choreographers? The answer: Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s RUM SHAKER presented by BACARDI®, a 10-week program that’s not only resulting in some seriously impressive performances – some of the Rum Shakers have no prior dance experience – but a true bonding of the Miami bar community.
For the last three months, these bartenders have been coupled up and rehearsing 3 to 4 days a week in order to perfect their routine before the final show in Miami on March 21st. Last week, they had the chance to really put their performance to the test as they showcased their dances during Tales of the Cocktail’s Tales on Tour in Puerto Rico. Every couple rocked their routines and it’s easy to see they’ve grown together as not only dancers, but bartenders as well.
We took a break with each dancer to find out their motivation behind auditioning for Rum Shaker, what they’ve learned so far, and of course what their go to BACARDÍ cocktail is after a long day of Rum Shaking.
Brian Sassen and Heidi Familia
Where you’ll find them: Repour / Shhh Lounge
Hometown: Miami, FL
What inspired you to audition?
Brian: I always loved to dance, but was never trained properly. I have tons of rhythm but never had guidance. I love hip hop. I saw what Bacardi did for the industry with Bartender Boxing, and I couldn’t resist trying out for Rum Shakers.
Heidi: My manager sent over the audition information, and I didn’t know if I wanted to do it. I was so busy the day of the audition and I was feeling a little insecure, but I told myself I just needed to do it. I was so sure I would feel intimidated, but I wanted to challenge myself and I didn’t think I’d make it so I was really going just for fun. It came from a gut feeling that I needed to go and I’m so happy I did!
Any previous dance experience before Rum Shaker?
Brian: Just at clubs and raves, in the mirror, and like Tom Cruise in his underwear in Risky Business.
Heidi: I danced as a teenager, but once I finished high school my family moved, and I stopped dancing. I lost my passion to dance after such a big move, and my dance life wasn’t a priority, but I’ve always loved it. Once a dancer, always a dancer!
How has this program changed your lifestyle?
Brian: It gave me the confidence to boogie oogie oogie anywhere, any place, any time!
Heidi: I have an active lifestyle, I always try to get some movement in. I think the program really opened my eyes to the need for a more active lifestyle in the nightlife industry. It’s hard for us to take care of ourselves with this lifestyle, but this program makes it exciting and really makes you start thinking about taking care of yourself more. The bartender stigma and life can take a toll on your body, and this really got me thinking about it.
What have you learned about yourself so far through the Rum Shaker program?
Brian: I got skills. I got moves.
Heidi: I’ve learned so much. On a practical level, I’ve learned so much about health and wellness. I just finished school to be a health coach in January, so this program came at the perfect time. I’m getting to put my two worlds together and watch them collide. I love how this worked out. I’ve learned that I have a huge passion for wellness, specifically in the bartending community. I’m looking forward to seeing how I can use this new knowledge in the future. Our industry isn’t always focused on wellness, and I’m learning that there’s a need for it within our world. I’ve also learned that I’ve done a lot of personal growth. I thought I was a very confident person, and through this I’ve learned that I’m actually kind of shy and I’ve had to really put myself out there.
What have you learned about your partner?
Brian: She’s gaining confidence too! We make a great team!
Heidi: Brian looks quiet, but he’s such a ball of personality. He can be introverted, but he really isn’t. Once you get to know him he has so much personality and hard work ethic. He has no dance background and he really puts in 150%.
Any personal challenges you have had to overcome throughout Rum Shaker?
Brian: A plethora of injuries new and old. The motivation to complete this has gotten me doing more yoga and pilates to repair myself.
Heidi: I’ve had a lot of internal dialogue during this time. I always thought I was pretty confident, behind the bar you have to put on this attitude and be present and confident. But with this program, I was really overthinking and was so hard on myself. I had to really push myself to not hold back, the instructors kept pointing it out and I wasn’t realizing how hard I was being on myself. I’ve realized that I need to work on that and stop letting my inner dialogue rule my thoughts. My ah-ha moment was when I was realized what I was thinking to myself was really showing on the outside and I didn’t want to keep showing that. It was a huge moment of growth and healing.
Aside from winning, what is your ultimate goal for Rum Shaker?
Brian: Winning is not my goal at all. I’ve already won. I’ve gotten to do this amazing program with amazing bartenders. My ultimate goal has been the same from day one, learn dance moves and perfect them.
Heidi: I want this for me! I want this project to really open my mind to what I’m ready to do in the future as both a health coach and a member of the industry. I want to be a huge part of helping the industry with their health and juggling their lifestyles. I want this to be something long term!
What has been your favorite part of the program?
Brian: Working with Heidi and E (my choreographer). He gets it and us. It’s so great training with him.
Heidi: My favorite part has been being able to connect with so many amazing people that are on the same journey as me. It’s hard being a bartender with the schedule and the lifestyle. I actually stopped bartending for a few months last year, because my heart just wasn’t in it. But being around this group of professionals who really love what they do and are true to their craft. I’ve learned so much through this short time with them, and it renewed my passion for why I wanted to bartend in the first place. I love everything that I’ve gotten to experience with them. This was a sign from the universe that I have found the right tribe!
Why is Bacardi the right brand for Rum Shaker?
Brian: Miami is BACARDÍ. It’s rum, it’s tropical, it’s fun, and it’s all about dance.
Heidi: BACARDÍ is the right brand for sure, it’s tropical and classic! There’s no other brand that has the same kind of vibe!
What is your go-to BACARDÍ cocktail? Flavor?
Brian: BACARDÍ Daiquiri. It’s refreshing and crisp. Or I’ll take a BACARDÍ 8 on a rock any day of the week.
Heidi: BACARDÍ Coco in a mojito. It’s so refreshing and delicious! It’s very tropical and it makes me think of home.
—
Samantha Barton and Cesar Valdivia
Where you’ll find them: Better Days / Bourbon Steak
Hometown: Miami, FL
What inspired you to audition?
Samantha: My family! My mom and sister were both dancers. My sister danced for 23 years. And my mom forever. And they are both insanely good, and I felt I was never as good.
Cesar: I was inspired by the desire to participate in a new and exciting competition.
Any previous dance experience before Rum Shaker?
Samantha: I took a jazz class for 4 weeks and danced to Ricky Martin’s She Bangs, I sucked.
Cesar: I had no formal dance experience previous to this competition aside from dancing at weddings, baptisms or quinceaneras.
How has this program changed your lifestyle?
Samantha: I was always pretty regimented, but once I got back into the bar game I lost that because you sleep all day since you’re tired. But this makes me get up and on a schedule. So I love it.
Cesar: This program has changed my lifestyle for the better, I feel more confident when I dance and being a dancer requires to be in good shape! I’ve been sore too many times to count since we started.
What have you learned about yourself so far through the Rum Shaker program?
Samantha: I’m not as athletic as I used to be when I was younger and it turns out that I’m stronger than I thought I was!
Cesar: I have learned that, in fact you can teach new tricks to an old dog and that with enough practice and determination anyone can learn how to dance.
What have you learned about your partner?
Samantha: He’s super dedicated which makes me want to be more dedicated. I want to match that, it makes me want to work harder! I lucked out with him.
Cesar: I love my partner Samantha. She is positive, encouraging and upbeat. She is one of the happiest people I’ve ever met. Just look at our pictures to prove it.
Any personal challenges you have had to overcome throughout Rum Shaker?
Samantha: I think really putting myself out there and stepping out of my usual bubble has been a big thing for me. Making new friends, connecting the bar community, and growing as a person.
Cesar: Learning all the steps! The only challenge for me in this competition has been keeping up with all of the dance rehearsals. However, I’ve found out when you enjoy doing something, you make time for it.
Aside from winning, what is your ultimate goal for Rum Shaker?
Samantha: Being part of the bar community in Miami and meeting more people, I want to keep the bar world more connected. To reach out of the pockets, not just the usual cool kid club.
Cesar: I wanted to challenge myself to have a new experience and to meet like-minded individuals.
What has been your favorite part of the program?
Samantha: Making friends with people that I probably never would have met even though we are in the same industry. Finding a passion for a talent — hey, Casey you’ll see me in your other classes!
Cesar: My favorite part of the program has been my fellow Rum Shakers. I know it is a dance competition but the positive attitudes and the support from this group has really made it feel like family.
Why is BACARDÍ the right brand for Rum Shaker?
Samantha: It’s the most recognized rum in America, it comes from the islands and the islands are all about moving those hips and expressing yourself.
Cesar: BACARDÍ is a great rum produced in the Caribbean, and there is so much great music conducive to dancing coming out of that part of the world. Miami is the perfect city to host the first competition as well.
What is your go-to BACARDÍ cocktail?
Samantha: My go to is a classic daiquiri. All bars should make a good daiquiri or else.
Cesar: My favorite cocktail is a take on an old classic. BACARDÍ 8 Old Fashioned.
—
Bobby Gilardi and Candice Coy
Where you’ll find them: Ariete / Taquiza South Beach
Hometown: Miami, FL
What inspired you to audition?
Bobby: My main reason for entering the Rum Shaker was to do something out of my comfort zone, that was new and fun, and to meet other fellow bar-keeps.
Candice: Real answer? A combination always wanting to dance and be involved with something like this, that highlights the healthy heights we in the hospitality world can reach, and also knowing that every time I have always been too scared to go for it. I was literally the last one in the door because I sat outside in my car working up my nerve. I got audition number 28, which is my birthday and my lucky number. I thought no matter what I made it one step closer to putting myself out there than I ever have before and that is something to be proud of. I had an amazing time and walked out thinking I can’t wait to cheer on all those great people with zero idea that I would get to be one of them. In the past three months, I have pushed through anxieties and followed my happiness in many other aspects of my life with Rum Shaker as my guiding inspiration.
Any previous dance experience before Rum Shaker?
Bobby: No professional dance experience besides a friend’s quinces.
Candice: I do have some pretty epic shower moves. I went to some fun house parties when I was a teenager growing up in the Bronx. Other than that, I’d have to say no. It has been a lifelong dream to take dance classes and to get to do so with a group of colleagues that so quickly became my friends and transformed into this dance family is a truly wondrous thing.
How has this program changed your lifestyle?
Bobby: The program has changed my lifestyle in that I’ve been forced to wake up a bit earlier, even after a long shift at night. It has also helped me get back into a more health-conscious lifestyle.
Candice: If you had told me three months ago I’d be waking up at 8am excited and happy to get somewhere I would have laughed or assumed you were giving me a puppy. Every rehearsal has been a reason to happily opt out of anything that would impede practice, in reshaping mornings to fit Rum Shaker into my life I then reshaped my nights, my diet and ultimately myself to commit gratefully to the joy of both dance and self-care.
What have you learned about yourself so far through the Rum Shaker program?
Bobby: I learned that I need to make more time to do things that make me happy outside of work. Success at work gives me much pleasure, which makes me happy to work, but I have to remember to pursue my hobbies and to continue to make time for them.
Candice: Something I had lost sight of and have learned/relearned is my version of #NoDaysOff. Which I don’t mean as “workout every day” or “eat right every day”. I take it as there is no day in which I don’t push myself forward in some way. When I first arrived in Miami, I experienced some personal loss that really hurt my heart and made me quieter inside than I had ever been. It was a journey to get back the inner voice that speaks to me, and I hope others, of what happiness it is to simply be alive. My NoDaysOff has meant to keep it simple while thinking big: eat better than yesterday, try something I’ve always wanted to do, celebrate even the smallest triumphs, say yes to new adventures, loves and friends, get those passport stamps and hug everyone! Cause life really is meant to be joyous and hugs are freaking great.
What have you learned about your partner?
Bobby: Throughout the duration of our time together, I’ve learned that Coy is one of the most badass people on this planet. Not only is she a badass bartender, but she carries with her a ton of knowledge of the spirits she works with. Since training with her for a couple of weeks now, I’m not sure of what she does better: bartend or shake her booty.
Candice: Bobby Gilardi is the sweetest most unassuming legend you are going to be so damn happy you have met. A secret dance killer and a great bartender with so much heart, it is literally impossible to not laugh when he does. He brought so much the table as a partner and now friend that I can only hope I was half as great.
Any personal challenges you have had to overcome throughout Rum Shaker?
Bobby: A personal challenge I’ve had to overcome during Rum Shaker is changing of jobs in the midst. Since starting the Rum Shaker, I accepted a position to work with my brother, which is something we’ve both dreamed of since we were young lads.
Candice: My own doubts. It sounds cliche but they can be a heavy weight and there were definitely mornings and moments when I felt I just couldn’t get up or couldn’t get those moves down and I had to pep talk myself out of bed and into those sneakers. But the moment I would arrive and start putting in the work I would be so grateful every single time tiat I had listened to the better part of myself.
Aside from winning, what is your ultimate goal for Rum Shaker?
Bobby: Besides winning, my main goal is to leave this experience with 19 BEST FRIENDS! I think so highly of each and every Rum Shaker, and I’m so excited to continue to get to know them after this experience is over.
Candice: Showcasing and really putting a light on how possible it is to work our kind of jobs and still be conscientious of both our physical and mental well being. I cannot speak enough about the importance of this for everyone but especially in the hospitality industry where we spend so much time taking care of others and too often forget to take care of ourselves.
What has been your favorite part of the program?
Bobby: Getting to know these amazing people has, BY FAR, been my favorite part of this program. Whether we’re dancing/laughing/connecting/networking – all of it. As I mentioned earlier, I feel honored and blessed to be a part of this amazing experience.
Candice: Sneaking onto people’s study videos to make funny faces. It’s important. This way no one will forget what it looks like when I go down fake staircases or mess up a cartwheel. The moral here? Longevity is key.
Why is BACARDÍ the right brand for Rum Shaker?
Bobby: There isn’t a better rum brand to represent the Rum Shaker, because BACARDÍ represents most of our backgrounds as Miamians. A lot of us are Cuban/Puerto Rican, so you combine our Caribbean backgrounds with BACARDÍ, and you got a whole lotta Rum Shakin’! Even if you’re not of Caribbean blood, as a Miamian, you’ve been forced to adapt and love the culture!
Candice: A variety of reasons. One of which being that in the cacophony of brand voices BACARDÍ has one that is loud, proud, confident, knowledgeable and fun. BACARDÍ commands respect with the breadth of its knowledge, the strength of its outreach and the power of its heart. I truly can’t imagine another brand that would fit for something so thoughtful, bold and beautiful.
What is your go-to BACARDÍ cocktail? Flavor?
Bobby: My go-to Bacardi cocktail is the Old Cuban with BACARDÍ 8!
Candice: I am Puerto Rican from the Bronx. It’s like that line from Blades of Glory “We’re gonna skate to one song and one song only,” BACARDÍ Ocho Coquito. No other flavored required. (Drops Unicorn mic. Walks off stage)
—
Will Thompson and Adrian Gonzalez
Where you’ll find them: Better Days
Hometown: Miami, FL
What inspired you to audition?
Will: Have you ever watched The Neverending Story? That scene with the horse, Artax? Heartbreaking, right? My dancing was compared to that once, so I’m here to prove my mom wrong!!!
Adrian: The idea of trying something different. I’ve never been much of a dancer, so this seemed like the perfect way to break into something new.
Any previous dance experience before Rum Shaker?
Will: Do quinceaneras count? If they do then absolutely!
Adrian: Absolutely no dance experience, unless we’re counting drunk outings. I also once danced a quinceañera, does that count?
How has this program changed your lifestyle?
Will: I’m sore more often, and slightly more flexible than plywood!
Adrian: Since I work in nightlife I am definitely not a morning person, but ever since starting Rum Shaker I find myself waking up by 9 am several times a week. You might hear me whine first thing in the morning, but I’m actually really enjoying making the most of my day.
What have you learned about yourself so far through the Rum Shaker program?
Will: No matter how late I work or how much I drink I’m going to show up. There are no excuses when you want it.
Adrian: I’ve learned that there’s still hope for me when it comes to learning rhythm. Thanks to the program I feel like I can now go and pursue other types of dance. Being Cuban, salsa has always felt like something I needed to know, but now thanks to Rum Shaker I actually have the confidence to give it a shot.
What have you learned about your partner?
Will: He’s bendy and has kind eyes.
Adrian: The dude has amazing work ethic. He’s always giving 110%, and he’s such a great motivator. Seeing the work he puts in just makes you want to do more as well. He’s the driving force behind this team.
Any personal challenges you have had to overcome throughout Rum Shaker?
Will: Dancing,, especially choreography is foreign to me, not being “good” at it made me too self aware at first, but being with this group has taught me to just go with it and have fun, helped me to be more comfortable regardless of what I may think, nobody puts baby in a corner!
Adrian: Some people might not know this, but I’m actually kind of shy. I’d never imagine in a hundred years that I’d sign up to dance on a stage in front of hundreds of people, but here I am.
Aside from winning, what is your ultimate goal for Rum Shaker?
Will: To show the bar community that we make excuses too often and we push away shit we actually want to do. We all have the same 24 hrs, what’s your excuse?
Adrian: My ultimate goal is just a more balanced lifestyle. Rum Shaker has taught me that there’s so much more that I can do with my week. Anything I’ve put aside is not because I haven’t had the time, but simply because I’ve chosen not to.
What has been your favorite part of the program?
Will: Annoying Casey and that feeling when you actually get the steps right!
Adrian: My favorite part of the program has definitely been the people. Everyone participating is amazing. We’ve become like a big family, and we’re constantly motivating each other to do better. Watching how far everyone has come in truly remarkable.
Why is BACARDÍ the right brand for Rum Shaker?
Will: It’s called Rum Shaker! Rum and BACARDÍ are kind of thing, like me and Adrian or Peanut butter and jelly — it just makes sense.
Adrian: When I think BACARDÍ, I think Caribbean party. Music blasting, people dancing. It’s just a fun spirit. I can’t think of a better brand to host such an amazing program.
What is your go-to BACARDÍ cocktail? Flavor?
Will: Easy: BACARDÍ daiquiri, that dirty dance of BACARDÍbalanced with sweet and tart, can’t go wrong unless you ask me to make it.
Adrian: Most nights you’ll find me with a beer and a shot, but my guilty pleasure is definitely a hand-shaken piña colada made with BACARDÍ 8. It’s like dessert in a cup.
—
Jess Santiago and Nick Velasquez
Where you’ll find them: Faena and Sweet Liberty
Hometown: Miami, FL
What inspired you to audition?
Jess: I wanted to try something different, it wasn’t really something new. I grew up as a dancer and wanted to be able to jump back into something creative!
Nick: I was a dancer before I was a bartender, so I couldn’t actually believe anyone put together a program that encompasses both.
Any previous dance experience before Rum Shaker?
Jess: 13 /14 years teaching and dancing. Now I’m in fitness full-time and it’s so different. I love the creative juices!
Nick: I was in dance classes growing up as a kid. Before bartending, I lived in New York City and spent time pursuing dance.
How has this program changed your lifestyle?
Jess: I’ve been in Miami for 2 years (today) Other than the few people I knew from where I teach and work, and a few casual friends. I didn’t have a ton of friends, so this has given me a really great social network. It’s been great to get to meet new people. I needed to do a social let loose and this really gave me that. I wouldn’t have encountered for met any of these people and I’m super excited and blessed because of that!
Nick: Entering Rum Shaker, my health was at an all-time low. I was in a cycle of intense work weeks and little to zero self-care. I am definitely confident now to say I am the healthiest I’ve ever been in my life. Something along the way clicked, and I think I caught a fitness bug or something.
What have you learned about yourself so far through the Rum Shaker program?
Jess: I jokingly say to my coach and partner Nick all the time — you can teach an old dog new tricks! It’s like riding a bike. Even though I haven’t danced in a while, it’s nice to get my body back to familiar territory. It’s cool to see that I can still do what I used to do, even if I had started to doubt yourself.
Nick: I have learned that I can handle a lot more than I thought. Before the program, I didn’t have any spare time for extra meetings or training sessions – and I still don’t – but I think Rum Shaker is all about shocking your system… digging beyond the sometimes tedious cycle of bar life.
What have you learned about your partner?
Jess: We are both huge “Walking Dead” fans and we love “American Horror Stories” and we love a lot of the same TV. And we are both dancers by nature and have tons of the same favorite New York spots!
Nick: I am so blessed to meet Jessica because she is my total opposite in every way. She is high energy, and a woman that really knows what she wants and who she is.
Any personal challenges you have had to overcome throughout Rum Shaker?
Jess: Just doubting myself in the idea that I could get back into dance. I thought the chapter was closed for me. Even though this is a very different style than what I’ve done before — I didn’t know if I had it in me to get back on a stage, but I do! I’m shedding my outside shell and going out on a limb and making new friends and changing up my routine.
Nick: My bar is open very late, so I really had to organize myself mentally to be able to pull this program off. I am glad I did.
Aside from winning, what is your ultimate goal for Rum Shaker?
Jess: I hit the ultimate goal already! being challenged and trying new things and meeting people I wouldn’t have normally! At this point, it’s all fun and games and I’m excited for the long term friendships I’ll have because of this!
Nick: I think I already met my goal. I wanted to meet like-minded and kind humans that work in bars around me. Everyone is so cool, I can’t believe it. I also wanted to change my lifestyle, and Rum Shakers was the push I needed. My favorite part of the program is the fitness classes. I really like suffering with my friends — their cries fuel me.
What has been your favorite part of the program?
Jess: There are so many things! I can’t pick a thing! But getting to meet new people has been so great! These are my new friends and I love it! And getting to dance too!! It’s been so refreshing!
Nick: My favorite part of the program is the fitness classes. I really like suffering with my friends — their cries fuel me.
Why is Bacardi the right brand for Rum Shaker?
Jess: The name alone just doesn’t work — hello vodka shakers? No way! I come from a Puerto Rican household and rum was always a staple. So for me and my childhood growing up — it’s rum, it’s BACARDÍ, it’s gathering, it’s family. It just ties together. I don’t think there’s another brand with the same energy to pull this off!
Nick: Dance at its core is about expressing a feeling that transcends words, literally doing what moves you… what better brand than BACARDÍ to represent that?.
What is your go-to BACARDÍ cocktail? Flavor?
Jess: Flavor-wise BACARDÍ Limon takes me back to my memories of my younger (over 21) drinking years. It brings such a smile to my face! Cafe La Trova The Cuban Viejo. It’s so good! It’s delicious and it just makes me want to dance!!!
Nick: My favorite BACARDÍ cocktail would be a classic daiquiri with BACARDÍ 8 – because I am a simple, sweet man – but I like nice things.
STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES ON THE RUM SHAKER JOURNEY. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE RUM SHAKER BARTENDER DANCE COMPETITION, VISIT RUMSHAKERDANCE.COM
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