TED 05 | Safe Spaces and the Role of the Teacher with Vanessa Bright

The Empowered Dancers Podcast

Creating safe spaces and boundaries is the responsibility of the instructors of the class.
But how aware are the instructors and how do we open up this uncomfortable topic of conversation to help create a safe environment for dancers?
In this episode, Vanessa and Bobbie share their thoughts about the roles of the teacher and their responsibility in creating a safe environment that will keep dancers coming back for more. This is a subject not frequently talked about and this episode gives us an avenue that encourages us to start the dialogue.

What to expect in this episode:
(00:00) - Introduction.
(03:54) - Learning salsa and bachata.
(04:51) - Dancing scene in Valencia, Spain.
(05:54) - Natural dancing vs choreographed styles.
(06:54) - Creating safe space and boundaries.
(12:00) - Teachers’ role when conducting class.
(19:55) - Building support and community.
(25:00) - Validation for instructors and leads.
(29:00) - Communication and etiquette in class framework.
(33:07) - Conversations about elevating the scene.
About Vanessa Bright
Vanessa Bright is an up-and-coming British Mauritian independent soul musician and independent Singer/Songwriter. Soul Chart hits include “Movin’ On” & “Keep Your Spirits High” with Tom Browne. Vanessa is also a life coach and has been a salsa, bachata, and kizomba dancer for the last several years.
Connect with Vanessa Bright
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vbright11
Website: www.vanessabright.co.uk
About Bobbie Miles
Bobbie Miles is a social dancer and local teacher based in Bristol. The Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. However, the more she danced, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. After being bullied by a teacher one time too many, Bobbie realised that she would no longer keep quiet and be subject to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. Bobbie is an advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a public speaker, she talks about putting boundary setting and respect into practice, both on and off the dance floor.
Resources:
Download my 5 Top Tips for a great dance night!
https://empowereddancers.com/5tips
Connect with Bobbie Miles!
Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcast
Follow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancer
Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadora
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1