Explore every episode of The Empowered Dancers Podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for The Empowered Dancers Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Pub. Date
Title
Duration
08 Mar 2024
The Empowered Dancers Podcast
00:04:41
Some of the big questions… How can you maintain boundaries in a dance? Why is it so hard to say “no” to a dance? What are teachers actually thinking in lessons? The salsa, bachata and kizomba space is a special one. It’s one where lifelong friendships begin, where people discover a passion, where community becomes family. That’s not to say it doesn’t have a dark side: Everything and everyone does, if you ask me. And just like in everyday life, women in particular end up feeling like they need to bend to power structures, even avoid certain spaces to keep themselves safe. I have spent the past few years learning in the empowerment space and on this podcast, I share what I have learnt and am still learning through meaningful conversations on all aspects of dancing: the highs and the lows: events, lessons, teaching, socials, organising, friendships, dating, support, abuse, power. We all deserve to dance on our own terms, and shine our own light.
02 Apr 2024
TED 01 | Becoming A Teacher with Pierre Henry - Part 1
00:19:09
How does one become a Bachata dance teacher?
Join us as renowned Bachata and Salsa instructor Pierre Henry share his inspiring journey to becoming a dance teacher. He talks about his passion for dance, teaching philosophy, and the importance and approach to creating a learning environment for dance classes.
This episode is part one of a two-part interview where Bobbie and Pierre explore his unique approach to teaching, emphasizing the critical role of musicality in Bachata.
Whether you're an instructor or a student, Pierre's knowledge and experience will provide guidance and inspiration, offering valuable insights for dancers seeking to elevate their connection to music and dance and inspire the next generation of dance teachers.
What to expect in this episode: 00:00 – Introduction. 01:07 - From musician to Bachata master. 02:54 - Starting the teacher's journey as an assistant to his wife. 04:33 - How Pierre's past experiences helped shape him to become a well-rounded teacher. 09:56 - Importance of musicality in Bachata. 13:09 - Handling unwanted or inappropriate comments in dance class. 14:52 - Change in the language we use in class. 16:08 - Non-gender normative roles in dancing.
(end of part 1)
About Pierre Henry Pierre Henry is a dancer, teacher, and DJ based in London. He is an internationally renowned Bachata and Salsa expert and instructor known for his calm teaching style and deep understanding of music. A lifelong musician, he has over 15 years of experience helping dancers develop their musicality and elevate their Bachata dancing through workshops and has been DJing since 2015.
Connect with Pierre Henry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salsaaddict Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BachataAddictUK Website: https://emusicality.co.uk/
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 02 | DJing & Changes in the Scene with Pierre Henry - Part 2
00:24:43
In this second part of Bobbie's interview with Pierre Henry, the discussion takes a turn to the changes in the dynamics of the dance scene worldwide.
Pierre gives his deep observation of how teaching dance has changed from 'creating students' to 'creating a brand of dance for instructors.' He also gives his reflective thoughts on the impact of social media in promoting dance and becoming an instructor to how the commercialization and motivations of becoming a dance teacher have completely changed the dance scene over the past ten years.
What to expect in this episode: 00:00 - Introduction. 00:33 - DJing in different events. 01:27 - DJing with his son. 04:00 - Managing the music for routines, events, and shows. 06:06 - Pierre's love for diverse styles of social dancing. 10:11 - Changes in the dance scene. 14:20 - The commercialization of dance. 17:20 - Changes in the student team model of dancers. 21:14 - What Pierre looks forward to in 2024.
(end of part 2)
About Pierre Henry Pierre Henry is a dancer, teacher, and DJ based in London. He is an internationally renowned Bachata and Salsa expert and instructor known for his calm teaching style and deep understanding of music. A lifelong musician, he has over 15 years of experience helping dancers develop their musicality and elevate their Bachata dancing through workshops and has been DJing since 2015.
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 03 | The Highs of Festivals, the Flow of Energy with Grace Clay
00:23:18
Finding the perfect festival is all about the environment and the energy it brings.
You may have the best dancers in a room, but if the atmosphere does not bring out the best in you as a dancer or if the energy of the people around is not right, the experience won't be as great as it could have been.
In this episode, Grace and Bobbie talk about dance festivals and how the quality of dancing and the environment matters when connecting with people. From sharing their personal favorites to experiencing and making the most of festivals, there’s a lot to enjoy in this fun conversation.
What to expect in this episode: (00:00) - Introduction. (00:59) - Getting into salsa, bachata, and kizomba. (03:30) - Festival-central experience. (05:45) - The perfect festival. (06:31) - Dancers, environment, or teachers? (09:22) - WALF - Winter Afro-Latin Festival. (13:40) - Variations and styles of kizomba. (16:00) - Always learning something new. (16:28) - Bristol Salsa Congress. (18:40) - Making the most of festivals. (21:44) - Events coming up.
About Grace Clay Grace Clay is a local Bath/Bristol Dancer, Traveller, and Marathoner. A triple threat of salsa, bachata, and kizomba, Grace has been dancing for nearly 10 years. If you ask her which of the three is her favourite, it will depend on the day - she loves them all!
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 04 | Swapping Roles and the Freedom it Brings with Laura Conde
00:31:37
Who leads and who follows on the dance floor?
When the music comes on, you and your dance partner, more often than not, naturally jump into the leader and follower roles. But what if we swap these roles every so often? How do equal dynamics work?
In this episode, Laura and Bobbie talk about the leader-focused heavy culture of dance classes and socials and how Laura is changing the game. They also delve into the joys of teaching dance and socials, bringing you a heartfelt conversation about dancing and the freedom it brings.
What to expect in this episode: (00:00) - Introduction. (01:16) - Getting into salsa and bachata. (03:19) - Equal dynamics of leader and follower. (09:10) - Basics of leading on the dance floor. (11:33) - Socials are about having fun. (12:33) - Asking for feedback. (13:53) - Swapping roles. (16:51) - The joys of teaching. (21:00) - Social dancing is not competitive. (27:59) - Setting up affordable and free classes.
About Laura Conde Laura is a salsa and bachata teacher and a social dancer. She specializes in teaching salsa and in her lessons of bachata, she has an extra element of freedom and playfulness that is really unique to her dance class lessons. She currently teaches beginner, improver, and intermediate classes at Oxford University Salsa Society.
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 05 | Safe Spaces and the Role of the Teacher with Vanessa Bright
00:36:10
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 a 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.
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 06 | Social Dancing Tips from a Seasoned Dancer with Diana Liu
00:23:38
Diana and Bobbie catch up and talk about their festival tips and tricks and how they keep their energy alive to have a good time and for a memorable social dance experience.
Prepare to make a list of Diana’s practical tips from preparing for the festivals to selecting the sessions to join and enjoying the social dance events.
Listen to this chill conversation as if you’re sitting down with your friends as they chat and share personal yet relatable experiences.
What to expect in this episode: (00:00) - Introduction (01:07) - Meeting Diana. (02:51) - Experiencing social pressure bullying. (07:39) - Ego of dancers. (10:54) - Having a fun mindset. (14:50) - Festival experiences and tips.
About Diana Liu Diana is a social dancer based in Switzerland. Over the past few years she has been drawn more and more into Bachata as her favourite of the latin dances. She is a festival maestra who has a brilliant knack for combining travel and dance. She has been traveling Europe with dance as her compass over the last couple of years now.
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 07 | From Social Dancing to Performance + Competition with Diana Liu
00:23:24
In this second part of Bobbie's interview with Diana Liu, they talk about her experiences, performance dancing, and joining a competition.
Diana shares about her first time auditioning and joining competitions, how it helped her understand the differences from social dancing, and how it made her more confident to take on future auditions.
Gaining more wisdom from that experience, she confidently shares tips on keeping the motivation to continue with your goal of becoming a better dancer.
What to expect in this episode: (00:00) - Introduction. (00:31) - Performance dancing and competition is a commitment. (07:05) - Investing time rehearsing at home before class. (09:37) - Team aspect and keeping motivation and fun. (12:05) - Audition and competition experiences. (16:18) - Jack and Jill partner dancing.
About Diana Liu Diana is a social dancer based in Switzerland. Over the past few years she has been drawn more and more into Bachata as her favourite of the latin dances. She is a festival maestra who has a brilliant knack for combining travel and dance. She has been traveling Europe with dance as her compass over the last couple of years now.
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
This episode discusses creating safer spaces in dancing communities, particularly focused on preventing sexual abuse.
Lara is a co-founder of the Safer Dance Spaces initiative and in this episode, she talks about the importance of education and bystander intervention in preventing abuse. Dancers are encouraged to speak up if they feel unsafe and to intervene if they witness inappropriate behavior.
Lara emphasizes that creating a safe dance space is a shared responsibility between organizers, dancers, and instructors. Organizers can demonstrate their commitment to safety by adopting a "safe rather than sorry" approach and having clear guidelines in place, thus creating a safer dance space for everyone.
What to expect in this episode: (00:00) - Introduction. (00:53) - Meeting new people through dancing. (01:34) - All about Safer Dance Spaces. (08:28) - Why join SDS? (10:09) - Sharing knowledge in live workshops. (12:42) - Collaboration promoting education mindset. (15:00) - Active bystanders’ intervention. (17:50) - Changing culture for safer and braver space. (20:35) - Involving dancers and organizers. (22:23) - Empowering voices of both men and women. (25:35) - Sexual abuse is taboo for men. (26:55) - Creating space that upholds respect.
About Lara Tabet & Safer Dance Spaces Lara Tabet is a salsa and kizomba dancer who champions speaking up and creating spaces where women and men feel equally safe and respected. She is a co-founder of Safer Dance Spaces, an initiative that drives cultural change in dance communities through education and access to information. The SDS steering group is made up of dedicated volunteers, who believe that everyone can and should play an active role in creating safer and braver spaces for all dancers.
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 09 | Neurodivergent Experiences + Masking to Fit In with Helen Daniel
00:28:27
Neurodiversity's impact on movement and social interaction, particularly within the context of dance, is a topic often overlooked.
This episode highlights the challenges faced by some neurodivergent individuals in society from moving to adulthood to dance spaces, particularly those who struggle following instructions. The discussion also opens the potential of dance as a safe and empowering outlet for self-expression through movement, especially for those who find verbal communication difficult.
In this episode, Helen and Bobbie dive into the world of neurodiversity and explore the intersection of neurodivergence and dance, as well as sensory processing and how the lack of understanding can impact how people interact with their environments, including dance spaces, and the eventual masking to fit in.
What to expect in this episode: (0:00:00) - Introduction. (0:01:39) - Advocating neurodivergence. (0:01:53) - School system creating a box. (0:06:02) - Celebrating creativity. (0:07:15) - ADHD and Autism. (0:09:02) - Neurodivergent leader and follower. (0:11:20) - Masking in the dance space. (0:13:14) - Multiple marginalized identities. (0:16:30) - The intention behind the words. (0:18:29) - Sensory divergence.
About Helen Daniel Helen Daniel is a qualified autism and neurodiversity support practitioner passionate about helping neurodivergent families find radical self-acceptance. Helen empowers children and young people through workshops and resources, helping them understand their sensory profiles and develop self-advocacy skills. Helen brings expertise as a qualified teacher, mentor, and public speaker on neurosensory divergence, with a PGCert in teaching, an MA in progressive autism studies, and training in early communication strategies. Helen launched Outside the Box Sensory which promotes neurodivergent wellbeing and self-understanding.
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 10 | Confidence and Personal Growth Through Bachata with Coach Wil
00:27:19
Dancing is more than just movement; it's about confidence and feeling fantastic. However, taking those initial steps into the dance world can be quite challenging, especially if you lack prior experience.
From those first beginner steps into dance and now inspiring others to take their first steps into the bachata community, Coach Wil delves into confidence-building techniques, his own stories, and the personal growth and empowerment that comes from learning to dance, Wil offers listeners his insights into navigating the social dance floor with assurance and growth.
What to expect in this episode: (0:00:00) - Introduction (0:02:20) - A Champion For Beginner (0:04:42) - Primary Objective: Finding The "WHY" (0:08:08) - Dancing Is Teamwork (0:12:14) - The Best Thing For Beginners: Fundamentals (0:16:30) - Connecting With One's self first
About Coach Wil With over a decade of experience dancing Bachata across Asia and Europe, Coach Wil brings knowledge and passion to the dance floor. From collaborating with a vibrant Bachata community in Bangkok to teaching and coaching in Switzerland, Coach Wil's expertise includes in-person and online instruction. Coach Wil's teaching style is a unique fusion of urban, sensual, and Dominican bachata styles, infused with his own personal background and experience. He strongly emphasizes mastering the fundamentals, basic steps, footwork, body movement, and arm movement, while also honing in on the essential element of musicality.
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 11 | Thoughts from a Bachata World Champion with Ysenah Bosle
00:17:24
Tune in for interviews with inspiring individuals who share their stories, experiences, and perspectives on and off the dance floor. Ready to boost your confidence on the social dance floor?
In this episode, Ysenah Bosle, Diana Liu, and Bobbie Miles shared their experiences and perspectives on empowerment and confidence in Latin dancing. They emphasized the importance of practice and perseverance and provided insights on boosting confidence on the social dance floor. They also shared their passion for dancing and how it has helped her overcome challenges, the need for a supportive community, and the value of learning from others.
What to expect in this episode: (0:00:00) - Introduction. (0:02:56) - From Classical to Contemporary: The Evolution of Ysanah's Dance Style. (0:05:02) - Finding Fusion: Exploring the Blend of Genres with Is Ysanah. (0:07:37) - Partnering Up: Navigating the Dance Scene as a Duo. (0:11:30) - Stepping onto the Stage: The Thrill of Solo Performance. (0:14:46) - Forming Unity: Is Ysanah’s Vision for the New Dance Team (0:15:21) - Embracing Confidence: Tips for Solo Performers with Is Ysanah. (0:16:19) - Events coming up.
About Ysanah Ysanah’s Winning titles like the France Champion Solo FFD 2023, World France Champion BachataStars 2019, and Euroson Latino World Championship reflect her dedication, skill, and passion for dance. These achievements likely signify her exceptional talent and commitment to her craft in the world of dance, particularly in bachata. It's impressive to see individuals like Ysanah excelling on both national and international stages, inspiring others with their talent and hard work.
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 12 | Pro-Empowerment & Anti-Harassment are Here to Stay with Lea Avrany
00:25:31
Tune in for interviews with inspiring individuals who share their stories, experiences, and perspectives on and off the dance floor. Ready to boost your confidence on the social dance floor?
In this episode, Lea Avrany and Bobbie Miles share their thoughts on the shared responsibility of the community to look after each other and speak up to inappropriate behaviour and bad intentions.. Lea has developed her role as an Anti-Harassment point of contact at the Bachata Geneva Festival and announces an exciting new step for her in her journey to empower others to keep each other safer on the dance floor. What to expect in this episode: (00:00:00) - A Dance Enthusiast from Lausanne (00:02:11) - Exploring Salsa and Latin Rhythms (00:03:42) - Empowering Women through Dance (00:04:37) - Navigating Challenges in the Dance Community (00:12:16) - Creating a Safe and Inclusive Dance Environment (00:14:40) - Joining the Festival of Nations
About Lea Lea is a bachata and salsa dancer based in Switzerland. She has been dancing throughout her life and is a wonderful voice in the bachata scene, championing safer spaces and promoting active engagement from the dance community to
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 13 | Bullying and Misconduct - both as a newbie and a seasoned player with Lisa Johnson
00:22:50
Discover Lisa's bold, straightforward strategies that can empower you to achieve your dreams. Lisa helps thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide, focusing on passive income and business growth. Her success is also reflected in her recent launches and her advocacy for supportive and inclusive business environments.
Join us as we chat with the incredible Lisa Johnson, a global business strategist and Sunday Times Bestselling author. From overcoming a challenging childhood in social housing to transforming her life from £30,000 in debt to a thriving multi-six-figure entrepreneur in just five years, Lisa's journey is nothing short of inspirational.
What to expect in this episode: (00:00:00) - Introduction. (00:01:39) - From humble beginnings to brilliant success. (00:03:20) - Attending events for the first (00:06:21) - Growing in confidence, stepping out of the count (00:08:00) - Dealing with the 'ick' and setting her boundaries. (00:10:10) - The important role of bystanders (00:13:50) - Choosing your events, say no to bad behaviour (00:17:00) - How you feel is valid! (00:20:15) - Sadly, some people DO have bad intentions
About Lisa Johnson Lisa Johnson is a renowned global business strategist and Sunday Times Bestselling author, recognised for her straightforward and supportive approach to business. She has an inspiring personal story, having overcome a challenging childhood in social housing to achieve remarkable success. After accumulating £30,000 in debt, Lisa transformed her life and built a multi-six-figure business within just five years.
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 14 | All Emotions are Valid: Becoming Mindful rather than Critical with Sandra Burdet
00:20:51
Join us for an inspiring episode with Sandra Burdet, a Bachata instructor, who believes in a continuous growth journey for herself and her students. Learn about her journey from dance to fitness and back again, and how she integrates these experiences into her holistic coaching practice as well as her bachata teaching.
In this episode, Sandra shares her insights on the importance of giving space to emotions in dancing, the importance of self-acceptance, and how fitness and dance can enhance mental health. Surrounded by a supportive community, including her partner whom she met through dancing, Sandra continues to inspire and motivate others to embrace their own journeys towards health and self-acceptance.
What to expect in this episode: (00:00:00) - Introduction. (00:01:39) - From Humble Beginnings, Her Early Life and Struggles. (00:02:48) - Overcoming Debt and Finding Her Passion. (00:03:16) - From Wedding Planning to Business Strategy. (00:06:21) - The Birth of Multi-Six-Figure Success. (00:12:39) - Advocacy and Inclusivity in Business “A Legacy of Support:”. (00:15:27) - Bold and Effective Approaches. (0:19:56) - Finding Support in Fitness and Dance. (0:20:40) - Embracing Emotions for Holistic Well-Being.
About Sandra Burdet Sandra is a multifaceted individual based in Switzerland with a deep passion for holistic health, encompassing fitness, yoga, and nutrition. From an early age, she was drawn to dance, starting with street dance at 16. Her journey took a turn towards fitness, where she spent significant time in the gym, becoming a group fitness trainer and later a certified yoga teacher and nutrition coach and bachata teacher.
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 15 | Dealing with Reports of Inappropriate Behaviour with Stellan Jara
00:28:39
Dive into the world of dance empowerment with Stellan, a salsa teacher with over 17 years of teaching experience and 23 years of dancing passion! Stellan's journey began in 2001 and took him around the world, ultimately leading to a thriving dance scene in Bristol.
In this episode, Discover how Stellan promotes not just dancer empowerment, but also supports teachers and organizers in creating safe, inclusive spaces. Join us as we explore his fascinating story, his commitment to dance etiquette, and his proactive approach to handling sensitive issues on the dance floor.
What to expect in this episode: (00:00) - Introduction. (01:44) - Finding Salsa in Mexico. (02:42) - Starting his own night: Stellan brings technique to Bristol (04:15) - Dealing with misconduct and inappropriate behaviour (05:10) - Stellan talks us through an example of dealing with misconduct + connecting with other teachers (10:25) - How can organisers improve the scene to promote people speaking up? (18:10) - Dealing with inappropriate sexual behaviour on the dance floor (23:20) - Reflecting on the improvements in the scene
About Stellan Jara Stellan is a seasoned salsa and bachata teacher with an impressive background spanning over 17 years of teaching and 23 years of dancing. He discovered his passion for salsa while traveling in Mexico, where he was inspired by the vibrant dance culture and the music of Celia Cruz. Upon returning to Bristol, he immersed himself in the salsa scene, quickly progressing from student to teacher. Stellan is a teacher who actively engages in dealing with inappropriate behaviour at his lessons and parties and encourages other teachers and organisers to actively engage as well to work towards safer dance spaces for everyone.
TED 18 | Role Rotation: A Path to Inclusivity on the Dance Floor with Lea Avrany
00:28:27
We are welcoming back Lea Avrany, an advocate for safer dancing from Switzerland in the bachata scene. The episode explores the concept of "rotation," where dancers switch roles mid-dance, enhancing connection and inclusivity. Lea and Bobbie share insights on overcoming traditional dance norms to create a more inclusive and empowering dance community. Lea also discusses her role in creating codes of conduct for dance events, emphasising the importance of understanding both leader and follower roles in dances like bachata to foster empowerment and respect on the dance floor.
What to expect in this episode: (00:00:00) - Introduction. (00:01:18) - Personal Experience with Role Switching (00:07:08) - Energy and Comfort on the Dance Floor (00:12:01) - Practical Benefits of Rotation (00:14:47) - Overcoming Misconceptions (00:20:53) - Handling Opposition and Resistance (00:24:04) - The Impact of Speaking Up
About Lea Avrany Lea is a bachata and salsa dancer based in Switzerland. She works with festivals and events to create codes of conduct and action plans and is a wonderful voice in the bachata scene, championing safer spaces and promoting active engagement from the dance community to create a more proactive, supportitve community.
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced, however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie has realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
Today is all about Codes of Conduct. Join me to go through what a Code of Conduct is, its place in the salsa, bachata and kizomba scene and why it is worth having them across the board at dance events.
What to expect in this episode: (00:00) - Introduction. (01:50) - What is a Code of Conduct? (03:50) - The Purpose of a Code of Conduct (05.23) - "Having a bunch of rules isn't going to fix things" (06:37) - "You cannot tell people what to do" (08:38) - "It's common sense, what's the point in having it written down shared?" (09:48) - Having an expected standard of behaviour makes it so much easier to take action (11:20) - These things shoudn't be a tick box
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 17 | A Learning Mindset & The Culture of Salsa with Deaglán Gibbons
00:25:33
Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of salsa with Déaglán Gibbons, a fellow Irishman and passionate salsa dancer right here in Bristol. Hear how moving from Ireland to England sparked his love for dance, and how salsa helped him connect with a new community. From casual social dancing to totally hooked, Déaglán's journey is inspiring and full of cultural richness. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, you'll love hearing about his experiences, his dedication to learning, and his respect for the cultural roots of salsa.
What to expect in this episode: (00:00) - From Ireland to Bristol. (01:48) - Finding Community through Dance. (05:16) - COVID Times - Turning Isolation into Opportunity. (09:31) - Exploring Salsa's Cultural Roots. (20:35) - Teaching the Next Generation, Transitioning to Instructor. (25:24) - The Evolving Dynamics of Salsa Dance Roles.
About Deaglán Gibbons Deaglán is an avid salsa dancer from Ireland and currently resides in Bristol. His passion for salsa dancing began as a casual interest, which soon transformed into a significant part of his life. Cultural respect is an important part of Deaglán's approach to salsa, along with a growth mindset and a belief in promoting respect among dancers and the benefits of dancing both roles of leader and follower.
About Bobbie Miles Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie has realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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.
TED 19 | She Says Selfish, I Say Inspired: A Conversation With Rasa
00:30:04
Join us for a conversation with the incredible Rasa Pauzaite, a professional salsa and bachata dancer, teacher, and performer! With so many years of experience under her belt, Rasa has so much to share with dancers, she is a treasure trove of knowledge! Rasa the Dancer is a favourite at dance events in the UK and beyond, bringing joy and expertise to every class.
In this episode, we explore the importance of respecting dance levels and boundaries in classes, while also being open to new experiences and trying different styles to keep the joy alive. Rasa also shares her experience of teaching at festivals and the skill of adapting to the group and providing appropriate guidance to benefit students.
What to expect in this episode: (01:00) - The start dancing for Rasa (02:15) - Rasa’s online Dance space + being authentic (07:12) - What is okay to ask in a lesson? (12:52) - Rasa’s favourite classes to teach at a festival (14:52) - The Cuban Fury movie experience! (16:55) - Rasa’s Mission in salsa and bachata (24:07) - Kizomba - the joy of being a beginner again!
About Rasa Pauzaite Rasa Pauzaite is a dynamic figure in the dance community, renowned for her expertise and fire in salsa and bachata. As a professional dancer, teacher, and performer, she brings passion and energy to every aspect of her work. Rasa is also a wonderful YouTube personality, hosting the popular channel "Dance with Rasa," where she shares educational dance content and tutorials with her followers. Her website, dancewithrasa.com, is a rich resource for dancers seeking to improve their skills and stay motivated right from their own home.
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 realized 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.
TED 20 | The Brain, The Soul, The Culture - The Value Behind the Dance with Lucy Woodham
00:25:17
Meet Lucy Woodham, a lifelong dancer and a seasoned physiotherapist with over a decade of experience in sports and complex rehab. Passionate about the connection between physical and psychological well-being, Lucy is pursuing a master’s in psychology. In this episode, Lucy challenges us to step away from the Western approach to wellbeing of separating physical and mental health and to instead consider integrating the mind and body as part of one whole human. Her research focuses on the connection of brain health, mindfulness, cultural respsect and dancing, and she advocates for recognizing the holistic benefits of dance on both physical and mental health.
What to expect in this episode: (00:00) - Introduction. (0:52) - Dancing as a way to help deafness and balance (02:48) - The influences of dancing on the brain: The Research (06:08) - Dancing as a language between people (08:28) - The Western-centric view of health (12:58) - Stepping into the culture behind salsa (18:01) - Active Mindfulness and dancing
About Lucy Woodham: A lifelong dancer with a decade of experience working as a physiotherapist in sports and complex rehabilitation. She has a deep interest in the link between physical experiences and psychological well-being, which has led her to pursue a master's in psychology. Lucy is passionate about exploring culturally relevant and adaptable means to improve quality of life. She began dancing at the age of two to help with balance issues related to her partial deafness. Over the years, Lucy has trained in various dance styles, including jazz, tap, and salsa, and has taught and performed internationally. She is currently a salsa instructor and is dedicated to integrating her knowledge of physiotherapy and psychology into her practice.
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 realized 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.
TED 21 | An Intersection of Music, Dance and Confidence with Sherony Lock
00:30:55
Sherony Lock has been dancing for over a decade and is both a skilled follower and leader. Dancing can be an incredible vehicle for personal growth and Sherony shares with us how salsa and bachata have been a part of her confidence-building journey. She also talks us through the language of dance and the conversation between leader follower and music. If you are in need of a dose of empowerment and inspiration, from football to bachata, Sherony has you covered.
What to expect in this episode: (00:17:00) - Finding salsa and bachata (00:02:14) - Socialising through salsa and bachata (00:04:14) - The structure in salsa/bachata classes (00:07:37) - Loving music and translating it into dancing (00:10:15) - Dancing as a language: leading and following (00:18:38) - Learning to lead 00:20:58) - Childhood football: challenging the female stereotype (00:24:44) - Connecting with each other’s energy (00:27:04) - Tips to move from following to leading
About Sherony Lock Sherony’s journey in dance started about 10 years ago with salsa and expanded to include bachata and other styles. She is adept at both leading and following, a skill she honed partly out of a desire to remove the imbalance of followers to leaders at dance events. Her passion for dance is complemented by her musical background of piano and guitar, which allows her to perceive both music and dance as interconnected languages. This unique blend of skills has not only made her a confident and assertive dancer but also someone who deeply appreciates connection and musicality.
Connect with Sherony Lock Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheronylock/
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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
23 Jul 2024
TED 22 | Finding Communities in New Cities Through Bachata with Naheul Salem
00:19:10
A dancer from Malaga, Spain, Nahuel discovered his love for dancing about a decade ago in Nottingham in the UK and it has since become his way to integrate into new communities, make friends, and explore different cultures. His journey through different cities has not only shaped his dance skills but also broadened his social horizons. He's navigated language barriers, particularly in places like Geneva, where he was able to double up dancing as a tool to practise French and connect with locals and internationals alike. Nahuel values dance not just as a hobby but as a significant part of his social life, enabling him to meet people quickly and comfortably in new environments.
What to expect in this episode: (00:00:20) - A group chat into salsa (00:01:06) - Salsa and bachata as a social scene (00:02:20) - Not speaking much French in Switzerland! (00:05:00) - Bachata as a motivator for learning more French (00:06:54) - Advice for dancers in a new city (00:08:14) - Dancing to meet locals, not just another expat group (00:09:45) - Going to parties alone (00:12:34) - Getting to know people through dance instead of words (00:13:50) - Nahuel’s favourite scenes… so far!
About Nahuel Salem Nahuel is a bachata dancer whose journey from Malaga to Nottingham, to Geneva to Paris has been intertwined with salsa and bachata. Bachata has been his gateway to new communities and friendships across Europe, as well as a way to learn the local language! Naheul shows us that dance is indeed a language of its own, transcending local language barriers and becoming a way we can connect with people from all over the world.
Connect with Nahuel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terraldancer
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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
30 Jul 2024
TED 23 | Why You Should Care about Language in Lessons with Bobbie Miles
00:12:43
Language is a powerful thing. We are dancers and movement is a big part of how we communicate on the social dance floor, but in lessons and workshops, words are the communication method of choice. So the words we choose matter. Using “men/guys” as interchangeable with “leaders” and “women/girls/ladies” as interchangeable with followers keeps all dancers in a box they never chose to be in and maintains the social limitations of everyday life that so many of us are trying so hard to overcome. Have a think about what you’re hearing in class, have a look around. Gendered language affects whether a dancer will try out the opposite role in that lesson or how long it will take them to muster the courage to step out of their “lane”.
What to expect in this episode: (00:00:00) - Men = leaders, women = followers? (00:10:10) - But most leaders are men, most followers are women… (00:01:52) - De-gendering dancing and moving with the times (00:04:00) - That old line of “but you know what I mean!” (00:06:32) - Why gendered roles belong in the past (00:08:34) - Understanding why women find it “brave” to lead (00:09:51) - Examples of the limitations of gendered roles in social dancing (00:11:44) - The challenge for next time…!
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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
06 Aug 2024
TED 24 | The Psychological Value of Connecting to Yourself with Fiorella The Dancing Psychologist
00:25:16
Today we sit down with Fiorella the Dancing Psychologist, a bachata teacher based in the Netherlands. Fiorella merges her expertise in psychology with her passion for bachata, helping dancers connect their mind and body for holistic well-being. Listen as she shares her journey, from techno dance floors in Amsterdam to discovering the magic of bachata in Spain. Fiorella discusses how dance helps people unwind, stay present, and enhance their mental health and how she is positively impacting the dance scene through her own dream project, Emotion in Motion - listen to find out all about it!
What to expect in this episode: (00:03) - Introduction (00:59) - Finding Bachata (02:12) - 24, 34, 44, 54 - we become dancers at any age (03:08) - Being present in the moment - it’s so important! (04:19) - Psychology meets bachata (09:12) - First steps for mindfulness in dancing (12:36) - Emotion in Motion (19:00) - The Dream Life Method with Fiorella
About Fiorella The Dancing Psychologist Fiorella is dedicated to helping people feel good and live their best lives. As a psychologist, she counsels clients and runs an online coaching business. As a bachata artist dancing RoleRotation, she travels the world to spread her love for dance and encourage a more inclusive & loving community free of gender stereotypes. By combining her passions for dance and psychology, Fiorella has created Emotion in Motion, a new project that she uses movement to break limitations and nurture both body and mind.
Connect with Fiorella The Dancing Psychologist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.dancing.psychologist_/ Instagram - The Dream Life Method: https://www.instagram.com/the.dreamlife.method/
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of so many conversations we are not having in the scene. It began with inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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 through conversations that matter in all areas of the salsa, bachata and kizomba scene 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
13 Aug 2024
TED 25 | How Vinyl Music Contributes to Salsa with DJ Eddie Hunt
00:18:08
Eddie Hunt is a salsa DJ and teacher based in Bristol and Clevedon in the UK. He has been dancing for over 20 years and DJing and teaching for over half that. Today Eddie joins me to chat about his journey as a DJ and the special place in his heart he has for vinyl music. Vinyl offers an insight into a deeper and wider experience of salsa music, of which so many of us have very little knowledge. Tuck in to hearing why you should have a look in your local area for a vinyl party - yup, vinyl parties! I was really taken hearing about vinyl nights from Eddie, enjoy!
What to expect in this episode: (00:51) - Stepping into Salsa (02:17) - Finding vinyl records in Salsa (06:56) - Online Live Vinyl - the CoBeat Party (09:10) - Collecting Salsa Music (11:34) - The Salsa Social Con Sabor (12:55) - Why Awareness of People’s Differences is so important (16:09) - Something important to consider as a leader
About Eddie Hunt Eddie discovered salsa dancing back in 2003 and was immediately blown away by first the dancing and then the music. Starting out with CDs and MP3s, Eddie soon discovered some fantastic artists and songs on vinyl and has since become immersed in rich depth that vinyl has to offer salsa lovers. After becoming a Salsa DJ in 2013, Eddie continues to share his passion and music with dancers and fellow DJs. Find all of Eddie’s online links below. ¡Viva La Salsa!
Connect with Eddie Hunt Online: https://linktr.ee/djeddieuksalsa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_eddie_uk_salsa_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Abanicosalsa.Clevedon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eduardomundo100
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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
20 Aug 2024
TED 26 | Enabling ALL Body Types in Salsa with Sarah Balzat
00:26:19
Despite starting out in singing, Sarah Balzat has been dancing most of her life. Sarah has an incredible mind when it comes to her approaches to teaching salsa and salsa dancing itself and today she joins us to talk about her unusual entry into salsa in Germany in the 90s and the power of bringing philosophy and vulnerability onto the dance floor, both in terms of teaching and learning. With nearly 25 years of teaching experience, Sarah has been learning about different body types in dancing and has accumulated a variety of solutions for different body types of all ages and levels Being part of transforming peoples' understanding of their bodies is a huge honour for Sarah and something she is always working to improve on. Whether you are new to dancing or have been dancing forever, Sarah will challenge your way of thinking and leave you wanting more.
What to expect in this episode: (01:03) - Finding salsa through family and community (04:08) - A VHS video as a way to learn salsa! (07:28) - How our childhood music influences our groove (08:47) - The confrontation within salsa dancing (12:28) - We are all vulnerable - that is our superpower (15:30) - Classes have the culture that the teacher promotes (17:48) - We all have different body types - let’s celebrate that (21:45) - You don’t fit in the box? Throw the box away!
About Sarah Balzat Sarah has a Bachelor's degree in Classical and Contemporary Dance and a Master's degree from Palucca School Dresden in Choreography and Dance Education and this helps her to build a bridge between the arts and education. While her professional education was focused on Ballet, Contemporary and Modern forms of expression, Afro-Cuban Movement culture has been her focus since 1999 along with a dedication to the study and analysis of different dance techniques and embracing all body types on the dance floor.
Connect with Sarah Balzat Online: https://www.yerba-buena.de/Teachers-Program Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_balzat/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yerba_buena_art/
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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
27 Aug 2024
TED 27 | Challenging Cultural Expectations through Bachata with Anna Kan
00:16:00
Anna Kan is a bachata dancer who is no stranger to being in a cultural minority at dance events. In her open and welcoming way, Anna offers us a window into her rich cultural background and talks us through her bachata journey, including how it felt when she met her local east/southeast Asian bachata teacher, as well as experiencing places where other people of her culture see bachata dancing as the norm. Shout out to Melody Wills of Bristol and Pierre Henry of London for the inspiration they have provided Anna and so many others in their dancing journeys.
What to expect in this episode: (01:08) - Connecting to bachata through the music (02:25) - Anna’s asian cultural experience + dance (05:02) - Bachata from a vulgar perspective? (07:08) - My teacher in Bristol is also Asian! (09:14) - Bachata can remove barriers such as age, skin colour, culture and we connect (11:14) - Bachata to hot air ballooning - our hobbies can remove cultural barriers (13:22) - Are you paying attention to your partner? (14:38) - A lesson from Pierre Henry
About Anna Kan Anna is Bristol-based dancer with Russian, Mongolian, and Korean backgrounds and moved to the UK at 11, adopting a new culture. Dance has always been a core part of Anna’s Mongolian and Russian traditions, and it is present at any social gatherings. Although bachata has become a significant part of her life, Anna still makes time for her other passions, which include hot air ballooning , cooking and acting.
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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
03 Sep 2024
TED 28 | Removing Gendered Roles Benefits EVERYONE in Dancing with Giulia Settomini
00:22:36
Giulia Settomini has many years’ experience in competitive latin and ballroom as well as social salsa and bachata dancing and she sat down to share her experiences of gendered roles in latin dancing and the power we give ourselves when we remove gender from the equation. Society is peppered with situations that seek to cast men in a strong and dominant light, whilst objectifying or sexualising women. The SBK and latin and ballroom dance scenes are not exempt from this and Giulia, as an active researcher into the topic of dismantling gendered roles from dance scenes offers some reflective insights into her work.
What to expect in this episode: (01:00) - Her parents footsteps: competing at 6 years of age! (02:59) - Unlearning the detrimental behaviours in competitive dancing (04:40) - Challenging heteronormative roles in latin dances (07:27) - The almost apologetic constraint in “taking the lead” (10:42) - The power of cross-dressing in bachata (14:14) - Competitive dress regulations for men vs women (16:52) - Italy’s first un-gendered latin dance lessons (18:29) - The freedom of removing gender and dancing both roles
About Giulia Settomini Giulia Settomini (she/her) is an Italian ex-competitive Latin dancer. She holds an MA in Choreography from Trinity Laban in London and an MA in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy from Goldsmiths University of London, focusing on female leadership and competitive paradigms. Giulia has worked as a choreographer and dancer for ITV (UK), London 2012 Olympics, EXPO Milan 2015, and Dancing With The Stars in Panama. She was co-researcher in dismantling gender roles in Latin dance, presenting at Humboldt University, University of Trieste, and hosting Italy’s first gender-neutral Latin dance course. Recently, she conducted “Queering Partner Dance” research in Berlin, funded by Culture Moves Europe.
Connect with Giulia Settomini Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giuliasettomini/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoUGtcvqL70
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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!
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcast
TED 29 Is Ageism Present in Salsa, Bachata & Kizomba? with Lynne Joyner
00:22:34
Lynne Joyner started dancing salsa, bachata and kizomba in her 60s and it is safe to say that she has become thoroughly addicted over the last 1.5 years of dancing. Learning new skills, keeping active, making new friends, the SBK scene has become a core part of Lynne’s life and she is thriving. But her confidence is something she has had to learn as Lynne reflects on being an older woman entering a new hobby space, where her age is sometimes something she feels is something she is judged for. We can learn from other people’s experiences as much as our own, and there is a lot to learn from Lynne.
What to expect in this episode: (00:58) - Aerobics instructor turned salsa dancer (03:10) - The power of female connection (03:56) - Stepping into SBK in her 60s - age is just a number! (06:05) - An anti-older age experience on the social dance floor (07:58) - “Dancing with your Nan, cute” !?!? (13:07) - Ageism is more present in Bachata (14:46) - How to deal with anti-older age behaviour on the dance floor (17:40) - Dealing with rejection (19:11) - If you are older and thinking about salsa, bachata, kizomba - go for it! (21:09) - We were all beginners once!
About Lynne Joyner Lynne Joyner is a fitness instructor, personal trainer and runs a small corporate gym and studio. An experienced Aerobics and Zumba instructor, she discovered the world of dancing about a year and a half ago and now it is safe to say Lynne is an SBK addict. All parts of the dance scene, from local lessons to international events, Lynne is is an active part of the community. Dancing has become her passion and addiction - first salsa, then bachata and kizomba and now tango as well.
Connect with Lynne Joyner Online: www.lynnejoynerfitness.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnejoyner
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadora
18 Sep 2024
TED 30 | Why are Values Important in Bachata Classes? with Tudor Sirbu & Sheffield Bachata Collective
00:26:01
Tudor Sirbu is a teacher and social dancer based in Sheffield and is the teacher behind Sheffield Bachata Collective, a dance school that puts core values front and centre in its mission to provide quality bachata classes and events. Guided by Inclusivity, Respect and Growth, Sheffield Bachata Collective is committed to actively teaching their values through welcoming and celebrating all dancers, handling inappropriate behaviour with respect and transparency and educating dancers on all aspects of social dancing. In this conversation Tudor shares with us how Bachata Sheffield Collective has developed their values and how embodying these may look in action, both from the perspective of a teacher and also on the social dance floor.
What to expect in this episode: (01:01) - Trying out salsa and bachata - big open lessons vs small beginner lessons (03:24) - The inspiration behind Bachata Sheffield Collective (04:38) - Sharing expectations from Day 1 and regularly from thereon in (08:01) - SAYING we provide a safe space is empty. What is a safer dance space? Representation matters. (10:27) - A teacher’s responsibility in lessons (14:20) - Safer spaces + inclusivity at Sheffield Bachata Collective (15:37) - Dealing with an inappropriate touch in lessons (19:22) - A transparent approach to dealing with bad behaviour (20:57) - A bachata teacher is also an educator, not just a dance teacher (23:09) - Cross pollinating the dance scene with higher expectations About Tudor Sirbu Tudor Sirbu has been an active member of the bachata scene for over 8 years, starting out in Sheffield and Nottingham. He is always looking to improve his skills both as a dancer and teacher through training in the UK and internationally, seeking out people who have inspired him through their perspective on dancing or on their impact on the dance community. Having now completed his Role Rotation instructor certification, Tudor has set up Sheffield Bachata Collective, an exciting new space for lessons and parties in Sheffield.
About Sheffield Bachata Collective Set up in 2024 by Tudor Sirbu, Sheffield Bachata Collective is a dance school with a difference - before even welcoming its first students through the door, Sheffield Bachata Collective has shared and celebrated its 3 core values that are guiding it right from the start: Inclusivity, Respect, Growth. Through these values it seeks to create a safer dance space that welcomes everyone equally, promotes transparency and accountability within the dance scene and celebrates the differences that make us who we are.
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. She 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 5 Top Tips for a great dance night! https://empowereddancers.com/5tips
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
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
03 Oct 2024
TED 31 | Why Embodied Philosophy is a Must-Have Salsa Tool with Sarah Balzat
00:25:13
Sarah Balzat last joined us to talk about her entry into salsa and her focus on learning about different body types in dancing. We are lucky to welcome Sarah back to talk this time about Embodied Philosophy - her toolkit for salsa teaching, dancing, choreographing and even everyday life. Embodied Philosophy seeks to create synergy between top down (verbal information) and bottom up (sensations through movement) forms of learning to become better in touch with the balance between body and mind. Learning is a process and Sarah suggests that we should lean into this process - let’s spend less time adding new moves upon new moves to our repertoire and instead take the time to fully acquire new knowledge and enjoy the learning process.
What to expect in this episode: (00:42) - What is Embodied Philosophy? (03.54) - A feeling in practice - sadness - how does our body express this? (05:14) - We all want to be part of a community - now we need to practise the skills (07:50) - Do you use dancing as a way to get out of your head? Is that even possible? (10:40) - A worked example of Embodied Philosophy (14:09) - From mind to body to create a salsa learning cycle (18:44) - Challenging how we think about learning - changed behaviour (20:38) - Learning through sensation vs learning through information
About Sarah Balzat Sarah has a Bachelor's degree in Classical and Contemporary Dance and a Master's degree from Palucca School Dresden in Choreography and Dance Education and this helps her to build a bridge between the arts and education. While her professional education was focused on Ballet, Contemporary and Modern forms of expression, Afro-Cuban Movement culture has been her focus since 1999 along with a dedication to the study and analysis of different dance techniques and embracing all body types on the dance floor.
Connect with Sarah Balzat Online: https://www.yerba-buena.de/Teachers-Program Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_balzat/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yerba_buena_art/
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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
16 Oct 2024
TED 32 | What you can gain by understanding the context of Salsa Music with Angel Figueroa
00:25:10
DJ Angel Figueroa joins us from Chiba, Japan to share with us the value of diving deeper into salsa songs. From the political feeling at the time of writing, to the stories behind an artist’s motivation, Angel teaches us that, like all forms of art, the more we know about a piece, the better we can connect with it and enjoy it. Born into a family celebrating Caribbean rhythms from Jamaica and Cuba, Angel grew up with salsa music around him. From starting out his DJing journey in Korea to becoming a part of the growth of the community in Osaka for 17 years, Angel is still an active DJ in his now local scene near Tokyo, Japan
What to expect in this episode: (01:22) - A tale of two islands: Jamaica and Cuba linked through the radio (02.53) - Becoming salsa DJ in Korea and Japan (04:34) - Contributing to the growth of salsa in Osaka (08:14) - COVID and the Co-Beat Party - sharing salsa direct into people’s homes (11:26) - Hosting a salsa radio show online - Encanto Tropical (14:27) - The empowerment from knowing lyrics and the social-cultural dynamics of songs (15:24) - Songs in context: Otra Oportunidad - Jimmy Bosch, No Vale La Pena Enamorarse - Ray Sepúlveda, Indistructibe - Ray Barretto, Anacaona - Tite Curet Alonso (sung by Chey Feliciano) (21:17) - Enabling more learning through academia: a book for salsa enthusiasts - uncover the stories and and political context of your favourite songs
Errata There are two points should be mentioned as post-interview edits: 1. 9am instead of 9pm was mistakenly said by Angel when referring to his 8-hour DJ sets. 2. Jimmy Bosch was incorrectly described as the singer in his song "Otra Oportunidad". Of course, the vocalist is Herman Olivera; Angel meant to say Bosch is the lyricist, as Olivera is singing his words.
About Angel Figueroa Angel Figueroa is an assistant professor of English, Spanish, and language acquisition at Josai International University in, Japan. His research fields extend to include Latin American music, diving deep into the culture and social complexities of salsa music. As a salsa DJ and collector with more than 25 years experience, Angel was very active as a DJ and event organizer in Osaka, especially as the producer and resident DJ of the long-running salsa event called “Shine”. Currently based near the Tokyo area where he DJs regularly, Angel also hosts the twice-monthly show “Encanto Tropical” on WorldSalsaRadio.com. Among his projects is to write a book explaining the lyrics and contexts of certain salsa songs to non-Spanish speakers.
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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 @th
05 Feb 2025
TED 33 | Would you be allowed to take part in Jack & Jill competitions? with Christine Walsh
00:36:42
Christine joins us to talk about all things Jack and Jill at social dance events. As a social dancer herself, Christine loves the challenge and opportunity for growth that a Jack and Jill competition offers but unfortunately has experienced being denied the opportunity to to take part in a competition because she signed up to lead. The problem? She’s a woman.
What to expect in this episode:
(01:07) Introducing Christine Walsh (02:27) Jack and Jill competitions - their place in the social dance scene (06:19) Denied access to a competition for being a woman (10:50) Why organisers should be making changes (14:08) Why do we have a fear of dancing with someone of the same sex? (16:33) Boundaries: don’t get it twisted! (19:03) Feeling Safe: The effect of competitive rules on an event (21:36) Are separate events/categories the answer? (31:20) Competition, community, lessons, they are all connected
About Christine Walsh Christine is an Australian dancer and emerging social media activist who has recently set up home in London. From 9-5, Christine works as a Diversity and Inclusion Project Manager and she brings her expertise to the dancefloor with a goal to have conversations that build safer, more inclusive dance communities. Christine grew up spending a lot of time in dance studios and began teaching almost 10 years ago. From her foundations within jazz, tap and contemporary, she has worked as a dance teacher for universities, dancers with Down Syndrome and more recently moved towards bachata, within which she is certified as a Role Rotation teacher.
Sign the petition https://www.change.org/SocialDanceCompEquality
Connect with Christine Walsh @christinew.dance https://www.instagram.com/christinew.dance/
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer based in Bristol. The salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. She 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 to boost your confidence on any 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
25 Feb 2025
TED 34 | What are 2 key ways we can improve how lessons are taught? with Thomas Martin
00:30:11
Do salsa and bachata lessons serve dancers as well as they could? What core could we make to improve things? Thomas Martin is a teacher based in Manchester who share with us two brilliant areas he would see improve across the board in the SBK community. More than that though, as well as shaking up the way lessons are taught, Thomas also wants to see a space for LGBTQ dancers to feel welcomed into the SBK scene without a second thought. This is why he set about creating such a space in his home city of Manchester, with the LGBTQ Afro-Latin Dance MCR.
What to expect in this episode:
(01:36) An LGBTQ salsa dance school (03:36) Why “partner up” is a negative instruction in lessons (09:42) EVERYONE should start their dancing as a follower (14:48) The reason why women are more likely to stick at dancing: gendered roles (17:36) Why Thomas does NOT reach routines - consider cross-body style lessons vs Cuban style lessons (21:49) Why are we fixated on routines in lessons?? (26:03) Ask questions of your teachers - start conversations :)
About Thomas Martin Thomas is a UK based dancer from Ireland who is a voice for growth and inclusion in the SBK scene. He is the founder and current chairperson of the LGBTQ Afro-Latin Dance MCR based in Manchester: a space within the dance community where anyone can feel welcome to take their first steps into dancing and not have to worry about the pressure of gender norms and biases in their dance lessons. He teaches salsa and bachata with a mix of beginners + experienced dancers to give beginners a better experience early on. Thomas has a very growth-based mindset and this allows him to be reflective and progressive in his role as a teacher in the dance community.
Connect with LGBTQ Afro-Latin Dance MCR and Thomas Martin @lgbtq_aldm https://linktr.ee/lgbtq_aldm
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer and empowerment coach in the salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene. Dancing is a happy place for Bobbie, as it is for so many. In order to foster safer dance spaces for all dancers, Bobbie is on a mission to promote more accountability and responsibility surrounding consent and safety within the community through education and conversations that matter. Bobbie is a coach and advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and promoting respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a coach and public speaker, she focuses on boundary setting and respect in practice, both on and off the dance floor.
Resources: Download my 5 Top Tips to boost your confidence on any dance night! https://empowereddancers.com/5tips
Connect with Bobbie Miles Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcast
Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadora
Subscribe to the Empowered Dancers YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
13 Mar 2025
TED 35 | What snap judgements are you making about other dancers? with Natalie Walls
00:31:00
Fuelled by the rise of social media, bachata has developed a very “cookie cutter” image. Hollywood slim, skin and sparkle is the heteronormative assumed default image of our teachers. But that isn’t representative of our community, is it? We come in all shapes and sizes with every personality under the sun. Natalie Walls joins us to not only challenge the current norms but also to challenge ourselves. We are the sum of our lived experiences and also the sum of our education - our experiences are fixed, but we each of us always have the capacity to learn. Have you ever judged a fellow social dancer? Assumed they won’t be fun to dance with? Why did you assume that? Natalie has some great tips on how we can learn more about ourselves and grow not only as dancers, but people too.
What to expect in this episode:
(01:01) Social dancing, hanging out with Mum (03:00) Learning bachata with a high values teacher: Tiago Degas (04:42) Bachata as a space to focus the mind and connect with other people (07:41) The current image of bachata: the typical cookie-cutter couple (13:20) Teachers platforming other teachers and mindful marketing (15:55) Snap judgements - students and social dancers: acknowledge your preconceptions, maybe even challenge them! (19:10) How can YOU question your own preconceptions (22:57) What are we making these snap judgements? (27:14) Leader and follower - language matters!
About Natalie Walls Natalie is an experienced social dancer, and a bachata and latin commercial teacher based in Cambridge in the UK. A and certified Role Rotation instructor, Natalie is an inclusivity advocate in our dance scene. Her work focuses on creating inclusive spaces where all dancers are welcomed, accepted and celebrated.
Connect with Natalie Walls https://www.instagram.com/nataliewalls93/ https://www.instagram.com/bachatacambridge/
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer and empowerment coach in the salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene. Dancing is a happy place for Bobbie, as it is for so many. In order to foster safer dance spaces for all dancers, Bobbie is on a mission to promote more accountability and responsibility surrounding consent and safety within the community through education and conversations that matter. Bobbie is a coach and advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and promoting respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a coach and public speaker, she focuses on boundary setting and respect in practice, both on and off the dance floor.
Resources: Download my 5 Top Tips to boost your confidence on any dance night! https://empowereddancers.com/5tips
Connect with Bobbie Miles Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcast
Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadora
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
01 Apr 2025
TED 36 | Male privilege and an insight into threats in the SBK scene with Cameron Holden
00:32:02
Raised to be aware of your privilege as a man in the SBK scene is not something many men can reflectively say. Cameron Holden gives us a look at the salsa, bachata and kizomba scene through a self-aware lens - the male privilege that is present and prevalent in our scene - from the attitude towards teaching followers (who are women in the majority), to the way in which some men in positions of power (this includes leading) take advantage of women, to the threats and “bros club” culture that exists in our scene, Cameron offers a perspective that we should all take the time to hear, reflect on and learn from.
What to expect in this episode:
(01:04) Leaving the army, joining the dance community (02:24) Raised to understand male privilege (06:13) Seeing male privilege in the dance scene (09:47) Teachers: A duty of care to teach etiquette (11:47) Examples of misogyny in the scene (16:47) What needs to change? Let’s talk about solo women teachers (17:55) The “old boys” club - speaking up and being threatened as a result: Cameron’s experience (23:03) A brick wall: This is why we don’t hear so many reports on the dance scene (26:25) We NEED to see more accountability (28:35) It’s not a rise in assault and similar crimes, its a rise in reporting
About Cameron Holden Cameron Holden is a passionate bachata salsa and urban kiz dancer, and a teacher of salsa, bachata and a certified role-rotation teacher. Activist for equality and woman's safety within the dance scene, Cameron uses his voice to call out bad behaviour and the deep-running misogyny in the SBK scene. He promotes awareness of the risks to women’s safety in the dance scene and also to call on us all to do better. Beyond dancing, Cameron is a veteran of the Afghanistan conflict, he is an educator, teaching engineers on apprenticeships and he also enjoys writing poetry.
Connect with Cameron Holden https://www.instagram.com/gu_salsa?igsh=MTRndXV0ZDA0bzRpZw==
About Bobbie Miles: Bobbie Miles is a social dancer and empowerment coach in the salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene. Dancing is a happy place for Bobbie, as it is for so many. In order to foster safer dance spaces for all dancers, Bobbie is on a mission to promote more accountability and responsibility surrounding boundaries, consent and safety within the community through education and conversations that matter. Bobbie is a coach and advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and promoting respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a coach and public speaker, she focuses on boundary setting and respect in practice, both on and off the dance floor.
Resources: Download my 5 Top Tips to boost your confidence on any dance night! https://empowereddancers.com/5tips Practice saying NO on the dance floor: empowereddancers.com/no
Connect with Bobbie Miles Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcast
Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadora
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
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