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

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 BrightVanessa 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.Connect with Vanessa BrightFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vbright11Website: www.vanessabright.co.ukAbout 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/5tipsPractice saying NO on the dance floor: empowereddancers.com/noConnect with Bobbie MilesFollow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFind me on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadoraSubscribe to my YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1