The Empowered Dancers Podcast  By  cover art

The Empowered Dancers Podcast

By: Bobbie Miles
  • Summary

  • 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.

    © 2024 The Empowered Dancers Podcast
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Episodes
  • TED 16 | Why a Code of Conduct?
    Jun 11 2024

    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

    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
    www.youtube.com/@theempowereddancerspodcast

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    13 mins
  • TED 15 | Dealing with Reports of Inappropriate Behaviour with Stellan Jara
    Jun 4 2024

    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 the 80s 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.

    Connect with Stellan Jara
    Website: https://www.salsasouls.co.uk/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salsa_souls
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stellan.jara/

    About Stellan Jara

    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
    www.youtube.com/@theempowereddancerspodcast

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    29 mins
  • TED 14 | All Emotions are Valid: Becoming Mindful rather than Critical
    May 28 2024

    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.

    Connect with Sandra Burdet
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancefitnessandyoga/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandra_dance
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sandra-burdet-2547b726
    Website: https://www.sandraburdet.com/

    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.

    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



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    21 mins

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