The Empowered Dancers Podcast

Bobbie Miles

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.

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Episodes

TED 13 | Bullying and Misconduct - both as a newbie and a seasoned player
2d ago
TED 13 | Bullying and Misconduct - both as a newbie and a seasoned player
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 intentionsAbout 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. Connect with Lisa JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatstrategyco/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatstrategyco                          https://thatstrategyco.com/About Bobbie MilesBobbie 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/5tipsConnect with Bobbie Miles!Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFollow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancerFind me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadoraSubscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
TED 12 | Pro-Empowerment & Anti-Harassment are Here to Stay with Lea Avrany
May 14 2024
TED 12 | Pro-Empowerment & Anti-Harassment are Here to Stay with Lea Avrany
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 LeaLea 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 Connect with LeaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmic.bailarina/About Bobbie MilesBobbie 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/5tipsConnect with Bobbie Miles!Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFollow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancerFind me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadorSubscribe to Empowered Dancers YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
TED 11 | Thoughts from a Bachata World Champion with Ysenah Bosle
May 7 2024
TED 11 | Thoughts from a Bachata World Champion with Ysenah Bosle
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 YsanahYsanah’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.Connect with YsanahInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ysenahbosle/About Bobbie MilesBobbie 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/5tipsConnect with Bobbie Miles!Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFollow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancerFind me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadorSubscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
TED 10 | Confidence and Personal Growth Through Bachata with Coach Wil
May 1 2024
TED 10 | Confidence and Personal Growth Through Bachata with Coach Wil
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 firstAbout Coach WilWith 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.Connect with Coach WillInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_wil_84?igsh=ZHRlbHgzeDh5NmhlWebsite: https://rdfbeginneredition.carrd.co/About Bobbie MilesBobbie Miles is a social dancer and local teacher based in Bristol. The Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. However, the more she danced, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. After being bullied by a teacher one time too many, Bobbie realised that she would no longer keep quiet and be subject to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. Bobbie is an advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a public speaker, she talks about putting boundary setting and respect into practice, both on and off the dance floor.Resources: Download my 5 Top Tips for a great dance night! https://empowereddancers.com/5tipsConnect with Bobbie Miles!Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFollow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancerFind me on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadoraSubscribe to my YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
TED 09 | Neurodivergent Experiences + Masking to Fit In with Helen Daniel
Apr 23 2024
TED 09 | Neurodivergent Experiences + Masking to Fit In with Helen Daniel
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 DanielHelen 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. Connect with Helen DanielWebsite https://outsidetheboxsensory.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/otbsensory/About Bobbie MilesBobbie Miles is a social dancer and local teacher based in Bristol. The Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. However, the more she danced, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. After being bullied by a teacher one time too many, Bobbie realised that she would no longer keep quiet and be subject to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. Bobbie is an advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a public speaker, she talks about putting boundary setting and respect into practice, both on and off the dance floor.Resources: Download my 5 Top Tips for a great dance night! https://empowereddancers.com/5tipsConnect with Bobbie Miles!Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFollow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer (https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancer)Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadoraSubscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
TED 08 | Safer Dance Spaces with Lara Tabet
Apr 16 2024
TED 08 | Safer Dance Spaces with Lara Tabet
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 SpacesLara 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.Connect with Lara TabetFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/saferdancespaces/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saferdancespaces/Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/1914812198971037About Bobbie MilesBobbie Miles is a social dancer and local teacher based in Bristol. The Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. However, the more she danced, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. After being bullied by a teacher one time too many, Bobbie realised that she would no longer keep quiet and be subject to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. Bobbie is an advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a public speaker, she talks about putting boundary setting and respect into practice, both on and off the dance floor.Resources:Download my 5 Top Tips for a great dance night!https://empowereddancers.com/5tipsConnect with Bobbie Miles!Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFollow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancerFind me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadoraSubscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
TED 07 | From Social Dancing to Performance + Competition with Diana Liu
Apr 9 2024
TED 07 | From Social Dancing to Performance + Competition with Diana Liu
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 LiuDiana is a dancer and festival guru and 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.Connect with Diana Liu:https://www.instagram.com/diana.l888/About Bobbie MilesBobbie Miles is a social dancer and local teacher based in Bristol. The Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. However, the more she danced, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. After being bullied by a teacher one time too many, Bobbie realised that she would no longer keep quiet and be subject to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. Bobbie is an advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a public speaker, she talks about putting boundary setting and respect into practice, both on and off the dance floor.Resources:Download my 5 Top Tips for a great dance night!https://empowereddancers.com/5tipsConnect with Bobbie Miles!Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFollow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancerFind me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadoraSubscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
TED 06 | Social Dancing Tips from a Seasoned Dancer with Diana Liu
Apr 5 2024
TED 06 | Social Dancing Tips from a Seasoned Dancer with Diana Liu
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 dancer and festival guru and 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.Connect with Diana Liu:https://www.instagram.com/diana.l888/ About Bobbie MilesBobbie Miles is a social dancer and local teacher based in Bristol. The Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. However, the more she danced, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. After being bullied by a teacher one time too many, Bobbie realised that she would no longer keep quiet and be subject to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. Bobbie is an advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a public speaker, she talks about putting boundary setting and respect into practice, both on and off the dance floor.Resources:Download my 5 Top Tips for a great dance night!https://empowereddancers.com/5tipsConnect with Bobbie Miles!Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFollow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancerFind me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadoraSubscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
TED 05 | Safe Spaces and the Role of the Teacher with Vanessa Bright
Apr 4 2024
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 an up-and-coming British Mauritian independent soul musician and independent Singer/Songwriter. Soul Chart hits include “Movin’ On” & “Keep Your Spirits High” with Tom Browne. Vanessa is also a life coach and has been a salsa, bachata, and kizomba dancer for the last several years.Connect with Vanessa BrightFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vbright11Website: www.vanessabright.co.ukAbout Bobbie MilesBobbie Miles is a social dancer and local teacher based in Bristol. The Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. However, the more she danced, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. After being bullied by a teacher one time too many, Bobbie realised that she would no longer keep quiet and be subject to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. Bobbie is an advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a public speaker, she talks about putting boundary setting and respect into practice, both on and off the dance floor.Resources:Download my 5 Top Tips for a great dance night!https://empowereddancers.com/5tipsConnect with Bobbie Miles!Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFollow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancerFind me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadoraSubscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
TED 04 | Swapping Roles and the Freedom it Brings with Laura Conde
Apr 3 2024
TED 04 | Swapping Roles and the Freedom it Brings with Laura Conde
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 CondeLaura 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.Connect with Laura CondeLaura’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.conde.965/Oxford University Salsa Society Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OUSSocAbout Bobbie MilesBobbie Miles is a social dancer and local teacher based in Bristol. The Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. However, the more she danced, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. After being bullied by a teacher one time too many, Bobbie realised that she would no longer keep quiet and be subject to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. Bobbie is an advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a public speaker, she talks about putting boundary setting and respect into practice, both on and off the dance floor.Resources:Download my 5 Top Tips for a great dance night!https://empowereddancers.com/5tipsConnect with Bobbie Miles!Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFollow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancerFind me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadoraSubscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
TED 03 | The Highs of Festivals, the Flow of Energy with Grace Clay
Apr 2 2024
TED 03 | The Highs of Festivals, the Flow of Energy with Grace Clay
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 ClayGrace 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.Connect with Grace Clayhttps://www.facebook.com/grace.clay.7About Bobbie MilesBobbie Miles is a social dancer and local teacher based in Bristol. The Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. However, the more she danced, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. After being bullied by a teacher one time too many, Bobbie realised that she would no longer keep quiet and be subject to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. Bobbie is an advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a public speaker, she talks about putting boundary setting and respect into practice, both on and off the dance floor.Resources:Download my 5 Top Tips for a great dance night!https://empowereddancers.com/5tipsConnect with Bobbie Miles!Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFollow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancerFind me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadoraSubscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
TED 02 | DJing & Changes in the Scene with Pierre Henry - Part 2
Apr 2 2024
TED 02 | DJing & Changes in the Scene with Pierre Henry - Part 2
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 HenryPierre 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 HenryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/salsaaddictInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/BachataAddictUKWebsite: https://emusicality.co.uk/About Bobbie MilesBobbie Miles is a social dancer and local teacher based in Bristol. The Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. However, the more she danced, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. After being bullied by a teacher one time too many, Bobbie realised that she would no longer keep quiet and be subject to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. Bobbie is an advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a public speaker, she talks about putting boundary setting and respect into practice, both on and off the dance floor.Resources:Download my 5 Top Tips for a great dance night!https://empowereddancers.com/5tipsConnect with Bobbie Miles!Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFollow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancerFind me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadoraSubscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1
TED 01 | Becoming A Teacher with Pierre Henry - Part 1
Apr 2 2024
TED 01 | Becoming A Teacher with Pierre Henry - Part 1
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 HenryPierre 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 HenryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/salsaaddictInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/BachataAddictUKWebsite: https://emusicality.co.uk/About Bobbie MilesBobbie Miles is a social dancer and local teacher based in Bristol. The Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. However, the more she danced, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. After being bullied by a teacher one time too many, Bobbie realised that she would no longer keep quiet and be subject to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. Bobbie is an advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a public speaker, she talks about putting boundary setting and respect into practice, both on and off the dance floor.Resources: Download my 5 Top Tips for a great dance night! https://empowereddancers.com/5tipsConnect with Bobbie Miles!Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFollow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancerFind me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadoraSubscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1