Stellan Jara is one of the longest running salsa teachers in the Bristol area and is very black and white when it comes to dealing with report of inappropriate behaviour. Join us as we explore his story into the salas scene, 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 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