TED 30 | Why are Vales Important in Bachata Classes? with Tudor Sirbu & Sheffield Bachata Collective

The Empowered Dancers Podcast

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.
Connect with Tudor Sirbu & Sheffield Bachata Collective
Instagram Sheffield Bachata Collective: https://www.instagram.com/sheffieldbachatacollective/
Instagram Tudor: https://www.instagram.com/tudors/
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.
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