TED 22 | Finding Communities in New Cities Through Bachata with Naheul Salem
Moving country? A new language? Daunting at the best of times, but yet another benefit of salsa, bachata and kizomba is that wherever you go, there is a community you can tap into. Even without the local language, dancing is a way to communicate and connect with people. Nahuel talks us through his experience of moving countries and developing friendships through the dance community.
A dancer from Malaga, Spain, Nahuel discovered his love for dancing about a decade ago in Nottingham in the UK and it has since become his way to integrate into new communities, make friends, and explore different cultures. His journey through different cities has not only shaped his dance skills but also broadened his social horizons. He's navigated language barriers, particularly in places like Geneva, where he was able to double up dancing as a tool to practise French and connect with locals and internationals alike. Nahuel values dance not just as a hobby but as a significant part of his social life, enabling him to meet people quickly and comfortably in new environments.
What to expect in this episode:
(00:00:20) - A group chat into salsa
(00:01:06) - Salsa and bachata as a social scene
(00:02:20) - Not speaking much French in Switzerland!
(00:05:00) - Bachata as a motivator for learning more French
(00:06:54) - Advice for dancers in a new city
(00:08:14) - Dancing to meet locals, not just another expat group
(00:09:45) - Going to parties alone
(00:12:34) - Getting to know people through dance instead of words
(00:13:50) - Nahuel’s favourite scenes… so far!
About Nahuel Salem
Nahuel is a bachata dancer whose journey from Malaga to Nottingham, to Geneva to Paris has been intertwined with salsa and bachata. Bachata has been his gateway to new communities and friendships across Europe, as well as a way to learn the local language! Naheul shows us that dance is indeed a language of its own, transcending local language barriers and becoming a way we can connect with people from all over the world.
Connect with Nahuel:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terraldancer
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. The more she danced however, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. Bobbie realised that she will no longer keep quiet, be subjected to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. 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.
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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