Hey friend,

Today's episode is *not* lighthearted. It’s not a “fun” topic. But it’s one we cannot afford to keep sweeping under the rug.

Today, we’re having a real talk about unsafe people in the dance scene — how abuse of power shows up, why character matters, and what we as a community can do about it.

Because here’s the truth: We’re not here to please everyone. We’re here to protect our people.

We’ve heard the stories. We’ve seen the reports. And too often, people turn away, minimize, or say “Oh, it doesn’t seem that bad.” Meanwhile, dancers are getting hurt. 

In this episode, we dig into:

• Why do communities wait until things get really bad before taking action

• The abuse of power that happens when management, DJs, or top people aren’t held accountable

• What it feels like when survivors are minimized, dismissed, or not believed

• The responsibility of organizers — what is our role, where does the line get drawn, and what are your protocols when an unsafe person shows up at your event?

• Why speaking up matters, even if it feels scary or unpopular
  

Our Call to Action for You:

• Survivors: We would love to learn from you. What would have helped you then and what would help you now? Your story matters.
  

• Dancers: If something feels off, don’t wait. Don’t keep it to yourself. Go to your organizer, someone you trust, or even the authorities. Your report becomes part of a paper trail that can protect others.
  

• Organizers: What’s your protocol when unsafe people show up? .
  

This work we do is not for the faint of heart. It’s not for people-pleasers. But if we can be the first to start talking about it openly, maybe others will feel safer to share, too. 

Because silence helps no one. Awareness is how we stop falling prey. 

After you listen, we encourage you talk about this with someone you trust in your dance community.

Community grows stronger when we connect, when we share, and when we stand up together.

______________________________

✨ Want to Help Us Out?

 We LOVE when you ask how to support — here’s how:

• We need help finding studio spaces, rec centers in LA (with price, etc.—all the goodies).
  

• Got social media skills? We could use some help!
  

• Want to host a game night, leads or follows night in, or be part of community planning? Let’s talk.
  

• Does connecting people to be able to go to dance sound fulfilling? We’ve got you!
  

—

RESOURCES:

• FU (Fusion University) is here!  To be the first to know about our classes, practicas, demos, assessments, social community events, and more, sign up for our email newsletter here at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6

• 📌 FAQs: We’ve answered the same questions 50+ times about Fusion University (because we love you), but you can check out FAQ here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iHFXnIC8lxQcxDACRpjZQ2_-QkktxOgnbCt_1tKELDs/edit?tab=t.0

• Wondering on where to social dance in LA?  Stay up-to-date on all the upcoming events in the LA area here: https://bit.ly/Social-Dance-LA 

—

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW US! 👍

This helps us support and reach more people just like you!

Listening on APPLE Podcasts?

https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastApple Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Listening to this on SPOTIFY?

Go to https://bit.ly/FusionDancePodcastSpotify . Tap on the star icon underneath our podcast description to rate and help us out! (Rating is available on mobile app only).

—

CONNECT WITH US!

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fusiondancepodcast 

Tiktok:  www.tiktok.com/@fusiondancepodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fusiondancepodcast 

📧 Email us your podcast topic ideas and suggestions at fusiondancepodcast@gmail.com 

FOLLOW FUSION UNIVERSITY (FU):

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572519666676 

Instagram http://instagram.com/fusionuniversity 

Email Contact: FusionUniversityLA@gmail.com 

Join FU’s email newsletter at https://forms.gle/6GaYzigG1FjVU5vQ6