In the world of dance, safety often takes a backseat to the fun and social atmosphere of parties. However, as conversations around safety in the dance community grow, it’s crucial to address these issues head-on. In this episode, we dive into an enlightening conversation with Lara, the founder of @be.a.safe.place, an initiative dedicated to providing prevention education, safety protocols and support around incidents in the dance scene.

Lara’s journey began from a deeply personal experience. As a victim of violence and abuse within the dance community, she realized that she was not alone in her struggles. "When I shared my story, I found many others who had similar experiences, but there was a prevailing sense of shame that prevented people from speaking up," Laura explains. This realization became the catalyst for the creation of Be a Safe Place, aimed at fostering open conversations and providing support to victims.

Lara emphasizes the importance of trainings for event organizers and staff. "We provide training that reminds them of their legal rights and duties to ensure participant safety," she shares. This training includes trauma-informed listening skills, which are essential for anyone who may be the first point of contact for victims.

Be a Safe Place is committed to creating an environment where victims can feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Lara notes, "It’s not enough to have a safety team; there must be a clear protocol for how to respond to incidents." This highlights the necessity for transparency in what safety teams can offer to victims.

One of the key challenges Lara faces is the reluctance of some organizers to implement safety measures. Many fear that addressing safety concerns could harm their reputation or business. This misalignment in perspectives underscores the critical need for education and awareness within the dance community.

Interestingly, Lara highlights that many organizers are unaware of their legal obligations concerning participant safety. "In France, event organizers have a legal duty to ensure the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of participants," she informs. This includes taking action when a risk is identified, whether it’s addressing a report of inappropriate behavior or creating an environment that fosters open communication.

The conversation with Lara sheds light on the urgent need for safety in the dance community. Key takeaways include the importance of trauma-informed training for organizers, the necessity for clear communication and protocols for safety teams, and the legal responsibilities that event organizers must acknowledge. By fostering a culture of safety and accountability, we can create a dance community where everyone feels secure and valued.

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