Enough Harassment
Updated: Thursday, June 11, 2020
I want to start by saying I know we have been through a lot in the past few months. First with COVID canceling all kinds of events and any chance of us going to a Zouk Congress this 2020. I know this can be quite devastating for many of us. All the way through George Floyd’s death and bringing to light the systemic racism that exists in our country and police brutality. Needless to say, for USA it has been a whirlwind of emotions. Nonetheless, we strive to keep you informed on Zouk happenings all over the world.
Some of you may have already seen some videos. Some of you may have already seen the instagram created. If you haven’t, I’m going to tell you all about it. About 3 days ago a new instagram was created @chegadeassedionadanca. In English this means “Enough Harassment in Dance”. In 3 days it has accumulated 5,000 followers. The instagram has been leaking personal stories from women who have been somehow harassed on the dance floor or private lessons by numerous artists in the dance scene. The account is only admitting women, it is a place for them to share their stories and support each other.
Some of you may have already seen this or trying to decipher what is going on. We’ll try to translate things that are relevant right now.
Some of these artists have already publicly apologized for their actions. Actually, several artists that initially posted apologizes have also since removed them. (Below an emotional video from a Brazilian dancer posting about her thoughts and feelings on the movement.)
Even our dear Aline Cleto that spent time with us in New York posted a very emotional video today expressing her opinions.
Partial translation for Aline’s video: “I’ve already seen cases of abuse, of harassment of various kinds. And I ask myself, what have I done to change this? And, what can we do to change this? I was on the page, Enough Harassment in Dance. In that page where women decided to share anonymously and welcome other women who suffer abuse and harassment. It’s very intense the things that happened. All you have to do is read the complaints that have been made for us to bring to light this reality to our dance community. “
These stories are currently mainly happening in Brazil and all the testimonials are in Portuguese. However, they are very important for us to know about. These are the same artists we are inviting not only into our classrooms but at times into our homes. It’s important for us to know and be prepared.
Whether the stories are true or not is besides the point. What we do know, is way too many stories about rape, HIV and more. This is something us women go through all the time. This is not anything new for us. Unfortunately, it is really tough to deal with when it is happening in a scene you love so much and are so passionate about. It is also worse when it happens with someone you think you can trust.
Let’s be real ladies. The reality is the zouk scene is overpopulated by women. On top of these men being the minority, we also feed them so much attention. Their egos grow to a size where they feel these things are acceptable and they are not. We also need to make sure we do our part to not make they feel like they are gods or invented a cure for cancer. Lets be real, if we were to have walked past these guys on the street you would not have looked twice.
So just like George Floyd, awaking the harsh reality of systemic racism. We need to do our part and use this time to end chauvinism on the dance floor. Or at least try to end it. Or at the very least unwanted sexual passes.
I have a feeling these stories are just the beginning. If you’re someone that has something to say and might have a story to tell I think you should go ahead and write to this instagram. Share your story. This is a community and the more we inform each other out there the more we can be prepared in case this ever happens to us.
Ladies, also I’m here if you ever have anything to talk about. Please reach out to me personally on @jessiquim or the @zoukology account.
Below is a link to our Zoukology facebook post for additional discussion and comments;
https://www.facebook.com/zoukology/posts/1612279735614102
Statement from artists will be added below.
Larissa Secco statement:
Hello guys. I came here today to position myself and talk a little about harassment and abuse in ballroom dancing that, unfortunately, exists. I have been through some uncomfortable situations myself, and they made me reflect and look for help from a professional (who helped me a lot), so I could work on these aspects and add them to my personal growth.
Today I am here to say that I discriminate and I am opposed to any form of abuse, any attitude that crosses the barrier of other’s intimacy without consent. The victims, who have been or still are in an abusive situation, have to report it and I also suggest they seek for professional help to overcome their trauma.
These unfortunate attitudes of abuse are a reflection of a patriarchal society and, although they are in ballroom dancing, they do not define it. I continue to believe in the beauty and the benefits dance can provide to the well-being of those who practice it. When we find ourselves in a safe and comfortable environment, we can express our feelings in the form of movement.
I take this opportunity to thank all the support messages that I have received. I will continue to love my work and do it with great love and dedication, always respecting my values. I will not disappoint you.
Love and blessings
Other comments and statements from the community.
About: Jessica Carro
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