Creating Brave Spaces: What That Means for Our Faculty, Staff, and Students
In dance, as in life, real growth requires vulnerability.
It’s not enough to simply create “safe spaces” where discomfort is avoided. At SOUL DE SOUL, we are committed to cultivating brave spaces. Spaces where dancers, faculty, and staff are encouraged to show up fully, speak truthfully, and move through challenge with support and courage.
But what does that actually mean in practice?
Let’s take a deeper look at what creating brave spaces looks like in our rooms, relationships, and culture.
What Is a Brave Space?
Unlike a “safe space,” which prioritizes comfort, a brave space is rooted in honesty, respect, and growth. It’s a space where:
Difficult conversations are welcomed with care
Mistakes are seen as learning moments
Diversity of experience and identity is celebrated
Each person’s voice matters regardless of title, level, or background
Brave spaces aren’t perfect — but they’re intentional. They’re created through trust, transparency, and a willingness to grow together.
For Our Faculty
Brave space for faculty means leading with humility and heart. We invite our educators to:
Teach with empathy, while still holding high standards
Model curiosity and openness instead of perfectionism
Check their own biases and continue doing the inner work
Honor each dancer’s humanity before their technique
Our faculty are artists and mentors — but they’re also humans. We support them in showing up authentically and growing right alongside our students.
For Our Staff
Brave space for our team means being part of a culture of care and accountability. We:
Hold clear communication and mutual respect as non-negotiables
Invite feedback and honor multiple perspectives
Empower our team to use their voice and ideas to shape SDS
Cultivate an internal environment where staff feel supported to thrive — not just function
Behind the scenes, our staff culture mirrors what we teach on stage: kindness with structure, leadership with listening.
For Our Students
Brave space for students means creating rooms where dancers feel:
Seen, not compared
Safe to take risks, make mistakes, and try again
Encouraged to bring their full identity and story to the movement
Invited into conversations that expand their understanding of themselves and others
Celebrating their meaning, empowerment, and growth
Whether it’s through our faculty feedback sessions, community moments, or small shifts in how we give corrections, every dancer deserves to know that their growth matters more than their placement.
With heart,
Mackenzie Martin
FOUNDER & CEO, SOUL DE SOUL
We invite you to join us on this journey. Stay connected with us by subscribing to our newsletter, following us on social media, or attending one of our events.