Knowbox dance
- May 25, 2021
- 2 min read

82 | A Safe Space Isn’t Automatic w/ Joy-Marie Thompson

Updated: May 26, 2021

On this episode, Martheya and YeaJean interview Joy-Marie Thompson to talk about equity in the dance field. Joy-Marie discusses what keeps her dancing, how to make sure you get paid, and her growth as a director. Martheya, YeaJean, and Joy-Marie discuss the importance of how to actually build a safe space and the time it takes to build the relationships in order to do so. Enjoy this episode as Joy-Marie comes to the podcast with the “tea” and the truth. (45:50)

This week on DANCE BEHIND THE SCREEN PODCAST…

[1:15] The Team says welcome back and introduces Joy-Marie Thompson. The teams discuss how they met Joy-Marie and why they are so excited to have her on the show.

QUESTIONS WITH THE TEAM

[2:46] Topic: What keeps You Dancing

[2:46] YeaJean asks: “Could you talk about why you dance?”
[5:00] YeaJean asks: “Can you share what are the inclusive and exclusive issues you find in dance education?”

[9:45] Topic: Directorship, Communication, and Getting Paid

[9:45] Martheya asks: “As a choreographer, what kind of practices do you recommend to create these places where we can set up these values at the beginning of the process?”
[13:21] Martheya asks: “Was there one instance in your life that made you want to hold spaces in this way, or is it a series of past experiences, or have you always been like this?”
[18:28] Martheya asks: “What do you say to our listeners who are on the opposite side of you, who may still be paying to dance?”

[26:22] Topic: Facilitating the “Safe Space”

[21:35] YeaJean asks: “What do you think about safe space for creatives? How can we facilitate it?”
[24:33] Martheya asks: “What do you think are some attributes that are facilitating or making this safe space?”
[27:19] Martheya asks: “Can you talk about a time where the space didn’t feel the space was safe?”
[32:08] Martheya asks: “Do you find it different or more challenging when you are in the role of a performer?”
[39:06] Martheya asks: “What would your message be in terms of equity in the space?”