Salsa, freedom, and mutual respect – Stephanie shares how she creates a safe and welcoming space in her dance school for everyone
In this interview series, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the dance world – where passion, ambition, and challenges intersect. Today, we meet Stephanie (35), a salsa and bachata instructor in Utrecht and co-owner of Union Salsa Dance Company. In a dance style where joy, physical connection, and trust go hand in hand, she works every day to create an atmosphere of freedom and connection – without losing sight of boundaries, safety, and respect.
By Ika Berman
“Dance is my freedom, my reset button, and my community”
Stephanie has been dancing nearly her entire life. What started as toddler ballet in the Dutch town of Culemborg grew into a professional career in partner dances like salsa and bachata. “When I moved to Utrecht at 17, I knew I wanted a dance style where I could decide how often I danced. Salsa turned out to be the perfect fit.” Today, she runs her own dance school with a team of dozens of instructors. She teaches, coaches aspiring dance teachers, and is actively involved with Dans Veilig – an initiative promoting positive change within the Dutch dance sector.
The power of Salsa
“What I love about salsa is how inclusive it is. Young, old, beginner, advanced – everyone dances with everyone. You don’t need to bring a partner; you’re naturally welcomed into the group. And it’s more than just movement – it’s a non-verbal conversation. The lead initiates, the follow responds, but the real magic happens when there’s mutual exchange and flow.”
That same creative and social freedom is what drew her to bachata, especially the sensual style in which she now specializes. “Bachata is more dramatic, more emotional. I can really lose myself in it, especially with those intense, moody songs.”
“In partner dance, everything is built on connection and trust.”
Safety as a Prerequisite for Joy
But that same intensity can also bring vulnerability. “Dance is physical – you touch each other. And in partner dance, it’s all about connection and trust. That’s why a safe environment is absolutely essential.”
At her school, it’s not just about house rules – they also have clear social conduct guidelines. “Hygiene, posture, boundaries, respect – we talk about it. Our teachers actively bring it up in class, and we have a clear reporting system in place. Everyone needs to know: if something happens, you can come to us and we will take it seriously.”
She recalls an incident with a visitor whose behavior escalated into stalking. “It turned out he had mental health issues – so it was an extreme case – but even with smaller incidents, we draw a clear line. Social safety is non-negotiable. We banned him from the school. I’ve really seen how effective our code of conduct can be. By putting it in writing and addressing it openly, people become more aware of their behavior and reflect on how they interact. That’s how we create a respectful and safe space – together.”
Boundaries, Jokes, and the Grey Areas
Fortunately, Stephanie says she’s personally had few experiences with unsafe situations. “That’s partly because I actively speak up and show that it’s okay to name things. Not everyone feels safe doing that – and that’s exactly why the environment needs to support it: friends, fellow dancers, teachers. There has to be space to speak up.”
Still, she acknowledges the other side. “Sometimes people – especially men – are so afraid of crossing boundaries that they become unsure of what’s still okay. That’s why open dialogue is essential. It’s not just about punishment, but also about empathy, communication, and education.”
Salsa as a Mirror of Society
The dance world isn’t separate from the rest of society. Issues like performance pressure, hierarchy, and power dynamics exist here too. “As soon as competition gets involved, the pressure increases, and the power balance can shift. That’s when risks emerge. But that’s not unique to salsa – you see it in every sport or art form.”
What Stephanie values most about her dance community is its sense of equality. “We encourage roll rotation – where everyone learns both leading and following. That breaks down traditional gender roles and helps dancers better understand each other’s experience. And that’s something you can take into everyday life too: stepping into someone else’s shoes makes you more empathetic – and more free.”
Dance as Lifeline
What does dance give her? “Friendship and freedom! It’s a way to get out of my head. Even now that it’s my job, it’s still my greatest passion. I still dance just for myself. It’s really my reset button.”
And she sees the same in her students, young and old. “My classes include people from 18 to well into their 70s. And everyone dances with everyone. That openness, that equality – that’s the heart of salsa for me.”
Her Most Important Lesson?
She doesn’t hesitate: “Stay humble. The moment you think you’re above someone else, you lose the connection, the respect, the openness. And that’s where discomfort begins. Especially in dance – where everything is built on connection – humility is key.”
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