Women who move us
Sam LeBihan
Dance Artist, Educator and Activist. Passionate about natural health and wellbeing and an excellent cook. I also love literature, art and architecture and these inform my travels.
When was the moment you knew you wanted a career in dance?
I was offered a fully funded professional training at the age of 18 and this was my ticket to leave home.
What is a quote you live by?
"Fall in love with yourself, with life and then with whoever you want" Frida Kahlo
If you could have lunch with any woman (living or from the past), who would you pick and why?
Boudica (and her daughters) as she symbolises justice and hope whilst facing an oppressive regime, maybe I could learn something that would help with todays 'oppressive regimes'.
Is it more important to be liked or respected?
Respected, although I try not to worry too much what others think of me and only hold myself accountable.
How do you manage stress?
I have many activities in my life to manage stress including; baking, practicing yoga, dance classes, walking and gardening. I am currently trying to grow my own vegetables and herbs and I am on a steep learning curve with many failures and small success's, but loads of joyful moments.
Where is your happy place?
Standing in sunshine and looking out at the sea always floods me with happiness, and this could be anywhere in the world but I do love the sunllight of the med. I also do love going to see live dance, music and theatre, but specifcally dance and I am an apologetically a huge fan of Pina Bausch, Crystal Pite and Oona Doherty.
If you were a fruit or vegetable, which would you be and why?
Mushroom. (Though technically a fungi) As I am a complex and diverse thinker and hard to fit into a catergory.
In our dance sector, what do you think is the most pressing issue for women and girls right now and what are you doing about it?
The lack of knowledge and understanding in safe practice and that includes safeguarding, in a very fast paced and changing world. It feels like standards across the dance sector are crumbling, and girls and women are losing their voices and power unless they collude with patriarchal regimes that still dominate.
What’s something you regret in your professional dance career?
Allowing myself to be bullied as a professional adult whilst trying to hold onto opportunities. I should have trusted my instincts and found other solutions, but when life is super busy its hard to realise that for yourself.
What question do you wish more people would ask you?
Tell me more about dance teaching and pedagogical skills? I believe that all those involved with providing edcucational experiences should by highly learned by a combination of experience and study.
What are the 3 leadership traits that best define you?
Kindness, compassion and application.
What book/film/documentary do you recommend most to others?
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is the book I most recommend specically to teens and young adults.
Which lesson has been the hardest to learn?
The 'let them' mindset that reminds me that other people's actions are beyond my control - freeing me from all of that unnecessary stress.
What's next for you?
I am currently wrting a book on dance teaching and will also be having a new website coming soon offering a range of services for the dance sector.
Cinderella, Pocahontas, Alice in Wonderland or Malefica?
I really don't like Disney so none of these versions of women, but based on characteristics it would have to be Malefica as I can relate to being a sorceress or herbalist.
Recommendations
