In November, Joseph Bou-Nassif, a Graduate Management Trainee, and Rianne Gayle, from the Student Recruitment Office, hosted a daytime salsa workshop for a number of colleagues from across the University.

As an international student and member of staff, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is certainly important to Joseph and volunteering to take on the workshop is just one way he shows support to the wider community at Loughborough University. 

Joseph commented: “The salsa class had a great diversity of participants from the UK and overseas, and it usually creates a sense of belonging to a community, meeting new people and feeling included, all while doing some form of physical activity, which is great for the mental and physical wellbeing of the participants.”

Rianne is a relatively new employee to the University, but has coached the Rawkus dance society at Loughborough for five years prior to becoming a full-time member of staff this year. Rawkus is an inclusive society that anyone can join; she has been fortunate to teach a range of students of varying abilities from countless backgrounds. The inclusive and open atmosphere allows members to feel they can explore and express their dance identity and develop as dancers.

Salsa came into Rianne’s life through her parents’ love of social salsa dancing, and now she teaches it regularly to wedding couples for their first dances and centres EDI values in her work. Her experience has taught her that lehengas are some of the most beautiful skirts for first dances, that it only takes two people to do partner dances, that we can embrace every gender combination, and that disability is welcomed within the scope of dance. 

Rianne explores her Caribbean heritage through her specialism in dancehall and her Caribbean Carnival participation and experience. She appreciates the opportunities provided by the University and Loughborough’s dedication to EDI values. 

Denise Coles, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at the University, stated: “It was great to take part in an event that brought together people from diverse communities all enjoying an afternoon of learning dance moves, laughing over missteps, and being encouraged and supported by two great instructors. It’s my job to think about ways to create an inclusive culture where people see themselves reflected in events that are occurring.  The importance of having a Salsa class here at the University is that it is free for everyone to attend and that we have the opportunity to take part in a sociable, uplifting activity that happens all across the world. Due to its popularity and enjoyability, Salsa is a great way to meet and connect with new people.”

Salsa dancing evidently promotes the fundamentals of EDI whilst helping people learn new skills and improve cardiovascular endurance.  Both Rianne and Joseph enjoyed this event and hope to run another in the near future, spreading awareness around EDI at Loughborough University and creating an inclusive space for members of the community.