The Power in Saying No: Giulia Tripoli

Nov. 13

For this month’s Story Bloom, we spoke with the incredible Giulia Tripoli about how she found her voice to speak up in the dance industry and Why It’s Important to Say No. An invested and positive leader in the Montreal dance community, Giulia is a motivational speaker, choreographer, and creator who has been dancing around the world since 2008. She is the founder and director of the renowned all-drop in dance space Tripoli Studios in Montreal, as well as the host of the Dance Plug Canada podcast. In 2020, Giulia started her non-profit organization Project Re. Project Re is dedicated to reorienting the dance industry towards recognizing differences, reacting inclusively, and respecting each other. We are honoured to have Giulia share her interpersonal values and hopes for the next generation of dancers. Read her impactful words below.

You are an accomplished dance artist that does a lot more than just dance - you are a motivational speaker, studio owner and teacher, and host the Dance Plug podcast. What have all these parts of your work and artistic experience meant to you?

You just said it. I can fit it to more than one box. I am truly inspired by so much that I’m always looking to define my artistry in multiple ways. You end up finding yourself creating places that don’t exist yet when you’re constantly drawn to the road less travelled. I feel blessed to be living this type of existence. I hope I can be an example for others in the community to know that their unique journey is important. There is no need to follow what anyone else is doing in this art form. We are each on our own path, driving on our own lane, walking the road less travelled.

This year, you started Project Re, a non-profit organization dedicated to reorienting the dance community towards recognizing differences, reacting inclusively, and respecting each other. What moved you to start Project Re?

There are many types of issues in the dance industry that led to Project Re. Manipulative behaviour can come in many forms. It can even appear as kind and endearing. I encourage youth dancers to question things that don’t feel right as much as they can, especially if a situation ever makes them feel like they are not at peace with their own feelings. That is what our “gut” is for. If something ever feels strange, it should not be ignored.

Consider the following problematic scenarios: A choreographer asks you to stay back alone late at night after a rehearsal. A teacher continuously attacks your body image, eating habits, or mental capacity. A mentor brings your relationship to a physical or sexual level. Your “gut” should be tingling, and you should speak with someone you trust.

More often than not, young artists will not speak up when these situations occur because they are misunderstanding manipulation for love. They think this is how they are to be treated when someone cares about them. And when they begin to work in the industry, they often don’t speak up because in fear of their career being destroyed. The truth is, when we accept these types of situations and behaviours we encourage this awful narrative to continue. We become powerless. If we give ourselves the permission to say NO, we have the ability to change the narrative for the better. This is hard to do, especially in industries that have systemic problems. It is unbelievably easy for people to hide behind the statement that “that’s just the way it is”. Project Re is about giving people a safe place to turn and to feel supported. To know that if they find the courage to speak up, action will take place. Our goal is not to admonish the bad. We are here to celebrate the good and make sure that it is those dancers, choreographers, studios, and competitions that get put in the spotlight. Rather than vilify those who do wrong, let’s vindicate those who get it right.

Speak about the importance of creating safe spaces for artists of this industry to not only recognize relevant issues of misconduct, but to also work together to find solutions.

In my view, complaining for the sake of complaining won’t get you anywhere. The dance world, like many other industries, has been complacent for too long. People get the idea that this is just the way the world is and accepts this notion without further thought. It doesn’t have to be this way. The world can be what we make of it.

There are 3 major values that I hold close to my heart in the dance world. These have integrated into what we stand for at Project Re.

Community over competition:  Communities are made of individuals, each playing a crucial role in contributing vitality to each other. We are not competing to fit in the same places, but each striving to find where we can live as our best. We have to realize that one light doesn’t dim just because another shines. Each of us has a place made for us to brighten.

Being ready to be called in: We are done putting our energy in those who should know better and should be better. Let’s reorient this outlook, and highlight the power each individual can have in this industry. Within each of us is a voice, an instrument made to be heard. Be open to speaking your truth and sharing your powerful story.

Knowing it’s okay to say NO:  I believe we need to give a voice to the inner feeling, the persistent doubt that makes us question whether we have a place to speak up or if it’s easier to just step aside. Whoever you are in this community, know that you do not stand alone in the doubts you feel. I want to step up to the challenge of speaking up, and allow others to step out of the negativity. Let’s immerse ourselves in a community that is supportive and safe. When we take that step forward, no one can deny where you’re going.

As such an uplifting leader in the Montreal community, you’ve seen the power of connection, respect, and speaking out. What advice can you leave for the next generation of dancers to do the same?

I’m hopeful that I will witness the next generation of dancers come of age in a world that normalizes differences. Different body types, different points of view, different backgrounds. Not everyone is going to fit one image. I want dancers to know that it’s okay to be different. It’s also okay if this ‘difference’ means you don’t fit into a certain norm or pre-determined picture. Let’s also uphold the code of respect to others in the community. If something doesn’t feel right, you can and should speak up.

Ultimately, I want the next generation to know that if there is no seat at the table for you, you don’t have to conform to sit there. You can just build a whole new table.

For more inspiration from Giulia, you can find her on Instagram @giulia_tripoli or at Tripoli Studio’s website. We encourage Bloomies to explore Project Re’s powerful message by checking them out on Instagram @proj.re.