INTRODUCTION

Originally from Tanzania, now based in Glasgow, Salma has worked, performed, taught and shared joy alongside inspiring choreographers and communities worldwide. She is passionate about travel and Human Rights and spent 5 months volunteering as a Human Rights Ambassador in Brazil and Columbia, teaching Dance and English conversation in a Language exchange programme.

Her current vulnerable journey involves breaking the barriers of diversity and representing our unique voices in a multicultural society. Her passion is Dance, although she has many others. She aims to bring ethnic, cultural and diverse communities together through a mix of laughter, movement and fun. 

INTERVIEW

How did you get into the dance, choreography and performance field? What initially inspired you?

As a child, my sister and I used to dance for guests at home in Tanzania. I loved watching my late Mother shaking her hips and singing in the kitchen whilst cooking, but it was not accepted as a career. So, at 16yrs old I walked out of school, and worked in a Bakery, alongside studying, which paid for my training 2 years later. At 40yrs old, hugely inspired by Rosina Bonsu, and other Teachers who saw my passion for performance and teaching, I left the Airline Industry and retrained as a Dance Artist. My daughter is my daily inspiration. 

What themes do you tend to interrogate in your work?

Enhancing Diversity in the Community. I teach Aerobics with Soul, The African Dance Workout, offering music, culture, and freedom to move with an emphasis on FUN. Through Contemporary movement & Stretch and Release, I explore how I can adapt exercises and choreography to suit my 52-year-old body. I share my experiences with all generations encouraging individuality. All Dance forms are a CELEBRATION.

What is your favourite project you’ve ever worked on and why?

It is difficult to choose a favourite. As a volunteer in Brasilia, teaching and sharing stories about ancestors in a Women’s Refuge for LGBTQIA, Black and Indigenous people; workshops with Deaf and Hard of Hearing school children; dancing on the River Clyde during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. A recent Dance Residency brought an abundance of understanding the complexity of Racism, working, creating, achieving, crying, laughing, performing. The powerful journey contrasted loneliness and isolation post-COVID. I challenged the fear of self-employment, what comes next? Am I too old, too different, too vulnerable, too clever, too honest, too kind, too ME? Being offered time, support with Education, Therapy, an inspiring collaborating Artist, I truly embraced my practice, and the community.

What advice would you have for creatives of colour looking to get into music?

Ask for what you need and seek advice from your Peers. Apply, study, learn, share, be open to trying different cities, colleges. Ensure organisations engage in instrumental policies. Find the right representatives who have experience and expertise in Diversity and offer support; Matthew Hickman was employed by the Culture Collective and has been pivotal in my career development. In tackling Racism, visibility is paramount, and the expertise of a person like Matthew should always be available. My mentor, Christine Devaney from Curious Seed offered an opportunity to engage with Global Majority, and advocated the importance to address the lack of Diversity within The Arts. The Workroom in Glasgow are profoundly representative and supportive of Scottish Artists. It still surprises, upsets, and frustrates me that inequalities remain unaddressed after all these years, educators and employers must take responsibility by listening, understanding, and supporting our voices. It is a competitive field but trust the journey, ambition, and stand your ground for integration.

What are you currently working on?

I am applying for funding to further develop a ‘One Woman Show’ inspired by the intelligence of British Sign Language to inform movement. I aspire to continue working with a Cellist and collaborating with people who ‘hear me’. I am studying Level Two British Sign Language and have also started a Post- Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in the Arts. Facing barriers has empowered me as a Dance Artist; being vulnerable, honest, and unafraid. I embrace opportunities to work with the community as an invaluable understanding and continuous evaluation of cross-culture, finding both nourishment and challenges along the way.  

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