Unscripted

A message people need to hear. Sometimes, you just have to speak your truth and know that the right ones will hear you. Trusting your intuition is like walking with God next to you. This won't be the last time you randomly hear from me.  Are we complicit in the cycles of abuse? If we can't hold accountability and continue to allow our peers to get away with being abusive or being complicit to abuse, will we ever truly get anywhere or have our egos completely overcame us? If we give platforms to people with an abusive history and whom continue to run away from accountability, are we complicit?   I want to hear from you.  Follow @sytworldwide speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com  

TW: Abuse    Dance communities all over are joining us in the fight against abuse and supporting survivors, but Chicago seems to have a dark cloud (or person) hovering over them. The abuse of power is real here and this is only one story of many in the Chicago dance scene.  Support them. See them. Believe them.    If you a survivor in the Chicago dance community and would like to come on to the podcast to speak your truth, please feel free to contact us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com    Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide The Unscripted podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  All conversations and information exchanged during participation on the Unscripted podcast, as well as on the associated Speak Your Truth Worldwide social pages are intended for informational purposes only. UNSCRIPTED is in full compliance with federal laws where people can freely speak their truth without facing legal repercussions and is protected under criminal code.  Please be advised that the content of this podcast may be triggering for listeners. If you think you may have a medical or life threatening emergency, or you are suicidal, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. If you do not need immediate help but would like assistance or professional help in processing & healing from your experience, please feel free to reach out to SYTW for free & affordable resources at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com  National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 available 24/7  If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance & entertainment community/industry. The content of Speak Your Truth Worldwide—the podcast, show notes, social media profiles—does not supplement or supersede the relationship and direction of your medical caretakers. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental disorder. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the Unscripted podcast.

TW: grooming, child abuse, some talk of sexual harassment.  Here we are. Over one year since Cierra, Lexi, Chris, Jesse, and 100's of other brave souls came forward about the abuse they had endured while being a part of the now over, AOV (Academy of Villains). On this episode of UNSCRIPTED we have an anonymous guest from the no longer YSC (Young Skull Club), which is the former youth dance team under the direction of AOV/STUDIO V owners Christopher “Pharside” “CJ” Jennings and Krystal “Phoenix'' Meraz. She recites the toxic environment, abuse and grooming she endured and witnessed as a 15 year old under their direction and how it has carried with her to the present day. She, like many others, are still processing everything that has happened, especially after being validated by everyone else stories that have been shared thus far. Today she is ready for you to hear her truth. Like all of our episodes, please remember that this is a vulnerable recording and we encourage all listeners to hold a loving and supportive space for our guests at all times. These are raw conversations about real individual trauma.  Support them. See them. Believe them.  If you were a former member of YSC and would like to come on to the podcast to speak your truth, please feel free to contact us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com  Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide The Unscripted podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All conversations and information exchanged during participation on the Unscripted podcast, as well as on the associated Speak Your Truth Worldwide social pages are intended for informational purposes only. Please be advised that the content of this podcast may be triggering for listeners. If you think you may have a medical or life threatening emergency, or you are suicidal, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. If you do not need immediate help but would like assistance or professional help in processing & healing from your experience, please feel free to reach out to SYTW for free & affordable resources at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com  National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 available 24/7  If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance & entertainment community/industry. The content of Speak Your Truth Worldwide—the podcast, show notes, social media profiles—does not supplement or supersede the relationship and direction of your medical caretakers. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental disorder. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the Unscripted podcast.

TW: sexual assault  On this episode of UNSCRIPTED co-hosts Kimia and Cierra sit down with the bold and strong N'tegrity Quinones whom in the past year has openly came out about an unfortunate situation that happened years ago from a prominent member in the break dance community. Since coming out and speaking her truth she has chosen to advocate for sexual assault and abuse survivors in the dance community and in this conversation N'tegrity goes through what worked for her when deciding to publically come forward and gives great advice for others who want to do the same.    You can connect and support N'tegrity here: * Instagram: @ntegrityinmotion  * Her company: https://www.ntegrityinmotion.com/ * SIGN HER PETITION - https://www.ntegrityinmotion.com/post/sexual-violence   Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide The Unscripted podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The guest who come on to speak on this podcast  All conversations and information exchanged during participation on the Unscripted podcast, as well as on the associated Speak Your Truth Worldwide social pages are intended for informational purposes only. Please be advised that the content of this podcast may be triggering for listeners. If you think you may have a medical or life threatening emergency, or you are suicidal, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. If you do not need immediate help but would like assistance or professional help in processing & healing from your experience, please feel free to reach out to SYTW for free & affordable resources at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com  National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 available 24/7  If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance & entertainment community/industry. The content of Speak Your Truth Worldwide—the podcast, show notes, social media profiles—does not supplement or supersede the relationship and direction of your medical caretakers. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental disorder. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the Unscripted podcast.

On this episode of UNSCRIPTED we have the privilege of bringing on licensed therapist, somatic psychotherapist and EMDR practitioner, Inertia Dewitt (MFA, MA) to discuss Cultural/Identity Abuse and how it shows up in dance. As a dancer herself with ample experience in this industry, this is a conversation worth listening to! This is an important form of abuse to discuss because it is not one that is talked about enough, especially for how often we see it.    After listening to this episode you may want to connect with Inertia and her brilliance! Here's where to find her:    * www.instagram.com/inertiadewitt * www.inertiadewitt.com * www.healingismutual.com -- free and low cost resources!   Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide The Unscripted podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All conversations and information exchanged during participation on the Unscripted podcast, as well as on the associated Speak Your Truth Worldwide social pages are intended for informational purposes only. Please be advised that the content of this podcast may be triggering for listeners. If you think you may have a medical or life threatening emergency, or you are suicidal, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. If you do not need immediate help but would like assistance or professional help in processing & healing from your experience, please feel free to reach out to SYTW for free & affordable resources at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com  National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 available 24/7  If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance & entertainment community/industry. The content of Speak Your Truth Worldwide—the podcast, show notes, social media profiles—does not supplement or supersede the relationship and direction of your medical caretakers. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental disorder. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the Unscripted podcast.  

Agencies taking advantage of talent. Under-paying and mistreating dancers. Doesn't really seem like a surprise to hear, but why are we normalizing it and why do people say, “ It's just the way the dance industry is.”? NO. We do not need to accept this. We need to talk about it and start standing up for ourselves and each other. In this episode Feliciano comes on to the UNSCRIPTED podcast to speak his truth about a couple unfortunate experiences he endured while being a part of a popular agency in San Francisco that fired him for asking questions about his and others dancers pay. His story helps to put a light on this type of mistreatment and we encourage anyone else who has a experience with this agency or any other agency-like company, please email us at: speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide The Unscripted podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All conversations and information exchanged during participation on the Unscripted podcast, as well as on the associated Speak Your Truth Worldwide social pages are intended for informational purposes only. Please be advised that the content of this podcast may be triggering for listeners. If you think you may have a medical or life threatening emergency, or you are suicidal, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. If you do not need immediate help but would like assistance or professional help in processing & healing from your experience, please feel free to reach out to SYTW for free & affordable resources at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com  National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 available 24/7  If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance & entertainment community/industry. The content of Speak Your Truth Worldwide—the podcast, show notes, social media profiles—does not supplement or supersede the relationship and direction of your medical caretakers. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental disorder. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the Unscripted podcast.

Trigger Warning: topics on sexual abuse  We continue the conversation on the 6 different types of abuse SYTW has chosen to do deeper research on and host Jesse Fields is talking with SYTW contributor and licensed therapist, Terry Hyde to help educate us and others on sexual abuse and how it shows up in dance. Terry comes from a strong background in dance in the UK and after a long run with ballet since the age of 6, he is now a highly seeked out psychotherapist for dancers. Terry help us learn the signs of sexual abuse, how to navigate through and where it best to get help after surviving sexual abuse.  The Unscripted podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All conversations and information exchanged during participation on the Unscripted podcast, as well as on the associated Speak Your Truth Worldwide social pages are intended for informational purposes only. As it pertains to Terry Hyde MA MBACP, he is a licensed psychotherapist, licensed by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy, license number  00675566. Terry Hyde is a regular contributor to Speak Your Truth Worldwide, but he is not functioning as a psychotherapist in this environment. The same applies to any professionals who may appear on the Unscripted podcast. Interaction with SYTW online should not be considered treatment or medical advice. You must always follow your medical professional's advice and direction. Please be advised that the content of this podcast may be triggering for listeners. If you think you may have a medical or life threatening emergency, or you are suicidal, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. If you do not need immediate help but would like assistance or professional help in processing & healing from your experience, please feel free to reach out to SYTW for free & affordable resources at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com  National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 available 24/7  If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance & entertainment community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide If you would like to contact Terry for professional help you can e-mail him at counsellingfordancers@gmail.com The content of Speak Your Truth Worldwide—the podcast, show notes, social media profiles—does not supplement or supersede the relationship and direction of your medical caretakers. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental disorder. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the Unscripted podcast. Resources used by Jesse: www.apa.org  www.psychologytoday.com

We continue the conversation on the 6 different types of abuse SYTW has been researching and Jesse is talking with SYTW contributor and licensed therapist, Carly Wielstein to educate us all. Carly uses specific examples of psychological abuse seen in dance and general life to help us learn some of the warning signs, how to navigate and get help.  The Unscripted podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All conversations and information exchanged during participation on the Unscripted podcast, as well as on the associated Speak Your Truth Worldwide social pages are intended for informational purposes only. As it pertains to Carly Wielstein, she is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences, license number LMFT 117141. Carly Wielstein is a regular contributor to Speak Your Truth Worldwide, but she is not functioning as a Marriage and Family Therapist in this environment. The same applies to any professionals who may appear on the Unscripted podcast. Interaction with SYTW online should not be considered treatment or medical advice. You must always follow your medical professional's advice and direction. Please be advised that the content of this podcast may be triggering for listeners. If you think you may have a medical or life threatening emergency, or you are suicidal, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide The content of Speak Your Truth Worldwide—the podcast, show notes, social media profiles—does not supplement or supersede the relationship and direction of your medical caretakers. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental disorder. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the Unscripted podcast.

Trigger Warning: Rape On this episode of UNSCRIPTED Cierra brings on another survivor of a collegiate dance team in Riverside California. Selena was the first one to originally come forward about this serial abuser who is former director of the team. Selena paved the way and gave courage to the others who have come on anonymously to speak their truth and here she gets an opportunity to be heard once and for all. Please open your heart and hold space for survivors.  If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide

It's time to start educating on the 6 different types of abuse SYTW has been researching and we are starting off with bringing on licensed therapist, Carly Wielstein to educate us. Carly uses specific examples of emotional/verbal abuse seen in dance to help us learn some of the warning signs, how to navigate and get help.  The Unscripted podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All conversations and information exchanged during participation on the Unscripted podcast, as well as on the associated Speak Your Truth Worldwide social pages are intended for informational and/or entertainment purposes only. As it pertains to Carly Wielstein, she is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences, license number LMFT 117141. Carly Wielstein is a regular contributor to Speak Your Truth Worldwide, but she is not functioning as a Marriage and Family Therapist in this environment. The same applies to any professionals who may appear on the Unscripted podcast. Interaction with SYTW online should not be considered treatment or medical advice. You must always follow your medical professional's advice and direction. Please be advised that the content of this podcast may be triggering for listeners. If you think you may have a medical or life threatening emergency, or you are suicidal, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide The content of Speak Your Truth Worldwide—the podcast, show notes, social media profiles—does not supplement or supersede the relationship and direction of your medical caretakers. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental disorder. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the Unscripted podcast.

Breakout your notebooks or if you're driving, mental notebooks. Sarah Dharshi is back with us dropping education on our asses! Speaking on her perspective of how dancers are sexualized, we discuss real life examples of how dancers are over sexualized and how to set some boundaries. Leaders, teachers, directors, mentors and all alike.. It's time to start changing old ways and you can start by opening up your mind and actively listening to people like Sarah with experiences to share. How can we be just as effective in training people without all the harsh tactics? It's time to start getting creative not just in dance, but how we conduct ourselves in it.  If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide

It's frustrating to know that there are abusers in the dance community who will be confronted about the abuse they inflict on others and instead of doing anything to heal, they would rather cover up and pretend it didn't happen. Cierra speaks with Andres Alas (a former Academy of Villains ‘AOV' member) who comes on to have an open & honest conversation for the first time with Jesse Fields about how the directors of AOV manipulated and pinned him to feel the need to replace Jesse and how they would do this with multiple members against former members. They also discuss the rebranding of AOV as “UNIKIYO” by the “new” directors or as we would like to call, the “enablers” of Cj and Krystal.    You can find Krystal and “Creatophers” (CJ's) new way of finding stability and comfort on instagram at @unikiyo.co. We pray for the people involved and those that continue to support these abusers who have yet to admit harm in their actions to the hundreds who have came forward.  If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the dance community or industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide Or Follow us on Twitter @unscriptedsytw

Refer to Episode 8: "CALLING IN COLLEGIATE TEAMS" for the first story on this abuser.   This anonymous guest details 909 Dance Troupe's extensive history of mental, physical, emotional, cultural, financial, and sexual abuse from 2015-2017. She is here to reclaim her voice and speak her truth openly and honestly. She hopes this can raise awareness to the signs of abusive behaviors on collegiate teams, and provide insight for others considering joining this community.   If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide                    

Trigger Warning: Underage grooming.   It's experiences like this one that force you to be more aware and thanks to this anonymous guest coming forward to share their experience, we now have a little more insight on how young minds can be easily influenced and manipulated by people in positions of power. Our guest from Honolulu says “ I wanted to come forward to help those who may be in similar situations.” It isn't easy to build the courage to talk these experiences out, but it is healing and it is needed.   If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide  

What is a social justice advocate/warrior? How do we dismantle the ego so we can implement real change? How can we be better through our actions on social media? This is a great educational episode as Cierra and Sarah have an open conversation about Sarahs experiences growing up in the dance community in Canada. Cierra also introduces the 6 forms of abuse that herself and her team at SYTW are beginning to educate themselves and the dance community on. If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide

Trigger Warning: RAPE  Our guest (who would like to remain anonymous) was 17/18 years old and being preyed upon by much older members/alumni of this collegiate team. These predators who use the their status and connection to the team to find new victims year after year must be stopped.  If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide  

Trigger warning: sexual assault - sexual abuse. It doesn't just “take two”. Chris Gayle opens up to Cierra, Jesse, and Lexi with more details on her unfortunate encounters with the director of AOV. This episode will have you tense, tight, and uncomfortable but these are the things we can't be tense about anymore because it's happening too often. We must continue to push the conversation in order to denormalize this type of behavior. If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide

Cierra talks to Jaybee Bagunu, Jesse and Lexi on Jaybee's experience in the dance community in Vancouver, Canada. This can be looked at as a continuation of our last episode with Anna. Jaybee dives into covert narcissism and the hidden agenda behind a new studio. She wants to use her voice to amplify the voices of others, including the younger generation who came forward to her, on top of the additional information that wasn't initially brought to light. She hopes people can have better critical thinking. She wants to encourage people to put "cancel culture" aside and make transparency against covert manipulation a priority. Nobody is perfect but accountability is required for any community to improve. Jaybee would like the audience to know “how you treat the community is more important than how much you like them”. If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide

Trigger Warning: RAPE & SUICIDE   Cierra and Lexi open the platform to Anna from Vancouver Canada to discuss her experiences and rape within the dance community. Acknowledging human flaws but also not tolerating excuses.. accountability is essential in creating healthy change within the community so we must hold each other to it. If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide

Cierra Lauren and Jesse Fields break down the mysterious Michelle Payne Instagram profile that has been targeting SYTW and JoJo Gomez and 'defending' TDC. They define projection and what that looks like in the dance industry. If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide

Cierra Lauren and Jojo Gomez recount the first protest against abuse within the dance industry in Temecula, CA. They talk about their experience from beginning to end and give us a perspective on what it's like to be on the right side of the dance industry history. If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide

Cierra Lauren speaks with Jesse Fields and Lexi Bustos about the aftermath of being on Academy of Villains and how deeply their trauma had affected them. For part one of their conversation, please visit "Out of the Dark, Into the Light". If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide

Cierra Lauren discusses with Jesse Fields and Lexi Bustos their personal experiences being a part of Academy of Villains. This is an open dialogue of how their journey went from hopeful to broken on the team, and how they've begun to see the light on the other side. If you are a survivor who would like to speak your truth or an artist within the community/industry with a topic we need to discuss here please email us at speakyourtruthworldwide@gmail.com. We are here for YOU and the betterment of the dance community/industry. Follow us on Instagram @sytworldwide