Standard Practices and Ethics of Bellydance
Ethics are standard practices; moral principles and good manners (etiquette) these elements are all important in the dance world and should be a part of every dancers education. Every teacher should incorporate the concepts of ethics and standard practices in their objectives as well lead by example.
As students grow in their ability and skill level, some decide to become professional performers or teach their skills to the public and perform. At times their inexperience often leads to mistakes that can cause rift in the dance community. These mistakes are passed from teacher to student and the lack of knowledge and inadequate training can lead to the following mistakes:
A.harmful dance techniques especially if you don't know how to correct the students
posture that have had post injuries or medical disabilities.
B.reproducing music or videos illegally
C. teaching students other teachers choreography as your origional piece
D. spreading gossip and rumours about other dancers and artists
E.scheduling conflicting events in the same area
F.damaging presentations of the dance
g.undercutting another dancers venue and lowering the wage standards for your benefit
h.misinterpreting yourself as professionals when you are amatuer
I. not consulting with other professionals in your area in regards to teaching, performing,
and event hosting
These actions can have a negative persona to the public as how they view our art form and can lead to a hostile environment within the dance community.
Standards of Practice:
1. Building a strong relationship with the dance community
2. Do not attempt to steal gigs/jobs which are already held by other dancers
3. Maintain high ethical standards and educate your students.
4. Do not perform another teachers choreography without obtaining their permission
5. If you have been hired by another dancer or studio to perform at a function, promote their
business or troupe, by handing out their advertising material, flyers, events, business
cards and not only your own.
7. Never perform in public under the influence of alcohol or drugs
8. Avoid belly dancing at functions where there will be 'men only'
9. Avoid flirting while in costume as strangers may misinterpret your intent and you could
jeopardize your personal safety.
10.A dancer should not allow the public to touch her body nor should she allow tips to be
tucked into her bra top or front or rear of the hip belt. If it is absolutely necessary to
accept a tip to the costume, then offer the side of the hip or bra strap on the shoulder only,
gracefully with a hand jesture or you could even use a basket, tamborine etc.
11.When asking audience members to get up and dance be courteous and don't force
anyone as some audience members may be shy. Always thank those that did get up to
perform.
12. Acknowlege and thank the audience members who gave you tips.
13. Don't pick up the tips from the floor if they fall make arrangements ahead of time with
a friend or band member to pick up the tips.
14. Never ever remove any article of clothing during a performance other than a veil, Isis
wings, cloak or face covering.
15. Never accept drinks after a performance in your costumes as this reflects negatively
on the performers.
16. If you are approached to teach at a studio that already has another instructor it is up to
you out of common courtesy to contact that teacher to discuss issues that might become
a major conflict.
Dancing Ethics:
A dancer should never touch or caress her own body or anyone else's for that matter while
performing
A dancer should never shimmy any part of the anatomy too close to an audience members face as this looks cheap and leads to disrespect.
Be careful when doing pelvic movements as thrusting can appear sexual this is a sensual dance remember no sexual.
When executing back bends, always conduct them away from the audience to avoid presentation of the groin area.
Floor work should be of an artistic or technical nature, and should avoid overtly sexual overtones.
