Statement of Ethics
New Mexico Belly Dance is a membership organization with a mission to promote belly dance in New Mexico and to raise awareness of the dance and music rooted in, or inspired by, the Middle East.
The following is a standard of ethics for members of the New Mexico Belly Dance Association. All members agree to adhere to these standards.
Section 1: Purpose
New Mexico Belly Dance is dedicated to building a community for all New Mexico dancers whose core dance style falls within (but not limited to) the Middle Eastern, North African and Central Asian (MENACA) cultural forms of dance. We do this by:
Promoting and supporting member dancers through events and activities showcasing the talent and experience of member dancers and instructors.
Providing business tools and support for member professionals including (but not limited to) contract templates, business guidance, and ethical standards.
Providing educational opportunities through scholarships, workshops and other learning opportunities and raising awareness to the public regarding MENACA dance.
The purpose of this document is to establish a standard of ethics for members of the New Mexico Belly Dance Association. All members agree to adhere to these standards.
Section 2: Dancer Code
Members shall treat each other as they would want to be treated in kind.
Members shall remember that the art form we promote has its roots in Middle Eastern and North African cultures and must respect those cultures.
Members shall respect each other and agree not to discredit or malign other members, particularly in a public forum such as social media.
Members shall refrain from physical, mental, emotional or cyber bullying of other members.
Members shall practice non-discrimination based on socio-economic, sex, gender identity, race, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or ancestry.
Members shall respect known contracts between other members and their clients. While competition is part of business, knowingly "undercutting" or attempting to court contracted clients is counterproductive to the idea of maintaining an association and degrades everyone's ability to negotiate future contracts.
Members are expected to adhere to national and state protocols related to any public health emergencies or guidelines. These include state and national protocols.
Section 3: NMBD Performances
In order to maintain a level of quality and professionalism in our shows, performance events designated as NMBD events (sponsored or hosted by NMBD) will adhere to the following guidelines. Though these guidelines are specific to NMBD events, we encourage all members to follow these courtesies for any performances, along with any specific guidelines provided by the host.
Performers will be on time for any tech rehearsals or production meetings, unless notice has been given to NMBD.
After the completion of tech rehearsals, no changes to entrance, music, or any other elements that impact the quality of the show, will be allowed. The stage manager/producer will have the final say to any changes, based on the individual situation. NMBD has created a helpful Stage Manager Checklist for guidance.
Cover Ups should be worn at all times when a dancer is not performing.
To build and maintain positive experiences between our venues and the dance community, as well as to adhere to contractual agreements, performers shall follow all general rules of the venue. Examples include policies on fire/props, entrance/exit areas, dressing areas, glitter. It is NMBD’s responsibility to provide any rules to the performers prior to the performance for NMBD hosted events.
Performers shall follow appropriate safety protocols set by a venue, studio, or other setting to ensure the safety of their fellow dancers and others around them. This includes such safety concerns including but not limited to:
Care and securing of potentially injurious items such as swords, veils, wings, sticks or fire dancer props.
Following procedures as set by a venue when performing.
If a performer has a disability and needs accommodations, NMBD requests that the performer work with the stage manager/host/producer at least 24 hours prior to the event.
Section 4: Instructor Code
Member Instructors shall provide a safe and appropriate space for learning, free of obstruction and interruption.
Member instructors are responsible for exercising all reasonable means to ensure that the most appropriate training, health and fitness recommendations are provided to a student, and provide only those services or techniques for which he or she is qualified by education, training, or experience.
Member instructors shall respect the right of a student to make his/her own choices about his/her health activities and body.
Member Instructors shall ensure that all schedules, fees and expenses related to belly dance instruction are clearly stated via their website or other form of advertising.
Member instructors should cooperate with other instructors to the extent that is necessary to serve the best interests of their students.
Section 5: Student Conduct in the Studio
Belly Dance instructors strive to create an effective learning environment. The student also plays a role in the environment being conducive to learning. Below are guidelines to help students understand this role and to collaborate with their instructor to create the best learning environment. Individual instructors may have separate or additional classroom rules that should be adhered to in addition to these guidelines:
Students are expected to be punctual and arrive ready to learn.
Students are expected to turn off all electronic devices, such as cell phones, and not create distractions during class.
Students should feel free to ask their teacher questions during class time.
Students shall ask the instructor for permission to record and parts of class time, including choreographies or combinations of moves.
Students should not interfere with instruction (talking over the teacher, correcting other students, teaching “their way” of doing a move, etc.)
Online Learning: Many classes today are being taught online via live streaming platforms. Students are expected to adapt the above conduct to the virtual setting. This also includes but is not limited to muting their sound while the teacher is instructing and following instructor guidelines on how to ask questions without class disruption.
Questions?
Contact: www.nmbellydance.com I newmexicobellydance@gmail.com
Revised 10.29.23