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.
Proposed Changes to Statement of Ethics
Current Statement of Ethics Print Version
Section 1: 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 on the basis of 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 shall follow appropriate safety protocols as 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:
a. Care and securing of potentially injurious items such as swords, veils, wings, sticks or fire dancer props;
b. Following rules or procedures set by a venue when performing.
Additionally, members are expected to adhere to national and state protocols related to COVID-19 as applicable, including social distancing, wearing masks, and public gatherings.
Section 2: Teacher Code
Member Instructors shall have as their primary purpose providing 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.
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 3: 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.
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.
Additionally, students are expected to adhere to national and state protocols related to COVID-19 as applicable, including social distancing, wearing masks, and public gatherings as set by the instructor.
Online Learning: Under today’s circumstances, many classes 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.