Ethics and Standard Practises in
Bellydance
"Ethical
awareness is simply
the recognition
by any individual of the rights inherent in the existence of any and
all
other individuals."
Ethics - moral principles; standard practises; and
even etiquette (good manners) are important elements in the dance world
and should be part of dancers' education. Dance teachers--who inspire
as
well as teach their students--should not only include concepts of
ethics
and standard practises in their curriculum, but also lead by example.
As dance students grow in
skill and ability, some
decide
to step up to a professional or public level in teaching and/or
performing.
Unless they give forethought to ethical decision-making and become
aware
of standard practises, their inexperience often leads to mistakes that
have far-reaching effects. Even innocent mistakes can cause hurt
feelings
and rifts in the dance community.
Unprofessional habits are often passed from teacher to
student - the result of when people who lack extensive knowledge and
adequate
training begin teaching or performing. Some common concerns are
- use of harmful dance techniques
- illegally reproducing music or video
- detrimental presentations of the dance
- falsely representing others' choreography as original
- spreading malicious gossip and rumours about other artists
- scheduling conflicting events in a local area
- undercutting and lowering wage standards.
These negative actions impact
how the public
perceives
the dance and can also create a hostile environment within the dance
community.
Professionalism
Oriental (belly) Dance is a specific form of dance derived
from various cultural sources and folkdances, not jazz, modern, ballet,
hip-hop, "club" or recreational dancing done in a bellydance costume.
If
you perform or teach, even if you don't make a living by doing so, set
your standards high. Even hobbyists can produce work of "professional
caliber"
by gaining a broader understanding of the dance form, adhering to high
standards, and following sound ethical principles.
There's no consensus on the definition of "professional"
- a professional could be someone who
- teaches or performs for pay
- derives most or all of their income by
teaching or
performing
- holds themself out to the community as a
professional (not
student)
teacher
or performer
- consistently maintains high standards in
these areas.
Professionals take dancing and
performing seriously. They
don't demean the dance in the public's eye by treating it as a joke or
of negligible value; nor do they encourage or condone disrespect for
the
art or it's proponents.
Should You Follow a Code of Conduct?
I researched codes of conduct for the professional
organizations
of consultants, coaches, music teachers and tennis players; and also
asked
the opinions of students and other teachers or performers to put
together
my personal Code of Conduct (see link below). It is clear that for
bellydance
teachers and performers, following a formal code of conduct has two
important
benefits:
- it builds strong and beneficial
relations within the dance
community;
- it promotes positive perceptions of the
dance outside of
the dance
community.
This code outlines the principles
I consider essential in
promoting an ethical dance community, and in professional dance
performance
and education. They are examples of self-regulation among those who
aspire
to high levels of artistic endeavor in teaching or performing. I pledge
to do my best to follow this guideline and I also urge others in the
dance
community to consider following it or their own. Taking this public
step
can help avoid the common "falling outs" that happen so often in dance
communities; and our actions will reflect the honor and uplifting
influence
of the dance even when viewed by the general public.
Liberty - freedom of choice
Some Oriental Dance organizations require adherence to
their ethics or conduct codes and promise disciplinary action if
neglected.
A pledge of honor requires no signatures, just honest intention.
Mistakes
will be surely be made; but honest mistakes can lead to growth.
Exercising
your free will while still respecting others' rights brings true
liberty
to all involved.
If you wish to copy this
article or the Code of
Conduct
to use in your work please do so, and credit is appreciated.
Code
of Conduct
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