In Class

• Make friends with your fellow dancers, you may find them to be a great support system in future.
• Come to class ready to dance, do your best to be on time, keep chatting to before and after class.
• Do not gossip or talk badly about other dancers or teachers in class.
• Share information about upcoming dance events you might be involved in or want to support.
• Feel free to take from a variety of instructors.
• Ask questions and request additional breakdown of movements when needed.
• Take care of your body, pay attention and let me know if something hurts, stay hydrated, warm up on your own if you are late, cool down at the end.

At a Performance

Wear a cover at all times when not performing or change into nice street clothing.

Wear stage make up, be clean and fresh and look your best.

Make sure your costume fits properly is pinned into place and wont reveal any parts it shouldn’t.

Practice in your costume in advance.

Choose costuming that flatters your body type and shows you off to best advantage.

Show your support for other performers, check each other’s costumes, smile, clap and cheer.

Be polite and do not gossip about other dancers while they perform.

Be positive and complementary on performance night, always.

Know how to be culturally respectful.

Know the music you are dancing to and its meaning.

Do not do anything that might be considered lacking in decorum on or off stage.

As a Performer

Perform at appropriate venues for your level. Appropriate student venues include haflas, recitals, amateur nights and friends and family celebrations. Professional venues include, restaurants, nightclubs, parties, weddings, cultural events, often charity events or any venue that offers pay.

If you are not a professional performer yet, do not perform in professional venues.

Seek your instructors guidance and advice.

As a Professional Performer

Don’t be in a hurry to perform professionally, make sure you are ready first and that it is really the dance path that is right for you.

Charge appropriate professional rates for our area (rates guidelines here) and do not undercut.

Be ethical, professional and culturally respectful.

Support other members of the dance community when possible by attending shows, etc.

Communicate with other professional dancers in your area. I recommend joining either the DC pro dancers and/or Maryland pro dancer email groups. To become a member of DC pro dancers you need to email Lucy at lucydances at gmail dot com.

Continue to pursue training so you can present our dance form in the best possible light.

Come to your instructor for guidance and advice.

As a Belly Dance Instructor

Don’t begin to teach pre-maturely. Most are not ready to begin teaching until after several years of training, performance and private coaching.

Make sure you teach proper body alignment and that you understand the body enough to prevent your students from injuring themselves from incorrect dance technique.

Commit to additional and ongoing training and study to keep your skills sharp and growing.

Charge appropriate rates for your area.

Don’t teach another instructor’s choreography without the choreographer’s express permission first.

Encourage your students to become part of our larger dance community, by sharing information about events, workshops and classes of interest outside of your studio.

Come to your instructor for guidance and advice.