The Regina Association of Middle Eastern Dance (RAMED) sets out a list of certification requirements for instructors of belly dance (Middle Eastern dance). These requirements are meant to ensure that instructors have achieved a certain level of skill in areas relevant to the teaching and performance of belly dance.
Individuals who successfully complete the requirements will be eligible to call themselves RAMED Accredited Instructors. They may use this title on the Instructors page of the RAMED website as well as their own promotional and advertising materials.
1. Teachers shall have well-rounded instructional skills that include knowledge of belly dance technique and the ability to demonstrate and explain movements.
2. Teachers shall be well researched and knowledgeable about belly dancing. They shall exhibit a historical awareness and understanding of the dance acquired through a variety of sources such as workshops, books, and videos.
· To demonstrate that they have this knowledge, the applicant must submit brief reports on three belly dance videos and four belly dance books or articles. Any of the books and videos in the RAMED library would be accepted.
3. Teachers shall have performance experience. At a minimum this includes experience as a soloist, in a group, and with choreography. In addition, this could also include performing while improvising and performing with live musicians.
4. Teachers shall be familiar with the rhythmic patterns used in belly dance.
· To demonstrate that they have met this requirement, the applicant must submit a written report outlining the names, counts, and rhythmic patterns of at least 10 Middle Eastern rhythms.
· As well, the applicant will provide a demonstration of at least five Middle Eastern rhythms.
5. Teachers shall have the knowledge and skills to teach dance in a way that is physically safe for dancers.
· To demonstrate that they have met this requirement, the applicant must attend a course focused on teaching dance and other sports, such as the Saskatchewan Sports, Parks and Recreation Association workshops, body alignment workshops for dancers, instructor training for belly dance teachers offered by professional dancers such as Venus and Hadia, or equivalent courses. The applicant will provide a copy of a certificate from the course, or a program describing when they took the course and the material covered.
· RAMED members who live outside of Regina may make arrangements to provide a videotape with their demonstrations of teaching movements and rhythms.
The RAMED Board of Directors (the Board) will put out a notice every two years asking RAMED members and enhanced members to indicate their interest in applying for accreditation. The Board will:
· Notify members about the date for receiving applications.
· Develop an application form.
· Determine a process for reviewing the applications.
· Establish a committee to review the applications. The committee will normally consist of 3-5 individuals who are RAMED members and who are knowledgeable about belly dancing. The majority of the committee members should be RAMED accredited instructors. Individuals who are applying to be accredited may not sit on the Accreditation Committee.
· Designate a board member to serve as a liaison to the Accreditation Committee. This board member may attend Accreditation Committee meetings to explain the process, answer questions, and inform the board about any issues that arise in regards to accreditation applications.
· Ensure that the Accreditation Committee informs applicants about whether their applications are approved or rejected.
The Accreditation Committee will:
· Test the applicants to ensure they meet the criteria. This will include the live demonstrations for teaching movements and rhythms. It may also include questions about the applicant’s knowledge, skills, experience, and qualifications.
· Notify the applicants about whether their applications are approved or rejected.
· If an application is rejected, the Accreditation Committee will inform the applicant about the reason for its rejection. The Accreditation Committee will also indicate what the applicant must do to meet the requirement to become accredited. The applicant may re-apply after they have attempted to fulfill the requirements outlined by the Accreditation Committee.
C. Fees
· The fee will be $100 for processing the applications. This fee will cover the honoraria paid to members of the Accreditation Committee, as well as any other related costs.
· The fee will be $50 if an applicant re-applies for accreditation after having their application rejected (see below).
To ensure that RAMED Accredited Instructors continually improve their skills in order to provide high quality dance instruction for their students, RAMED Accredited Instructors must apply annually to have their status as Accredited Instructors maintained.
2. The applicant must observe and/or perform at a belly dance show at least once each year.
· Reading dance journals or books about belly dancing and related dance fields;
· Reviewing instructional or performance videos about belly dancing and related dance fields;
· Reading websites devoted to belly dancing and related dance fields;
· Conducting research about belly dancing and related dance fields;
· Going on international tours devoted to the history, culture, technique, or performance of belly dancing and related dance fields; and
· Other activities relating to the instruction, performance, or history of belly dancing that are acceptable to the RAMED board.
· Applications to maintain status as a RAMED Accredited Instructor are due by October 1 each year. RAMED will send out a notice of renewal.
· Applicants must submit their application in a form determined by the Board of Directors.
· No fee will be charged for reviewing the application.
· If the instructor does not submit their application on time, they will not be eligible to call themselves RAMED Accredited Instructors or to use this title on the Instructors webpage of the RAMED website or any of their own promotional or advertising material.
· The Board of Directors will review the application and inform the applicant about whether their application was accepted or rejected.
· If an application is rejected, the Board of Directors will inform the applicant about the reason for its rejection. The Board will also indicate what the applicant must do to meet the requirement for maintaining status. The applicant may re-apply after they have attempted to fulfill the requirements outlined by the Board.
· Board members may not approve their own application. If a member of the Board is applying to have their status as a RAMED Accredited instructor maintained, then the applicant will excuse himself or herself from the discussions while the other members of the Board review their application.
Changes to the requirements will be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Board will publicize any changes to the requirements through the newsletter, website, voicemail, and/or email. Any changes are to be ratified by the members at the next Annual General Meeting.