Middle Eastern Dance, Music, and
Cultural Studies
Certification Program
Mosaique offers certification of dance studies through the CID, International Dance
Council. Candidates must complete the training and curriculum requirements and
become a member of the CID to earn certification of each level, which validates your
training and accomplishments. Students may choose Oriental or Persian
concentration.
Level 1, Foundations and Experiences of the Dance, Music & Culture
Students become familiar with the fundamental movements and concepts of Middle Eastern
dance forms as a performing art. Regional and performance styles including Egyptian Raqs
Sharki (Oriental), Persian Classical as well as a variety of folkloric and social traditions
provide the foundation of the movement vocabulary and aesthetic concepts.
Students are expected to become more proficient and confident in the basic movements and
steps throughout the year.
Students are encouraged to attend student and professional performances in the community and
network with other dancers.
While polishing technique and gaining a more detailed understanding of aesthetics, concepts
such as music interpretation, cultural authenticity and performance dynamics are emphasized
with increasing attention to detail.
Requirements: 150 training hours
 Execute basic mechanics of proper form and technique with a focus on aesthetics as well as
safety
 Identify 3 to 5 common dance rhythms and/or dance styles and choose appropriate
movements or combinations to interpret them
 Perform a short sequence of combinations to a specific piece of music
 Combine basic movements with smooth transitions to create combinations
 Identify the differences between inspired or interpretive belly dance and authentic cultural
styles
 Demonstrate proficiency in the basic movement vocabulary of Middle Eastern dance styles
 Perform movements and combinations with increased accuracy and confidence
 Demonstrate proficiency in the basic concepts of popular props, primarily finger cymbals,
veil and cane
 Independently explore a variety of regional and performance styles
 Utilize the appropriate vocabulary to identify and describe a variety of Middle Eastern dance
styles, their origins/geographic locations, and cultural contexts

Perform a short dance sequence in front of an audience
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Level 2, Expression and Artistry in the Dance, Music & Culture (Intermediate)
Students continue to polish, refine and expand their movement vocabulary and combinations of
Middle Eastern dance styles. Musicality and interpretation, cultural information and
performance dynamics are an integral component.
Students are expected to perform choreographed sequences that entail more subtlety and
detailed cultural expression.
Students are expected to explore and practice dance improvisation as well as creating
choreography.
There is a stronger emphasis on music as well as cultural and geographic literacy. With
emphasis on honoring the cultural roots, students are encouraged to be innovative and creative
within the cultural forms.
Students are expected to note differences and similarities in authentic regional styles of dance,
music and costuming and explore cross-cultural influences.
Students will explore many topics and themes related to technique and stylistic variations. In
addition, students will practice dance concepts from a variety of musical traditions and forms,
such as taqasim, classic Egyptian songs, classical Persian, and folkloric flavors such as baladi,
saidi, khaleejy and bandari.
Students are encouraged to begin specializing in a prop, instrument, musical form or style of
dance.
Requirements: 150 training hours
 Perform a variety of movements and combinations with Middle Eastern styling and aesthetics
 Demonstrate an understanding of Middle Eastern music and rhythms, geographic locations,
and corresponding costume styles
 Independently explore, research and reflect on a variety of regional and performance styles
 Create combinations and variations for music from at least two different regional forms
 Apply knowledge of musical forms, rhythms and regional styles to expand repertoire of
choreography and improvisational skills
 Expand and embellish basic movement vocabulary with accents, basic layering, level
changes, more dynamic combinations and smooth transitions
 Demonstrate proficient skills in finger cymbal techniques, and use of props such as veil and
cane
 Generate ideas for independent works while exploring a variety of classical/Oriental,
folkloric and fusion dance styles
 Create sophisticated choreography and improvisational dances, and perform with artistry,
showmanship, and musicality
 Engage in intelligent discussions regarding style, artistry and cultural contexts as they relate
to the dance, music and culture
 Utilize the appropriate vocabulary to research and write about a diverse repertoire of stylistic
and ethnic dance forms
 Demonstrate ability to critique the performances of others and articulate clear responses to
questions which may help others improve
 Realize a vision of own dance style and persona and strive to fulfill it on a professional level
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Level 3, Professionalism in the Dance, Music & Culture
Choose Performance or Teaching option. For Teacher-Training and Certification,
visit www.RaqsMosaique.com
Performance
Students gain the confidence and ability to successfully pursue and practice their craft on a
professional level when they are ready.
Students continue to polish and develop their technique while exploring dynamic combinations
and more sophisticated choreography. They will further develop their performance skills and
build a varied repertoire by participating in shows. As professional-level performers, they will
be expected to vary and modify their performances to suit a variety of venues and audiences.
Students will explore the business side of the arts and entertainment industry with emphasis on
local standards and practices. They will also research and explore opportunities they would
like to pursue.
Requirements: 150 training hours
 Demonstrate excellence and expertise in one or more areas, which may include props,
instruments, musical forms or a specific style of dance
 Promote Middle Eastern dance as a sophisticated art form to the general community
 Project an image of self and colleagues as respected professionals and artists
 Apply standards of good business practices when providing performance and consultation
services to the public
 Utilize the appropriate vocabulary, manners and customs to communicate with musicians and
clients regarding the details of an event or performance toward mutual benefit and success
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