At Bellydance Now (BDN), we are passionate about your development whether as a dancer or as a teacher.  We recognise that people take different pathways on their journey to be the best dancer or the best teacher that they can be. Our commitment is to those who choose to take their journey with us.  Our teaching levels are explained below followed by CPD opportunities.

BDN levels explained
Level 1: Instructor

Once you have successfully completed the BDN/JWAAD Level 1 Teaching Certification (formerly known as the Safety Course), you join our ‘entry level’ teachers. We have a whole host of experience within this level – from very experienced teachers – to new teachers just starting their journey. You will gain access to certain workshops and networking opportunities at the annual BDN Instructor and Teachers Day and get a standard online listing on the BDN ‘Find a Class’ page. This certificate qualifies you for some insurance schemes – an essential for any dance teacher

Level 2: Diploma Teacher

Once you have successfully completed the BDN/JWAAD Level 2 Teaching Diploma, you become a Level 2 Teacher. This denotes the fact that you have studied the full diploma course. Students know they can expect a high level of knowledge from their teacher and you will have learned the skills to teach well-structured and interesting classes. You will have access to all workshops and networking opportunities at the annual BDN Instructor and Teachers Day, as well as a personalised online listing on the BDN ‘Find a Class’ page.

Level 3: Mentor

As a Level 3 teacher, you become a Mentor which includes free bespoke training on mentoring techniques to help deliver our Personal Development Programme. Mentors take an active interest in the development of their regular students and have to commit to working to a high standard through Continued Personal Development (CPD) which needs to be certified every 2 years. CPD minimum requirement are:

• Attending 4 hours of high quality workshops and training for personal development
• Attend 2 BDN online lectures per year (or subscribe to our Teacher Tool Kit where these are also accessible)
• Take part in 2 free BDN online networking events per year
• In-depth free mentoring training at least every second year at the BDN Instructor and Teachers Day

Mentors will have access to all workshops and networking opportunities at the annual BDN Instructor and Teachers Day, as well as the in-depth mentoring training. The training ensures all mentors work to the same high standardised level and can develop a personal training and development plan for their students. Mentors also have a personalised online listing on the BDN ‘Find a Class’ page.

Level 4: Teaching Instructor

Once you have achieved Level 3, the next stage is to start to teach the teachers. This gives you a whole new perspective.  As the organisation grows, we need new teachers on our accredited courses and ask for applications from our own teachers first.

You may be invited to teach at the BDN Instructor and Teachers Day, helping you to grow your teaching profile. You will take part in the in-depth mentoring training to ensure you follow the high national and international levels of teaching at BDN/JWAAD standard. You may be ask to develop or support the additional teacher and mentor training sessions, as well as other BDN dance development and courses. Professional Teachers also have a personalised online listing on the BDN ‘Find a Class’ page.

Whatever your teaching level, we want to support you in your teaching role. Networking is a vital part of what we do.  At events run by BDN Directors, we offer teaching opportunities and at some, sessions designed to develop teaching skills.  Sign up for our newsletter to be kept informed of these events.

Continued Professional Development (CPD)

At BDN we aim to support not only teachers trained with us but all bellydance teachers through offering CPD.  

We are developing a series of 1 day courses to help you continue to develop your skills:
‘Pregnancy and Bellydance’ :  a 1 day course on zoom
When CPD courses are running you can find them on this link:

BDN hold an annual Teachers Training Day – however this is only open to teachers who have studied with us.  This is in person and a great way to connect with other BDN/JWAAD teachers.

If you are interested in starting your teaching journey with us, sign up for the Level 1 Teaching certification.  
If you are an experienced bellydance teacher but are interested in becoming part of the BDN/JWAAD teaching community then as an experienced teacher you can ask for ‘Approved Prior Learning’ to be taking into account on our Level 1 teaching course and receive signifiant discounts.  You have to complete and pass the course to become a BDN/JWAAD teacher.  It is a great way of updating safety information and refreshing teaching skills.  Email your APL here.