Can I study in the program long distance?
Definitely! The Suhaila Salimpour Institute of Online Education allows you to take courses and certify in your own home town. Most of the dancers in the certification program are located outside of California, and many are located outside of the U.S. Several tools have been developed (Online Classes, Training Plans, Study Guides, Instructional DVDs, Audio Download Training Tools and CDs, etc.) to help long-distance certification participants. In-person training is still available through attendance at workshops and classes.
The beginning courses, the 100 Level, include Fundamentals 1 and 2 training (formerly Suhaila Level 1 and Jamila Level 1). The certifications for the 100 Level are available through in-person workshops and series as well as online; but the certification testing process for higher levels is handled through the Institute online courses. While students can still attend live workshops to learn material for the higher levels of the program, testing preparation and certification testing is available exclusively through the online courses.
Why start with Fundamentals 1 (S1) and what will I learn?
I greatly enjoy teaching Fundamentals workshops and working with students from all over the world; each workshop brings together a different mix of dancers, and it’s exciting to work with the unique energy created by that mix. Below are some of the commonly asked questions from dancers who are thinking about attending a Fundamentals workshop or online course.
What will I gain from coming to your workshops or taking your courses?
With dancers new to my format, I focus on strong technique and body posture as a fundamental base. All students, regardless of their level, can benefit from a strong base to serve as their foundation no matter from what instructor they take and no matter what stylization they choose. My format is based on a standard nomenclature of dance movements and concepts. These days that doesn’t seem too out of the ordinary, but when I began teaching my format in the early 1980s, this was a revolutionary idea. Things start to fall into place quite easily once you understand the basic elements of my format (posture, dance movement, specific muscular movement, timing, etc.)
How will learning your technique make me a better dancer?
Strong technique creates strong dancers. My students learn to maintain a strong and healthy body posture while executing dance movements muscularly, effectively, and efficiently. If your basic technique is strong, you have a base upon which to expand and have a greater ability to dance a variety of styles. You can also extend your dance years as you are training safely to prevent injury, for endurance and longevity.
What is the best way to prepare?
I recommend that you research my format through my website and online classes (free trial available). For those who want to prepare more fully, you can find a list of helpful hints on my website in the Certification Section.
If there was one thing you would like any workshop or course attendee to use from all the information given, what would it be?
Follow an artistic path. Let’s face it: the truth is that belly dance standards in some areas are not very high, and many people seek out belly dance as a means to become an entertainer because of those low standards. It’s fine to want to entertain and perform in public. But follow an artistic path with this dance to stay integral in your intent with this art form.
How do I get certification?
Testing for Fundamentals 1 and 2 is provided at the Salimpour School and at certification series and workshops around the world. Online testing preparation and certification testing for all levels is also available. The Salimpour School’s online classes, publications, audio download training tools, and instructional CDs/DVDs were developed to assist students with home practice towards testing and maintaining proficiency in both formats.
How do I maintain my certification?
Certification in a Salimpour level is valid for two years and may be extended by either testing for a higher level or completing the requisite number of Continuing Education Credit’s (CECs) with a renewal fee. More information about maintaining certification status can be found below.
I am a professional dancer. Do I have to start with the fundamentals level (100 level)?
Regardless of previous experience, all students (without exception) begin with Fundamentals 1. Fundamentals 1 outlines all the necessary elements of Suhaila’s format including posture, muscle isolation, music theory, nomenclature, etc. The School uses certification testing as the method of determining whether a student has the required knowledge and/or abilities to proceed to the next level. Dancers with more experience have the potential to move through the certification program much more quickly.
When can I get a teaching certificate?
Teaching Certification is the only level providing a certificate that authorizes a dancer to teach the Suhaila Salimpour format. All other certificates are certificates of achievement within the Suhaila Salimpour School of Belly Dance that denote a dancer’s progress. When a dancer achieves a Suhaila Salimpour School of Belly Dance Teaching Certificate, they have received the highest quality of belly dance training available.
