Salimpour 100 Level Courses

Salimpour Fundamentals 1   •   Salimpour Fundamentals 2

Salimpour Fundamentals 1 and 2

The Salimpour School offers 100 Level certification in both the Suhaila Salimpour Format and the Jamila Salimpour Step Vocabulary.  Details about training, courses, and certification is below.

In Salimpour Fundamentals 1 (formerly Suhaila Level 1) students learn the skills necessary to develop the physical strength and mind-body connection to continue through the certification program. This level represents Suhaila’s extensive formal training in the structured disciplines of Contemporary and Middle Eastern dance. Due to the unique nature of Suhaila’s format, all new students in the Certification program, whether they are beginning or advanced dancers, begin with Fundamentals 1.

In Salimpour Fundamentals 2 (formerly Jamila Level 1), students learn the first half of the Jamila Salimpour format, including step families, dance history, and finger cymbal work. Learning tools, workshop information, testing details, and a list of the covered steps, cymbals, etc. are provided in this section.

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Salimpour Fundamentals 1 and 2

Online Courses and Live Workshops

Learn more about training using online classes or live workshops. Certification available through online courses and testing.

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Fundamentals 1 and 2 Online Courses

What are Fundamentals 1 and 2 Introduction courses?

Fundamentals 1 and 2 courses are 5 to 6 week online courses designed to introduce dancers to the Salimpour Format. Students who attend these courses will learn the groundwork of belly dance technique but also get a sense of the overall certification program. The Fundamentals 1 and 2 online courses also prepare students for certification testing. At the end of a course, with approval, students may test for the respective certification level.  The Fundamental level courses include:

  • S101a:  Salimpour Fundamentals 1 (S1): Introduction to Suhaila Salimpour Format
  • S102a:  Salimpour Foundations 2 (S2): Introduction to Jamila Salimpour Step Vocabulary

What’s the difference between the Suhaila Format and Jamila Vocabulary?  Do I have to do both?

At the lower levels, the Suhaila Salimpour Format is about learning physical technique, and the Jamila Salimpour Vocabulary (Jm-Vocab)  is about learning steps and sentiment. If one doesn’t start with the Suhaila format, they won’t have the physical technical training to execute the steps in the Jamila Vocabulary. If one doesn’t do the Jamila Vocabulary, they’re missing out on key historical and cultural elements of belly dance as a professional dance form with roots in the Middle East (regions of the eastern Mediterranean, western Asia, and North Africa).

How do I prepare for a Salimpour Fundamentals: Introduction course?

  • As Salimpour Fundamentals 1 is an introductory online course, dancers may take this course having no previous experience with belly dance or the Salimpour Format.
  • Before signing up for a 5 or 6 week Fundamentals course, we recommend dancers use the 3-day free trial of Online Classes to see if this training method is right for them.
  • In advance of taking the Fundamentals 1 course we recommend students take a minimum of three different Online Classes of each of the following topics in the Suhaila Salimpour Format Level 1: Singles, 3/4s, Pelvic Locks, Squares, Circles, Vertical Figure 8s, Horizontal Figure 8s, Twists.
  • Students wishing to take the Salimpour Fundamentals 2 online course are strongly recommended to have Salimpour Fundamentals 1 (S1) Certification, and have taken a minimum of three complete Level 1 Step Family series/classes for each of the Jamila Format 1 Step Families (Basic Egyptian, Arabic, Running Choo-Choo, Shimmy, Salaam, Taqsim, Spins, Head Movements) in advance of taking this course.
  • Students may take this course as independent training without testing, and they may take this course as many times as they wish before choosing to test.

Fundamentals Workshops

What are Fundamentals (L1) Workshops?

Fundamentals 1 and 2 workshops are live, in-person workshops where students can receive training in a condensed format. Fundamentals 1 and 2 workshops are three challenging and fun days of belly dance training. Students learn core alignment and correct posture for dance, as well as technique drills for building strength and muscle memory. Students are introduced to playing finger cymbals, and they learn to incorporate musicality in their dance through timing concepts and rhythm patterns. A listing of Fundamentals (L1) workshops can be found in the Current Workshops section.

How do I prepare for a Fundamentals (L1) Workshop?

  • Review the About Workshops page for what to bring and more.
  • Use the Training and Resources list below.

Testing and Evaluation

Certification testing is available through the online courses, in-person workshops, and with Licensed Level 5 Instructors.  Certification testing is available for an additional fee following successful completion of a course or workshop.

  • For online course testing: once the student has “passed” a completed Salimpour Fundamentals 1 or 2 Introduction course, the student may discuss testing possibilities with the online course instructor. The certification test includes an online written exam and a video recording of technique drills for evaluation.
  • For in-person testing: at the end of the three day Fundamentals workshop, the student may discuss testing possibilities with the instructor. The certification test includes an in-person practical exam at the end of the workshop, and online written exam that can be completed from home.
  • In-person training and certification testing with Licensed Level 5 Instructors: please contact the instructor directly for more information.
  • Students can learn more about specific testing requirements on the Certification Exams page.

Training and Resources

These resources will help you prepare to take the Fundamental online courses, workshops, and series.  Although no previous experience with the Salimpour formats is required to take a Fundamentals workshop or series, we highly recommend that you work with some of these resources in advance to make the most of your online course or workshop experience. All training tools are purchased separately from the course.  This list is long, so if you feel overwhelmed, just begin with a few Online Classes.

  • Salimpour School Online and Technique.  Nothing can replace working with a live instructor who can see you and correct you directly, but Online Classes can play an important role in your dance training. Take classes from the comfort of your own home whenever you want. Various subscriptions are available.
  • Training Plans. Suhaila offers several Training Plans in the Online Classes to assist students in learning content and preparing for certification exams. There are Training Plans that introduce Fundamental material, and several more that include choreography.
  • Dance Movement Classes.  These online classes have been specifically designed and curated to develop posture and carriage for belly dancers.  You might also consider taking Dance Movement in your area such as beginning ballet barre or jazz.
  • Folkloric Fusion. These are wonderful classes that bring many elements together, and we highly recommend taking these classes as a regular part of your training.
  • Cymbal Jams. Cymbal Jams, audio download training tools, include over 70 finger cymbal patterns.  The patterns are broken down slowly, then up-to-tempo, explained in both right-hand and left-hand dominant versions.  (Includes the original 24 patterns from Jamila’s class finger cymbal CD plus an additional 48 patterns.)
  • Rhythm ID CDThis CD includes over 40 Middle Eastern rhythms (on separate tracks). Knowledge of the names and structure of these rhythms will be necessary throughout all the format levels.
  • Drill Breaks.  These audio training downloads provide a training option that takes under 30 minutes each session. Begin with L1 Drill Breaks: to help reinforce your Fundamentals training, and L1.5 Drill Breaks: to bridge the gap between Fundamentals 1 (S1) and Foundations 1 (S2).
  • Salimpour Format Nomenclature. Begin learning the Suhaila format nomenclature and syntax (sequencing) as provided in the Resources section of the website.
  • For questions about the program, requirements, and tools, email the Certification Coordinator.

Required Reading, Listening, Viewing List

Finger cymbals and patterns are introduced in Fundamentals 1 and 2, and students begin strengthening the necessary muscles to play correctly with precision. Training and testing include the following patterns played left and right hand dominant standing in home position and while traveling with basic foot patterns and movements.  A stronger focus is placed on singles and 3s. All finger cymbal patterns to be played right and left hand dominant.

  • Alternating Singles (quartertime, halftime, fulltime, doubletime)
  • 3s (“Longa” in Fundamentals 2): halftime, fulltime
  • 3-1-3-1-3
  • 7s
  • 3-3-7
  • 3-7-3
  • Running 5s
  • 3-5-5
  • 5-5-3
  • 3-5-1-3
  • 3-1-5-3
  • R-L-RL

In parentheses are the arm positions assigned for Fundamentals 2.

Basic Egyptian Family

Basic Egyptian (5th)

Basic Egyptian Backwalk (5th)

Basic Egyptian Walk with Pivot (5th)

Basic Egyptian Walk with Pivot Angled (5th)

Bow Step (default)

Step Forward-Back-Forward (2nd)

Full Spin with Basic Egyptian (2nd)

Open Spin with Basic Egyptian (2nd & 5th)

Pivot Shift Step (5th)

Half Turn with Pivot Shift Step (5th)

Twist Step (2nd)

Twist Step with Leg Lift (2nd)

CCW Pivot Halftime (5th)

CCW Pivot Fulltime (5th)

CCW Pivot Doubletime (introduce) (5th)

CCW Pivot: One Up, One Down (5th)

CCW Pivot with Leg Lift (5th)

Five Count (2nd)

Five Count with Half Spin (2nd)

Five Count with Full Spin (2nd)

Arabic Family

Arabic 1 (5th)

Arabic 2 (5th)

Arabic 3 (5th)

Arabic 4 (5th)

Running Choo-Choo Family

Running Choo Choo (4th)

4 Forward, 4 Back (4th)

2 Forward, 2 Back (4th)

1 Forward, 1 Back (4th)

Forward, Middle, Middle Back (4th)

Zenouba (default)

Shimmy Family

Singles on the Up halftime (One Ups) (5th)

Singles on the Up fulltime (Two Ups) (5th)

Taqsim Family

Basic Taqsim (5th)

Reverse Basic Taqsim (5th)

Maya (2nd)

Reverse Maya (2nd)

Circle Step (2nd)

Crescent Step (2nd)

Spins

Three Step Turn (Full Spin) (2nd)

Open Spin (2nd)

Basic 4/4 Spin (2nd)

Spinning in 2/4 (2nd)

Head Movements

Forward, Forward (default)

Side, Side (default)

Around, Around (default)

Crescent (default)

Congratulations.  After you pass the Fundamentals 1 and 2 Certification Tests, there is still more to learn! Here is information to help you move forward with your training.

Certificates.  Each dancer has a personally prepared certificate which will be mailed upon its completion. Certificates take several weeks to produce, up to 12 weeks or more in some cases. A more typical time frame is 6-8 weeks.

Resources for Further Training

  • Salimpour Online Classes. A subscription gives you access to over over 300 hours of classes including Level 1, Level 2, Dance Movement, Folkloric Fusion, and more. Obtain 5 CECs by paying for a full year in one payment.
  • Drill Breaks: Audio Training Downloads. Options include Level 1, Level 1.5, Level 2, and Level 2+.
  • Training Plans to guide you through Foundations technique and choreography.
  • Level 2 Finger Cymbal Drum Solo Choreography Subscription. Review the required choreography for Foundations 1 with L hand dominant cymbals.
  • Daily Twitter Drills. Take a minute every day to focus on the format.
  • Our main website has a lot of information. Read through the certification section carefully to get a better idea of the overall program.
  • The Resources page of this website provides additional tools.

Maintaining Your Certification

  • Your certification is valid for two years.
  • To maintain Fundamentals 1 and 2 certification, you 1) must accumulate 20 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) before the certification expiration (two years) and submit a renewal fee; or 2) you may test successfully for a higher level.
  • CECs may be accrued by taking any workshops or classes taught by Suhaila or by officially licensed instructors.

Salimpour Fundamentals 1: Introduction to Suhaila Salimpour Format

Course S101a : 15 CECS

Overview

The Salimpour Fundamentals 1: Introduction to Suhaila Salimpour Format Course is a perfect opportunity for long distance dancers to experience Salimpour Level 1 curriculum as taught in Suhaila’s workshops, from the convenience of home. A licensed Salimpour Level 5 instructor guides students through the course, offering direction, answering questions, giving explanations and feedback, and providing motivation. Students can complete assignments on their own schedule, without the need to take time off work or the added expense of travel and hotels. This certification preparation course is required of all students wishing to take the Salimpour Fundamentals 1: Exam to certify Salimpour Fundamentals 1 (S1).

More details about the Salimpour Fundamentals 1: Introduction course can be found in the Course Details tab at left.

Course Details

The Salimpour Fundamentals 1: Introduction course is an online course scheduled over six weeks, with coursework and assignments scheduled on a weekly basis. Students need no prior experience with the Suhaila Salimpour Format to take this course, but we do recommend students prepare by taking a minimum of three different classes of each of the following topics in the Suhaila Salimpour Format Level 1 (Singles, 3/4s, Pelvic Locks, Squares, Circles, Vertical Figure 8s, Horizontal Figure 8s, Twists) in Online Classes. This course was designed to introduce the material, and give students a solid technique base from which to grow.

Weekly assignments are for the purpose of evaluation and receiving feedback from the licensed Salimpour Level 5 instructor directly. Some assignments include playing finger cymbals. All assignments must be submitted in Google Classroom.

The weekly assignments include:

  • Completion of movement specific online classes relating to the week’s focus, to work on technique and building stamina.
  • Reading selections from Jamila’s Article Book, The Salimpour School Belly Dance Compendium Volume 1, Middle Eastern Music: History and Study Guide, and The New Danse Orientale.
  • Listening and finger cymbal playing assignments that use specific audio downloads and music tracks, including Cymbal Jams and Suhaila’s Rhythm ID CD, which can be found in the online store. Begin with Cymbal Jams download patterns for L1.
  • Watching videos featuring Suhaila and other notable dancers, as well as topic specific lectures.
  • Interactive questions and group discussions based on readings, videos, and technique.

Each assignment will be evaluated, and the student will receive feedback via email, audio or video. During the course, students are encouraged to submit questions about the assignments and technique as they come up. A final evaluation will occur at the end of the course in which the licensed Salimpour Level 5 instructor will give the student specific instructions on the next steps to take as they work towards certification.

Certified students may take this course and earn 15 CECs towards certification renewal.

More details about preparation, prerequisites, and expectations can be found in the Requirements tab at left.

Learn more about the certification exam here.

Course Requirements

Preparation

This course is designed to introduce the Suhaila Salimpour Format to students with little to no experience in the Suhaila Salimpour Format. This course also serves as a refresher course for those returning after time away. Several resources are available to allow the student to become familiar with concepts and terminology to help them prepare for the course:

  • Begin taking Online Classes at salimpourschoolonline.com, focusing on taking three different classes of each of the following topics in the Suhaila Salimpour Format Level 1: Singles, 3/4s, Pelvic Locks, Squares, Circles, Vertical Figure 8s, Horizontal Figure 8s, Twists.
  • Use the Level 1 Training Plans available to you in Online Classes. The Training Plans for Level 1 follow the standard class rotation listed above.
  • Read through the Training and Resources section, taking special note of the items in the “Required Reading, Listening, Viewing List”, and begin the readings right away.
  • Learn the patterns in the SL1 Finger Cymbal Pattern List. Cymbal Jams and the album, Playing Finger Cymbals with Jamila, were designed to guide you through playing finger cymbals. If you don’t already have a set of Suhaila Cymbals, we recommend you get them now; you will be happy you did!
  • Study the Salimpour Format Nomenclature. Practice reading and writing the Nomenclature to prepare for future assignments where this is required. Reading the Nomenclature out loud to yourself may help speed the process of committing the shorthand to memory.

Students need several items at the ready at the start of the course. The following items are required to allow the student to participate in the course:

  • Streaming, reliable internet.
  • Current monthly or annual subscription to salimpourschoolonline.com.
  • Gmail account (to access Google Classroom).
  • Dance space with good lighting, good sound, and room to move.
  • Copy of the books and manuals listed above.
  • 10 to 15 hours each week to devote to the online classes, coursework, and assignments.

Prerequisites

To take the Salimpour Fundamentals 1: Introduction course, students must have:

  • A current subscription to salimpourschoolonline.com.
  • A minimum of three different classes of each of the following topics in the Suhaila Salimpour Format Level 1 (Singles, 3/4s, Pelvic Locks, Squares, Circles, Vertical Figure 8s, Horizontal Figure 8s, Twists).
  • Paid the enrollment fee in full.

The enrollment fee must be received in full before the student will be invited to the Google Classroom, where they will see their weekly coursework and assignments and submit their work.

Expectations

Students who are enrolled in this course are expected to submit all assignments on time. As there is so much material to cover in the course, assignments are given a specific timeline and due dates. The course is six weeks long, and the online classes, coursework, and assignments combined take an estimated 10 to 15 hours each week to complete.  If a student has family vacations, major business trips, or personal commitments within the course’s six week timeline, this may significantly affect the student’s ability to turn in assignments on time.  If enrolling in a course, the student will still be responsible for turning in assignments on time regardless of any travel or work schedule changes (planned or last minute).  Once a student is enrolled, there are no refunds for withdrawing from the course. Students can find our payment policy here.

Students who are enrolled in this course are expected to manage their schedules and submit their assignments on time. Use the Time & Priority Assessment Tool to help you determine the best use of your available time during this course, and to plan out a daily schedule.

This course was designed to prepare students for the online certification exams.  Preparation courses give students an opportunity to receive feedback that will help them improve as dancers and work towards certification. If coursework is turned in late, the submitted material will not be reviewed and the student will miss out on receiving feedback for that assignment, which may prevent the student from receiving approval to enroll in the exam course.

We look forward to seeing you in class! If you have any questions about this material, please contact our Certification Coordinator, Rachel George, at salimpourcertification@gmail.com.

Salimpour Fundamentals 2: Jamila Salimpour Step Vocabulary Part 1

Course S102a : 15 CECS

Overview

The Salimpour Fundamentals 2: Introduction to Jamila Salimpour Step Vocabulary course is a perfect opportunity for long distance dancers to experience Salimpour Level 1 curriculum as taught in Suhaila’s workshops, from the convenience of home. A licensed Salimpour Level 5 instructor guides students through the course, offering direction, answering questions, giving explanations and feedback, and providing motivation. Students can complete assignments on their own schedule, without the need to take time off work or the added expense of travel and hotels. This certification preparation course is required of all students wishing to take the Salimpour Fundamentals 2: Exam to certify Salimpour Fundamentals 2 (J1).

More details about the Salimpour Fundamentals 2: Introduction course can be found in the Course Details tab at left.

Course Details

The Salimpour Fundamentals 2: Introduction course is an online course scheduled over five weeks, with coursework and assignments scheduled on a weekly basis. Students need no prior experience with the Jamila Salimpour Format to take this course, but we do recommend students prepare by taking a minimum of three complete Level 1 Step Family series/classes for each of the Jamila Format 1 Step Families (Basic Egyptian, Arabic, Running Choo-Choo, Shimmy, Salaam, Taqsim, Spins, Head Movements) in Online Classes. This course was designed to introduce the material, and give students a solid technique base from which to grow.

Weekly assignments are for the purpose of evaluation and receiving feedback from the licensed Salimpour Level 5 instructor directly. Some assignments include playing finger cymbals. All assignments must be submitted in Google Classroom.

The weekly assignments include:

  • Completion of movement specific online classes relating to the week’s focus, to work on technique and building stamina.
  • Reading selections from Jamila’s Article Book, The Salimpour School Belly Dance Compendium Volume 1, Middle Eastern Music: History and Study Guide, and The New Danse Orientale.
  • Listening and finger cymbal playing assignments that use specific audio downloads and music tracks, including Cymbal Jams and Suhaila’s Rhythm ID CD, which can be found in the online store. Begin with Cymbal Jams download patterns for L1.
  • Watching videos featuring Suhaila and other notable dancers, as well as topic specific lectures.
  • Interactive questions and group discussions based on readings, videos, and technique.

Each assignment will be evaluated, and the student will receive feedback via email, audio or video. During the course, students are encouraged to submit questions about the assignments and technique as they come up. A final evaluation will occur at the end of the course in which the licensed Salimpour Level 5 instructor will give the student specific instructions on the next steps to take as they work towards certification.

Certified students may take this course and earn 15 CECs towards certification renewal.

More details about preparation, prerequisites, and expectations can be found in the Requirements tab at left.

Learn more about the certification exam here.

Course Requirements

Preparation

This course is designed to introduce the Jamila Salimpour Format to students with little to no experience in the Jamila Salimpour Format. This course also serves as a refresher course for those returning after time away. Several resources are available to allow the student to become familiar with concepts and terminology to help them prepare for the course:

  • Begin taking Online Classes at salimpourschoolonline.com, focusing on taking a minimum of three complete Level 1 Step Family series/classes for each of the Jamila Format 1 Step Families: Basic Egyptian, Arabic, Running Choo-Choo, Shimmy, Salaam, Taqsim, Spins, Head Movements.
  • Use the Level 1 Training Plans available to you in Online Classes. The Training Plans for Level 1 follow the standard class rotation listed above.
  • Read through the Training and Resources section, taking special note of the items in the “Required Reading, Listening, Viewing List”, and begin the readings right away.
  • Learn the patterns in the SL1 Finger Cymbal Pattern List. Cymbal Jams and the album, Playing Finger Cymbals with Jamila, were designed to guide you through playing finger cymbals. If you don’t already have a set of Suhaila or Jamila Finger Cymbals, we recommend you get them now; you will be happy you did!
  • Read through the Jamila Salimpour Format Step Families Tri-fold to familiarize yourself with the step names and family groupings.
  • Study the Salimpour Format Nomenclature. Practice reading and writing the Nomenclature to prepare for future assignments where this is required. Reading the Nomenclature out loud to yourself may help speed the process of committing the shorthand to memory.

Students need several items at the ready at the start of the course. The following items are required to allow the student to participate in the course:

  • Streaming, reliable internet.
  • Current monthly or annual subscription to salimpourschoolonline.com.
  • Gmail account (to access Google Classroom).
  • Dance space with good lighting, good sound, and room to move.
  • Copy of the books and manuals listed above.
  • 10 to 15 hours each week to devote to the online classes, coursework, and assignments.

Prerequisites

To take the Salimpour Fundamentals 2: Introduction course, students must have:

  • A current subscription to salimpourschoolonline.com.
  • Current Fundamentals 1 Certification (SL1).
  • A minimum of three complete Level 1 Step Family series/classes for each of the Jamila Format 1 Step Families (Basic Egyptian, Arabic, Running Choo-Choo, Shimmy, Salaam, Taqsim, Spins, Head Movements).
  • Paid the enrollment fee in full.

The enrollment fee must be received in full before the student will be invited to the Google Classroom, where they will see their weekly coursework and assignments and submit their work.

Expectations

Students who are enrolled in this course are expected to submit all assignments on time. As there is so much material to cover in the course, assignments are given a specific timeline and due dates. The course is five weeks long, and the online classes, coursework, and assignments combined take an estimated 10 to 15 hours each week to complete.  If a student has family vacations, major business trips, or personal commitments within the course’s five week timeline, this may significantly affect the student’s ability to turn in assignments on time.  If enrolling in a course, the student will still be responsible for turning in assignments on time regardless of any travel or work schedule changes (planned or last minute).  Once a student is enrolled, there are no refunds for withdrawing from the course. Students can find our payment policy here.

Students who are enrolled in this course are expected to manage their schedules and submit their assignments on time. Use the Time & Priority Assessment Tool to help you determine the best use of your available time during this course, and to plan out a daily schedule.

This course was designed to prepare students for the online certification exams.  Preparation courses give students an opportunity to receive feedback that will help them improve as dancers and work towards certification. If coursework is turned in late, the submitted material will not be reviewed and the student will miss out on receiving feedback for that assignment, which may prevent the student from receiving approval to enroll in the exam course.

We look forward to seeing you in class! If you have any questions about this material, please contact our Certification Coordinator, Rachel George, at salimpourcertification@gmail.com.