CERTIFICATION

Salimpour Credentialing & Academic Pathway

The Salimpour Certification Pathway is Suhaila International’s structured process for dancers committed to deepening their embodied understanding, cultural literacy, and application of Suhaila’s methodology, Core Dimension™, and the Salimpour Vocabulary.

Since 1999, when Suhaila Salimpour established the world’s first belly dance certification program, this pathway has been grounded in integrity, rigor, and cultural respect. It continues to serve as a benchmark for responsible study, cultural grounding, and disciplined evaluation within the field.

Certification Levels & Progression

The program comprises five sequential levels of study and evaluation: Fundamentals, Foundations, Integrations, Advanced Performance, and Teaching. Most levels include two sections that build cumulatively, ensuring a comprehensive progression. Each level’s assessments measure your embodied presence, vocabulary fluency, cultural insight, and performance quality.

How Certification Works

1

Evaluation & Assessment

Certification evaluations include submitted video work, written elements, and live components appropriate to each level.
2

Credentialing

Successful candidates receive a Salimpour certification — a recognized acknowledgment of proficiency grounded in technical skill, cultural understanding, and thoughtful practice.
3

Membership Requirement

Active Membership supports your ongoing participation in the certification pathway. It is required to maintain your credential status and remain eligible for advanced study and instructor pathways.

The Benefits of Certification

Recognition and Respect

Receive a credential with international recognition for embodied proficiency and cultural depth.

Teaching Eligibility

Certification is the required foundation for pursuing Instructor Licensing through the Institute.

Collective Membership

Certified members are invited to participate in performance ensembles and collaborations that support community engagement and practical experience.

Scholarly Community

Certification supports access to workshops, academic events, and ongoing learning opportunities.

Continued Growth

Certification facilitates pathways to advanced study, research engagement, and leadership within the global community.

Get Started

You can begin the certification pathway by:
  • Engaging with the Library & Conservatory subscription to build foundational skills
  • Enrolling in appropriate Institute coursework
  • Maintaining active Membership to uphold your certification status and access program benefits

History and Legacy of Certification

n 1999, Suhaila Salimpour established the first belly dance certification program — also the first comprehensive program of its kind anywhere in the world. Guided by structured levels of study, this pathway has enabled dancers to build skill, insight, and cultural understanding through disciplined evaluation.

Over time, students progressed sequentially through Fundamentals, Foundations, Integrations, Advanced Performance, and Teaching, accumulating both embodied competence and contextual fluency. Certification assessments evaluated not just technique but the learner’s grasp of the Salimpour Vocabulary, Core Dimension™ methodology, and cultural context.
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In summer 2020, in response to global demand and the need for accessible distance learning, Suhaila launched the Suhaila Salimpour Institute of Online Education to house the certification program and assessments. This transition enabled dancers worldwide to pursue certification preparation and evaluation from home with structured guidance and community support.

Certified Dancers & Memberships

Students advance by successfully completing assessments for each level. Certifications are valid from the date of recognition and remain active without expiration, contingent upon maintaining current Center Membership.

Why Study with Us?

  • A Legacy of Responsible Leadership: Founded by Jamila Salimpour and continued by her daughter Suhaila Salimpour, the Salimpour School has been at the forefront of belly dance education for decades, bringing depth, cultural respect, and academic grounding to this discipline.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Our structured curriculum ensures that learners build a solid foundation before progressing to more advanced work, integrating technique, vocabulary, historical context, and performance skills.
  • Cultural Richness: Immerse yourself in the heritage of SWANA dance and its diaspora, honoring origins and evolving practices in thoughtful balance. 
  • Inclusive and Supportive Environment: The Salimpour School welcomes learners of all genders, body types, ages, and backgrounds, fostering a community where every dancer feels valued and empowered. 
  • Expert Instruction: Learn from instructors and peer leaders whose experience and passion help you refine and express your study with clarity and depth.

See our list of certified dancers

Notes on Participation

  • Current Center Membership is required to participate in the Salimpour Certification Program.
  • Library & Conservatory subscriptions include Center Membership.
  • Recurring membership subscriptions cover membership only and do not provide library or course access.

Library & Conservatory Subscriptions

A Library & Conservatory subscription includes membership and grants access to core study materials.

Center Recurring Membership

Center Membership does not include access to instructional library content unless combined with a Library & Conservatory subscription.
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