Welcome to Foundations

Foundations is the 200-level of our School’s curriculum where you build the foundations of your dance.  This level has two courses to be taken in a specific order: Foundations 1, then Foundations 2.

Course Overview (Foundations 1 and 2)

  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • Format: Pre-recorded content with instructor feedback and Q&A
  • Optional Certification: Validate your skills and boost your confidence

How the Process Works

01

Enroll

Register and gain access when the semester begins.

02

Learn

Follow the structured weekly lessons designed to progressively build your skills.

03

Engage

Interact with instructors and peers, ask questions, and receive detailed feedback.

04

Practice

Apply what you've learned through practice.

05

Certify

Optionally test your knowledge and skills for certification.

Why Study with Us?

  • Legacy: Suhaila Salimpour has dedicated her career to preserving and teaching the vocabulary of belly dance.
  • Authority: The Salimpour School is globally recognized for its thorough and culturally sensitive approach to belly dance education.
  • Community: Join a worldwide network of dancers passionate about the historical and cultural dimensions of belly dance.
  • Unique Methodology: Suhaila’s method integrates rooted somatic practice with a deep understanding of cultural heritage.
Write your awesome label here.

Foundations 1

Take your belly dance practice to the next level with our twelve-week foundations course, Foundations 201. Building on the principles established in our introductory course, this program delves deeper into Suhaila Salimpour's innovative somatic method. Expand your artistic expression and cultural understanding while refining your technical skills in this beautiful dance form from the Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) region.

What You Will Learn

  • Understanding of Suhaila Salimpour's belly dance method through a variety of exercises
  • Enhanced understanding of Suhaila’s somatic approach to belly dance
  • Exploration of the cultural relevance and and musical interpretation
  • Introduction to Suhaila’s Gridwork Method for performance
  • Culmination and application of learned skills and concepts demonstrated through required choreography and technique exercises

Prerequisites

  • Be a current member of the Salimpour School Certification Program.
  • Have achieved Fundamentals 1 and 2 Certification.
  • Be a Suhaila Online online class subscriber and actively working on your dance.
  • Learn the required choreographies: Foundations Drum Solo (L2FCDS) and Chic Chic Choc.
  • Desire to deepen your understanding and enhance your skills in belly dance.
  • Seek a culturally rich and physically engaging art form.
  • Able to make a 12-week commitment to the course.

Optional Certification

Optional testing is available after the course for an additional fee and includes two portions: practical and written. A prerequisite for the certification exam is approval (pass grade) on all required choreography during the course.

Foundations 2

Explore the rich historical vocabulary of belly dance with our twelve-week foundations course, Foundations 2. Learn the foundational elements that have shaped this vibrant art form, guided by the legacy and expertise of Jamila and Suhaila Salimpour. This course provides a profound understanding of the cultural roots and evolution of belly dance, making it as relevant today as it was decades ago.

What You Will Learn

  • Comprehensive understanding of the historical Salimpour Vocabulary of belly dance steps
  • Step families with cultural sentiment and stylization
  • Enhanced awareness of the movements required using Suhaila’s somatic methodExploration of the cultural relevance and and musical interpretation
  • Performance exercises using Suhaila’s exclusive Gridwork Method
  • Culmination and application of learned skills and concepts demonstrated through required choreography and technique exercises

Prerequisites

  • Be a current member of the Salimpour School Certification Program.
  • Have achieved Foundations 1 Certification.
  • Be a Suhaila Online online class subscriber and actively working on your dance.
  • Learn the required choreographies:  El Samer and Shams El Shamouseh.
  • Seek a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical aspects of the art form.
  • Appreciate a structured, methodical approach to learning dance vocabulary.
  • Able to make a 12-week commitment to the course.

Optional Certification

Optional testing is available after the course for an additional fee and includes two portions: practical and written. A prerequisite for the certification exam is approval (pass grade) on all required choreography during the course.

Two Pricing Options for Your Course: Premium and Economy

Economy

  • Post-Course Access
  • Choreography Access
  • Private Lessons
  • Additional Choreography Takes

Premium

  • Post-Course Access
    4 weeks extended access beyond course end to allow learners to complete certain assignments. ($350 value).
  • Choreography Access
    4 weeks prior to course, during course, and 4 weeks after course ($200 value)
  • Private Lessons
    2 one-hour sessions related to course work or performance preparation ($300 value)
  • Additional Choreography Takes
    3 additional takes of each choreography for a total of 9 additional takes ($300 value)
The Premium version offers substantial additional benefits compared to the Economy version. With extended access to choreographies, personalized instruction, and more practice opportunities, the Premium version is ideal for students seeking a more comprehensive and enriched learning experience. The additional features provide significant value for the investment. However, the Economy version remains a solid option for those who prefer a more basic approach to the course content.

 All premium features are subject to time restrictions as outlined further below.

About Suhaila Salimpour and the Salimpour School

Suhaila Salimpour and the Salimpour School stand as unparalleled leaders in the world of belly dance, blending rich tradition with contemporary innovation. Suhaila, a master choreographer, performer, and instructor, has revolutionized the art form through her own somatic method, which emphasizes a deep connection between mind and body. Teaching since the 1970s, Suhaila has dedicated decades to refining and sharing her unique approach. She is also a trailblazer in digital education, launching the first online class site for belly dance in 2008. Today, this platform offers over 1,000 hours of content, making high-quality instruction accessible to dancers worldwide.

Under her guidance, the Salimpour School has become a beacon for dancers globally, offering comprehensive training programs that honor the legacy of Suhaila's mother, Jamila Salimpour, a pioneering figure in modern belly dance. The school is committed to fostering respect for the validity and legitimacy of this art form for the SWANA (South West Asia and North Africa) region and its diaspora. By fostering a community that values discipline, creativity, and cultural appreciation, Suhaila and the Salimpour School continue to elevate the global standard of belly dance, inspiring dancers to achieve excellence and express their unique artistry.

Write your awesome label here.

Historical Relevance of the Salimpour Vocabulary

The Salimpour vocabulary encapsulates the rich history and cultural essence of belly dance, originating from the SWANA region. The Salimpours’ documentation and teaching of this vocabulary have preserved its legitimacy and relevance. Today, dancers around the world continue to use and respect this vocabulary for its depth and historical significance, ensuring the tradition remains vibrant and true to its roots.

Join Us in Honoring the Cultural Heritage of the SWANA Region

At the Salimpour School, we celebrate the traditions and community spirit of the SWANA region through belly dance. Our courses are crafted to foster a deep respect and understanding of this captivating art, connecting students with its rich cultural diversity.

Whether you aspire to become a professional dancer or are pursuing belly dance as a fulfilling hobby, the Salimpour School offers a supportive and enriching environment for your journey. Enroll today and take the next step towards a deeper connection with yourself and the art of belly dance.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Foundations 1 course just for testing, or can a new Foundations student take the course?

The 201d course has several tiers for 
  • Those beginning in the level and want to learn more about Foundations 1.
  • Those wanting to work on the content with more feedback.
  • To those wanting to test for the level.
  • Then to those wanting to prepare for the professional level.

Is certification testing included in the course?

Certification testing is handled separately at the end of the course for an additional fee.

How do I get feedback on my dancing?

Primary course content is handled through submission of video, where the student demonstrates choreography and technique and receives feedback and scroring.

Is there a weekly session I need to attend and what time is it?

Once a course begins, the instructor schedules a time to meet with students and help them, but these meetings are optional.
19 JANUARY 2025 THROUGH 19 APRIL 2025

Spring 2025

Summer 2025

17 AUGUST 2025 THROUGH 15 NOVEMBER 2025

Fall 2025

Spring 2026