Welcome to Fundamentals 1

Fundamentals 1 serves as the foundational entry point into the Salimpour School’s belly dance curriculum. This six-week course is designed to introduce learners to the core principles of belly dance technique through a structured and accessible framework.

Central to this course is the study of Suhaila Salimpour’s Core Dimension™ somatic method, which emphasizes the integration of body awareness, alignment, and mindful muscle engagement. Learners develop essential kinesthetic skills that establish a strong technical base while fostering a connection between movement and mindful presence.

The course is organized into six weekly modules for self-paced study. Each module builds upon the previous to support gradual skill acquisition. Although lessons are pre-recorded, instructors are available to provide personalized feedback and answer questions upon request, ensuring learners receive guidance tailored to their progress.

In addition, the course situates belly dance within its rich cultural and historical context, particularly honoring its roots in the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region. This dual focus ensures that students approach the practice with both technical rigor and cultural respect from the outset of their training.
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Format: Online pre-recorded video lessons with personalized instructor feedback
  • Certification: Optional assessment available upon course completion
Overview

What You Will Learn

Fundamental posture, movements, and shapes essential to the practice of belly dance.

Suhaila’s Core Dimension™ somatic method — muscle engagement and mind-body connection.

Cultural context of belly dance, focusing on its rich origins in Southwest Asia and North Africa.

Enroll Today

Check the year and date carefully for each option below before making your selection.

Begin Your Study

If you seek a thoughtful, culturally informed introduction to belly dance, Fundamentals 1 offers a clear, well-structured path to start your learning journey. Combining somatic training with respect for the dance's cultural origins, this course is suitable for complete beginners with no prior dance experience. Learn at your own pace!
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Addressing Your Concerns

I'm a complete beginner. Is this course for me?

Yes. Fundamentals 1 was developed specifically for individuals new to belly dance or Suhaila Salimpour’s method. The curriculum introduces core posture, foundational movement, and the Salimpour Core Dimension™ somatic approach through a clear, cumulative sequence. No prior experience is required.

Is online learning effective for belly dance?

Yes. The course is designed to support learning in an online format through structured video lessons, guided practice, and opportunities for instructor feedback. This flexible approach allows learners to study at their own pace while receiving personalized guidance when needed.

Acknowledging the Cultural Heritage of the SWANA Region

The Salimpour School presents belly dance within the context of the cultural traditions of the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region. Our curriculum emphasizes an informed and respectful approach to the art form, connecting students to its diverse historical and cultural roots.

Whether your interest is professional study or personal practice, the Salimpour School provides structured, culturally grounded instruction to support your development in this dance discipline.

About Suhaila Salimpour and the Salimpour Center

Suhaila Salimpour has been teaching belly dance since the 1970s and developed a structured somatic method that emphasizes a close connection between body and mind. She was an early adopter of digital education for belly dance, launching one of the first online platforms in 2008. Today, this platform offers over 1,000 hours of instructional content accessible to dancers worldwide.

The Salimpour Center for Embodied Dance and Cultural Studies (Salimpour School) provides comprehensive training programs rooted in the legacy of Suhaila’s mother, Jamila Salimpour, a significant figure in the history of modern belly dance. The Center’s curriculum honors the cultural origins of belly dance in the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region and its diaspora, emphasizing respect for the dance’s validity and historical context.

Through structured instruction and a global learner community, Suhaila and the Salimpour Center support students in developing technical skill, somatic awareness, and an informed appreciation of belly dance as a cultural practice.


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