Welcome to Fundamentals 2
Fundamentals 2 represents the second stage in the Salimpour School’s structured belly dance curriculum, designed to build upon the foundational skills introduced in Fundamentals 1. This six-week course deepens your technical proficiency and somatic awareness while expanding your understanding of the dance's cultural and historical context.
Central to this course is the continued study of the Salimpour Vocabulary — a codified system of step families rooted in the historical dance practices of the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region. These step families, documented and refined over decades, form the basis for precise technical training and informed cultural engagement within the Salimpour pedagogy.
Through a sequence of structured modules, Fundamentals 2 guides learners to embody the steps, apply Suhaila’s Core Dimension™ somatic method, and develop a richer appreciation for the legacy and ongoing evolution of belly dance.
Overview
What You Will Learn
Introduction to the historical Salimpour Vocabulary of belly dance.
Key step families with cultural sentiment and stylization.
Stronger movement awareness using Suhaila’s Core Dimension™.
How the Course Works
2 - Learn
4 - Practice
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Check the date and semester carefully before making your selection,
Why Study with Us?
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Historical Relevance of the Salimpour Vocabulary
The Salimpour Vocabulary is a comprehensive glossary of codified steps and movement families rooted in the historical practices of dancers from the SWANA region. Through decades of documentation, refinement, and teaching, the Salimpour family has ensured that this Vocabulary remains a reliable and relevant resource for understanding the lineage of this dance form. Dancers worldwide continue to study and reference this Vocabulary for its depth, clarity, and historical value, keeping the tradition connected to its origins while supporting meaningful learning.
Case Study: Why Our Course Works
Take the example of Emma, a student with a keen interest in the cultural history of belly dance. Through the Fundamentals 2 course, she gained a comprehensive understanding of the Salimpour vocabulary and its historical context. This not only enhanced her technical skills but also deepened her appreciation for the cultural heritage of belly dance. Emma's experience showcases the enriching impact of our curriculum.
Addressing Your Concerns
Will I be able to follow without prior experience?
Yes. Fundamentals 2 is designed for learners who have completed Fundamentals 1 or who have a solid introduction to belly dance basics. Clear explanations and contextual information support your progression, even if you started as a complete beginner.
Is online learning effective for understanding the dance vocabulary?
Absolutely. Our structured lessons combined with interactive feedback provide a comprehensive learning experience. The flexibility of online study allows you to absorb material at your own pace while having expert guidance available when you need it.
Is Fundamentals 2 Right for you?
This Course Is For You If
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You’ve completed Fundamentals 1 or have equivalent experience and feel ready to deepen your skills.
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You’re prepared to expand your familiarity with the Vocabulary, including step families, patterns, and transitions.
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You enjoy structured guidance and want the option to request instructor feedback as you strengthen technique.
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You appreciate learning within a school that values cultural context, historical relevance, and intentional dance practice.
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You want a clear, organized six-week pathway that supports consistency, confidence, and measurable progress.
This Course Is Not For You If
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You are not comfortable with online learning, this course might not be a good fit.
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You are unable to make a six-week commitment at this time.
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You’re seeking a choreography-only course rather than technique development and context-building.
Prerequisites
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If you seek to deepen your knowledge and technique with a culturally informed approach, Fundamentals 2 offers a well-structured path to continue your belly dance journey.
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 & 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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Acknowledging the Cultural Heritage of the SWANA Region
The Salimpour Center for Embodied Dance and Cultural Studies (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 Center provides structured, culturally grounded instruction to support your development in this dance discipline.