Courses to obtain Instructor Licensing

Welcome to Teaching Skills

We have three courses in the Teaching Skills series, each offering a different level of Instructor Licensing following the course. Our courses focus on teaching Suhaila’s somatic approach to belly dance and the Salimpour Vocabulary in a very specific way. This focus includes the specific method of breaking down, timing, storytelling, and referencing that provides a richer context for instructor and student.

All three courses focus on teaching Suhaila’s somatic belly dance method, the Salimpour Vocabulary, lesson plans and combinations, classroom management, and learner engagement.

Course Overview (Teaching Skills 1, 2 and 3)

  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • Format: Pre-recorded content with instructor feedback and Q&A

How the Process Works

01

Enroll

Register and gain access to the course content at the start of the semester.

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.

Why Study with Us?

  • Legacy: Suhaila Salimpour is a pioneering figure in the belly dance community, bringing decades of experience in teaching and performance.
  • Authority: The Salimpour School is globally recognized for its comprehensive and respectful approach to belly dance education.
  • Community:  Connect with a worldwide network of dancers who share your passion for this art form.
  • Unique Methodology: Suhaila’s method integrates physical technique with a deep understanding of cultural and historical contexts.
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Teaching Skills 1

Focus
Teaching Salimpour School Fundamentals 1 and Fundamentals 2

Prerequisites

  • Be a current member of the Salimpour School Certification Program.
  • Achieved Foundations Certification: both Foundations 1 and 2.
  • Be a current Suhaila Online Class subscriber, actively working on your dance.
  • Able to make a twelve-week commitment to the course.
  • Desire to learn more about teaching.

Optional Licensing

Optional Fundamental Instructor Licensing for dancers who successfully complete and pass the course.

Teaching Skills 2

Focus
Teaching Salimpour School Foundations 1 and Foundations 2

Prerequisites

  • Be a current member of the Salimpour School Certification Program.
  • Achieved Foundations 1 and 2 Certification
  • Completed/passed Teaching Skills 1
  • Be a Suhaila Online online class subscriber, actively working on your dance.
  • Able to make a twelve-week commitment to the course.

Optional Licensing

Optional Foundational Instructor Licensing for dancers who successfully complete and pass the course.

Teaching Skills 3

Focus
A deeper approach to teaching Fundamentals and Foundations

Prerequisites

  • Be a current member of the Salimpour School Certification Program.
  • Achieved Advanced Performance Certification
  • Completed/passed Teaching Skills 2.
  • Be a Suhaila Online online class subscriber, actively working on your dance.
  • Able to make a twelve-week commitment to the course.

Optional Licensing

Optional Professional Instructor Licensing for dancers who successfully complete and pass the course.

Spring 2025

Summer 2025

Fall 2025

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.

Instructor Principles

At Suhaila International, we house both the Salimpour School and the Suhaila Salimpour Institute of Online Education. Our core values revolve around promoting integrity and responsibility in the teaching and performance of belly dance. Our instructors are guided by the following principles:

Create a safe and supportive learning environment for our students.

Commit to lifelong learning and professional development.

Teach the rich cultural heritage and origins of this dance form.

Embrace inclusivity and diversity.

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Present the art form responsibly and ethically.

Utilize music from the cultures in our education.

Develop comprehensive lesson plans and ongoing enrichment opportunities for our students.

Actively engage in and promote School programs, including certification.

Show respect for the dancers who have contributed to this dance form with integrity.