Welcome to Integrations

Integrations 1 and 2 follow the successful completion of Foundations 1 & 2 in the Salimpour School curriculum. These courses provide structured, instructor‑guided opportunities for learners to deepen their practice by layering movement, stylization, and cultural nuance — using prior study from the Library & Conservatory subscription as foundation. Integrations offers personalized instructor feedback and guidance focused on somatic integration, movement vocabulary & styling, and expressive performance quality.

Course Overview (Integrations 1 and 2)

  • Duration: 12 weeks each
  • Format: Weekly modules, assignments, and personalized instructor feedback.
  • Certification: Optional assessment available after course with approval.

Enrollment & Next Steps

These courses are designed for committed students who have completed Foundations 1 & 2, have active School membership, and maintain regular practice through Suhaila Online subscription. If you have been studying independently via the Library & Conservatory and want structured instructor feedback and stylistic growth, Integrations 1 & 2 offer a path to deepen your movement fluency and cultural understanding.

Integrations 1

In our twelve-week Integrations 1 (S301d) course, you'll immerse yourself in Suhaila Salimpour's innovative somatic method. This curriculum focuses on the art of layering shapes and movements, enhancing your ability to express yourself artistically and interpret music with greater depth. Beginning with the separation of each movement, you'll gradually learn to integrate these layers into a seamless, cohesive performance.

What You Will Learn

  • Layering movement using the somatic method — combining shapes, dynamics, and transitions for cohesive flow.
  • Improvisation and reflective practice under instructor guidance.
  • Use of the exclusive Gridwork Method for spatial awareness and choreography work.
  • Required choreography / technique exercises to demonstrate integration of learned skills.
  • Use of SWANA music to build musicality and cultural connection.

Prerequisites

  • Completion of / Certification in Foundations 1 & 2
  • Active member and Library subscriber
  • Required choreographies learned.
  • 12‑week commitment.

Required Choreography Links

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.

Integrations 2

Our twelve-week Integrations 2 (S302d) course builds upon the foundational layering techniques introduced in Integrations 1. Using Suhaila Salimpour's somatic belly dance method as a foundation, you'll delve into the Salimpour Vocabulary and explore cultural stylization. This course will refine your skills and deepen your understanding of the cultural contexts that shape this vibrant dance form.

What You Will Learn

  • Layering combining somatic method with Salimpour Vocabulary: step families, stylization, and culturally informed movements.
  • Continued improvisation, instructor feedback, and expressive refinement.
  • Use of Gridwork Method in choreography and movement exercises. 
  • Required choreography and technique work to synthesize somatic flow, vocabulary, and performance presence.

Prerequisites

  • Completion of / Certification in Integrations 1.
  • Active Suhaila Online subscription and ongoing practice.
  • Required choreographies learned.
  • 12‑week commitment.

Required Choreography Links

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.

Spring 2026

Summer 2026

Fall 2026

Two Pricing Options for Your Course: Premium and Economy

Economy

  • Post-Course Access
    None
  • Choreography Access
    None
  • Private Lessons
    None
  • Additional Choreography Takes
    None

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 ($350 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 ($450 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.

Cultural Context & Approach

At Salimpour School, instruction goes beyond technique. Integrations emphasizes respect for the cultural origins of belly dance in the SWANA region, encouraging stylization and movement choices informed by historical context, musical phrasing, and emotional resonance — all while building somatic awareness and expressive confidence.

Frequently asked questions

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?

There are no weekly sessions, although instructors may schedule optional sessions.

  Premium Restrictions

  • None of the premium additions are adjustable, extendable, refundable, transferable, nor exchangeable.

  • Four weeks of post-access allows the learner to stay in the classroom for an additional 4 weeks if there are remaining assignments to be completed. Access is removed upon completion of outstanding assignments.

  • It is assumed that the learner has already learned the choreography in preparation for the course, so access to choreographies during the course is considered a supplementary resource. Premium choreography access, regardless of learner registration date, ends 4 weeks after the end of the course. Learners who sign up later than 4 weeks prior to the course are not given additional access time. Pre-course access to choreography is only provided to learners who have paid course enrollment in full.

  • Private lessons must be scheduled and taken during the duration of the course. Scheduling must be done and confirmed no later than the end of the 10th week of coursework.

  • Additional takes per choreography (see specific course details for the required choreography) are provided. These are accessible in specific weeks outlined in the course schedule.

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