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The World’s Most Trusted Belly Dance Education

Learn a codified movement framework, cultural context, and personal expression with Suhaila Salimpour — online, on your time.
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Salimpour Online Library & Conservatory Access

The Library offers in-depth belly dance training through structured classes filmed with real students, reflecting the pace, corrections, and detailed guidance of live instruction. Gain access by subscription to Salimpour foundational somatic classes, rotation plans, and study resources—ideal for deep, ongoing self-study of Suhaila’s methodology, Core Dimension™, Salimpour Vocabulary, and traditional and modern SWANA dance forms.

For All Skill Levels

 We train dancers, whether they are hobbyists or professionals, with the same level of dedication and commitment.
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More Programs & Pathways

In addition to the Library Subscription, SuhailaOnline offers more programs and pathways to learn, engage, and grow with the Salimpour methodology — from self-directed study and focused courses to formal certification, instructor licensing, and community membership. Choose the approach that fits your goals and commitment level.

Choreography & More Courses

Short, focused courses available by individual subscription purchase, exploring choreography, musicality, and culturally grounded movement studies. These complement your self-study and provide targeted learning opportunities.

Membership

Join the Salimpour worldwide community to support the Center’s mission, maintain your certification credential, and contribute to advancing SWANA dance and culture globally.

Institute Enrollment

Enroll in structured coursework designed as the formal means of assessing learner progress based on thorough self-study. Institute courses evaluate your understanding and development in traditional and modern SWANA dance through Suhaila’s methods.

Certification

Achieve official recognition through successful testing and evaluation in Institute courses, validating your understanding and commitment to the Salimpour method.

Instructor Licensing

Qualify to teach the Salimpour method and SWANA dance and culture by obtaining your Instructor License, available to certified members who meet specific course and assessment criteria. Share this respected approach with your own students while upholding rigorous standards.

Downloads

Access downloadable music and audio training tools available for purchase to support your study and practice.

Library & Conservatory Access

The Library gives you access to over 1000 hours of pre-recorded classes by subscription.

Real Classes with Real Students

Suhaila started online classes in 2008, being something completely new in the world of dance and fitness. We put cameras in the corners of the dance studio, editing live.

Rotation Plans

We have rotation plans designed for you, to go at your own pace. You will have access to all classes, whether hobbyist or professional.

Learn Cultural Context and History

We are the source for the world-renowned Suhaila Salimpour Belly Dance Format and the Jamila Salimpour Bellydance Vocabulary.

Salimpour Legacy

 Suhaila Salimpour is a leading instructor and mentor in belly dance with over five decades of teaching and performance experience.

For all skill levels

Whether you are just starting out on your belly dancing journey or are a seasoned dancer, there is always something new and exciting to learn at the school.

See Our Other Programs

The Library and Conservatory subscription gives you access to hours of classes. But we also offer certification and instructor licensing through our Institute courses. Contact us to learn more.
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World-renowned belly dance instructor and performer. 
A Tradition of Expertise & Innovation

Suhaila Salimpour

Daughter of the legendary Jamila Salimpour, Suhaila was immersed in diverse dance disciplines from an early age. She has performed and taught internationally, sharing her somatic approach to belly dance alongside the historically grounded Salimpour Vocabulary.

She established the first formal certification program dedicated to belly dance. Today, the Salimpour School comprises licensed instructors worldwide and supports a vibrant community of students connected through a comprehensive online subscription platform and the Suhaila Salimpour Institute of Online Education — an inclusive program open to all who seek to participate.

My Learning Suite

Don't just take our word for it

See the impact directly from our students’ own experiences.
"I chose the Salimpour School because it's a school that honors our bodies, minds, and emotions. It doesn't matter where you are in your path or journey of belly dancing; you will always have something new, exciting, and profound to learn."

Marwa Gomez

Chile
“ I wanted to challenge myself and continue to grow, not only in terms of technique but also in learning the cultural context surrounding the dance, history, and musical interpretation. I really appreciated learning the choreographies in this course because they exposed me to pieces of music. They taught me how to express myself emotionally and connect with an audience. The choreographies were perfect for applying the techniques I learned each week. ”

Morgan Fay

Portland, Oregon, USA
“ Suhaila's format is super fun. They are creative and continue to challenge and educate me as a dancer. During the course, they asked us to explore the dance form that inspires us, including costuming and personas. I loved delving into the cultural context of everything. Suhaila motivated and encouraged me to take this course, even though I was going through a difficult time in my life. I feel so loved and supported by this dance community. It reminds me why love dancing. ”

Chantal

London, UK
“I'm a middle-aged dancer and hobbyist who started dancing in middle age. These classes provide me with a safe way to dance, understand my body and injuries, work with them, and work through them. I have learned so much about core technique and movement. I believe this is something accessible to dancers of any age or background. I have never worked so hard, learned so much, or had so much fun doing something I truly love. It's fun, rewarding, and part of a great community. I think you will enjoy it here”

Helena H.

Maryland, USA.
“I have 20 years dancing as a performer, but taking Salimpour Schools classes, got me to think outside of what I usually do, it challenged me to try, not only movements but also, styling myself for the performances. Feeling creative again with imagining whole looks and costumes and characters. I was used to having in-person education, but you feel the professional guidance through all the experience and the support of a beautiful dance community”.

Elinore

Portland, USA.
“The Salimpour School provides a well-rounded education. It encourages us to dig deeper into belly dance history. It allows us to engage in conversation. It helps us to set goals and help us to reach those goals, and most importantly, they have amazing instructors, that are talented and professional”.

Kenya K.

New York, USA.
“I chose the Salimpour School because I appreciate the guided nature of the program. I think the curriculum is extremely robust. I have been a member of the school for over 20 years now, and I can tell you that I continually feel like I am growing and developing as a dancer. Additionally, we have an incredible network of dancers and mentors, all rooting for each other. I am so proud to be part of this school”.

Angelique H.

USA.
“As a trained dancer for my entire life, I've always lived and believed, that you needed to go back and revisit the basics. My favorite part was to be able to do the research and learn ahead of time and there is such a wealth of knowledge in the books and the reading through the Institute and Jamila's articles. Even though it’s an online institute, the quality of the education is amazing. I loved that through difficult times the institute has been a beautiful companion to help me get back on track. It keeps me motivated as a dancer. I love to be part of this family”.

Nadira 

USA.
“Taking this course was perfect for me to prepare for my certification. I was able to research golden-era dancers and have some fun with entrances and exits. Learn to do my hair and make-up for my belly dance performance. Also, the classes are very easy to fit into my lifestyle. I was scared of feeling ridiculous while dancing, but this format helps you to feel comfortable with your body and movements, and have fun with the choreography, and I was surprised to see what I was able to project, I didn't think I would be able to do that, and I did”. 

Lorraine

Dublin, Ireland
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