Why Get Certified?
Reasons for certification are often as individual and unique as each of our students. But here are some of the most common reasons.
- Be part of a worldwide community of supportive dancers.
- Perform with a Salimpour Collective.
- Join Bal Anat, the longest running belly dance performing group in the world.
- License as an instructor; three tiers available.
- Empower yourself by reaching goals in a structured and supportive environment.
- Take a proactive step to move forward and invest in your dance, personal, and/or professional development.
Note that some benefits require certain certification levels.
Certification
In 1999, Suhaila Salimpour was the first to not only establish the first certification program in belly dance, but the most comprehensive program that guides students through five levels, 100 through 500. Each level has two sections, and students progress through the program by certifying sequentially through each level and section. Certification testing is the means used by the School to evaluate student understanding and application of important technique and concepts built cumulatively with progressions through the levels and sections.
In summer 2020, due to the Covid pandemic, Suhaila launched the Suhaila Salimpour Institute of Online Education to house the certification program and testing. Now, instead of having to travel for in-person weeklong workshops, students can study and test from their own homes. Visit the Institute section of this website to learn more, including upcoming semester schedules.
Certified Members and Memberships
Salimpour School students have the opportunity to progress by successfully completing testing for each level: Fundamentals, Foundations, Intermediate, Performance, and Teaching. Certifications are valid from the date of recognition without expiration dependent upon paying monthly certification membership fees. The fee is the same for every member regardless of level or number of certifications.
