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Suhaila Certification Jamila Certification
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Suhaila Format Overview
Suhaila Salimpour Belly DanceThe Suhaila (SSBD) format
Suhaila’s certification program provides a well-rounded curriculum to train students to become complete belly dancers. Dance certification by Suhaila provides students with formal recognition of their dedication to and hard-earned proficiency in Suhaila's challenging style. The certification program encompasses the following consecutive levels:
Basics (Level 1) —The Foundation of the Format
Fundamentals (Level 2) —The Next Important Step
Intermediate (Level 3) —All the Pieces of the Puzzle
Advanced (Level 4) —The Big Picture
Teaching (Level 5) – Teaching Certification
Each level builds on the previous level, providing specialized training within a logical, cumulative sequence. Over the full course of study, students are trained in dance technique, finger cymbals, rhythm identification, history, music, culture, improvisation, performance, choreography, teaching skills, etc.
I’ve been a professional dancer and teacher for many years. Can I “place out” of Level 1 and 2 to begin my studies with Level 3?
Regardless of previous experience, all students (without exception) begin with Level 1. Level 1 outlines all the necessary elements of Suhaila’s format including posture, muscle isolation, music theory, nomenclature, etc. The School uses certification testing as the method of determining whether a student has the required knowledge and/or abilities to proceed to the next level. Dancers with more experience have the potential to move through the certification program much more quickly; Suhaila never holds students back from realizing their potential.
How long will it take for me to achieve Teaching Certification?
For most dancers, the process can take 3-5 years, or longer. The time is dependent on many factors: experience, training time, motivation, dedication, etc. In theory, a very experienced and hardworking dancer could make it through the program in two years by devoting herself fulltime to the program and by attending the necessary workshops in a carefully mapped out sequence.
Can I participate and progress in the program long-distance?
Definitely! Most of the dancers in Suhaila’s certification program are located outside of California, and many are located outside of the U.S. Students can attend workshops to get the information they need to return home and train at their own pace. Suhaila has developed several tools (Online Classes, Study Guides, Instructional DVDs, Audio Download Training Tools and CDs, etc.) to help long-distance certification participants.
“In person” training is still required through attendance at workshops. Many of the modules of study in later levels are presented and developed during workshops. The workshops also provide Suhaila and the School instructors the opportunity to evaluate and provide valuable feedback to students.
How long did it take to develop the SSBD format?
Having been raised with both Jamila’s format and with conventional dance training (ballet, jazz, tap, etc.), Suhaila began using elements from her conventional dance to solidy and expand her mother’s format as early as her preteen years. Beginning in the mid-80’s while she was in high school, Suhaila began working more purposely on developing her own format. She continued developing her format and launched the certification program based on her format in 1999. The format has existed for over 20 years and is continually evaluated and updated to maintain the highest instructional and education standard available in belly dance.
How do I maintain certification?
Certification in the Suhaila Salimpour Belly Dance format is valid for two years and contingent upon completion of the requisite number of Continuing Education Credits (CECs) and active membership in the Suhaila Salimpour School of Belly Dance. In the case of insufficient CECs or an expired membership, the certification will become invalid and the dancer must retest/recertify. More information can be found on the Maintaining Certifications page.
When can I get a teaching certificate?
Teaching Certification is the only level providing a certificate that authorizes a dancer to teach the Suhaila Salimpour format. All other certificates (Levels 1-4) are certificates of achievement within the Suhaila Salimpour School of Belly Dance that denote a dancer's progress. When a dancer achieves a Suhaila Salimpour School of Belly Dance Teaching Certificate, they have received the highest quality of belly dance training available.
