General Information About Belly Souk Classes

What is belly dance?
Belly dance, more accurately called oriental dance or Raqs Sharqi, is a dance originating in the Middle East and North Africa. Many belly dancers layer their movements so that one part of the body executes one movement while another part of the body executes another.

What is your class about?
My class teaches the technique of belly dance based on the Suhaila Salimpour Format*. The isolations and layered movements provide great cardiovascular training and serve as strengthening exercises that tone your entire body, starting with the abdominal and gluteal muscles.

*I am not an official instructor for the Suhaila Salimpour School of Belly Dance, and my classes do not count towards Continuing Education Credits (CECs) in the Suhaila Salimpour Format or Jamila Salimpour Format.

Do I need previous dance experience?
My Beginner Belly Dance class is open to dancers with all levels of experience. Absolute beginners are welcome. I start with fundamental technique, and those who are ready to advance can add layered movements to the basic steps. Those who need more time to get comfortable with certain moves can take as long as they need.

My Advanced-Beginner Belly Dance class requires a working knowledge of the muscular contractions required to execute basic technique in the Suhaila Salimpour Format. Most students are ready for Advanced-Beginner classes after about six months of weekly classes at the Beginner level.

I already have some belly dance experience. May I start in your Advanced Beginner class?
No. You must be proficient in each previous level before moving up. There are many experienced dancers who wish to begin my classes at the Advanced Beginner level. This does not work because of the format of the Advanced Beginner class. I build on techniques and postures that are initially taught in the Beginner level class. Experienced dancers of other forms will likely not need to repeat Beginner Belly Dance more than once before moving up, but even you must start there. Thank you for your enthusiasm and your understanding!

I encourage all my students to attend classes at and below their skill level. For example, my Advanced Beginner students are welcome to attend the Beginner classes as a technique refresher. I also recommend practicing on your own at least twice a week outside of class. This will help your body to develop muscle memory for the technique that we use in belly dance.

Can I perform belly dance in public?
You can take belly dance for exercise, for fun, or with an intent to perform. My multi-level class focuses on technique. My Beginner, Advanced-Beginner, Intermediate, and Choreography classes focus on building a repertoire of ability that may lend itself to performance one day.

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