Suhaila Workshop Descriptions
General Workshops
Suhaila teaches a wide variety of workshops from three hours to several days. These workshops are open to all participants, and content varies from workshop to workshop. Suhaila also offers several multi-day workshops that are designed for those interested in learning more about her specific dance format or her certification program; descriptions are listed below.
Multi-Level Weeklongs
These five-day workshops (25 total hours) are open to all participants. Students receive an offering of the vast material Suhaila covers as an instructor, including an overview of the SSBD certification program. Multi-level workshops include detailed technique, choreography, and opportunities to certify in SSBD Level 1. Many of Suhaila's students, both those who are certified and those who are not, enjoy taking these multi-levels every year.
Choreography Collective Weeklongs
These five-day workshops are open to all participants. Students receive Suhaila format technique in the mornings. For each of the five afternoons, five guest instructors teach a separate choreography with a separate stylization. The Choreography Collective provides a great opportunity for dance teachers, performers and students to leave with five different choreographies in one week: one technique -- five different stylizations.
SSBD Level 1 Three-Day Workshops
These three-day (15 total hours) are open to all participants. Students receive fundamental instruction specific to Level 1 in Suhaila's format, the SSBD certification program. Interested participants are given an opportunity at the end of these workshops to test for SSBD Level 1 certification for a separate fee. Testing involves both written and practical portions.
SSBD Level 2 Weeklong Workshops
These five-day workshops (25 total hours) are focused on technique and dance instruction specific to Levels 2 and 3. To participate, participants must be current members of the SSSD and must be currently SSBD Level 1 certified. In these workshops, students will further develop their technique and stamina. Choreography required for Level 2 certified is also included. Interested participants are given an opportunity at the end of these workshops to test for SSBD Level 2 certification for a separate fee. Testing involves a written exam, a technique/stamina practicum, and demonstration of a choreography with finger cymbals (see Level Breakdown under Suhaila Certification for more details).
SSBD Level 3 Preparatory Four-Day Workshop
These four-day workshops (24 total hours) are focused guiding students on how to prepare and study for Level 3 certification. To participate, participants must be current members of the SSSD and must be currently SSBD Level 2 certified. Students are taught layering techniques specific for Level 3, are given the tools to begin learning to choreograph, and are taught the three required choreographies for Level 3 certification (see Level Breakdown under Suhaila Certification for more details). Beginning in March 2009, any Level 2 students wishing to pursue Level 3 certification must take at least one Level 3 Preparatory Weeklong before taking a Level 3 Weeklong (unless they have previously taken a Level 3 Weeklong).
SSBD Level 3 Weeklong Workshops
These five-day workshops (35 total hours) are focused on technique and dance instruction specific to Level 3. To participate, participants must be current members of the SSSD and must be currently SSBD Level 2 certified. (Beginning in March 2009, students must have taken a Level 3 Preparatory Four-Day Workshop (unless they have taken a previous Level 3 Weeklong). In these workshops, students further develop their technique with layering, further refine the required choreographies learned in the Level 3 Four-Day Workshop (see Level Breakdown under Suhaila Certification for more details), and study various modules on history, culture, music and creativity. In these workshops, students combine tools to develop as artists in addition to honing their physical technique. For testing, participants must receive Suhaila's approval to enroll in a four month test module leading up to a Level 3 Weeklong. Each test module for each testing group will be different and will include, but not be limited to, written modules, project assignments, a technical/stamina practicum and choreography presentation. Testing is a separate fee from the workshop enrollment.
SSBD Level 4 Choreography Preparatory Weeklong
These five-day workshops (25 total hours) are focused on teaching students improvisational techniques as well as the four choreographies required for SSBD Level 4 certification (see Level Breakdown in Suhaila Certification for more details). These choreographies represent advanced technique in classic dance, belly dance layering, finger cymbals and emotional connection. Many dancers find that they need more than a year or two to master these choreographies, so SSBD certification program members are encouraged to take the Level 4 Choreography Preparatory weeklong as soon as they become Level 2 certified. To participate, participants must be current members of the SSSD and must be currently SSBD Level 2 certified. The workshop also includes instruction on improvisational work. For testing, participants must receive Suhaila's approval to enroll in a six month test module leading up to a Level 4 Weeklong. Each test module for each testing group will be different and will include, but not be limited to, written modules, project assignments, a technical/stamina practicum, choreography presentation, and an improvisational performance. Testing is a separate fee from the workshop enrollment.
JSBD Level 1 Certification Weeklong
These five-day workshops are open to all participants. Students receive fundamental instructor specific to Level 1 in Jamila's format. Subject matter covered includes Jamila technique, finger cymbal instruction, combinations, choreography and history. For interested participants who are current members of the SSSD, JSBD Level 1 certification testing is available at the end of the week for a separate fee. Testing includes both written and practical portions.
JSBD Level 2 Certification Weeklong
These five-day workshops include advanced Jamila technique, finger cymbal instructor, combinations, choreography, history and teaching methods. To participate, students must be current members of the SSSD and JSBD Level 1 certified. JSBD Level 2 certification testing is available at the end of the week for a separate fee; testing includes both written and practical portions.
Guest Workshops and Special Class Series
Guest Workshops and Special Class Series feature guest instructors invited by Suhaila to teach workshops or class series at her local studio.
Acronyms
SSSD: Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance
SSBD: Suhaila Salimpour Belly Dance
JSBD: Jamila Salimpour Belly Dance