DCTribal, in conjunction with Joy of Motion Dance Center, is proud to host the world-renowned performer and instructor Suhaila Salimpour for three full days of the Suhaila Salimpour Format and Suhaila Salimpour Level I Technique. Participants will also have the opportunity to purchase Suhaila merchandise, including videos and clothing, during breaks in the workshop.

Workshop Details Location Joy of Motion Atlas Performing Arts Center 1333 H Street NE Washington, D.C. The closest metro station is Union Station. Click here to view a map of the location, or visit Joy of Motion to obtain detailed directions. April 7th, 8th, 9th 2006 Suhaila Salimpour Level I Workshop Schedule Friday, April 7 (times subject to minor changes) 8:30am - 9:00am: Registration 9:00am - 11:30am: Morning Session 11:30am - 12:30pm: Lunch Break 12:30pm - 3:00pm: Afternoon Session Saturday, April 8 (times subject to minor changes) 9:30am - 10:00am: Registration 10:00am - 12:30pm: Morning Session 12:30pm - 1:30pm: Lunch Break 1:30pm - 4:00pm: Afternoon Session Sunday, April 9 (times subject to minor changes) 8:30am - 9:00am: Registration 9:00am - 11:30am: Morning Session 11:30am - 12:30pm: Lunch Break 12:30pm - 3:00pm: Afternoon Session 3:00pm - 5:30pm: optional Level I Certification Test* *Note: Certification candidates (as determined by Suhaila) must also be enrolled as Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance members, a separate enrollment process and fees. For information on becoming a member of the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance, please click here. DCTribal is committed to providing dancers in the D.C. area and beyond with workshops that inspire growth through the study of technique. We are actively working with the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance to bring Suhaila to the area on an annual basis, as well as a Suhaila Salimpour Certified Teacher for students who wish to pursue their Continued Education Credits (CEC). For more information on CECs and this requirement to keep your Level I certification valid, please click here and select the FAQ menu item.		::Workshop:: $337.50, members of Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance $375, non-members PLUS $100 optional Level I Certification* (as determined by Suhaila)

The Suhaila Salimpour Technique is based on the expansion and evolution of the dance format created by Suhaila's mother, pioneer bellydancer Jamila Salimpour. Jamila was the first dance instructor to define the steps, such as "Basic Egyptian","Maya" and "Turkish Drop" now familiar to so many bellydancers in the United States and throughout the world. Her technical analysis of the movements and positions which comprise bellydance has enabled students to assimilate this dance form in a logical manner for over 40 years.

Structured like her mother's format, Suhaila's teaching enables students to further understand and internalize dance movements. Suhaila's methods of instruction delineate which muscles are engaged in each movement as well as suggest specific exercises designed to build the muscular strength and endurance necessary to execute movements well. Suhaila's program emphasizes the developments of emotional expression by students at any level of dance performance as well as students' technical learning. Suhaila's comprehensive approach helps students to reach their highest technical dance potential with grace, beauty, and emotional artistry.

The Suhaila Salimpour and Jamila Salimpour formats are internationally respected and are used by many respected dancers as the basis for varying belly dance styles including cabaret and tribal.

Level I Information
The entirety of the Suhaila Salimpour dance technique grows from the principles mastered in Level I: Basics Breakdown. For this most crucial training, Suhaila breaks down dance movements and positions to their purest level in order to provide students with a solid foundation from which to advance. Her unique dance style and teaching methods in Level I represent the joining of two worlds: extensive formal training in structured disciplines of contemporary dance and the beauty, mystique, and vibrant traditions of Middle Eastern Dance.

Level I is an ongoing process. The skills learned in this level enable students to develop the physical strength and mind-body connection to achieve the highest levels of bellydance, and include:

- Body posture
- Isolating muscle groups
- Identifying movements
- Grace and presence
- Music awareness

As with all dance levels, Level I emphasizes muscle awareness. Students learn to recognize how a movement should look as well as how to sense the way the movement feels when done correctly. Through establishing an inward perspective, the student develops the ability to execute movements safely and gracefully. A strong technical foundation provides a sound base upon which emotional and artistic expression can be layered. Level I Certification does not grant the right to teach Level I material. Teaching certification is granted at Level V.

For more information on the Suhaila Salimpour certification process, click here.

About Suhaila...
Born to Jamila Salimpour, a pioneer in the world of Middle Eastern dance, and Ardeshir Salimpour, a Persian drummer, Suhaila's unique background has prepared her to become one of the world's most sought-after performers, teachers, and choreographers of traditional Middle Eastern dance.

Classically trained from an early age in jazz, tap and ballet, Suhaila's first breakthrough came when she integrated her extensive classical training with her traditional background in Middle Eastern dance. The result was as exciting as it was special. Suhaila's performances expressed the emotional soul and rhythm of ancient dance, with the discipline and structured movement of the modern era.

As her reputation grew, Suhaila became a teacher and performer of her unique art form all over the United States and Europe. Her reception in the Middle East was astonishing, where she was frequently compared in the media to some of the greatest dancers in the entire Arab world.

Suhaila has appeared on several American television series, including "Fame," "Max Headroom," and an ABC pilot entitled "Harem," in addition to starring in numerous commercials. She was also the featured dancer of the prestigious Arabic nightclub "Byblos" for six years, has been featured in shows with the most renowned singers in the Middle East, and was the first American belly dancer to be interviewed on Arab-American television. Suhaila choreographed American rock videos using a combination of her jazz training and Middle Eastern dance movements, and her unique vision can be seen today in "The Suhaila Dance Company."

Suhaila Productions has produced instruction and performance videos for all dance levels, and fully-orchestrated Middle Eastern dance musicals and the lastest purcussion artists on CD. Suhaila is the artistic director of the Suhaila Dance Company which she formed in 1996, and in 2000 Suhaila also revived her mothe'rs famous tribal dance company Bal Anat which was the first tribal dance company in the World. While touring the United States, Canada, and Europe giving workshops and concerts, Suhaila maintains the second generation family business, The Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance. Currently, Suhaila has finalized the first certification program ever available in Middle Eastern Dance which includes 5 levels of books and a soon to be release video and DVD series. Suhaila is also working with producer Miles Copeland in a series of performances, videos, and films for Belly Dance Superstars.