• Leg strengthening exercises including calf raises and stretching


• 20 minutes of cardio 3-5 times a week


• Familiarize yourself with components of Suhaila’s warm-up by using Stretch and Tone DVD


• Practice finger cymbal patterns from Jamila Salimpour’s Finger Cymbal CD and Finger Cymbal Manual.


• Review material in the Level 1 and/or Level 2 Manuals


• Familiarize yourself with Suhaila’s format using Bellydance for Beginners with Suhaila: Fitness Fusion 4 Volume Set (Buns, Jazz, Pilates, Yoga)


• Study the Jamila Salimpour format through her format manual, The Danse Orientale, and through the DVD Archive Series 4 volume set.


• Learn Arabic rhythms from the Rhythm ID CD.

What to Bring

• Finger cymbals (also available for purchase at the studio)


• Deodorant / antiperspirant (bring with you to the actual workshop to reapply as necessary)


• Ballet or jazz shoes for dance movement (and to protect the balls of your feet if they get tender)


• Hand towel


• A separate set of workout clothes for each day and potentially extra clothes in case you wish to change at lunch time


• Hip scarves, if you like, but please none with beads or coins

Suggestions for New Attendees

• If you are visiting the Bay Area, check the weather before arriving. Although it can be very warm during the afternoons, the weather can be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings. We recommend dressing in layers so you can adjust as needed to keep from heating up or cooling down too quickly.


• Note that Jamila Salimpour often drops by after the workshop to show videos and discuss belly dance history. You might keep some time free to join her next door at the Central Perk coffee shop.