Performance Catalog Overview

About Performance Catalogs

What is a performance catalog?

A Personal Performance Catalog is a documentation of your progress as you develop your performance skills in improvisation. Performance catalogs are submitted as part of the Performance 1 and 2 testing requirements; dancers submit the best representations (Highlight Set) of their solo improvisation performance work from the previous two year period for evaluation.  Visit the 400 Level Course page for instructions.

When do I start working on my catalog(s)?

As soon as you are Foundations (L2) certified and begin working on Intermediate (L3) material, you are encouraged to start compiling your Personal Performance Catalog(s). Learning to improvise and perform takes time. Finding and creating performance venues takes time. You will want to gain stage and performance experience.  Note that the performance catalog is not just about performance skills; you must also perform at an advanced level which is explained on the Level 400 course page.   Most dancers have performed for several years before they begin compiling the material they will submit for their Performance 1 and 2 (L4) testing catalogs.  Each catalog represents the best of your work performed recently (past two years).

Music for Performance Sets

Where can I hear the sets?

Some of the music can be heard on Spotify via Suhaila’s public playlists.  In additional to performance sets, her playlists include songs and singers from the 100+ Compositions Every Belly Dancer Should Know list.  Click here to access Suhaila’s public playlists on Spotify.

Note: it can be hard to search for individuals on Spotify (especially using the mobile version).  If you have difficulty finding Suhaila, search for some of the music and album titles to see what playlists they are on, and from there you might be able to find Suhaila’s account.  Alternatively, click here to access the playlists.) 

Occasionally, different versions of the same CD are available with tracks separated differently, in different order, or with different titles.  If you have a change to or question about the sets, email the Certification Coordinator with specific details.  She will also need access to hear the music files so she can do a proper evaluation of the music.

Performance Lab Selections  (or Beginning Improvisation Evaluations)

The Salimpour School offers Performance Labs in association with certain workshops and Beginning Improvisation Evaluations with certain online courses to allow dancers an opportunity to work on improvisation and receive feedback.  The following list includes the music selections (4 to 8 minutes) that will be used at the Performance Lab or for the Beginning Improvisation Evaluations.  For the Beginning Improvisation Evaluations during online courses, students will be given instructions during the course as to which music to use.  For the Performance Labs in live workshops:

  • Participating dancers will be assigned a piece either at the start of the workshop or just before the performance.
  • Advanced performers may be given selections from the official Performance sets.
  • These pieces are not eligible to be submitted as part of a Performance Catalog unless a piece is listed specifically as part of an official Performance set.  

  • Ala Nar (4:32), Suhaila Salimpour’s 1990 Ala Nar

  • Ali Gara (4:49), Suhaila Salimpour’s Arabian Musicals Vol. 3

  • Ana Fi Intizarak, Suhaila Salimpour’s Enta Omri Vol. 2

  • Andah Alek (3:51), Suhaila Salimpour’s Enta Omri Vol. 1

  • Bahlam Bik • Asmar Yasmarani (3:47), Suhaila Salimpour’s Enta Omri Vol. 1

  • Gamil Gamil (5:40), The Art of Bellydance: Suhaila’s Supreme Selections

  • Gana El Hawa (6:04), Suhaila Salimpour’s 1990 Ala Nar

  • Hawel Taftekirni (4:41), Suhaila Salimpour’s Beyond Byblos Vol. 2

  • Hayati (6:36), Suhaila Salimpour’s Arabian Musicals Vol. 2

  • Here with Me (4:12), Suhaila Salimpour’s Onzor Elai

  • Hizzy Na  Nawaem (6:04), Bellydance for Arabian Nights:  Abbud Abdel Aal and His Magic Strings*

  • Leylet Hob (beginning with Oud Taqsim), Suhaila Salimpour’s Enta Omri Vol. 2

  • Mishaal (6:06), The Art of Bellydance: Suhaila’s Supreme Selections
  • Mizmar Holiday (5:22), The Art of Bellydance: Suhaila’s Supreme Selections
  • Nadia (7:08), The Art of Bellydance: Suhaila’s Supreme Selections

  • Nebtiti Mnein El Hikaya (4:52), Suhaila Salimpour’s Beyond Byblos Vol. 2

  • Nebtiti (5:20), Suhaila Salimpour’s Arabian Musicals Vol. 3

  • Raks Suhaila (5:43), Suhaila Salimpour’s Arabian Musicals Vol. 1

  • Raks Jamila (7:43), Suhaila Salimpour’s Arabian Musicals Vol. 1
  • Sahara City (5:12), Bellydance for Arabian Nights:  Abbud Abdel Aal and His Magic Strings*
  • Tamr Henna (5:37), The Art of Bellydance: Suhaila’s Supreme Selections

  • Won’t Let you Go (3:57), Suhaila Salimpour’s Onzor Elai

  • Ya Ein Monayten (4:14), Suhaila Salimpour’s 1990 Ala Nar

  • Ya Ain Moulayetan (4:09), Bellydance for Arabian Nights:  Abbud Abdel Aal and His Magic Strings*
  • Ya Amarti (6:55), Jalilah’s Raks Sharki 2:  Amar 14 (Piranha)

From Belly Dance for Arabian Nights:Abbud Abdel Aal and His Magic Strings
Note: Mislabeling on some CDs. See details below.

CD
1 Aatini El Naya & El Kalb Yachak Kol Jamil (sometimes mislabeled as “Sahara City)
2 Ya Salat El Zein (sometimes mislabeled as “Aatini El Naya)
3 El Ataba Khadra (sometimes mislabeled as “El Kalb Yachak Kol Jamil)
4 Sahara City (sometimes mislabeled as “Ya Salat El Zein”)
5 Afrah El Chaab (sometimes mislabeled as El Ataba Khadra)
6 Layaly Assiout (sometimes mislabeled as Afrah El Chaab)
7 Hizzy Na Nawaem (sometimes mislabled as Layali Assiout)
8 Ya Ain Moulayeten (sometimes mislabeled as Nizzy Ya Nawaem)
9 Chaim El Nassim Part 1 (sometimes mislabeled as Ya Ain Moulayeten)
10 Chaim El Nassim Part 2 (sometimes mislabeled as Chaim El Nassim Parts 1 and 2)

Original Album Side 1:  1 Sahara City; 2 Aatina el Naya; 3 El Kalb Yachak Kol Jamil; 4 Ya Salat El Zein; 5 El Ataba Khadra

Original Album Side 2:  1 Afrah El Chaab; 2 Layaly Assiout; 3 Hizzy Ya Nawaem; 4 Ya Ain Moulayeten; 5 Cham El Nassim

Salimpour School Performance Sets

Hamouda Ali’s Princess of Cairo (Nagwa Fouad)

  • Nagwa Set (Tracks 1-9):  Entrance of the Princess (0:34); Nagwa Music (4:39) – AKA “Princess of Cairo”; Waves of the Sea (0:52); Solo Nay (0:44); Khaliji (1:45); Taksim Violin (1:43); Taksim Kanoun (1:17); Set al Hosen (5:58); Finale (1:25)
  • Banat Eskandaria Set (Tracks 10-17):  Kanoun Intro (0:39); Sea of Alexandria (3:49) – AKA “Banat Askanderia”; Taksim Nay (2:39); Music of Souher Zaki (2:29); Sea Breeze (4:47); Taksim accordion (3:32); Tabla Solo (1:26); Finale (0:43)

Belly Dance (Music for an Oriental Dance) Volume 2

  • Sahar (8:38)
  • Nado (8:54)
  • Amale (8:36)

Belly Dance (Music for an Oriental Dance) Volume 3

  • Wardeh (7:45)

Belly Dance (Music for an Oriental Dance) Volume 6

  • Mahragan El Raks (11:15)
  • Samia (10:59)

Belly Dance Le Meilleur de la Danse du Ventre (Atoll Music)

  • Wardeh (7:27)
  • Amale (7:58)

Judy Jihan Reda Presents Egyptian Cabaret Music (HMC 1233)

  • Set 1:  Prelude to Hani (1:37); Hani (4:36); Flute Taqsim (1:19); Etdalla Ala Kefak (4:29); Saz Taksim (0:38); Drum Solo (4:52); Finale (0:32)
  • Set 2:  Sidi Inta (3:02); Oud Taksim (1:19); Leylet Hob (5:24); Oud Taksim (1:36); Kariat El Finjan (2:14); Kanoun Taksim (1:06); Kanoun Taksim (1:06); Habbena Medley (8:30); Drum Solo (3:17); Finale (0:32)

Jalilah’s Raks Sharki 1:  Classic Egyptian Dance

  • Mashaal (9:17)
  • Mashaal (9:17); Lissa Fakir (5:01); Tablo Solo (2:43); First Routine Finale (0:58)
  • Note:  Album also known as Mokhtar Al Said’s Raks Sharki Classic Egyptian Dance Music

Jalilah’s Raks Sharki 2: Amar 14 

  • Amar 14 (10:28)
  • Amar 14 (10:28); Nagua’s Tabla (3:01); Amar 14 Finale (3:32)
  • Amar 14 (10:28); Amar Andalus (3:54); Amar 14 part 2 (3:33); Enta Omri (5:27); Nagua’s Tabla (3:01); Amar 14 Finale (3:32)
  • Eshta ya Amar (9:44)
  • Eshta ya Amar (9:44); Rakiya’s Tabla (1:51); Eshta ya Amar Finale (1:24)
  • Ya Amarti (6:55); Souhair’s Tabla (1:18); Ya Amarti Finale (3:09)

Jalilah’s Raks Sharki 3: Journey of the Gypsy Dancer

  • Rihlat el Ghawzia (10:59)
  • Rihlat el Ghawzia (10:59); Tablo Solo (Track 11) (1:44)*; Rihlat El Ghawzia Finale (1:20) (Tabla Solo from Jalilah’s Raks Sharki 1)

Jalilah’s Raks Sharki 5: Stars of the Casino Opera

  • Tahia’s Dance (16:06)
  • Samia’s Dance (19:15)
  • Nebtiti Minin El Hikiya (17:17)

Jalilah’s Raks Sharki 6: In a Beirut Mood

  • Tales of the Sahara (11:03)
  • Tales of the Sahara (11:03); Beirut Rhythms (3:05)
  • Al-Houriyah “The Fairy” (14:52)

Cairo Delight: Nagwa Fouad (HMC 1294)

  • Raks Sharki (6:26); Rakasni (Accordion Solo) (0:58); Sahhn Dahhn Boo (4:41)
  • Entrance: Tamr Henna (7:23); Sahar Violin Solo (1:24); Tamr Henna Finale (1:24)

Aswan Dances with Souher Saki (HMC)

  • My Music Intro (10:19)
  • Long Version A:  My Music Intro (10:19); Balady (5:23); Gamil Asmar (5:11); Tabla Solo (5:10); Fakkarouni (10:48); Close Out (0:51)
  • Long Version B:  My Music Intro (10:19); Any selection from Tracks 2-5; Close Out (0:51)

Ya Salam Ya Fahtiem (George Fadel)

  • Tamerhenna (5:09); Balady Accordion (2;26); Nai Solo (3:32); Ahlam Beek (1:44); Drum Solo 1 (5:04); Baladay Nai (2:03); Finale 1 (0:47)
  • The New Ya Mustapha (19:50); Drum Solo 2 (2:07); Finale 2 (0:59)

Arabian Nights with Mesmera Vol. 9 (Setrak)

  • Gharret Ya Zaman (4:10); Rakset Zenha (3:41); Zagge Lil Arous (5:40); Rakset Alnay (6:18); Altabla Yijood (7:36)
  • Gharret Ya Zaman (4:10); Rakset Zenha (3:41); Rakset Alnay (6:18); Altabla Yijood (7:36)
  • Gharret Ya Zaman (4:10); Altabla Yijood (7:36)

Belly Dance: A Gift from Cairo (HMC)

  • El Samer Full Set:  El Samer Intro (2:15); Rumba Track 13 (3:27); Hebbina (2:48); Nay Solo (2:45); Dalal (2:42); Accordian Balady Track 17 (2:14); Tabla Solo Track 18 (1:04); El Samer Finale (1:34)
  • El Samer Short Set:  El Samer Intro (2:15); Rumba Track 13 (3:27); Hebbina (2:48); Accordian Balady Track 17 (2:14); Tabla Solo Track 18 (1:04); El Samer Finale (1:34)
  • Farha Full Set:  Farha Intro (1:39); Rumba Track 3 (1:40); Into Omri (5:10); Violin Solo (1:46); Fi Youm Wi Leyla (1:55); Accordian Balady Track 8 (1:32); Tabla Solo Track 9 (1:48); Finale Track 10 (1:12)
  • Farha Short Set A:  Farha Intro (1:39); Into Omri (5:10); Accordian Balady Track 8 (1:32); Tabla Solo Track 9 (1:48); Finale Track 10 (1:12)
  • Farha Short Set B:  Farha Intro (1:39); Rumba Track 3 (1:40); Violin Solo (1:46); Fi Youm Wi Leyla (1:55); Accordian Balady Track 8 (1:32); Tabla Solo Track 9 (1:48); Finale Track 10 (1:12)

Soher Zaki: The Magic of Belly Dance Vol. 2 (Press Hellas)

  • Ana We Enta Lawhdana (4:51); Jamil Wa Asmar (5:07)

Samara Al Hilwa (HMC)

  • Hilwa Loaaba Di (9:58)

Ziad Rahbani’s Belly Dance! Spectacular Rhythms of the Middle East (Khatwat Samar)

  • Khatwat Samar Routine (16:40):  Khatwat Samar; Taqseem Nai (Nahawand); Taqseem Kamanja (Violin/Bayyat/Saba); Taqseem Qanoun (Saba/Hijaz); Taqseem Accordion (Hijaz); Solo Tabla & Finale; Finale
  • Note: Different versions have been published; this was originally side A of a cassette tape, and is the first part of Track 2 on some CD versions.

Belly Dance with Ranine Vol. 17 (Setrak)

  • Set A: Rakset Ranine (3:10); Wala Ya Wala (4:35); Ya Ya Salam (6:19); Raksal El Takasim / Finale (4:51)
  • Set B: Rakset Ranine (3:10); Wala Ya Wala (4:35); Raksal El Takasim / Finale (4:51)
  • Set C: Rakset Ranine (3:10); Ya Ya Salam (6:19); Raksal El Takasim / Finale (4:51)
  • Note two versions exist: pre1990s version and a remastered version (late 1990s by HMC). The two versions have small differences, and either can be used.

Ashraf Zakaria Presents Layali Zaman (Sahra C. Kent Production)

  • Long Set:  Layali Zaman Oriental Routine (9:39); Halowet Al Tablah Drum Solo (4:36)
  • Short Set:  Layali Zaman Oriental Routine (9:39)

Ashraf Zakaria Presents Music for Egyptian Dance (Sahra C. Kent Production)

  • Long Set:  Darb Al Habaib (9:28); Quanoon Taksim (1:49); Tammerhenna / Tabla Solo (7:23)
  • Short Set:  Darb Al Habaib (9:28)

Belly Dance Classics with Fifi Abdo (HMC 1145 / 11452)

  • 2009 Mashaal (11:14).
  • Original Short Set:  Entrance of the Queen (5:06); In a Day and a Night (7:47).
  • Original Long Set:  Entrance of the Queen (5:06); Accordion Solo (1:54); To Believe In (3:38); In a Day and a Night (7:47)
  • Note:  Two versions of same-titled CD were published by HMC.  Original HMC 1145; newest version from 2009 HMC 11452.

Ahla Raqasat Nagwa Fouad, El Raqs El Sharqy (1981)

  • Naglaa (9:50)

Non Stop Belly Dance with Nagoua Fouad

  • Dance of Nagoua Fouad (13:23)
  • Entire album (as one set)
  • Hawa Ya Hawa Set:  Hawa Ya Hawa (1:45); Takasim Oud (1:38); Takasim Accordion and Drbukka (2:15); Abdel Marakeb (2:53)
  • Dance of Tahiya Set:  Dance of Tahiya (4:01); Takasim Oud (1:22); Gamil Wa Assmar (1:16); Takasim; Kanoun (1:44); Meta Choufak (1:34); Taksim Nay (1:47; Darawich (1:40)
  • Kariat el Finjan Set:  Kariat el Finjan (1:28); Taksim Accordion & Drbukka (3:07); Ya Bahiya (1:27); Darawich (1:40)
  • Note:  This is a Daniel der Sahakian Voice of Stars album that may be out of print.

Belly Dance with Aziza

  • Aziza (11:55)
  • Note:  This is a Daniel der Sahakian Voice of Stars album that may be out of print.

Super Belly Dance with Mohamed Abdel Wahab

  • Leilet Hob (13:42)
  • Wa Maret El Ayam (13:19)
  • Hazihi Leilati (7:20)
  • Fakarouni (7:51)  [Similar version on Omar Khorshid: Tribute to Oum Kalthoum; Fakarouni (8:40)]
  • Note:  This is a Daniel der Sahakian Voice of Stars album that may be out of print.

Belly Dance with Samara Volume 2

  • Rakast Samara (Set El Hosen) 14:04
  • Rakset Samara (Set El Hosen) 27:08 (long version)
  • Entire Album
  • Note:  This is a Daniel der Sahakian Voice of Stars album that may be out of print.

Selections Removed from Performance Catalog Jan 30, 2019

Suhaila Salimpour’s Arabian Musicals Volume 1

  • Raks Jamila Set:  Raks Jamila (7:43); Guitar Solo (4:04); Drum Solo (4:42)
  • Raks Suhaila Set:  Raks Suhaila (5:53); Maddah Al Amar (7:37)l Drum Solo (4:41)

Suhaila Salimpour’s Arabian Musicals Volume 2

  • Hayati Set Long:  Hayati (6:36); Keyboard Solo (3:56); Elf Leyla Wa Leyla (5:30); Drum Solo (3:54)
  • Hayati Set Short:  Hayati (6:36); Drum Solo (3:54)
  • Maharjan Set Long:  Maharjan (8:31); Keyboard Solo (3:29); Drum Solo (5:10)
  • Maharjan Set Short:  Maharjan (8:31); Drum Solo (5:10)

Suhaila Salimpour’s Arabian Musicals Volume 3

  • Siet El Housen Set:  Seit El Hosen (10:37); Drum Solo (4:00)
  • En Rah Set:  En Rah Ninnik Ya Ein (4:24); Yanna Yanna (6:05); Drum Solo (3:45)
  • Ali Gara Set:  Ali Gara (4:49); Nebtiti Mnein El Hikeiya (5:20)

The Art of Belly Dance:  Suhaila’s Supreme Selections (HMC 1389)

  • Mishaal Set Long: Mishaal (6:06); Inta Omri (4:54); Rakkes Suhaila (3:01)
  • Mishaal Set Short: Mishaal (6:06); Rakkes Suhaila (3:01)
  • Nadia Set:  Nadia (7:08); Daret Al Ayam (5:44)
  • Al Atlat Set:  Al Atlal (3:30); Gamil Gamal (5:47)
  • Tamr Henna Set:  Tamr Henna (5:37); Al Atlal (3:30)
  • Sahara City Set:  Sahara City (5:12); Ismaouni (3:28)

Belly Dance for Arabian Nights: Abbud Abdel Aal & His Magic Strings

  • Magic Strings Set 1:  Sahara City (CD Track 4) (5:12); El Ataba Khadra (CD Track 3 (6:34)
  • Magic Strings Set 2:  Afrah El Chaab CD Track 5 (2:52); Hizzy Na Nawaem CD Track 7 (6:04) Layaly Assiout CD Track 6 (4:12)
  • Magic Strings Set 3:  Chaim El Nassim Part 1 CD Track 9 (5:00); Ya Salat El Zein CD Track 2 (2:44); Ya Ain Moulayeten CD Track 8 (4:09)
  • Note:  See details in Performance Lab Beginning Improv Sets about CD mislabeling.

70’s Groove Set

  • Ah Ya Zein (4:1`6)*; Lama Bada Yatassana (2:31)*; Rakset El Fadaa (5:04)**
  • *From Belly Dance (Music for an Oriental Dance) Vol. 5
  • **From Belly Dance Le Meilleur de la Danse du Ventre (Atoll Music)
  • **Original and longer Version of Rakset El Fadaa (7:53) available on Belly Dance Vol. 1 (Belly Dance: Music for An Oriental Dance series from Voice of Lebanon or Digital Press Hellas)

Dunia Raks Belly Dance Music (Dr. Samy Farag / Sphinx Records)

  • We Maret El Ayam (8:52)

Dream of Scheherezade (HMC 1249) and Magic of John Bilezikjian

  • Dream of Scheherezade Set:  Intro (0:17); Melban (2:23); Chifte telli Bolero (3:58); Ah Ya Zein (0:54); Noora Noora (0;57); Rompi-Rompi (1:36)
  • Aziza (4:04)*; Lamma Bada Yata Thanna (3:48)*; Drum Solo (0:47)**; Shish Kebab (1:27)**

Fyom Weleleh: A Suite for Dance

  • A Day and a Night (9:28)

Belly Dance: Music of Mohamed Abdel Wahab (Press Hellas)

  • Karnak Set:  Khatwet Habibi (3:02); Ghazal El Banat (3:08); Bent El Balad (2:56)
  • Aziza Set:  Aziza (3:18);  Min Al Sharq (3:32); El Henna (3:27)
  • Zeina Set:  Zeina (3:48); Maouakeb El Nour (3:08); Balad El Mahboub (2:59)