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, choreography, stylization, and props. Performance catalogs are submitted as part of the Level 4 testing requirements; dancers submit the best representations of their performance work from the previous two year period for evaluation.

Do I need separate catalogs for Suhaila and Jamila certification?

Yes, the Suhaila and Jamila formats have separate catalog instructions as outlined below. The two formats have distinct differences, and it is important for dancers to be demonstrate their knowledge of a specific format while performing at a high level. More information on the level requirements are listed in the Evaluation tab of each format below.

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

As soon as you are L2 certified and begin working on 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 further describe in the sections below. Most dancers have performed for several years before they begin compiling the material they will submit for their L4 testing catalog. The catalog represents the best of your work performed recently (past two years).

How long do I work on my catalog(s)?

Most dancers already have several years of performance experience before they begin to compile the footage for their first catalog. It typically takes a minimum of two years to collect the material for your catalog. The catalog isn’t simply a record of your performances; what you submit for your testing catalog should include the best representation of your work that meets the level and content requirements as listed in the specific format section below.

Most dancers do not perform and improvise in the Jamila format. Even if a dancer has already earned her Suhaila Level 4 certification, she may spend several years performing in the Jamila format before beginning to compile her Jamila Level 4 testing catalog. It is important to remember that performance development takes time and that the two formats are different. Again, it is not just a matter of performing in a specific format, but you must also see the level and content requirements as outlined below.

After submitting your catalog for review, you will be expected to continue working on your catalog. Individual assignments will be given that must be completed on a timeline to help the dance further prepare for the performance test.

In the big picture, your catalog is never finished. You always continue work on your performance.

When and how do I submit my performance catalog(s)?

You may submit your Personal Performance Catalog is part of the completed Level 4 Catalog that is due by December 1st prior to the Jan/Feb L4 workshop you are attending for the test chute. Send the completed L4 Catalog link to the Certification Coordinator for catalog formatting review. (SalimpourCertification@gmail.com)

See the Suhaila L4 Testing Resources & Instruction section; “Catalog Presentation & Appearance” & “Catalog Submission Process” further detail.

About the Music

Where do I find the music?

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.)

How do I submit corrections?

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.

About Improv-Prep Choreographies

What are the Improv-Prep choreographies?

To better prepare students for the improvisation work required in the Performance Catalogs, Suhaila has selected some of her solo choreographies for students to learn as part of their prerequisites for testing for SL4. These choreographies provide solid entrances, exits, music interpretation, and more from which dancers can learn and apply directly to their improvisation work. The choreographies can be found in the PPV section of the School’s online classes using the “Improv-Prep” filter; you must be logged in to your account and have current SL2 or higher certification to see the Improv-Prep category and choreographies as an option to purchase.

Can I use the Improv-Prep choreographies in my performance catalog?

The Improv-Prep choreographies are not included as options for your personal performance catalogs.

Raks Suhaila set from Arabian Musicals V1 (Tracks 1-3): Raks Suhaila (5:53), Maddah (7:37), Unveiled Drum Solo (4:41).
Raks Jamila set from Arabian Musicals V1 (Tracks 1-3): Raks Jamila (7:43), Guitar Solo (4:04), L3FCDS (4:42).
Maharjan Set from Arabian Musicals V2 (Tracks 5 and 1-3): Maharjan (8:31), Keyboard Solo (3:56), Elf Leyla (5:30), Unforeseen Drum Solo (3:54).
Set El Hosen from Arabian Musicals V3 (Track 1): Set El Hosen (10:37).

Suhaila Format Catalog Instructions:
Four Catalog Sections

Improvisation Section (100+ minutes)

Solo Improvisation: 100+ total minutes in full costume to a live audience. Note: Improv submissions will not exceed 200 minutes total. Performances should include 60% of SL3+ technique which includes layering 2 (or more) belly dance moves, doubletime movements, finger cymbals (when appropriate), etc. As applicable, dancers should demonstrate their emotional context and intent and demonstrate their use of the stage and audience projection grids. The SL3 and SL4 certification choreographies are examples of the level of work that students should be submitting.

Option 1. Recorded Music Only. For this option, dancers select from the performance sets listed further below. Catalogs must include a minimum of 12 unique sets. The specific music selections and albums below are to be used; no alternative version substitutions permitted without pre-approval.
Option 2. Live Music Only. For this option, dancers perform to selections listed on the 100+ Compositions list (click here) performed by a live Arabic band (comprised of at least 3 band members)*.
Option 3. Combination of Options 1 and 2. For this option, dancer submit improvisation performances to recorded music and to live music as described Options 1 and 2 above. Examples: 45 minutes of Option 1 and 75 minutes of Option 2; or 100 minutes of Option 1 and 20 minutes of Option 2; etc.
Finger Cymbals are an integral element of Salimpour School training. As appropriate, use finger cymbals in your performances. Indicate for each performance why or why not finger cymbals were used with a brief explanation of why this choice was made.

Notes

If in doubt about whether a live band’s music is useable for your catalog, please submit a clip of music from the band you wish to use to the School for approval.
If you have any questions about whether the footage from any specific performance will count towards your performance catalog, please contact us for clarification.

Choreography Section (20+ minutes)

ote that there are three types of choreographies required, and the requirements for each type are listed separately. This section is separate and does not include the Prop or the Stylization choreography sections listed below.

20+ total minutes of choreography performance from the approved choreography list.

Catalog must include a minimum of 5 choreographies from the approved list. (This section is separate and does not include the Prop or the Stylization choreography sections listed below).

The 20+ minutes must include 5 separate choreography performances using at least 5 different choreographies from the list. Dancers may submit several performances of the same choreography in the catalog as long as at least 5 from the approved list are included. Note that Improv-Prep choreographies may not be included as part of this 20 minutes.

Performances must be to a live audience.

Prop Section - Proficiency through Choreography

Demonstrate your proficiency with three specific props (sword, cane, and veil) by submitting 3 choreographies (one for each prop) from the approved list. (Note that these are Prop choreographies, which are separate from the other Choreography sections).

•Cane (Cane Dance by Suhaila or Lebanese Cane Dance by Sabriye)
•Sword (In the Beginning Sword, Standing Sword, or Rep Faire Sword choreographies, all three by Suhaila)
•Veil (Tamalyn Veil Choreography: using the framework and phrases taught in Tamalyn’s class, submit a 3+ minute veil performance to your choice of music from the 100+ song list.)

Footage may include a performance to a live audience or a filmed practice in a classroom without an audience.

Stylization Section - Proficiency through Choreography

Bal Anat and Dance Company members may include:
•Persian Choreography for Bal Anat by Hannah
•Moroccan for Bal Anat
•Algerian for Bal Anat
•Ghawazee for Bal Anat
•Khaleegi Choreography by Sabriye Tekbilek for Bal Anat
•Kashilama by Rashid for Bal Anat

Footage may include a performance to a live audience or a filmed practice in a classroom without an audience.

Alternative:
•In some cases, dancers have experience with a specific stylization.
•Examples include Khaleegi, Turkish, Flamenco, Hawaiian, Persian, Indian, Fusion, Debke, etc.
•For this alternative, include at least 5 cumulative minutes of performance(s) to a live audience demonstrating the approved stylization.

How to Document Your Catalog

Maintain a written log of your video performances, following the list below. The entire footage must be submitted at one time for your L4 requirements, not piecemeal or in phases. The footage should be presented in an organized, numbered fashion on no more than 3 DVDs. Alternatively, you may set up an unlisted/private YouTube or Vimeo channel that organizes your performances into playlists; the required documentation of each may be provided in each video’s description within the channel.

Performance No. __
Date of performance/Venue
Duration of performance
Performer(s)
Performance Type (improvisation with live band, choreography to CD, etc.)
Music title/composer/lyricist
Choreographer (if applicable)
Emotional Perspective
Your perceived % of layering (per format)
Include a note on why (or why not) finger cymbals were used.
L5 instructor approved and what date
Analyze your improvised performances, including only the best that meet the 60%+ SL3 technique requirement. For each improvised performance, include a list of the 60%+ moves (written in nomenclature); for each item on the list, include the minute (ex: 0:42, 2:21) in the video where the move can be seen in the video.

Evaluation

Performances should include 60% of SL3+ technique which includes layering 2+ belly dance moves, doubletime movements, finger cymbals (when appropriate), etc. As applicable, dancers should demonstrate their emotional context and intent and demonstrate their use of the stage and audience projection grids. The SL3 and SL4 certification choreographies are examples of the level of work that students should be submitting. The performance evaluations will include the following criteria:

Basic posture & alignment

Technique: Demonstrates a strong & identifiable Suhaila/Jamila presence defined by the presented format; based on technique and signature moves executed with confidence & ease.

Layering: Includes proficient layering throughout; based on the required skill level necessary to test for the Level 4 and defined in the training process of the presented format Suhaila/Jamila.

Composition: Presence of unity, continuity (transitions), and variety (contrasts and repetition)

Dynamics: Energy of movement expressed in varying intensities, accent, and quality

Stamina: technique, emotion, and audience connection maintained throughout

Transitions: Smooth (not choppy) changes from one movement to another; Continuity.

Stage Use: Space is used effectively and efficiently; all parts of the stage and the dancer’s personal dance space (Up Stage, Down Stage, etc.)

Stage Presence: Confidence and presence on stage; continuity throughout performance

Projection: Confident presentation of body and energy to communicate movement meaning clearly to audience

Finger Cymbals: Proficiency in finger cymbal playing; multiple patterns, matching to music, on time.

Musicality: Attention (awareness) and responsiveness to musical elements

Music: The music selection matches the required music list and era for the presented format Suhaila/Jamila.

Props: If props were used; presented with proficient skill and in a professional manor.

Costuming: Does the dancer’s costume fit the designated format stylization and era Suhaila/Jamila.

Jamila Format Catalog Instructions:
Four Catalog Sections

Improvisation Section (100+ minutes)

Solo Improvisation: 100+ total minutes in full costume to a live audience. Note: Improv submissions will not exceed 200 minutes total. Performances should be comprised of 40% Jamhaila, which includes fusing and overlapping of Jamila steps; layering with Suhaila moves; and finger cymbals (as appropriate). As applicable, dancers should demonstrate their emotional context and intent and demonstrate their use of the stage and audience projection grids. The JL3 and JL4 certification choreographies are examples of the level of work that students should be submitting. In all music selections, be aware of Jamila stylization, eras, and sentiments as discussed in JL2, JL4, and L4 weeklongs.

Option 1. Recorded Music Only. Dancers select from the performance sets listed further below. Catalogs must include a minimum of 12 unique sets. The specific music selections and albums below are to be used; no alternative version substitutions permitted without pre-approval.
Option 2. Live Music Only. Dancers perform to selections listed on the 100+ Compositions list (click here) performed by a live Arabic band (comprised of at least 3 band members).
Option 3. Combination of Options 1 and 2. Dancers submit improvisation performances to recorded music and to live music as described Options 1 and 2 above. Examples: 45 minutes of Option 1 and 75 minutes of Option 2; or 100 minutes of Option 1 and 20 minutes of Option 2; etc.
Finger Cymbals are an integral part of the Jamila Salimpour format and, as such, should be reflected in your Improv Catalog in a manner that is commensurate with their importance. Most, if not all, sets should include a section that demonstrates finger cymbal proficiency. In the event they are not used, provide a brief explanation of why this choice was made.

Notes

If in doubt about whether a live band’s music is useable for your catalog, please submit a clip of music from the band you wish to use to the School for approval.
If in doubt about whether a specific music selection is applicable for your Jamila format catalog, contact the School for clarification.

Choreography Section (20 minutes)

Note that there are three types of choreographies required, and the requirements for each type are listed separately. This section is separate and does not include the Prop or the Stylization choreography sections listed below.

20+ total minutes of choreography performance from the approved choreography list.

Catalog must include a minimum of 5 choreographies from the approved list. (This section is separate and does not include the Prop or the Stylization choreography sections listed below).

Performances must be to a live audience.

Prop Section - Proficiency through Choreography

Demonstrate your proficiency with three specific props (other than veil, cane, and sword which are covered in SL4) by submitting 3 choreographies (one for each prop) from the approved list. (Note that these are Prop choreographies, which are separate from the other Choreography sections).

•Fan Veil (Jane’s Fan veil choreography)
•Voi (Maelle’s Voi choreography)
•Pot (Suhaila’s Pot Dance choreography)

Footage may include a performance to a live audience or a filmed practice in a classroom without an audience.

Stylization Section - Proficiency through Choreography

Demonstrate your stylization proficiency by submitting no fewer than 3 of the following choreographies from this approved list representing 3 different stylizations: (These are Stylization choreographies, separate from the other Choreography sections). Note that you must submit three stylizations that are not the same stylizations you used for your SL4 performance catalog.

•Persian Choreography by Shahrzad Khordandi (SalimpourSchoolOnline.com)
•Tahitian Choreography Segment by Mahealani Uchiyama (SalimpourSchoolOnline.com)
•Khaleegi Choreography by Sabriye Tekbilek (SalimpourSchoolOnline.com)
•Baladi Progression Structure by Sabriye Tekbilek ((SalimpourSchoolOnline.com)
•Ciftitelli choreography by Rashid
•Ciftitelli choreography by Vilia
Bal Anat and Dance Company members may include:
•Persian Choreography for Bal Anat by Hannah
•Moroccan for Bal Anat
•Algerian for Bal Anat
•Ghawazee for Bal Anat
•Khaleegi Choreography by Sabriye Tekbilek for Bal Anat
•Kashilama by Rashid for Bal Anat

Footage may include a performance to a live audience or a filmed practice in a classroom without an audience.

How to Document Your Catalog

Performance No. __
Date of performance/Venue
Duration of performance
Performer(s)
Performance Type (improvisation with live band, choreography to CD, etc.)
Music title/composer/lyricist
Choreographer (if applicable)
Emotional Perspective
L5 instructor approved and what date
Your perceived % of layering (per format)
Analyze your improvised performances, including only the best that meet the 40%+ Jamhaila and riffing requirement. For each improvised performance, include a list of the 40%+ moves (written in nomenclature); for each item on the list, include the minute (ex: 0:42, 2:21) in the video where the move can be seen in the video.

Evaluation

Performances should include 40% Jamhaila, which includes fusing and overlapping of Jamila steps; layering with Suhaila moves; and finger cymbals (as appropriate). As applicable, dancers should demonstrate their emotional context and intent and demonstrate their use of the stage and audience projection grids. The JL3 and JL4 certification choreographies are examples of the level of work that students should be submitting. The performance evaluations will include the following criteria: