Suhaila Salimpour is a second-generation Middle Eastern (Kurdish, Sicilian & Greek) American, renowned as a pioneer in the field of belly dance. She is the visionary behind the first certification program in belly dance, introducing a revolutionary format for both performance and instruction that has inspired a global community of dancers to approach the art form with dedication and depth.
Salimpour's career took her across the Arab world, where she captivated audiences with her unique style, musicality, and profound understanding of Arabic music sentiment. In 1996, she founded the Suhaila Dance Company, showcasing her extensive choreographic repertoire, which ranges from classic to avant-garde. Additionally, she revitalized her mother's legendary Bal Anat dance company, further contributing to the evolution of belly dance.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Salimpour is committed to academic pursuits, having completed her BA in Liberal Arts in 2024 and currently pursuing an MFA in Dance at Saint Mary’s College of California.