Suhaila Salimpour is a first-generation belly dancer from the SWANA region (Southwest Asia and North Africa), renowned as a pioneer in her field. The visionary behind the first certification program & pedagogy in belly dance, Suhaila introduced a revolutionary methodology for both performance and instruction that has inspired a global community of dancers to approach the art form with dedication and depth.

 

Suhaila directs the global Salimpour School of Dance, preserving the heritage

and values of her mother, Jamila Salimpour, while expanding its reach through licensed instructors worldwide and an extensive online instructional platform. Suhaila has choreographed three full-length theatrical stage shows, was nominated for an Isadora Duncan Award, and recorded over 23 albums featuring some of the most profound Arabic musicians of our time. She continues to inspire students through in-person classes, workshops, lectures, and performances around the world. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Salimpour is committed to academic pursuits, having completed her BA in Performing Arts in 2024 and currently pursuing an MFA in Dance at Saint Mary’s College of California.