Suhaila Salimpour is a first-generation Kurdish–American and second-generation belly dancer, widely regarded as a pioneer in her field. As the visionary creator of the first comprehensive certification program and codified pedagogy in belly dance, Suhaila revolutionized both performance and teaching methodologies, inspiring a global community of dancers to engage with the art form with greater understanding and depth.

At the core of Suhaila’s work is the legacy of her mother, Jamila Salimpour, who created the first codified belly dance technique—the Salimpour Method. Jamila’s pioneering research framed belly dance as a serious and historical art form. Continuing that legacy is both a personal commitment and a cultural responsibility that Suhaila carries forward with deep integrity.

As the director of the Salimpour School of Dance, Suhaila honors this lineage while expanding its reach through licensed instructors worldwide and a robust online education and certification program. This platform is at the heart of the school’s mission, offering culturally rooted dance training to students across the globe.