
August, 9 & 10th 2025
Ashkenaz, Berkeley
Our second year brings together local SWANA community members and arts enthusiasts to celebrate both the rich history and dynamic future of arts in the SWANA region.
The festival highlights our cultural heritage through food, dance, music, and artisanal vendors.
Our goal is to create a space where those with SWANA roots feel a sense of belonging, connection to their history, and the freedom to explore and express contemporary artistic visions.
Teachers for YALLAH 2025

Amel Tafsout
Amel Tafsout
Born in Algeria, Amel Tafsout (‘Hopes of Spring’) is one of the finest and acclaimed dance artists of North African traditional and contemporary Maghreb Dance and has mesmerized audiences worldwide.Amel has dedicated her life not only to raising awareness about her dance culture but also to facilitating a dialogue and building cultural bridges between North Africa and the Western World. Fluent in five languages, Amel lectures, teaches, performs and conducts anthropological
research.Tafsout is an educator, a scholar, an energy worker, an activist , a humanist and a published author. Her poems have been published in France and the US.Her articles relating to dance, cultural traditions and women of the Maghreb have been published in academic and popular magazines.Inanna Iraqi Dance Festival in June 2018 in Estonia gave Amel an Award of acknowledgment
and appreciation for her long standing contributions in Arabic dance and its heritage.
In January 2025, Amel was invited to perform at the opening of the 45 th African Film Festival in Portland, Oregon.
“Strong woman, Amel Tafsout is a formidable cultural ambassador. She dances from the very core of herself, sensuality is expressed as power and generosity. She has a presence that can come from the true knowledge of herself and her art”. Kree Arvanitas.

Fadi Islambouli
Fadi Islambouli
Born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1963, Fadi Islambouli has traveled the world for over four decades as a professional musician. From an early age, he was inspired by classic Egyptian movies, especially the ones that showed belly dancing and musicians performing together. It was a dream to be a guitarist performing a solo on a stage for a belly dancer. Islambouli got his first acoustic guitar at the age of 12, and then studied classical guitar and lute at the Institute of Beautiful Art in Beirut, Lebanon.
His first job as a professional musician was at the age of 15, and then one year later the dream came true, to work with legendary dancer Nadia Jamal for 2 years in Lebanon and touring with her in Syria, Dubai, Abu Dabi, and Vienna. Subsequently, Islambouli worked in the Baghdad Hotel in Iraq for 3 months with a variety of singers and dancers, then 2 years at the Faron Club in Cyprus, Greece with singer Elie Shwayri, dancer Abeer, and maestro Mohammad Labban.
His extensive list of artists/collaborators includes: Nadia Jamal, Sabah, Wadi Al Safi, Ragheb Alemeh, Walid Tawfiq, Melhem Barakat, George Wassouf, Moheiddine Al Ghali, Fayez Deryan, Ziad Islambouli, Petit Prince, Samir Hanna, Ghassan Saliba, Suhaila Salimpour, Mayez Al Baya, Ahmad Doughan, Elie Shwayri, Tony Hanna, Abdo Yaghi, Ziad Ghaly, Magdy Elhosiny, Ihab Tawfiq, Yara, Jacqueline ElKhoury, Rouaida Attia, Samir Yazbeck, Kazem Al saher, Wadi Morad, Shady Jamil, Hanan, Moustafa Amar, Rabi El Khawli, Vatche Meguerdichian, [a] [b]maestro Nabil Azzam, and maestro Adel Eskander.
Islambouli came to Los Angeles New Year’s Eve of 1990, after touring several states with singer Rabi El Khawli. While working at Byblos Restaurant LA, Fadi met dancer Suhaila Salimpour. They worked together from 1990 to 2010 alongside his brother and brilliant drummer Ziad
Islambouli.
He released his first guitar album (Fayruziat Fadi/ Guitar Then & Now) in 1994. He is also a featured musician on three of Suhaila Salimpour’s albums: Arabian Musicals Vol 1, 2, & 3.
From 2012 to the present, he has been working as a one-man show. His travels as a musician include: Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Cyprus, Dubai, Kuwait, Tunisia, Qatar, Paris, London, Germany, Vienna, Africa, Italy, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Canada, and Taiwan.

Amel Tafsout
Amel Tafsout
Born in Algeria, Amel Tafsout (‘Hopes of Spring’) is one of the finest and acclaimed dance artists of North African traditional and contemporary Maghreb Dance and has mesmerized audiences worldwide.Amel has dedicated her life not only to raising awareness about her dance culture but also to facilitating a dialogue and building cultural bridges between North Africa and the Western World. Fluent in five languages, Amel lectures, teaches, performs and conducts anthropological
research.Tafsout is an educator, a scholar, an energy worker, an activist , a humanist and a published author. Her poems have been published in France and the US.Her articles relating to dance, cultural traditions and women of the Maghreb have been published in academic and popular magazines.Inanna Iraqi Dance Festival in June 2018 in Estonia gave Amel an Award of acknowledgment
and appreciation for her long standing contributions in Arabic dance and its heritage.
In January 2025, Amel was invited to perform at the opening of the 45 th African Film Festival in Portland, Oregon.
“Strong woman, Amel Tafsout is a formidable cultural ambassador. She dances from the very core of herself, sensuality is expressed as power and generosity. She has a presence that can come from the true knowledge of herself and her art”. Kree Arvanitas.

Fadi Islambouli
Fadi Islambouli
Born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1963, Fadi Islambouli has traveled the world for over four decades as a professional musician. From an early age, he was inspired by classic Egyptian movies, especially the ones that showed belly dancing and musicians performing together. It was a dream to be a guitarist performing a solo on a stage for a belly dancer. Islambouli got his first acoustic guitar at the age of 12, and then studied classical guitar and lute at the Institute of Beautiful Art in Beirut, Lebanon.
His first job as a professional musician was at the age of 15, and then one year later the dream came true, to work with legendary dancer Nadia Jamal for 2 years in Lebanon and touring with her in Syria, Dubai, Abu Dabi, and Vienna. Subsequently, Islambouli worked in the Baghdad Hotel in Iraq for 3 months with a variety of singers and dancers, then 2 years at the Faron Club in Cyprus, Greece with singer Elie Shwayri, dancer Abeer, and maestro Mohammad Labban.
His extensive list of artists/collaborators includes: Nadia Jamal, Sabah, Wadi Al Safi, Ragheb Alemeh, Walid Tawfiq, Melhem Barakat, George Wassouf, Moheiddine Al Ghali, Fayez Deryan, Ziad Islambouli, Petit Prince, Samir Hanna, Ghassan Saliba, Suhaila Salimpour, Mayez Al Baya, Ahmad Doughan, Elie Shwayri, Tony Hanna, Abdo Yaghi, Ziad Ghaly, Magdy Elhosiny, Ihab Tawfiq, Yara, Jacqueline ElKhoury, Rouaida Attia, Samir Yazbeck, Kazem Al saher, Wadi Morad, Shady Jamil, Hanan, Moustafa Amar, Rabi El Khawli, Vatche Meguerdichian, [a] [b]maestro Nabil Azzam, and maestro Adel Eskander.
Islambouli came to Los Angeles New Year’s Eve of 1990, after touring several states with singer Rabi El Khawli. While working at Byblos Restaurant LA, Fadi met dancer Suhaila Salimpour. They worked together from 1990 to 2010 alongside his brother and brilliant drummer Ziad
Islambouli.
He released his first guitar album (Fayruziat Fadi/ Guitar Then & Now) in 1994. He is also a featured musician on three of Suhaila Salimpour’s albums: Arabian Musicals Vol 1, 2, & 3.
From 2012 to the present, he has been working as a one-man show. His travels as a musician include: Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Cyprus, Dubai, Kuwait, Tunisia, Qatar, Paris, London, Germany, Vienna, Africa, Italy, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Canada, and Taiwan.

Amy Sigil
Amy Sigil
Amy Sigil is a dancer, choreographer, and creator of ITS (Improv Team Sync). She is the director of the dance troupe UNMATA and has gained recognition for her innovative and energetic style, which blends elements of raqs sharqi, Salimpour, hula and studio hip hop. Amy Sigil’s work with UNMATA and ITS has had a significant impact on the global dance community, particularly in the world of fusion bellydance. Her ITS system is a group improvisation format that allows dancers to perform synchronized routines without the need for choreography, relying on a shared movement vocabulary and cues. Sigil is known for her dynamic teaching style, and she regularly leads workshops and performances around the world.

Zoe Jakes
Zoe Jakes
Zoe Jakes has been bellydancing for 26 years, and brings a playfulness and ease into the classroom that makes training fun! She desires to create an inclusive environment so all humans can enjoy the art of bellydance, and hopes that everyone can experience the grace and fluidity that comes with training in this form. Zoe’s signature style of dance incorporates pop and lock isolations, elements of classical Indian dance, jazz footwork, and modern lines. Zoe is proud to have studied under the Salimpour legacy, having been a part of the SDC company in 2002 and trained extensively with Suhaila. Zoe Jakes is a founding member of Beats Antique and composes music for them as well as dances. She is known around the world for her unique stylistic take on belly dance, and is also an accomplished teacher, sharing her knowledge with the next generation.

Isabella Salimpour
Isabella Salimpour
Isabella Salimpour is a third-generation belly dancer, daughter of Suhaila Salimpour and granddaughter of the legendary Jamila Salimpour. She has been dancing, teaching, and touring across the U.S. and internationally, sharing the powerful legacy of the Salimpour Format. Now based in Los Angeles, Isabella continues to teach workshops and is one of the producers of this event.
She believes that belly dance is one of the most healing and empowering art forms, and she’s passionate about creating spaces where dancers of all backgrounds can connect, grow, and express themselves.
In addition to her work in dance, Isabella is also a comedian, actress, and writer. Through her multidisciplinary work, she strives to uplift and educate others about Arab culture—blending humor, storytelling, and performance to spark both joy and understanding. She’s thrilled to be part of this event and can’t wait to share her knowledge, energy, and heart with you all.
Festival Schedule
Saturday
Festival time 12:00pm-10pm⏰
Sunday
Festival time 12:00pm-4pm⏰
Bal Anat
Show time Sunday 6:30pm-8pm⏰
Saturday Teachers
- Amy Sigil 10-12: Improv Team Sync & The Sigil Method.
- Amel Tafsout 12:30-2:30: Dancing to Raï music.
- Isabella Salimpour 3-5: Emotional Connection to Choreography
Sunday Teachers
- Zoe Jakes 11-1: Salimpour Inspired Fusion Combos.
- Fadi Islambouli 1:30-3:30: Arabic Music & Drum Workshop.
Experience the Legacy: The FEZ Documentary Screening at Our Festival
The Fez- The first authentic Arabic Supperclub in Hollywood, California that became an icon of its time, famous around the world for it’s food, it’s atmosphere, and of course, for it’s music and dance. Opened in 1959 by Lou Shelaby, the Fez went on to feature many Arabic musicians and Belly Dancers who have gone on to inspire generations of dancers around the world.
Pricing
$250
VIP
All access YALLAH
- Entrance Fee for Yallah Festival (Saturday and Sunday))
- All workshops
- Performance Spot
$50
Saturday
All day/ night entrance
- Festival vendors
- Day show
- Evening music showcase
- The Fez Documentary viewing
- Panel discussion
- Debki Class and demonstration
$20
Sunday
Day entrance
- Festival vendors
- Day show
- Bal Anat Performance
Bal Anat ticket sold separately
Bal Anat Ticket Sale
August, 9 & 10th 2025
The meaning of "Yallah" 👀
In Arabic, “Yallah” translates to “let’s go”. It’s a lively word used to prompt action and encourage movement, embodying the energetic spirit we want to share at our festival!

The meaning of "SWANA" 🤔
SWANA represents the various communities located in Southwest Asia and North Africa.