The Salimpour School is the first of its kind to certify dancers in what’s commonly known as belly dance, creating a classical yet contemporary approach based in rigorous practice and dedication. Suhaila has fought to shed the stigma attached to her chosen dance form, inspiring thousands of students to pursue it as a subject worthy of serious and devoted study.

For over four decades, dance and movement teachers around the world have sought out Suhaila’s thoughtful instruction, exciting choreographies, and transformational theatrical training. And after years of Suhaila’s persistence and perseverance, the Salimpour School now has five satellites in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as a popular streaming site of online classes. 

In addition to traveling internationally to teach her and her mother’s signature methods, Suhaila also directs the School’s resident dance ensembles: Bal Anat, created by her mother Jamila Salimpour in 1968, and the Suhaila Dance Company. 

She continues to teach seminars around the world and at Mills College, where she is an artist in residence and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Theater and Dance.