Jamila Salimpour is an American belly dancer and instructor who is considered to be one of the pioneers of modern belly dance in the United States. She was born in 1926 in San Francisco, California, and began her dance career in the 1940s.
Jamila Salimpour is known for her innovative and influential approach to belly dance, which incorporates elements of traditional Middle Eastern dance with Western dance forms such as ballet and jazz. She has developed a unique system of belly dance notation known as the Salimpour Format, which is used by dancers and instructors around the world.
In addition to her work as a performer and instructor, Jamila Salimpour has also founded several notable belly dance troupes, including Bal Anat and the Suhaila Dance Company. She has trained many of the leading belly dancers in the United States, including her daughter, Suhaila Salimpour.
Jamila Salimpour has also authored several books on belly dance technique and history, including “The Bal Anat Chronicles” and “Belly Dance for Health, Happiness and Empowerment”. She has been recognized for her contributions to the art form with numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Belly Dance Hall of Fame.
Overall, Jamila Salimpour is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the development of modern belly dance, and her legacy continues to inspire and inform dancers around the world.