grew up in this area and graduated from in 1985. She first learned belly dancing from her mother, dancer Jamila Salimpour, and has been a student of Middle Eastern dance her whole life.
She as a place where she could teach the technique of belly dancing along with an understanding of the rich history of the form.
Last weekend, a group of her students in Albany to showcase what they've learned.
Some of the performers have been studying with Suhaila for nine years, some just for a few months. Her students range in age from 19 to 50.
Dancer Patti Kjonaas says this type of dance keeps her brain active as she learns a different rhythm for her feet, hips, torso and arms.
Sometimes using cymbals, swords or veils, each student performed a solo dance to traditional music.
You can learn more about Suhaila Salimpour's School of Belly Dance here.
