Devoted to Dancehall: Meet Trailblazing Egyptian Choreographer Yara Saleh

Having found success amidst oil rigs and pious engineers, Yara Saleh dropped everything and found greater purpose within Jamaican dance practice - dancehall.

There’s no bad blood between the dancer/choreographer and her former corporate career in oil rigs, in fact Saleh looks back on that part of her life with fondness. However, brimming with passion for dance, Saleh began to see a purpose outside of the confines of the corporate world and within the world of movement. The instant love affair knew no geographical bounds and through sourcing her knowledge from Los Angeles and Jamaica, Saleh transcended borders and became the first dancehall choreographer in Egypt.

What Saleh did not anticipate was the influx of mass support and genuine interest that befell her and her chosen craft. She found herself further captivated by the cultural upheaval and appreciation - whether it is from Jamaicans or Egyptians - in regards to the dance she calls home. Unbeknownst to her, Saleh has not only found a community of like-minded individuals but she has forged one out of sheer drive and devotion.