Cairo, enigmatic turn back.
The transition from petroleum engineering to professional ballerina it wasn't easy, but Yara Saleh makes her look like she does. The 28-year-old is known for her joyous spirit and uninhibited freestyle moves, but also because she is the first Jamaican dancehall teacher and choreographer in Egypt, having trained in Los Angeles and Jamaica before returning home to El Cairo.
This interview is part of "The World Made Local" , a global project of Condé Nast Traveler in the seven international editions , which gives voice to 100 people in 100 countries to discover why their own territory should be your next destination.
How would you describe Cairo?
It's a beautiful mess, you know? It's a very crowded city, but no matter who you are, you can find your niche. There are many different neighborhoods, so regardless of whether you are someone who loves noise or prefers quiet corners or is interested in culture, there is an area for you. Even the beaches are not far away. Obviously, certain elements are not easy, but Cairo is my home. It makes me feel alive.
Is there a particular sound, smell or taste that instantly evokes Cairo?
I love his rawness : this is not the place where you come looking for fresh air and for everything to be clean. It's the opposite. But since it is my home, it represents life. I would say that the smell of traditional food , especially the koshari (the national dish, very popular in street stalls), makes me think of Egypt, no matter where I am.
To the outsider, the Egyptian dance scene begins and ends with belly dancing. Do you correct us?
I understand that it is the cultural dance of Egypt, but there are also folklore ; in fact, there are ongoing efforts to revive their culture. And as in any other country, several different dance genres coexist. Ballet, salsa, or hip hop have been around for a while, and the likes of afro are now gaining popularity. There is a misconception that we are disconnected from the world, but Egyptians travel and bring styles with them. I was the one who introduced dancehall and I wouldn't have learned it the right way if I hadn't traveled to Jamaica.
Choreographer Yara Saleh
What do you want the world to know about Egyptian youth?
The youth Egyptian has that fire. They are the hardest working people I have ever seen; and no matter what they go through, they always manage to get out of there. I used to study in Germany, where everyone froze if the system failed in any way. Here, they get creative and find their own resources. There are many problems in Egypt: harassment, politics, poverty; but the Egyptians are very funny because they know how to find humor in every situation.
We are travelers with only 24 hours in Cairo. Where should we go?
That's impossible! Honestly, you can't come to Egypt and not see the pyramids . I continue to be amazed by them and what they represent. you have to try the local food (fuul, koshari, ta'ameya). There are some places near the pyramids that are really authentic and, in my opinion, Khan el-Khalili it's a great start. He also sells many traditional jewelry and accessories. You can then find an ahwa and pause to smoke shisha and people watch. It is a must. And both the Saladin Citadel as the Al-Azhar Mosque they are close. I also recommend taking a felucca ride down the Nile to see cairo at night ; Of course you won't sleep.