Arab food, dances

In recent years, Panamanian society has been developing a taste for Arab dishes and dances.

Among my favorite Arab restaurants is Beirut, where Chef Bilal offers a variety of Arab appetizers like quibe, hummus and taboule and staple dishes such as falafel, chicken and beef shawarma and sheesh kabobs. On special nights, nothing tops off a meal at Beirut better than its signature tea and any of its variety of flavors of sheesha (hookah).

As for belly dancing, its appeal increases by the day in Panama, with now eight academies where young girls and old ladies alike learn the rhythms and moves. This dance is a ritual composed of the right outfit, accessories, and music and one of the most feminine manifestations of the Arab culture.

One of these academies is “Proyección Leyla Salam”, whose directors studied under professor Fanny “Saaded” Ortiz, one of the first Panamanians to showcase this dance. Additionally, they have taken courses with international professors like the renowned “prince of the Arab dance” Amir Thaleb. Both also boast several years of experience in Panamanian folkloric dance.

For the dancers in “Proyeccion Leyla Salam”, belly dancing has proved to be a great way to have fun, express their artistic inclinations, and exercise. According to its website, the dances and the music are also great for their mental health, helping their spiritual and personal growth.

This Saturday the soft and coordinated steps of this Oriental dance return to the Ascanio Arosemena Theater as Proyecion Leyla Salam puts on its end-of-the-course production: “Rakkasah, the dancer”. More than 12 dancers as well as international artists will be performing.

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