AMIR THALEB

  UNVEILING EMOTIONS 
THROUGH ARABIAN DANCE
Part I

Interview by Adriana Rubio

Photos: Courtesy of Amir Thaleb

Amir Thaleb is a renowned dancer, teacher and choreographer born in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, known for his mastery in Middle Eastern Dance, the Arabian Treasure of Belly Dance. He's entertained and taught worldwide with a unique blend of traditional and modern styles. Amir's performances are celebrated for their emotional depth and technical prowess. He has also contributed significantly to promoting male participation in a field traditionally dominated by female dancers.  

"It all started as a game; they would place me on stage to dance when I was 3 years old".

 "The one who introduced me to the arts and dance was my father. He had dance groups plus my grandma loved Arabian dance, so I was raised in that environment. I was surrounded by art my whole life, dance was always present at every family gathering". 

Amir's early start and first performance at such a young age really marked his passion and dedication to the art of dancing and teaching. 

"When I was 15 years old, I started getting invited to perform private Arabian Dance shows at bars and restaurants. However, I was also studying and classical ballet. I had the opportunity to dance with masters of ballet from the Colon Theatre in productions like Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, and The Prince Igor". 

This early experience shaped his career and how performing in a dinner show as a teenager contributed to his unique style plus all the classical ballet experience that was enriching his movements, technique and passion for dancing as the main art of expression. On the other hand, his father's influence and the opportunity to immerse himself in Lebanon and Egyptian culture added more to Amir's dancing. It shows how his exposure to authentic Middle Eastern Dance shaped his career. This connection also emphasizes his authenticity and credibility in the dance world as he really was the first one to introduce the Arabian Dance School in Buenos Aires. 

"I thought that I would become a dance teacher at an old age, but I found myself in my 20s teaching in the living room at home to a certain number of students, but shortly after I realized that I needed a bigger place as more people was coming and that never stopped happening. So that's when I decided to open the Arabian Dance School which required lots of scheduling and discipline". 

Also, Amir's training in classical ballet shows his versatility and dedication to mastering various dance forms. Performing in renowned ballets like "Romeo and Juliet" adds a whole new layer to his profile. This background likely influences his Arabian dance style, making it more expressive and technically refined. 

Amir's artistic transition into his classical ballet training, highlights how this shaped his discipline and artistry. These experiences merged to create a unique style that blends traditional Arabian dance with the grace and precision of ballet. 

Amir's emphasis on emotional expression adds depth to his art. His dancing and teaching style explore how his performances stand out for their emotional resonance, engaging the audience and students on a deeper level beyond just technique. His perspective could serve as a compelling commentary on the current state of Arabian dance, advocating for a balance between technical mastery and emotional storytelling.

Part II coming up soon! Stay tuned!

Thanks so much Amir Thaleb!