User:Bellyrachel/Mahmoud Reda

Mahmoud Reda is a pioneer of dance theater in Egypt. Soloist, choreographer and director of hundreds of productions, Mahmoud Reda has toured in more than 60 countries, performing on the world's most prestigious stages. He has also been principal actor, dancer and choreographer in popular Egyptian films. Mahmoud Reda is universally acclaimed for his dance with the strength and appeal of a Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire.

As a soloist, choreographer and director, Mahmoud Reda made four world tours to 58 countries with his troupe. He performed on the world's most prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall (New York, USA), Royal Albert Hall (London, UK), Congress Hall (Berlin, Germany), Stanislavsky & Gorky Theaters (Moscow, USSR), Olympia (Paris, France) and the United Nations (New York & Geneva). The Reda Troupe has performed for many world leaders and Heads of states.

Mahmoud Reda draws from techniques of jazz, ballet, Hindu dance and folkloric dance from the USSR. His work has shaped and influenced what is known today as Oriental Dance (Raks Sharki). Many former troupe members include master teachers Raqia Hassan, Momo Kadous, Mo Geddawi and Yousry Sharif. (from IMDB)

Born in Cairo on 18 March, 1930, Mahmoud Reda still teaches at his studio in Cairo as well as teaching international workshops.

Mahmoud Reda was originally a sportsman, beginning with swimming, then diving. He subsequently turned to gymnastics, representing Egypt in the Olympic Games in 1952 in Helsinki. (www.gildedserpent.com)

His inspiration in dance came first from his brother Ali. He became an avid fan of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly and soon became a member of an Argentinean dance troupe before returning to Egypt to begin his own troupe. The Reda Troupe opened their first show on 6 August, 1959 with 7 male and 7 female dancers. The leading lady, Farida Fahmy, was the younger sister of Mahmoud Reda's first wife. Only after this first show did Reda and his troupe have the opportunity to study Egptian folk dances, from Aswan to Cairo. They documented as much as they could with tape recorders and photos, as well as noting the stories of the songs and dances. Reda then converted this material to choreographies suitable for the stage. (www.gildedserpent.com)

Much of what is known today about Egyptian Folkloric dance is owed to the work of Mahmoud Reda. His pioneering efforts in documenting and representing dances from all over Egypt also contributed to making dancing an acceptable profession, and added to Egyptian national identity.