WHERE: Hanover Rec Center with live broadcast online + recordings here: https://GinaDances.Podia.com

TIME: 7:15-8:15/8:30

WHEN:  Wednesdays, January 15 – March 5, no class Feb12.  Please note that snow days will result in Wednesdays added on either Feb 12, March 12 or March 19.

 

DESCRIPTION:
The Raqs Salaam Dance Theater has a special relationship with Mahmoud Reda (1930-2020) and his choreographies because I studied with him both in the United States, and in Cairo, at his studio. His dances touched me personally.  They taught me about Egypt while also making me feel like a beautiful dancer, a sentiment shared by many dancers worldwide.   Mahmoud changed theater dance in Egypt during the mid-20th century through his many Egyptian “heritage dances.”  They were a blend of iconic Egyptian styles, theater stage presentation and western dance influence.  Despite the fact that Mahmoud’s pivotal contributions to Egyptian dance occurred in the last century, his legacy lives on through his choreographies.  They have endured the test of time because they are so special.  Furthermore, he generously gave his choreographies to all of us to learn, teach and perform.  His reasoning was that, as he said, “the whole world is my dance troupe.”  (He also followed this with “just do it right.”)

 

The style often referred to as “muwashahat” comes from Muwashshah which is an arabic poetic form that first became popular in al-Andelus, Moorish Spain.  It then evolved into a musical form that featured this poetry.  Mahmoud Reda made this style of dance, based on poetry with music, popular during the 1970’s-80’s.  The music used for dance is from the Syrian-Egyptian tradition.  Many of the songs, including ours, use a 10/8 time signature.  Mahmoud’s interpretation is refined, elegant and balletic with hypnotic spins and arabesques.  One interesting feature of this class will be the inclusion of filmed teaching material on Muwashahat dance from Farida Fahmy, the principal dancer of the Reda Troupe.  Please note that this is an advanced class that will move very quickly and cover a lot of material weekly.

FAQs: See FAQ’s page regarding foul weather, make-up classes and other issues.