WHERE: Live in person at Dancer's Corner with live broadcast online + recordings here: https://GinaDances.Podia.com
TIME: 7:15-8:15
WHEN: Wednesdays, January 19 - March 30.
DESCRIPTION: Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge Mahmoud Reda fan. With a nearly 70 year career in dance, he is probably the most prolific choreographer that Egypt has ever had, and his folkloric and theatrical styles of dance are iconic in the world. Before his death in July 2020, I was fortunate enough to study with Mahmoud many times in both the US and Egypt. Mahmoud Reda is best known for his folkloric dances which are referred to as "heritage dances" and "character dances." They were designed to take regional elements and to enable Egyptians to "recognize themselves" through polished theater dance. The Hagallah is a special dance, and I learned the dance directly from Mahmoud in Egypt AND from Farida Fahmy, also in Egypt, who was the Reda Troupe Principal Dancer in its formative years. While there are various definitions and presentations of the Hagallah dance, we will be using the one that Mahmoud and Farida developed based on their observation of a Western Egyptian professional wedding performer. This choreography is bouncy, fun and accessible and - yes - you will certainly master the Hagallah step, but as with all Reda choreographies, there is an element of Western stage sensibility woven into the choreography. The choreography is VERY unlike the Reda Raks Sharki choreography from 2021. Eventual costumes (not anything we are dealing with this semester) will be covered, sparkly and beautiful, but definitely not dowdy. Please note that you can take this class by "video only" if you like. It will be taught live, broadcast live and also recorded for later viewing. This class is open to any 2021 Intermediate level dancer who is also taking the Tuesday class or any 2021 Advanced level dancer. Class requires a minimum of 10 students.
LOCATION: Dancer's Corner, Pine Street, White River Junction, next to Stern's Produce. Zoom link will be provided
FAQs: See FAQ’s page regarding foul weather, make-up classes and other issues.
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR: SeeFAQ’s page.
COST: $60 per month for three months beginning the day you register. The registration deadline is Wednesday January 12, after which time the price goes up to $70 per month. Please note that we cannot offer refunds, discounts for missed classes (although we encourage make-ups at other locations), transfers of registration/credit to other students, or refunds due to instructor illness, weather rescheduling or power outages.
OTHER QUESTIONS: Don’t hesitate to email me with any other questions at info@ginadances.com or call me 802-282-2149. If I’m not available to take your call, please let me when and where is a good time to reach you.