Melaya Leff Choreography
WHERE: Hanover Rec Center with live broadcast online + recordings here: https://GinaDances.Podia.com
TIME: 6:00-7:00
WHEN: Wednesdays, April 10 – May 22.
DESCRIPTION:
In the past, the melaya leff was an outer garment (a wrap) widely used for modesty by Egyptian women in all the major cities: Cairo, Alexandria, and others. This large black wrap (on stage, with lots of sparkly paillettes!) was worn over the dress to cover the shape of the woman’s figure. This garment became a unifying feature in a character dance originated in 1959 by Mahmoud Reda for the Reda Troupe. It was a hit with the Egyptian audiences at that time and he choreographed many other Melaya dances during the 20th century. As a “character dance”, this isn’t a “folklore” dance, but rather, a “theatrical” dance ….. or perhaps even a “heritage” dance as many of Reda’s choreographies came to be described. IT’S FUN. These choreographies have a lot of personality and aren’t particularly technical or difficult to learn. As a group dance, this is a style that can also be very social, with interaction between dancers, as it often tells a story. This will be a Gina choreography, not a Reda choreography.
LOCATION: Hanover Rec Center, 48 Lebanon Street and online live. Zoom link will be provided
FAQs: See FAQ’s page regarding foul weather, make-up classes and other issues.
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR: See FAQ’s page.
COST: $75 per month (includes beautiful melaya), once per month for three months, beginning the day you register. The registration deadline is Friday March 15 due to the need to order the melayas. Price goes up to $85/month after March 15. 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.