"The enthusiasm for the dance that I have witnessed all over the world has encouraged me to share this passion through writing about my past experiences and knowledge about dance in Egypt, as well as presenting ideas and impressions that, hopefully, will inspire others."
Farida Fahmy
Note: Some articles have also been translated into other languages.
Volunteers who would like to translate articles are welcomed!
Please email Keti Sharif at office@faridafahmy.com
A Trip Down Memory Lane
"I am so grateful that my dream has come true. To this day, whenever people run into me, I am met with such love and respect that fills my heart. I know that I with the Reda Troupe have remained in the memory of the Egyptians."
FREE DOWNLOAD RESOURCE plus PDF Oct 2016.
Chinese translation by Wendi Weng and Kay Chng
English original version by Farida Fahmy
Greek by Panayiota Bakis Mohieddin
Italian translation by Laura Iaciofano
CLICK TO READ ONLINE
Interview with Keti Sharif, Cairo
“Every single step must have its value… the audience feels and understands that.” Farida Fahmy
Farida discusses how Egyptian dance aesthetics are bound by the Egyptian sense of beauty – often found in the arts. She looks at how Egyptian dance has evolved greatly in the last century, and it continues to evolve today in modern society.
This interview explores the nature of Egyptian dance form, structure and the vital role of improvisation. Discover Farida's perspective on what she considers some of the most important movement values that imbue Egyptian dance and Raqs Sharqi.
English original version by Farida Fahmy
German translation by Inci Brose
Chinese translated by Wendi Weng and Kay Chng
Spanish translation by Celeste Acuña
Greek translation by Panayiota Bakis Mohieddin
French translation by Pauline Caux
FREE DOWNLOAD RESOURCE plus PDF Jan 2015.
CLICK TO READ ONLINE
Dancing with the Millayah Laff
This is Farida's long awaited article - an historic resource available to all dancers worldwide, written by the pioneering dancer of Egyptian Millayah Laff.
"The influence of the millayah in bint al- balad’s body language and non verbal communication was introduced and blended into movement and steps, then merged into the choreography. The millayah became integral to, and an extension of the movement process. The movements introduced became a style both new and unique."
Chinese version by Lisa Chen
English original version by Farida Fahmy
French version translated by Pauline Caux
Greek translation by Panayiota Bakis Mohieddin
Italian translation by Laura Iaciofano
Spanish version by Paola Mori
Portuguese version by Fernanda Gomes
FREE DOWNLOAD RESOURCE plus extended 6 page PDF. May 2014
CLICK TO READ ONLINE
Al-Hagalla
The Dance of the Western Desert, Egypt
"On the evening of the event, al-Haggala (the name of the local professional female dancer) was traditionally summoned to participate in the dance with the male inhabitants of the community. She arrived in her ankle-length, colorful floral-designed Bedouin dress, revealing a tan-colored boot embroidered in multicolored designs. She was adorned with silver jewelry typical to the area, and her hair was plaited and piled on the crown of her head. Both her face and head were covered by a very thin, gauze-like veil."
FREE DOWNLOAD RESOURCE plus PDF. Dec 2011. Click link for all versions.
English original version by Farida Fahmy
Spanish translated by Ximena Mart (Uruguay/Chile)
Chinese translated by Penny Ting (Taiwan)
Greek translation by Panayiota Bakis Mohieddin
Italian Translation by Laura Iaciofano
CLICK TO READ ONLINE
Andalusian inspired dance developed by the Reda Troupe
"The name muwashshah, it has been said, is in reference to the Wishah a (sash) that women wore in Andalusia. It is described as being bejewled in delicate workmanship which is similar to the muwashshah's intricate melodic, rhythmic and poetic structure, as well as the meanings it provoked in its use of imagery. The strophic lyrics of the muwashshah directly expressed the poet's own thoughts and sentiments. The lyrics spoke of love, joy and sorrow. The use of imagery enriched this poetic form."
English original version by Farida Fahmy
Spanish translated by Ximena Mart (Uruguay/Chile)
Chinese translated by Lisa Chen (Taiwan), with acknowledgement to Mr. Ma Jun Ren and Professor Chen from National Taiwan University
Greek translation by Panayiota Bakis Mohieddin
German translation by Claudina
Portuguese version by Fernanda Gomes
FREE DOWNLOAD RESOURCE plus PDF. Oct 2010. Click link for all versions.
CLICK TO READ ALL VERSIONS ONLINE
The Pioneer of Egyptian Theatre dance
"August 6th 2009 marked the Golden Jubilee of the Reda Troupe. Exactly 50 years since Mahmoud Reda, myself, and a small group of dancers appeared on stage in what we named The Reda Troupe. As the number of the dance members increased the repertoire of performances and spectacles presented also grew with innovative and original dances that to this day remain an inspiration to all."
FREE DOWNLOAD RESOURCE plus PDF Mar 2009.
English original version by Farida Fahmy
Greek translation by Panayiota Bakis Mohieddin
Spanish translation by Florencia Altieri
CLICK TO READ ONLINE
Mahmoud Reda’s Concepts of Movement
Mahmoud Reda’s choreography introduced the Egyptians to a new concept in the use of space…He know the perspectives and dimensions of the stage. By making use of points of emphasis and juxtaposition in his choreography, he was able to enhance the different moods he wanted to evoke. (Fahmy 1987:28)
English original version by Farida Fahmy
Greek translation by Panayiota Bakis Mohieddin
CLICK TO READ ONLINE
"The highlight of performing in the Opera was the command performances that we presented for President Nasser and his royal and presidential guests. The most memorable of these performances and what was a great source of pride and a double honor to all of us, was when we danced at the same night and on the same stage with the great Egyptian singer Um Kolthsoum."
FREE DOWNLOAD RESOURCE plus PDF. May 2015.
English original version by Farida Fahmy
Greek translation by Panayiota Bakis Mohieddin
Chinese translation by Wendi Weng and Kay Chng
French translation by Pauline Caux
Spanish translation by Flor Altieri
CLICK TO READ ONLINE
Lasting Impressions
Creativity and the Dance Experience
by Farida Fahmy - Nov 2008
"A painter uses paints and brushes to bring what he perceives into existence that, in its turn, speaks to the beholder directly. Paint and brushes are the medium of his creations. When a dancer performs pre-set, pre-designed movements, he or she is the mediator. The dancer becomes the instrument that brings forth the choreographer's perceptions into existence."
FREE DOWNLOAD RESOURCE plus PDF. Feb 2009.
English original version by Farida Fahmy
Chinese translated by Wendi Weng and Kay Chng
Greek translation by Panayiota Bakis Mohieddin
Spanish translation by Sara Montenegro
CLICK TO READ ONLINE
Designing Dance Costumes - Order Farida's E-Books
Farida's article with tips on what works for stage and practical application of costume design skills.
"During my travels these last few years, I have seen dance groups that have performed dances that were in the Reda Troupe style yet the costumes did not match up or relate to these dances. While there were dance groups that showed serious attempts at presenting the appropriately corresponding styles of costumes, others were quite oblivious to what was relevant to the dances they were presenting. I know that there are many serious dancers and dance groups all over the world that truly want to know and find the correct and well made versions."
English original version by Farida Fahmy
Greek translation by Panayiota Bakis Mohieddin
CLICK TO READ ONLINE OR ORDER E-BOOKS