Intensive training in Egyptian Folklore Reda style
Mahmoud Reda Dance Legacy
Created and directed by Nesma since 2006
Nesma considers that the knowledge of the technique created by emblematic Egyptian choreographer is inescapable to understand the modern oriental dance.
Mahmoud Reda Dance Legacy
In this course organized by levels Nesma teaches the Reda technique, step by step, with its own methodology that results from many years of experience in collaborating with the teacher, teaching his technique and representing his choreography with her company.
Objectives
The technique created by Mahmoud Reda is an inescapable reference to understand the current oriental dance, and the proof is that practically all the great Egyptian masters today have formed in their company. He is recognized as the father of oriental dance on theatre.
We will study all the techniques created by Mahmoud Reda, emphasizing each dance, the differences from oriental dance and the application of these techniques to solo oriental dance.
While learning the techniques we also focus on teaching, which means we will learn the techniques and, at the same time, how they can be taught. The students will then practice in the classroom with methodology teaching exercises.
During the last days of the course, students will apply the techniques learnt in class, performing with partners featuring professional male dancers from Nesma’s company.
Why should Oriental dancers know this technique ?
- to use and control the space on stage.
- to apply it to any style of Egyptian folklore and oriental dance
- this technique has served as the basis for modern oriental dance
- this technique and coded language enables the design of choreographies for dances in groups or with partners without the need to unify the styles
What are the challenges with this technique ?
- To understand and assimilate the differencesfrom Oriental dance and to be able to «disconnect» from Oriental solo dancing.
- To work on continuous level and weight transfers
About Mahmoud Reda
Born on March 18, 1930 in Cairo, Egypt, Mahmoud Reda has been a pioneer in theater dance in the Arab world. Dancer, actor, choreographer, he has directed hundreds of productions.
He graduated in Economics, activity that combines with sports and the study of classical dance in Egypt and later in Paris. In 1952 he participated in the Olympic Games in Helsinki and in 1954 he joined the Argentine Folklore Company «Alfredo Alaria», making several tours around Europe.
In 1959 he founded the «Reda Troupe» in Egypt. Initially only 15 people constituted it, but in the middle of the 60 it had more than 150 members among dancers, musicians and technicians. His shows are inspired by folk songs and folk dances.
Thanks to his talent and creative vision, the Reda Company earned the respect of the government of his country that qualified it as «a group capable of representing Egyptian folklore, both in music and in dance».
In the 60s, Mahmoud Reda and the Reda Troupe travelled around the world performing their shows in the most prestigious theaters in the world: Stanslauski Theater (Moscow), The Carnegie Hall (New York), The Albert Hall (London), L ‘Olympia (Paris), La Zarzuela (Madrid), and many more.
The acknowledgments to his talent did not wait. In 1967 he was decorated with the Order of Arts and Sciences of the Egyptian Government, as well as by King Hussein of Jordan in 1965 and in 1973 with the Order of Tunisia. From 1982 to 1990 he held the position of Assistant Secretary of State for Popular Arts.
Mahmoud Reda has influenced many aspects of Arab culture inside and outside of Egypt. He has continued to give lectures and give workshops until 2013.
He is the author of the book In the temple of dance.
Modalidaty
In-Class
The face-to-face workshops are organized by module on long week-end, each one corresponding to one level. See the events schedule.
Online
Video on the Internet are organized by module. The Online classes will be available soon.
Intended for
Professional and advanced Oriental dancers interested in applying Mahmoud Reda’s techniques to their dance and their educational work.
Admissions and requirements
Advanced or professional level of oriental dance.
Teachers
Nesma
Since joining the Reda Troupe in 1998, Nesma has worked with Mahmoud Reda on many projects, shows and training. Since then she has been one of the closest collaborators to Mahmoud Reda and she is currently considered the most prepared teacher to continue spreading her legacy with quality and authenticity.
Programme
New steps and combinations will be studied each day. The sequences studied will be reviewed daily and pauses for video recording will be organized.
Practical exercises will be undertaken during the class.
A pause is provided approximately every one and a half hours to collect, annotate and record all the information learnt in class. Thus the student can take the material at home for review and practice.
The Place: Nesma Studio
Nesma Al-Andalus Danza Company & School, Madrid
FAQ
Can you bring a video camera to the class?
Yes, it is important that you bring your camera to record what you have learned and thus have material to study later or remember the choreography.
In what language are the classes?
The classes are in English but if there are people who speak only other languages, Nesma will translate the essentials infrrmation into Spanish and / or French.
Prices
Enter related events to check the prices of each course.
This course is included in the AATEC Program. To know the conditions, click here.
Registrations
See all events
To register you must pay the corresponding booking fee.
The rest of the total cost of the course is due before the start of the course.
You can check the general conditions of registration and participation here.
Contact
contact@nesma.es
Tel (+34) 91 447 86 80
Help
Send us your concerns and questions.