In a previous post, I discussed belly dancing and various perceptions of it. The negative perceptions of belly dancing and other forms of folkloric performance in Egypt have been improved considerably by the great work of the Reda Troupe (فرقة رضا).
The Reda Troupe started in Egypt in the late fifties; it endeavoured to revive Egyptian folkloric dance and improve its status as a distinctive aspect of Egyptian culture. Reda Brothers (محمود رضا وعلي رضا) deserve credit for its establishment and success. Mahmoud Reda was the lead dancer and choreographer; Ali Reda composed the music. In the beginning, the troupe had 13 female dancers, 13 male dancers, and 13 musicians; they were all university students and graduates.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wWLlnWpB9Y&feature=related
The first performances for the troupe were in fifties, but then the troupe was nationalized in 1961, and the Reda Brothers became its managers. One of the leading characters of the troupe is Farida Fahmy (فريدة فهمي), the lead female dancer and choreographer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxnEHOElY1c&feature=related
The Reda Troupe revived and renewed many types of folkloric dances in Egypt. The troupe lead two films (أجازة نصف السنة) “The Mid-year Holiday” and (غرام في الكرنك) “Love in Karnak”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfeDMDq0Wdc&feature=related
6 Comments
Came to your blog and loved it.
I used to see and love the Reda group on TV. I was lately wondering what happened to them.
Have a good day!
Thank you very much for the comment Noblese,
Reda Troupe still perform in Egypt, and they hold many performances, especially in the summer. They sometimes travel to perform abroad as well.
I hope they still maintain the same standard and keep innovating and reviving.
Salaam,
Aziza
Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullah
i need a Arabic penpal a native speaker someone who will help me in my Arabic dialogue. Preferably someone who can speak fusha only as im only taught fusha. Some one who wants help in their english speaking so we can help each other learn inshaAllah. Hope some one can help.
jazakumAllahu khairan
Ahlan Arzoo,
I hope one of our readers will be able to exchange with you!
salaam,
Aziza
There is a mistake in your blog. Farida Fahmy is not the wife of Mahmoud Reda, but his sister-in-law. He was married to her elder sister.
yes, you are right Jane. I have just checked the information on Farida Fahmi’s website. Thank you very much for your help. I will update the post accordingly.
Salaam,
Aziza