This workshop is offered as part of Al Fanaanat Project. For those interested in artistic development feedback and/or auditioning for performance of the workshop choreography at the Summer Caravan, please register for Al Fanaanat Project.

“Gharib al Dar” Historic Muwashahat Reda Choreography

“Muwashahat were “ornamented” poems, songs, and dances of the courts of the flourishing of arts in 10th century Andalusia. Egypt’s Reda Troupe added to this rich history by designing a collection of Muwashahat music, poetry and dance, a renaissance of movement. Mahmoud Reda cherished the experience of choreographing within the Reda Technique to this historic music with inspiring time signatures. Mme. Farida Fahmy, who was featured as the solo dancer, was Sahra’s mentor and teacher for many years both at UCLA and in Egypt. The first combinations she taught Sahra were from the Muwashah “Gharib al Dar”. It was not an easy entrance into Reda Dance Technique.

In 2001 Sahra helped sponsor Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy for the 2nd International Conference on Middle Eastern Dance. To open the concert on the opening night, and to introduce our treasured guests, Sahra taught and arranged her dance company, Ya Amar!, “Gharib al Dar”. With a video projection on the screen behind them of the actual Reda Troupe, it was her full circle time to dance “Gharib al Dar” “with” the troupe of her teachers.

Learn this historic choreography directly from Sahra Saeeda, as Mahmoud Reda choreographed it for the Reda Troupe. Later he would make a different version to teach internationally. Costumes will be provided for those who audition and are selected to perform as part of Al Fanaanat Project. The costumes are replicas of the ones Mahmoud had in his office closet from the original TV evening.

Prerequisite: Intermediate/Advanced level students who are already conversant in Reda Technique