Mahmoud Reda

[Tauremorna]

I just got back from the Mahmoud Reda workshops in Iowa and I can't tell you all what a life changing experience it was. Mr Reda is obviously older, but you can still see power and grace in his dancing. It made me see there is something so beautiful about singing the music with your body, not needing extraneous props or endless shimmies. He is coming to Texas and Hawaii soon and I would encourage any serious dancer to take his workshops. Now if only I could get to Egypt to study with him!

[*Shira*]

Yup, that 77-year-old man well and truly kicked my butt!

I agree with you, there's something very special about his gift for musical interpretation. Although I don't aspire to incorporate all the ballet-style movement vocabulary that he uses into my dance, I find it valuable to take his workshops because they give me insights into so many things - how a world-famous choreographer sees the music, how a master instructor presents material, how to present an ensemble on stage in an interesting way even when the underlying moves are simple, etc.

This weekend was the third time I've taken Reda workshops, and each time I've come away with new ideas to use in my dance journey.

[tigerb]

Agreed!

I also found his workshop very instructive from the standpoint of choreographing a dance for a group instead of an individual. Saturday's dance, in particular, was extremely effective when you saw all the workshop participants do it together. Not to mention the way he builds combinations: take a movement, do it, then double it... or halve it... or do it 2x or 4x as fast... put it with a second movement and swap them around. Stay on the same foot with a two-step turn or change feet with a three-step turn. Fascinating. And he always could detect the "sticky bits" we weren't getting. An excellent teacher!

And it was great to meet Shira, the dancer of the fabulous pants, and Maleeha, and so many others. Wonderful performances at the hafla and the show... great lunches and sinfully good cheesecake! I would go back to Iowa City/Cedar Rapids like a shot for more workshops!

[Lesgemini_Zafirah]

Yes, definitely: Many heartfelt THANKS & GRATITUDE to Maleeha/Kahraman for organizing Master Reda's workshop. Also it was very cool to see Bhuzzers like Shira in person! Oh, and a shout out to my fellow Chicagoans, Erika and Sonya!!!

I will forever be in awe of this great man who has such vast knowledge, talent and ENERGY that belie his chronological years! And his charm?? OMG, this man was absolutely wonderful: In the rare pauses between the choreo. practice (Sat.), he'd just break out into a little tap-dance...and with all the dramatic grace of a medieval minstrel or modern-day theatre actor, he honored us with a masterful storytelling of his show/production's [fairytale romance!] plot.

It truly was one of those once-in-a-lifetime, snatch-it-or-it'll-never-happen-again, truly memorable moments in a student dancer's life *Sigh*

[chicagobellydance]

Yes, he is such an inspiration, I have no words to express my admiration for him, it is amazing how much he loves his dancing, everytime he says "prepare" and he gets ready, it is beautiful to see how he points his toe and gets ready to start, so charming, talented and humble.
This is my second workshop and I enjoyed every single second of it.

Maleha his troupe, the volunteers, board directors, you guys did such an amazing job, very friendly, professional and nice. It was great to see you again Shira! we always have such a great time together!!

Hafla and show, very very good, georgeous dancers, choreographies and customs.

Can't wait to study with Mr. Reda again!!

Much love
Erika

[mwendouce]

I participated in my second Reda workshop a few weeks ago in Connecticut and I agree with all of you! He is inspirational and worth learning from as much as possible! All of his movements are beautiful and the way that he blends them together and his sense of timing is unmatched.

[rickfink]

Hey everyone,

I have known Mahmoud Reda for a number of years and what stikes me most about him is his graciousness! Have you ever noticed that he watches all the dancers who are performing and always has kind words for them? He truly cares about people and never plays the star when it would be very easy for him to do so.

Has anyone been out to dinner with him? He will treat you great whether you're important or not and he always has the best stories to tell!

Take care, Rick

[tigerb]

Originally Posted by rickfink

Hey everyone,

I have known Mahmoud Reda for a number of years and what stikes me most about him is his graciousness! Have you ever noticed that he watches all the dancers who are performing and always has kind words for them? He truly cares about people and never plays the star when it would be very easy for him to do so.

Has anyone been out to dinner with him? He will treat you great whether you're important or not and he always has the best stories to tell!

Take care, Rick

He was very sweet the morning after the Iowa show: "I enjoyed the show last night very much. Everyone was very good... in fact I think maybe you do not need any more lessons from me!" Of course everyone protested very loudly that indeed we did, and we went on with the technique. But what a nice thing to say!

I understand that each person in the master class got a choreography critique from him. WOW! how great would that be! (But I would be terrified.)