Who first inspired you to take dance lessons?
I was always watching “Reda Troupe” for Folk Dance in Egypt since I was a little child, and felt that their performances are touching something inside me to learn that kind of art.
What makes you Radwa admire your Dance Teacher Mohamed Salah?
First of all, his passion/dedication for teaching the Oriental Dance and his ability to transfer the experience and deliver the information as he is so energetic. Secondly, his creativity ability as he is always adding and developing new techniques without changing the foundation of the Art origin.
He also likes sharing his success in working with his colleagues, praises them, encourages them, this leads to creating an encouraging, healthy environment for success.
What kind of Dancing style did you learned from Mohamed Salah?
is this a cultural style of dancing share more for those who haven't heard of this style. Mohamed Salah teaches the fundamentals of the eastern dance, which are the bases for both Oriental and Egyptian Folk Dance. This is a unique cultural dance style to Egypt which shows how genuine the Egyptian dance from any other outlandish art.
Mohamed Salah
Teacher Mohamed Salah
Was born March 1930 in Cairo, Egypt, Mahmoud Reda is a pioneer of dance theatre in Egypt. Soloist, choreographer and director of hundreds of productions, Mahmoud Reda has toured in more than 60 countries, performing on the world's most prestigious stages. He has also been principal actor, dancer and choreographer in popular Egyptian films. Mahmoud Reda has been universally acclaimed for his dance with the strength of and appeal of a Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire.
In 1959 he founded the first folk dance company, The Reda Band, which consisted only of 15 members , all dancers. Today,it has more than 150 talented members including dancers , musicians and technicians . The band has presented more than 300 shows including dances and folkloric songs , ballads , with different rhythm and different features creating an atmosphere of entertainment and happiness . The band also participated in two musical movies : " Mid year vacation " and " Love in Elkarnak". Reda Band is endorsed by the Egyptian Government "as a band capable of representing the Egyptian Folklore both in music and dances." The group traveled throughout Egypt collecting folk dances, and then toured the world, promoting those dances as fine art, worthy of respect.
Teacher Mohamed Salah with supportive Dance Studen Radwa Nasr.
What is the importance of Dancing mean to you in your life Radwa?
Dancing is the hidden language of the soul, for example:
1. Dancing allows one to express oneself.
2. A sense of unity is found within the dance.
3. Dancing provides physical/mental refreshment and relaxation.
4. Laughter and fun — dancing can provide a lot of entertainment.
5. Dancing is a form of exercise.
6. Dancers find inspiration and motivation as they become lost in the dance.
Tell us about how you were introduced to your teacher Mohamed and how long have you been in his classes?
Mohamed Salah was coming to one of his shows in Toronto last Spring and asked for dancers to accompany him in the show. I applied and was selected among other dancers for pre-show training. Since then I became one of his students.
How many performances have you done from his teachings?
Three performances in Toronto, and four performances in Calgary as an application of the choreography I learned from Mohamed Salah.
Egyptian Folk Dancing
When did he start dancing in Egypt?
Mohamed Salah began his full-time dance career at the age of 10 in the Naser Club Dance Troupe. A few years later he began studying with Mahmoud Reda (Head of Reda Troupe). Mohamed joined “Reda Troupe” in 1995 and remains today as its principal lead dancer. For three years he worked directly with Mahmoud Reda in Mahmoud’s personal dance company called Al Hassa. Mohamed has worked with many famous choreographers and directors in Egypt including Walid Awny, Hassan Afifi and Souky performing different styles of dance including Modern and Contemporary at the Cairo Opera House. Mohamed Salah is a prolific choreographer and has conceptualized and directed many TV programs, video clips, commercials and theatrical stage performances. As coordinator for the "Ahlan Wa Sahlan" Festival since 2012, he oversees teachers’ schedules and directing the performances. He has created 6 educational videos. Received several diplomas for his knowledge in folklore, Mohamed is deeply rooted in Egyptian tradition but always finds a way to speak a contemporary language with his creative choreography, stage direction and engaging teaching methods. Mohamed has traveled with Reda Troupe to over 50 cities in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and throughout the Middle East. Travelling as a master teacher since 2011, he has been hosted in Japan, Italy, Ukraine, Korea, Canada, China and Russia. Mohamed Salah is known for his innovative choreographies that have powerful impact and integration.
How has your experience being in Canada been so far?
It has been an awesome experience so far. People here are very interested in the Oriental Dance and willing to learn new things especially if it is from someone coming from the eastern part of the world.
Share an experience with your teacher that made you feel stronger about yourself. Actually, one of the unforgettable experiences happened when he knew that I will be having a performance and despite the fact that his schedule was so congested he insisted to teach me how to improve my performance to show up like a star and never kept a useful advice.
What does Dancing do for you in your life and how it makes you feel?
When I dance my soul begins to fly. Dancing improves my mode, creates harmony between body and mind. The positive energy surroundings create peacefulness with the Globe.
Dance doesn’t call every woman, so if it knocks on your door I believe it is trying to give you a gift uniquely suitable for you.
What are some of the lessons you have learned from teachings from him?
I have learned to be attentive to details, how to synchronise my steps with the music and how to pay the maximum efforts during training to reach the best level during actual performance.
What shows do you have coming up?!
Preparing two new choreographs “Nubian” and “ Saidi” to be performed in the coming shows.
What shows do you have coming up Radwa?!
Preparing two new choreographies “Nubian” and “ Saidi” to be performed in the coming shows.
Follow one of our magazine's stars for next issue Radwa Nasr, who is now in Canada Calgary all the way from Egypt!
https://www.instagram.com/radwa169.nasr/
