Mahmoud Reda

Mahmoud Reda was a pioneer of dance theater in Egypt. He started his career as a gymnast, representing Egypt in the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. He graduated from Cairo University with a degree in political economics, but his passion was dance. He joined an Argentinian dance troupe and toured Europe, where he was inspired to create his own dance troupe in Egypt. He co-founded the Reda Troupe with his brother Ali and his dancing partner Farida Fahmy in 1959. The Reda Troupe combined traditional Egyptian folk dances with Western styles like ballet, and performed on various international stages. The troupe also starred in several popular Egyptian musicals, such as Igazah nisf as-sinah, Gharam fi al-karnak, and Harami El-Waraqa. Reda stepped down as the principal dancer of the troupe in 1972, but continued to choreograph and direct performances. He also acted in some Egyptian films and TV shows. He received many awards and honors for his contributions to Egyptian culture and art, such as the Order of Arts and Letters from France, the Nile Medal from Egypt, and the UNESCO Artist for Peace title. He died on July 10, 2020, at the age of 90.