The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

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Egypt has, in many ways, been a hub for culture throughout the centuries. Whether in its Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, North African, or Arab quality, Egypt has always shone brightly in the arts. But in the same way that it has been remarkable in the regional sense, it has kept its distinct and unique qualities. Egyptian folklore has been widely appreciated by art enthusiasts. At the moment, it feels as though Egyptian folk traditions are dying out, but that couldn’t be further from the truth, and here are just a few troupes keeping the tradition alive.

The National Troupe for Folkloric Arts

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Their name speaks for itself. Among the country’s most widely reputed folk troupes, The National Troupe for Folkloric Arts has been adamant about keeping the diverse forms of Egyptian folklore alive and representing them worldwide. Having represented Egypt in Dubai’s 2020 Expo, they’ve played a huge role in introducing the world to our local culture.

Nile Troupe for Folk Arts

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A troupe that values all parts of Egyptian folklore’s diverse art, the Nile Troupe for Folk Arts is special because of their appreciation for the art of Egyptian folklore in all its forms, whether music or dance and everything in between. Having showcased Nubian folklore to styles like tannoura, they’ve performed on outstanding stages such as the tahtib festival (tahtib is the dance style where men “fight” using long wooden sticks), and have been introduced by icons including playwright Abdel Rahman El Shafei.

AUC Egyptian Folklore Troupe

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The AUC Egyptian Folklore Troupe was founded by Pinky Selim, who was inspired by the work of great icons like Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy. They are an incredible group that is known not only for their frequent performances but also for their regular pop-up classes.

The Reda Troupe

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They need no introduction. The troupe, founded by the late brothers Ali and Mahmoud Reda, the pioneers of the development of dance in Egypt, the Reda Troupe is renowned worldwide for their incredible performances, which are still ongoing! They’ve been the most coveted dance group in Egyptian history, from stage to screen, and they’re still going strong. What makes them extra special, though, is that they are not only about keeping the tradition alive on stage but also educating the public about the history of the troupe. Members and pioneers like Farida Fahmy have dedicated their life’s work to documenting the evolution of the Reda Troupe.