Farida Fahmy

Farida Fahmy was the daughter of a British mother and Dr. Hassan Fahmy, a noted university professor of engineering. In 1959, when her brother-in-law Mahmoud Reda decided to create a dance company featuring folkloric dances of Egypt, she became the principal female dancer. Together, Reda, Fahmy, and the rest of Reda Troupe created a new performing art - a theatrical presentation of traditional Egyptian folk culture. In 1965, King Hussein of Jordan awarded Fahmy the Star of Jordan. In 1967, Egypt's President Nasser awarded her the Order of Arts and Science. She received the Order of Tunisia in 1973.