Empowering Images of Dancers Reclaiming the Streets of Cairo

Ballerinas of Cairo started as a merely aesthetic, artistic project. Photographer Mohamed Taher was inspired by Ballerina project, a popular series of dance photography in urban settings around the world and he wanted to do the same in Cairo. It soon became clear to him that this specific project has a political dimension to it. According to a 2013 United Nations report, 99.3% of Egyptian women have experienced street-based sexual harassment. Having in mind this fact and the conservative attitude towards female bodies in his society, Mohamed’s photography series became a stand for women empowerment. Setting it in the streets of Cairo, beautiful ancient architecture presents the backdrop and passengers that find themselves in the middle of the dance, become a part of the narrative too. We can admire stunning images of dancer’s energetic jumps and graciousness of their arabesques, but at the same time wonder about the gaze of people watching them.

You were once wild here. Don`t let them tame you.

Dance is the hidden language of the soul.

To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful.

Balance is the power.

Reach for the sky.

We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.

Defying gravity.

Life is a dance. Mindfulness is witnessing that dance