In a country where women are fighting for their right to public space against an epidemic of sexual harassment, Egyptian ballerinas started their own Ballerinas Project in Cairo, dancing around the proud city and posing for photographs to become part of its beauty.
Film director and producer Mohamed Taher was inspired by similar projects around the world and started the initiative which attracted more photographers and ballerinas to mix the art of photography with the art of ballet.
“A lot of people warned us and thought the ballerinas might be harassed, so we decided to do our first photo session on a Friday morning when there are not that many people around,” Mohamed recalled, “But nothing happened. There is, of course, the occasional catcalling, but the ballerinas fight back when it happens
Ballerinas of Cairo: Dancing the Fear Away
Ballerina Yasmine Shaher. Photo: Ballerinas of Cairo/Mohamed Taher
Ballerina Mirielle Azer. Photo: Ballerinas of Cairo/Mohamed Taher
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