Karim Tonsy is an international choreographer from Cairo, Egypt. He studied theatre and movement direction at American University in Cairo. After completing additional training in contemporary dance and choreography at London Contemporary Dance School, Karim began his career by directing his first performance in his native Egypt. In the years that followed, Karim has directed and danced in over fifteen live performances in Egypt as well as countless music videos for some of the biggest musicians in the Middle East. He has also collaborated with the Frantic Assembly Dance Company in London and participated in numerous dance festivals throughout the world.
Since moving to Chicago several years ago, Karim has choreographed and danced in performances for the Silk Road Festival, Rebound Dance and the Chicago Cultural Center. He has also continued to stay connected to his Egyptian roots by performing at the Alexandria International Modern Dance Theatre.
In addition to his background in the performing arts, Karim is also a trained masseur. He strongly believes that we should respect our bodies and listen intently to its needs. Hence, he uses the principles of massage therapy to create a unique approach to movement and dance theatre while honoring his afro-egyptian heritage. In his own words: “I always try to keep my ritual and spiritual beliefs on one side and my theatric and artist beliefs on the other. But it seems more often than not I can not. My Egyptian/African voice continues to move me in both ways.”
Karim’s critical acknowledgements include: Best Performance at the Cairo International Experimental Theatre; Best Critic’s Award and Best Achievement Award at the Cairo International Modern Dance Festival; honors in choreography and dance at the 1994 World Music Awards in Las Vegas.
Classes and workshops with Karim
Auditions coming soon Karim's brand new show Fall 2008!
"PENDULUM" April 2008 at The Portage Theatre
Past show October 13th Karim Tonsy presents: Sharia Mohamed Ali The Cairo street that never sleeps!
Karim presented his 16th dance theatre production called Eden? Spectacular show July 13th and 14th at The Raven Theatre in Chicago 6157 N Clark St, at 8pm,
BALADINA EGYPTIAN DANCE THEATRE
Spectacular show! not to be missed!!
Karim Tonsy, photo by Sabine Bordoulos