The Cairo Opera Ballet Company is continuing its rehearsals for 'Zorba' – to be performed from 4 to 8 July – despite recent statements by MPs in Egypt's Shura Council (the upper house of parliament), a member of the ultra-conservative Salafist Nour Party, Gamal Hamed calling ballet "art of nudity".
At a sit-in outside the culture ministry, several dancers from the Cairo Opera Ballet Company staged performances of Zorba as a means of protesting the MPs' statements.
Watch Ahram Online's video coverage of the event here.
'Zorba' ballet has been in the Cairo Opera Ballet Company's plans for season 2012/2013 and will be performed between 4 and 8 July at the Cairo Opera House's main hall.
Video by Rowan El Shimi