Critics all over the world agree that Yousry Sharif is a superb and unique choreographer, dancer and teacher who, while staying true to the Egyptian tradition and spirit, has created a magnificent arena for Oriental Dance thanks to his acute sensitivity to music and movement, and his very special and unsurpassed charisma. He imparts his vast knowledge and teaches his original and sophisticated choreographies at festivals, workshops and seminars for the benefit of students, teachers and dance aficionados around the globe. His footprints have covered all continents and cities big and small. He is truly one of the most important master artists in Egyptian Raqs Sharqi, who commands a huge following everywhere he goes. Born in Cairo, he started his career in Egypt, where he performed in many movies and shows with the most well-known artists at that time, including Nagwa Fouad, Hassan Affifi, Mohmmed Kahlil, and Warda. In 1981 he moved to New York City, USA, where he founded his very own Egyptian Academy of Oriental Dance, which up to this day still provides an effective platform for coaching and directing troupes from all over the world. Most of the year he is globe-trotting to teach. The rest of the time when he is not on the road, he teaches his regular classes in New York City.