From Ballet Beginnings to Global Stages
Layla Ghaleb’s journey into the world of dance began in her childhood—not in a studio, but in her living room, where she would mimic routines from MTV and other music channels. A self-taught dancer, she immersed herself in movement long before formal training. “I think ballet primed me in a way,” she reflects, referring to the classes her mother eventually enrolled her in. At just 16, Layla began traveling the world to take classes with top choreographers, laying the foundation for a global career.
Building a Movement with Goodspace
In May 2021, Layla co-founded Goodspace in Cairo alongside longtime friend . The venture was born from a shared dream: to create a safe, inclusive space for dancers of all backgrounds to train, grow, and express themselves. “We both always dreamed of creating something special; a space that is safe for everyone, for people from all walks of life to train and grow and excel.
Goodspace quickly expanded beyond a dance studio. It now encompasses Goodspace Studios, Goodspace Talents (a dance agency), and Goodspace Events. The studio personifies their company slogan, “Good people, Good company, Good souls,” by aiming to create a safe space for athletes, dancers, and performers to train towards the betterment of their craft, and also welcomes hobbyists—young and old, and from all walks of life—assisting them in their growth physically, mentally, and emotionally.
While Goodspace was an important and impactful chapter, Layla now sees it as just one part of a larger story. As the founder who built and led the company, she is now focusing on expanding her horizons into larger choreography and directing projects on an international scale.
Choreographing History: FIFA and Beyond
A groundbreaking milestone in Ghaleb’s career was choreographing the first-ever halftime show in FIFA history. Under the direction of Aly Al Araby and featuring Wegz as the singer, this historic performance boasted an Egyptian-led crew. Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Ghaleb proudly recounts, “I choreographed the first ever halftime show in a FIFA final in the history of FIFA. Ezz El Arab was the director, Wegz was the singer, and I was the choreographer, and it was a mainly Egyptian crew.”
Her choreography has also been featured in the opening ceremony of the Asian Cup held in Qatar in 2023, titled “The Lost Chapter of Kelileh & Demneh,” as well as in rapper Marwan Moussa’s iconic “Sheraton” music video, Ahmed Mekky’s “Tiger” advertisement, Mohamed Ramadan’s “Malek El Shar” music video, and Adidas MENA’s Club Originals campaign.
Among her most recent and notable works is the international music video “Joanna” by Mohamed Ramadan and Afro B—an ambitious and high-profile project that Layla choreographed and directed. The collaboration marked a major moment for the region’s music scene and showcased her growing influence on a global stage.
Championing Ethics and Empowerment
At the core of Layla’s mission is a commitment to ethical practices in the dance industry. “Something we’re very big on at Goodspace is how ethical we are. We protect our dancers and their rights, whether it’s their rates, working hours, booking dates, or what they’re going to be wearing,” Ghaleb asserts. “A lot of things that are not normalized in our market, but were very important to me.”
A Digital Presence with Purpose
Layla’s influence extends beyond the dance floor. With over 282,000 followers on Instagram, she uses her platform to share choreography, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and messages of empowerment. Her engagement rate stands at 0.49%, reflecting a dedicated and interactive audience.
Looking Ahead: Inspiring Through Movement
As Layla continues to break barriers and set new standards in the dance world, her focus remains on inspiring others. She believes in the transformative power of dance and aims to create spaces where individuals can explore, express, and evolve. Through her personal projects and ever-expanding body of work, Layla Ghaleb is not just choreographing routines; she’s choreographing change. Do follow her on Instagram.
Inclusive Skies: Dubai Airports Expand Autism Training to Empower 45,000 Staff
