|
Why leave Dubai when the world can come to you? Youngsters from Russia are dancing their hearts out across the emirate as part of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). And it's not just a Russian repertoire they are sharing with their fascinated audience.
The 9 to 14-year-olds are also demonstrating traditional moves from Bulgaria, Hungary, Spain and the Ukraine. That's not to mention a touch of gypsy folk dancing thrown in for good measure.
We were among the many impressed by their Mall of the Emirates show last week.
Energetic, athletic and full of spirit, the 17 boys and girls were clearly thrilled to show off their talents so far from home.
All the way from the town of Orekhovo-Zuevo, near Moscow, the dancers have been training for up to four years in order to perform at this level.
Show producer Tatiana Fadeeva-Fredericks said they loved the experience of performing in Dubai.
Praise
"It helps them to broaden their minds and their understanding of the world," she said. "They are not just dancing the movements of the different countries, they are learning about the culture and traditions of those countries at the same time."
Audience feedback so far has been full of praise with words like "fantastic", "superb" and "excellent" frequently overheard among the crowds after a performance. And many have paid the Russian coordinator the ultimate compliment by asking if she has a school in Dubai they can send their children to.
"Many children want to shake their hands. They ask where they are staying and sometimes they invite them to their homes," said Fadeeva-Fredericks. "This is what the festival is all about. When children of different countries and cultures can interact, this is what helps preserve peace in the world."
Did you know?
The 17-strong children's troupe is just one of the groups staging shows produced by Fadeeva-Fredericks across Dubai's malls from now until the end of the month. Look out for performances at Reef Mall, Ibn Battuta, Dubai Festival City, Bin Sougat and Mall of the Emirates in the coming weeks.
DSS info!
Visit www.mydss.ae to know more about DSS activities and Surprises.in
|
