Stars set to perform in ‘Minara International Dance Festival’
MUSCAT: Rehearsals and practice sessions are in full swing by the star performers for ‘ Minara International Dance Festival’ (MIDF) 2017, the event to be held on Friday, March 31, at City Amphitheatre. Though it is not a competition, every institute, group and individuals participating are sweating it out to put up their best in the show.
There will be three categories of dances – Solo, duet and groups. The dancers, all residents of Oman, belong to more than 10 different nationalities including - Three all Omani groups, Russian, Belorussia, English, French, Brazilian, Hungary, Indian, Philippine, South African, Sri Lanka. Here are a few participants: It all started in 2008 with Ameer Mohammed Al Balushi and his friends realised his talent in free style football. He then started practicing and taking part in various competitions including Red Bull Free style contest. What started as a passion became a profession for Ameer. He took free style football to a new level. Ronaldinho is his inspiration. He saw all his videos and started to learn on his own. He partnered with his friend Mohammed Nasser Al Noufli and entered many competitions, winning a few of them.
Together they do many events, corporate functions, including half time show at Real Madrid Vs Barcelona match.
They have started a club where they teach free style football and dancing. Their goal is to promote and popularise the sport.
Marion - Leela Raksa
Performer, instructor and choreographer, Leela has dedicated her life to dance. Hailing From France, Leela is currently conducting Salsa Latin classes with The Oman Salsa & Zouk Group, belly dancing and contemporary dance at The Champ. For the past five years, Leela has been touring over eight countries for solo and group performances in Belly dance, Samba, Reggaeton, Indian dance and Jazz. Her style in dancing ranges from belly dance to Samba and Reggae ton and Indian dance. She has performed for the Princess of Monaco, The Sultan of Bahrain and the Queen of Morocco. Leela also shared the stage with the worldwide production Belly dance Evolution for the Mawazine Festival 2012 in Morocco. Dancing since the age of 4, Leela hails from a strong dance background in Middle Eastern, Folklore, Jazz, Contemporary, African, Latin dance and Hip Hop.
Mohamed Nasser Mohamed Al Naufli
21 year old football freestyle – juggler from Sohar, started juggling with football since very early age and learnt different tricks himself.
He first participated in Red Bull Street Style 2008 championship, continued to do so in 2010 and achieved first place in 2012 qualifying to participate in the world finals in Italy. Moreover he was also selected to participate in the world finals of Red Bull Street Style championship 2016 in London.
He has also participated in Arab Championships reaching up to quarter final stage. In the United Arab Emirates tournament, he was second runner up. He is now a professional free style footballer and performs in many celebrations, football matches, sporting events and corporate functions in Oman, UAE and Qatar.
Tonia
Tonia is a Middle Eastern dance enthusiast with 8 years of dancing and teaching experience. Her passion took her to perform on a number of international stages including Greece, Serbia, India, Egypt and UAE. Tonia is continuously enriching her knowledge of Egyptian, Lebanese and Gulf music and folklore dances and shares it with her students. She will be performing Egyptian folklore Saidi dance.
Philippine School Cultural Dance Group
This group of young Philippine school, Muscat, students have decided to showcase and spread awareness about beautiful Philippine cultural dances under the guidance of Norlinda Y. Cura, Melchor T. Buenavista and Gamaliel Nacor. This folk dance is from the province of Pangasinan in the Philippines. Performers are Randale James M. Cardenas, Jason Paul A. Dulatre, Aldous Miguel G. Leaño, Jessie S. Malibiran Jr., Erick G. Egnisaban, Maybelle Kate C. Gaspar, Ivy Rizelle C. Manuel, Eisabelle Louise F. Mapanao, Frances China Joy Flores and Frances Jamyla Passion.