Shows And Shopping Keep Visitors Enthralled At Mall Of The Emirates

DSF celebrations have stepped up the excitement at Mall of the Emirates, one of the flagship malls of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, a Strategic Partner of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, the organizers of DSF, with visitors and residents alike enjoying not just the shopping and the fabulous promotional offers but also the excellent in-mall entertainment options and performances.

The highlight of the evenings at the mall is two performances from two different continents – a troupe of European performers presenting a “Circus” and a group of Thai dancers presenting a traditional dance recital from their ancient culture.

The “Circus” performance comprised four men and a woman – trained acrobats who put up juggling, tightrope walking, balancing and clown performances. In the first scene, the performers balanced on wooden boards placed upon a bed of glass goblets, which was then put on top of a ball. The next scene featured a juggler who displayed his control and dexterity with five hats, several batons and balls. The finale was a tightrope walk in which the performers did a variety of juggling and other balancing acts while walking a tightrope slung from one end of the stage to another. An enthusiastic audience, especially the children, cheered and applauded the performers all through the performance.

The second show was from a troupe of dancers from Thailand who presented a performance of the traditional dance of their country. Dressed in gloriously colourful traditional costumes of golden, silver, red, yellow and orange accents, the dancers gave duet and ensemble performances of the graceful, swaying, charming and soothing oriental dance that Thailand is traditionally known for. The accompanying music and their movements, especially with hand fans, together seemingly transported the assembled crowd to a little place of peace and tranquility in the middle of a bustling mall.

While many shoppers were Dubai residents who were waiting with bated breath for the DSF to begin, a large number of people in the mall were international visitors who had come especially for the DSF. Vladimir and Natalya Kafelnikov, a middle-aged couple, had come all the way from Russia. “We like it very much to be here for this celebration,” Vladimir said. “The shopping is very good, as expected, but we did not expect to see so many shows and other activities. We had planned a shopping trip but now we see it turning into a complete vacation. The mall events here were just lovely. This is the first time I saw Thai dancing, and surprisingly, it’s in Dubai!”

Dubai resident Manjunath Ramakrishnan, an Indian business professional, was out spending the evening at the mall with his wife and child. He was also accompanied by his relative Nagesh and his family, who had planned their trip to Dubai just to catch the DSF.

“Every year we have relatives visiting us at this time, especially for the DSF,” said Manjunath’s wife. “This is our third year in Dubai and this year’s DSF has exceeded our expectations with all the various activities and events.

“There is a lot more variety this year,” added Manjunath. “We have been to two more DSF venues and the children have just loved all the games and activities. As you can see, we have relatives visiting us and today we all simply loved the shows here at the Mall of the Emirates.”

Arman and his toddler son were also of the same opinion. The 35-year-old father of two said he has been bringing his family to Dubai almost every year for the DSF over the last five years or so. “But this year it is special for children,” the Armenian said, pointing to his daughter who was running to catch the performers, with her mother in tow, to have her picture taken with them.

Shadi and Victoria Elias, a young Syrian couple, said it was the first day in DSF 2013 that they had gone out. “We have been living in Dubai for four years now, and we can already feel this year’s DSF has a bigger buzz to it,” said Shadi. “There are brighter, more beautiful and more extensive decorations this year, the mall seems to have more visitors than before and the two shows were very entertaining.” 

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Jan 8, 2013

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