The spectacular Sharjah Water Festival has seen more than 53,000 visitors flood through its gates during the four days of fun and entertainment, with the Russian Aquatic Circus stealing the show.
Yet, according to its organisers, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), nothing was more rewarding than seeing the glee spread across the faces of the 70 special needs children from Hope Camp, who took part in this year’s festivities.
Circus on water ... a well-choreographed aquatic showThe children were overwhelmed by the beautiful blend of Emirati and Sharjah culture, food and customs, with international shows and artistes leaving them awe-struck. Participating in more than 20 activities at Al Majaz Park and Mouj Island, the Hope Camp kids took a particular shine to the wondrous Russian Circus on Water on Sunday.
Dubbed as the ‘Magic of Water’, the 40 dancers, gymnasts, acrobats, cable balancers and equilibrists on air mesmerised the audience for one and a half hours in a performance which exhilarated onlookers.
SCTDA chairman Mohammed Ali Al Noman said the exclusive show for the special needs kids was hosted by the SCTDA as a special gesture and as part of the Emirate’s belief in the right of special needs people to integrate into the community and society and take part in various social, cultural and entertainment activities.
From fire eaters to water swimmers, gymnasts and dancers, the colourful costumes and moments of enchanting magic wet the appetite of all who were gathered in the tent, with families being transported into a delightful fantasy world.
Drums roll ... taking in all the entertainment. — Supplied photoAndrey Shevchenko, director of the Russian Aquatic Circus, told Khaleej Times that they have four different shows, but only their clowns, artistes and gymnasts in the aquatic show are performing at the Sharjah Water Festival. “All performers have trained for five years for this specific international show, which has toured around Africa, Europe, China and the Middle East. But, this is the first time for us to come to the UAE.”Vladimir, a 27-year-old swimmer who dances with a white python in the show, said all performers are from the sports world: “We are all gymnasts and swimmers, who have taken the road to entertainment through aquatic performances combining fire, water and sports skills.”
Kathrina, who throws the audience aghast when she disappears inside a metal box during the show, said she has mastered the art of her magical tricks over the past five years at the Circus Studio in Russia.
This well-choreographed aquatic show has never been staged or seen before in the region and is yet another first for the UAE. And for the first time at the Sharjah Water Festival, this sixth edition has also featured trained animals performing incredible water stunts with their human partners delighting spectators.
Al Noman said the carefully selected troupe of performers come from different disciplines.
He stressed the importance of organising events that are unique and truly fun in the days to come in accordance with Sharjah’s image as a major family tourism destination. “The sixth edition of the Sharjah Water Festival has already received more than 53,000 visitors. This should only encourage us to step up our efforts to promote Sharjah and work to benefit from the experiences of the past few years.”
Since it opened on December 12, the festival has been attracting huge crowds with the ‘Magic of Water’ proving most popular.
The sixth edition of the Sharjah Water Festival was formally inaugurated by Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman, the Sharjah Media Corporation, in the presence of SCTDA Chairman Al Noman and Director General Khalid Jasim Al Midfa.
Hosted by the SCTDA, the Sharjah Water Festival this year boasts of a raft of new international shows with a rich and diverse mix of international entertainment, from the adventures of Sinbad the Sailor to Ohmies American musical, puppet shows from Poland and Burma and other fun and games.
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