Arts festival ends on high note in Dubai

Dubai: More than 200 children from English-speaking schools across the Middle East came together over the weekend, to take part in the Performing Arts Festival held at Dubai English Speaking School.

Students travelled from Libya, Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and Pakistan for the weekend of workshops, taking part in drama, dance and music classes alongside students from across the UAE, aged between 10 and 15.

Kate Wetherall, Head of Music, DESS, said that the school was thrilled to be hosting the event, which was held in Kuwait last year.

The children, she continued, flourished during the workshops, and made many friends over the two-day event.

Organised by the British Schools Middle East association, the activities included a tour for 15 lucky visiting children of the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (Ductac) in Mall of the Emirates.

Julie Ann Odell, from the Dubai Drums organisation, also held an African drumming session with the children, who were keen to learn a new skill.

Workshops were also held by Emily Madghachian, a theatre specialist, Lia Goncharova, mime artist and Keith Fernandez, a drama specialist, all from the Kids' Theatre Works group.

On Friday night, the children were also treated to a disco, hosted by DJ Chris Fisher.

Saturday saw a continuation of workshops and the grand finale show, where all the groups performed in front of teachers, students and parents.

The audience was delighted with the performance, that saw children enjoying the African and Native American-themed dancing, complete with masks that they had carefully hand-crafted during the workshops.

Participating schools were: Al Ain English Speaking School, UAE; British Overseas School, Karachi; The British School of Kuwait; Cambridge International School, UAE and Dubai English Speaking School, UAE. Others were Al Alsson British International School, Egypt; Emirates International School, UAE, among others.