Dubai Diary: What to do this weekend?

Here’s yet another weekend, with yet another dairy of events. But rather than just partying away, we decided to bring in a bit of culture to the table, along with a healing workshop to wipe away that summer stress that has brought negativity into your life.

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Tribute to Michael Jackson with Signature and Navi at Chi@TheLodge

June 16

Commemorating the second death anniversary of the legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson, impersonator Navi and Signature – the bhangra boy from “Britain’s Got Talent” – promise to put on a show that will have fans hollering from the aisles.

Expect all the popular hits from Jackson’s career, and if you missed last weekend’s “Thriller” West End experience at Yas Arena by Think Flash, then this is one tribute act you simply cannot pass by – especially if you are a true blue MJ fan.

Opening sets will be by DJ Emtee and DJ Flow Maser J. The dress code for the night is MJ, and the best impersonator will walk away with a prize in hand too.

Presented by 321 Events, tickets cost Dh100 for regular and Dh150 for VIP. There’s free entry for ladies before 11pm. Call: 050 7892412

The Wedding Fair Dubai 2011 at The Westin Hotel, Mina Seyahi

June 17-19

With the bridal season on at full swing, The Wedding Fair is one of the region’s most exclusive bridal events, where brides-to-be can experience personal advice on all aspects of the big day in an intimate setting.

Features of The Wedding Fair Dubai include latest bridal trends, daily catwalk shows, wedding day hair and make-up, along with bridal coaching planning tips from experts.

Head to The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Hotel and Resort between Friday and Sunday, from 4 to 9 pm. Entry is free but please rsvp to theweddingfair@itp.com<mailto:theweddingfair@itp.com> is requested.

Kathak Festival with Pandit Birju Maharaj

June 17-18

Anyone who has ever been a fan of Indian dance form kathak, would know that Pandit Birju Maharaj is a legend in those circles.

As the maestro in the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin gharana of kathak is a descendant of the legendary Maharaj family of kathak dancers, including Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj.

Aside from excelling in this Indian classical dance form, Pandit Birju Maharaj is also a noteworthy classical music singer.

This talented powerhouse has single-handedly popularised this art form with the masses by choreographing new kathak dance dramas and touring extensively across the globe.

Catch the legend in Dubai this weekend in his debut performance here at the Centrepoint Theatre, Mall of the Emirates on Friday and Saturday.

Friday’s show tickets cost Dh75, Dh125 and Dh200, while the following day is Dh100, Dh150 and Dh250. Show starts at 6.30pm on both days. Organised by Signature Events. Call: 04 337 3724

Nagme Pyar Ke at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Dubai

June 18

Local group Srishti is back with an extravagant evening of dance and music adorned with evergreen and nostalgic Bollywood love songs that are close to everyone’s hearts – think “Kacche Dhaage” and all the way to “Silsila” and “Lamhe”.

Also performing is the famous dance troupe, Dubai Rockers, along with a special salsa performance by The Oman Salsa Troupe.

Block your calendars for Saturday at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Dubai. Gates open at 6pm, with the show beginning at 7.30pm.

Organised by Creative9, tickets cost Dh50, Dh100 and Dh200.

“Wooch” theatre auditions at Jambase

June 18

Dubai has long been the region’s most popular melting pot, inviting international talents to artistically showcase their trade, language, culture and performances.

Thus it comes as no surprise that a group of professionals, who have previously put on tantalising performances around the globe, are planning to paint Dubai red with their new production titled “Wooch”.

The term itself is used to describe a person’s self esteem, one who is admired and quite simply gorgeous. With the first “Wooch” musical performance scheduled for October 24th to 26th at Jambase, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, the producers are now on the hunt for an all-star cast.

Vanessa Woodthorpe-Wright, Director of Wooch, commented on who they’re looking for to become part of the Wooch Crew. “I hope to see some new faces at the auditions, for example people who used to perform for a living before arriving to Dubai and who would love to get back to doing what they do best. And of course we want the existing professionals here too. I am excited that this show can be a showcase for all performers to really show off their talent”

The “Wooch” crew is looking for performers, over 21, who have talent and experience, but above all passion.

Auditions for the show will be begin on Saturday at Jambase from 9am to 2pm. Those who would like to audition can do so by emailing info@thewoochclub.com<mailto:info@thewoochclub.com>, and confirming their attendance. A total of 16 performers will be chosen from the auditions.

Open Healing Day at The Holistic Institute, Dubai June 18

If your week has been out of whack, just like ours, then the good news is, it’s not all you but a little mischief at play thanks to this week’s planetary alignments stirring up some trouble.

Anxieties, negative or circular thinking, restlessness and nervousness, all these are part of the bigger picture.

So if the world is bring you down, maybe it’s time to calm your inner chi by stopping by the Holistic Institute on Saturday between 1pm and 7pm for an Open Healing Day. Here you can sample the many workshops, presentations and healing options available. Call: 04 450 3525

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