Hurghada’s Got Talent began last year as a fundraising event benefiting local charities. This year the charity was in support of Kafil Ayeteim, who is setting up a Special Needs Unit next to the orphanage in Dahar, that requires a great deal of assistance. At present, there is a speech centre set up for ten children currently attending these classes. There is a plan to create a handicraft (sewing, knitting and crochet) workshop teaching local special needs students skills they can use to make a living for themselves. Many children will leave school this year and will not be able to get a job – but this Special Needs Unit can help them to have a better future. The 4700 LE proceeds from Hurghada’s Got Talent 2011 will be used to buy all the needed items – sewing machines, materials, a fan and lighting. The girls will make household items and the products will be sold in the showroom at the front of the building.

This centre is an on-going project and if you would like to donate supplies, help with the workshops or even order a finished product please phone Madam Madiha at 0117960288.

 

 

Hurghada’s Got Talent 2011 took place in Hurghada Marina over the course of three days (30th June – 2nd July).  More than 2,000 residents and tourists attended each night’s show - some even booked their holiday especially for this event. 15 competitors performed on the stage each night to gain a place in the finale. All of them were residents here in Hurghada. 

 

The five finalists from show #1 on the first day were: Nicholas Othmani (singer), Sabirova Dance School (3rd prize last year), Alex (guitar), Philip Joseph (age 6 singer/dancer) and Ahmed & Karim (dancers). 

 

The Judges had a very difficult task to choose just five finalists from show #2 (second day) and had to choose two wild cards making a total of seven acts going through to the Finale. The finalists were: Alexei Hip Hop Group, Mohammed Abdel Thaher, Michael, Vortex, Yehia Karim Quartet (Yehia was last year’s winner), Daniella and Seif. 

 

In the finale there were five dance acts: Sabirova Dance School, Alexei Hip Hop Group, Seif Ashraf, Ahmed & Karim and Michael. The other finalists were: Alex (guitar), Vortex, Daniella (keyboard), Mohammed  Abdel Thaher, Yehia Karim Quartet, Philip Joseph (PJ) and Nicholas Othmani.

The winners were all dancers: 1st place - Seif Ashraf (age 12), 2nd place - Alexei Hip Hop Group aged between 6 and 14 years and 3rd place - Michael (age 12).  All three acts were incredible dancers!  

 

The judges were asked to mark each act with the following criteria (out of 25):  1. Standard of artistic content.  2. Standard of performance. 3. Entertainment value. 4. Overall impression.  Even the judges did not know who won until all the marks were added up and it was just coincidence that all three winners were dance acts.

 

There were four resident judges and the chair adjudicator was Ann Jennings, an Irish born international opera singer, founder of the Red Sea Opera, Helen Ellis - former professional dancer, teacher and choreographer of the Red Sea Opera, Karen Long - former dancer, Suzanna Constandse, former singer and former Suad Bonnet singer. Each night local professionals and individuals joined the panel. Hazem Othman, Corina Nita, Tamer Emad, Aimee Ford, Ian Thompson and Marcel Cello Hoeskstra Bouter - making a panel of seven each night.

 

Several guest performers: Ciderbus, Radwa, Salina, Marcel and Miguel and his troupe of Latin dancers impressed the public while judges were on final meeting. The presenters this year were Sara El-Katib, Megan Jennings, Mohammed El- Katib and David Kwapisz.

 

The organisers of this event for both years were Busy Bees Nursery School. Susan El-Katib and Joyce Willows were the main organisers with help from Mohammed El-Katib, Sara El-Katib, Nina El-Katib and Karen Long.

 

A great thanks from Susan El-Katib expressed to the sponsors: Hurghada Marina, Marriott Hotel, Beirut Hotel, Bordiehn’s Restaurants, B’s at the Marina, Marina Sphinx, Shade, Café Del Mar, Oasis Grand Siva, Bulls, Meshmesha, Nubian Restaurant, Che Guevara, Madar Sunglasses, The Harbour, Fish House and Cook Door, Thomas Bordiehn and Mohammed El-Katib.

 

Wishing all the best for this traditional festival and great charity event for the year 2012! Hurghada is really getting more and more talent!