CONNECTOR.AE 56 CONNECTOR.AE 57 Lifestyle Lifestyle To make the fashion show a standout event for participants and the audience alike, F.A.M.E. has teamed up with designers from around the globe, like Rina Dhaka and Ekta Solanki, and give people of determination a chance to experience modelling for fashion brands, with some designers also creating specific pieces for the participants. Rebecca Shamji said, “The show gives our participants an opportunity to walk for international designers while wearing their collections and is an all-inclusive catwalk. Some designers are selecting existing pieces, while some are creating new pieces, especially for our show, with a look that they want to go for. It is really special, and the designers are really passionate and happy to be a part of it.” Rebecca Shamji added, “The show is based on the talents of our participants, whether it is dancing or singing. We have also put together a few theatrical pieces throughout the years, and as the show has developed, we have been able to create pieces for the participants.” This year, F.A.M.E. will be held on 25 June at the Dubai World Trade Centre and will be bigger than ever, with the fashion show being at the forefront of the performance. helping out in any way possible to ensure the show runs in a smooth manner. Rebecca Shamji said, “The families are always there to help and support. They bring them to rehearsals, make sure the schedule works for everybody, and spread the word by telling their networks about the show. The participants and the families are our starting point and why we are doing the show, to showcase their talents and to give them a fun-packed afternoon or evening. They are the core of what we are doing.” During the initial few years when F.A.M.E was launched, many of the participants were part of The Talent Hub, where people of determination can come together weekly, to hone in on their performing arts skills as well as learn new talents. Rebecca Shamji said, “The Talent Hub is a great place for people to come together for a social hub and enjoy a morning of doing different activities. Whether it is a talent that they already have, something they want to explore and to hang out with peers and meet new people. “ The main theme of the event is creating an outlet for integration and inclusion, and each year the team and the participants work together to create a memorable show. Rebecca Shamji added, “We make sure if people are available and if everyone is around, then we fix a date and start putting things into place and fixing everything.” Collaborating with peers is a main focal point for the show, and in a previous edition, one participant was joined onstage by a professional band to sing. A buddy scheme was also held during another show, where a school in Dubai worked closely with the participants and put on performances, from playing musical instruments and singing together. The team works year-round to prepare for the performance, and is also closely linked with Step Up Academy, which helps in pairing participants together and choreographing the dances. Families of the participants also play an essential role in the lead-up to the event,
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