Sophie Mei

ARABIAN NIGHTS:

EGYPTIAN ELEGANCE EMBRACES YORKSHIRE

The Showroom Cinema, Sheffield

Wednesday 22 April 2009

Yorkshire has experienced a true Cairo carnival thanks to Sophie Mei - the Sheffield born belly dancer who wowed the judges on last year’s Britain's Got Talent. Sophie hosted an Egyptian Elegance night at The Showroom Cinema, with everything from belly dancing to Baklava’s, the 300 guests have never witnessed a Wednesday Night quite like it.

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Guests enjoy Baklava
Sophie Mei, Dean Michael and son,
BBC radio's DJ Steve White
Sophie Mei and bellydancer friends
in the Arabic lounge
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Jon Mitchell, Sophie Mei and Duncan Wood
Nick Matthew and Sophie Mei

Sophie Mei and local Yorkshire businesses transformed The Showroom Café into an Arabic-themed lounge, as the night commenced with champagne and Egyptian canapé’s, before guests were invited to an exclusive screening of Sophie Mei’s documentary on Belly dancing in Egypt for Yorkshire Television.

In the documentary, Sophie interviewed the legendary belly dancer, Sara Farouk and costume designer, Eman Zaki, both of whom traveled all the way from Cairo to celebrate with her. Other special guests included Blacklace’s Dean Michael; Squash-star Nick Matthews and, ITV Yorkshire’s Jon Mitchell and Duncan Wood who opened the screening.

Duncan said: When Sophie has an idea and wants something to happen, she makes it happen and, I know this girl will go far.”

The after-party continued in The Showroom bar with entertainment from Candi, a belly dancer who balanced candles on her head as she shimmied away, Arabic drumming, Street dance fusion from local girl Sarah Hobson and, special DJ slots from BBC Radio Sheffield’s Steve White.

The night concluded with a special performance of Agadoo Mambo 2009 by Blacklace’s Dean Michael, who has recently been signed by Universal.

The event marked the official launch of www.sophiemei.net, Sophie's new website which is an interactive hub of Sophie’s business in presenting, acting, teaching and, dancing.

The young entrepreneur exclaimed: “The night was so fantastic, I wanted to bring a taste of Cairo to my hometown after visiting Egypt for the first time last year and, with the help of other Yorkshire businesses - we did it. It was a great opportunity to launch my business and website now I’m finally home in Yorkshire!”

Over, 250 pounds was also donated on the night for Just Because - a registered charity aiming to raise funds and promote awareness, prevention and early detection of breast cancer for women in Egypt.

For more information see: www.sophiemei.net

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FOR PRESS AND MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT: SOPHIE MEI

EMAIL: MEDIA*at*SOPHIEMEI.NET

TEL: 07828613061

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Supported by:

Vent creative: www.ventcreative.com

KDC Freelance: www.KDCfreelance.com

Serendipity Photography: www.serendipityphotgraphy.co.uk

Hansley Beard Events: hansleybeard*at*googlemail.com

Koushini: www.koushini.co.uk

Persian Carpet Arts: www.persiancarpet.uk.com

Shiraz Restaurant: Tel: 0114 255 1888

Kutien Arts: www.pannipohyokeloh.co.uk

FMS Sheffield: www.fmscleaning.co.uk

Creative Sheffield: www.creativesheffield.co.uk

Performers:

Sarah Hobson: sghobson*at*yahoo.co.uk

Candi: www.rakscandi.co.uk

Steve White: steve.white*at*bbc.co.uk

Dean Michael

Venue:

The Showroom, Paternoster Row, Sheffield S1 2BX   www.showroom.co.uk

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