bahrainthismonth.com | NOVEMBER 2026 HOSPITALITY 76 Steeped in Grace Ballet, live music and afternoon tea came together at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain for a Pinktober event supporting breast cancer awareness. An afternoon at The Lobby Lounge took a theatrical turn on October 21, as The RitzCarlton, Bahrain welcomed guests to The Art of Movement - a ballet afternoon tea experience. Presented in collaboration with Layali Arts Center, the event brought classical dance, live music and storytelling into an intimate setting, with Bahrain Cancer Society as its beneficiary. At the heart of the performance was Marija Rakic, a professional dancer, teacher and co-founder of Layali Arts Center in Bahrain. Trained in Serbia and Russia, she has performed on international stages including Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre. For this occasion, she was joined by Fajer Hamza Ahmadani and Leah Steyn, bringing ballet into the lounge as guests enjoyed the hotel’s specially curated Pink Afternoon Tea. The programme unfolded to live piano by Mariya Dyankova and violin by Sophia Yuehjung, with narration by Nouf Fadhel connecting the afternoon’s musical and dance elements. Selections included Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Beethoven’s Für Elise and Les Sylphides, set to music by Chopin. The setting offered guests a close view of the performers, pairing the occasion of afternoon tea with the immediacy of a live performance. Conceived as a one-time Pinktober event, the gathering drew an enthusiastic response, with attendees expressing interest in further cultural programming at the hotel. “The Ballet Afternoon Tea beautifully demonstrated the power of art to create memorable connections and elevate the guest experience,” noted Ekaterina Akatcevich, Director of Operations at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. Reflecting on the reception, she added: “What was intended as a one-time Pinktober activation quickly became one of the season’s most talked-about experiences.” The afternoon concluded with a standing ovation and calls for an encore. Marija returned for an impromptu performance, giving guests an additional opportunity to enjoy the artistry that had shaped the event. Beyond the performance itself, the occasion brought attention to breast cancer awareness through a shared cultural experience. With Bahrain Cancer Society as beneficiary, the event connected its Pinktober purpose with a programme celebrating artists and performers working in the Kingdom.
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