Visitors to Bahrain's City Centre have been mesmerised by two graceful figures dressed in amazing costumes and masked faces as they greet customers of this newly-opened shopping destination every evening.
Causing intrigue among children and adults alike, these nimble models with shimmering blue head- dresses and wings twirl and swirl through the mall's corridors and are today one of most photographed double acts in the kingdom.
GulfWeekly caught up with the roving performers who revealed themselves as mime artist and costume designer Gerri Watts and dancer Naomi Lynch from London.
Both are on their very first visit to Bahrain. Gerri, who designed and stitched the costumes that boast 20 metres of silk chiffon with matching shoes, said: "They are called 'silken water' and have been specially created for the occasion. I was asked to come up with a design that could represent water, which is an integral part of the theme of the complex.
"As we slowly walk about and interact with shoppers the sequined blue fabric creates the effect of glistening water. The head dress represents rippling water that is falling out of a fountain. And the white Venetian masks complete the look."
Both of them admitted that it's wonderful to be photographed - despite no-one knowing who the faces are behind the masks. Naomi said: "We make gentle movements like water creatures. Most of the visitors here have been very curious and have loved to take photographs. Little children are particularly fascinated."
Gerri runs her own company called Anonymous which specialises in offering stunning and dramatic costumes for themed events and parties.
The company has been hired for exclusive events at Harrods store and Madame Tussauds waxwork museum in London and to entertain the professional performance troop of Cirque De Soliel.
Gerri, who is now preparing four ice queen costumes for the Christmas season and will be at Stirling Castle in Scotland for a big charity event during Halloween, added: "We are generally at the entrance welcoming guests. I love masks and was inspired by the Venice Carnival which features very elaborate masks."
Naomi started dancing at events when she was seven and turned professional at 15. Among other things she also performs as a fire-eater, fire breather, stilt walker and angle grinder.
She will soon be joining Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan to perform for his 'Temptation Reloaded' tour. She has previously performed at the Zee Cine Awards twice and at the Star Gold Awards ceremony in Mumbai.
She was also part of the controversial dance troupe performing during the Indian Premier League and in Bollywood films Ram Gopal Verma's Sholay, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Jaaneman.
The artistes can be seen in action every evening excluding Sundays at 7.45pm, 9.30pm and 11.15pm until September 29
