Sophie Mei

Reality is ‘mental’

“ All people who go on reality TV are psychotic,” I over heard an elderly lady say the other day.

This opinion came as no surprise to me as it is widely believed that reality TV is an ‘abattoir’ for the insane as well as for the mundane human.

Then again, 11million of us tuned in to watch 2010’s first episode of the X Factor. I am ashamed to say I forgot and went for a drink.

Although there have been two big waves of publicity since such as the singer Gamu Nenghu who had been auto-tuned, much to the public’s disgust therefore, the poor staff have to re-produce all the episodes to not include auto-tune. I guess it’s like the debate between allowing notes into an exam.

Axed X Factor hopeful Shirlena Johnson, from east London, begged TV bosses to take her back, after The Sun’s untactful revealed that she has mental health issues. Nonetheless, Rethink (a mental health charity) condemned The Sun for their reckless write-up that described Shirlena as a ‘ticking time bomb.’

Whatever the truth is of the story it is not for the public/unqualified specialists to cast aspersions on people’s mental health. If it is being reported on, one must be mindful as 1 in 4 of us will suffer from a mental health issue in our lifetimes and consequently to tarnish one person you’re tarnishing many people’s illness.

Reality Tv highlights people’s lives – all good and bad attributes.

MEI INTERNATIONAL FROM YORKSHIRE MAKES STARTUPS 100

MEI International Ltd. from Sheffield, South Yorkshire makes it into this year’s Startups 100, which identifies UK’s most innovative, inspiring and ground-breaking new companies.

Startups 100, organised by the startups.co.uk, the UK’s most popular website for small businesses, celebrates the 100 most exciting, promising, disruptive new businesses and entrepreneurs shaping the start-up market right now.

MEI International Ltd is the umbrella company for Sophie Mei schools and Creative Octopus Media Services (COMS) specializing in media relations, campaigns and entertainment, events and social marketing.

One of our company’s key purposes is to work with the Public and Private Sector to increase their profile, product and service awareness amongst identified target audiences and particularly to encourage health literacy and well-being in the general public, and in seldom-heard groups, through media campaigns, training, diverse entertainment and events.  We are a social enterprise and we pride ourselves on insight gathering that provides a solid foundation to our campaigns.

Sophie Mei Co-founder of MEI International says;

“We are thrilled to win our first award as we are so new to the market.

“We’re incredibly proud to have MEI International on our list of the UK’s most innovative and dynamic new businesses and look forward to watching its continued success.” Sara Rizk, editor, Startups.co.uk

In choosing the Startups 100, the team were looking for businesses and entrepreneurs that demonstrated:

• Innovation, in concept or delivery
• Ability to disrupt existing market places
• Growth potential
• Strong management, bright thinkers
• Evidence of existing or future revenues

For more information or to see the full Startups 100 list please visit: www.startups.co.uk

Media Contact:

For more information, or to interview any of the Startups100, please contact Ella Gascoigne at ella@startuppr.co.uk.

The Sheff Guide: September- October

Brought to you by MEI International: Delivering Substance with Style

September

It’s like the worst Sunday feeling ever when September arrives, the kids are kitted up in their uniforms, SBS Removals have moved all of the new tenants’ furniture in – all ready for a September term at University and work.

Once everyone’s settled, you’ll be ready for some Fun Lovin’ Criminals at Plug on 3^rd September. You then have enough time to recover for 5^th September, as it’s the BUPA Yorkshire Run. You can join Sheffield’s Dick (from Dick and Dom), Hugh Dennis (comedian), Tony Audenshaw (Emmerdale) and me – Sophie Mei. We’ll be raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society helping lead the fight against dementia – you can find out more here http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

It’s always advisable to have a post-run treat and word on the street is that Sheffield designers Roc & Doll are having a sample sale where you can buy your designer goods on 10^th October in Darnall (Sheffield’s shabby-chic Shoreditch).

You can even complete the look on 12th September at new bar – Alibi with their Mizani hair show by Toni&Guy in aid of Help A Hallam Child

Where art thou this month? As Hamlet is on at Crucible Theatre from 16^th September – 23^rd October – I’m going to see Mr. Hamlet opposed to Michael Buble’s Concert, which has already sold out at Hallam FM Arena.

Finish the month off on a buonissimo high as Fargate will be home to an Italian Market from 24^th – 28^th September.

October

No excuse not to be active this October as there is something for everyone from Chinese Pole at Greentop Circus on 2^nd October to bopping at the Manic Street Preachers gig at 02 Academy on 6^th October.

Even if you’re papa don’t preach you can still ‘say a little prayer’ at the Wedding/Civil Partnership showcase on 10^th October at Sheffield Town Hall.

October’s always a funny month, as there’s not much on until Halloween and tinsel season strikes. Luckily for us Sheffielders however, October is jam-packed with the Magners Grin Up North Comedy Festival. We can have the last laugh with acts such as Jimmy Carr, Dara O’Brian and Sheffield’s very own Toby Foster.

Even closer to home, is the chance to find out about fostering in Sheffield, a service that is in great need of your support in order to be sustainable in helping care for young people. The Fostering Information Evening takes place on 13^th October at Quaker Meeting House.

The one man who has a tan that I even can’t compete with is John Barrowman who will be performing at Sheffield City Hall on 14th October… there’s no business like show business…

Have a good couple of months and we’ll be back for the (deep breath) Christmas issue… I can hear the bells…

MEI Motto: September’s the new New Year for us big kids. SO get your dancing shoes on for a party workout in a Zumba (mixed) class or ladies can shake their bon bons at a Bellydance (women only) class at Sophie Mei Schools.

Check out www.sophiemeischools.com

To get your event featured in The Sheff Guide –

Email: MIS@sophiemei.net or add Sophie on http://twitter.com/sophiemei

so yes, i am getting a late start on talking about this past years’ AWESOME experience, but i’m getting around to it NONE THE LESS!  This year was my BY FAR my favorite Raqs Britannia! It was a new location in Sheffield which the windy “snake pass” road’s beauty DID NOT disappoint! I started off with a quick TV spot with Issam, Stefanya, myself and Sohpie Mae from Britains’ Got Talent. We performed OUTSIDE with a London Eye look alike as our backdrop! (Pictures to follow) and lots of enthusiastic participants to help kick off the excitement! the classes i taught for the weekend were: Double Veil and Simplified Spinning, Emotional Release (a single veil choreo class filled with tips on how to tap into your emotions and use them in your dancing), and a Body Conditioning class that kicked my own butt BUT, was so worth it. The event was organized brilliantly and showcased artists and teachers from all over the world. I attended the Friday Night Show and watched the amazing Tamalyn Dalal dancing an intense and moving single veil piece which was really special to watch. Roland and Leyla Jouvana performed a medley of routines filled with their charming and infectiously happy energy, as usual. Uzume dutch tribal group was innovative and chilling as always. Hilde makes me smile from ear to ear with her classic beauty, amazing body and unique musical interpretation! I was totally diggin on the Slumdog Millionaire mix that bollywood dancer Lopa Sarkar was grooving to! LOVED IT really enjoyable evening! I unfortunately, could not take part in the auditions as 2 of my classes were offered during the audition times, BUT I WAS THERE IN SPIRIT routing everyone on and wishing for the best! I mat some new friends and met up with some old one’s, one of my favorite parts about the Raqs events. Such a joy to see my friend Sabrynah again and meet her bestie, Reana. Had a mini 2010 Castle Retreat Re-Union with Romy and Kasia. I got to hang out with Taca from Colorado for a good while at the fun after party’s. Loved listening to DJ Phil Meadley drop some science for us to boogie to which was a blast! And loved the Arab League as great entertainment too! The classes were fabulous and the bizarre, i think, the best ever!  I bought an amazing 1940’s pill box style black feather hat with an italian laze overlay that melted my heart on first sight, HAD to get it! So great shopping, great people, awesome classes, my favorite show ever, STARBUCKS nearby, what more can Petite Jamilla ask for??  and at our Bellydance Superstars show Saturday evening of The Art of Bellydance, i was moved to tears because i felt so close to that theme! I felt the most attached to The Art of Bellydance over any other BDS show we’ve ever performed, so it was bittersweet to me to be presenting it to England for the first time and for it to also be the last time that we perform it!  All things come to an end though, and new bright shiny things always glitter in the horizon to re-inspire! And with the dawn of Bombay Bellywood just around the corner, IT’S CRUNCH TIME to put all the pieces together to create the best show we can for you all in the Fall of 2010!!

London Love

I never thought I’d say It but I feel a slight love for our capital – London. This month seems to have been London centric with the launch of the Olympics – London 2012 Open Weekend, the famous closure of ‘democracy village’ and I worked down south to get my dance teaching qualification.

Open weekend

We had our very own London 2012 Open Weekend launch in Leeds. The national theme was to ‘take on a challenge’ and be active. So in true Yorkshire style myself and several over performers gathered in Trinity Square to launch Yorkshire’s Open weekend. I was joined by cricketers doing Tai Chi, a Bollywood flashmob and Fellow Britain’s Got Talent finalist – Christopher Stone.

The event was organized by Yorkshire Gold who worked with LOCOG to organize the lovely carnival style event.

My favourite moment was when the head of Yorkshire Gold was introducing Christopher Stone: “this man to my right, has done so well for himself and for Yorkshire…” at this point a drunken man scuttled on to the stage shouting “what’s going on?”

Personally, two years too long – I cannot wait to host the games I think it’s going to be one of the most exciting events in the UK in this decade. Although, I’m sure Champion Jessica Ennis and other athletes are in no hurry.

Step to London

Reluctantly, I had to go to London to take my Exercise to Music teaching course. The latter I was pleased about as I have always wante an official qualification in sport but I’m not a big fan of staying in the Capital for more than one weekend.

Nontheless, I managed the tube, buses and crowds for the week and really enjoyed it. It helped staying with my sister who’s a fashion designer, so I spent the week borrowing her clothes and jewellery as well as training in the dance studio everyday.

Step up to Sheffield

I then spent my usual busy week in Sheffield – teaching dance, practicing in studio, running, radio and general admin bits.

Although, on thing I did do is see Step Up in 3d – so cheesy but you got to love it – we love falling for the dream from rags to riches and love… and with the advancement with 3d technology you feel as if you can live in these movies too!

Shake it like Shakira

When travelling BACK down South to complete my Studio Instructor course I came across this article in Look Magazine on Shakira… and low and behold… she thanks her toned abs to BELLYDANCE!