The first show in 30-degree heat

Sweat dripped from the gymnasts as they performed at EXPO in the radiant sun. National Danish Performance Team arrived in Dubai on November 5th after eight days in Poland. The show at EXPO was the first show under the hot sun, which was a challenge

The gymnasts boarded the plane wearing rain jackets and warm socks. The contrast was enormous from when they left Poland in pouring rain and arrived in Dubai's tropical desert climate on 5^th of November. It soon became necessary to find their sandals and add a thick layer of sunscreen to protect their skin from the sun. In Dubai, the average temperature in November is around 30 degrees during the day.

In Dubai, the plan for the gymnasts were to live with host families, perform at EXPO and visit the schools GEMS World Academy, American Academy for Girls and Fairgreen International School. However, the visit got off to a slightly different start as the team was affected by corona and therefore had to be in isolation on the first part of the journey. Fortunately, they were very happy to be joined again just before their show at EXPO.

Watch the performance at EXPO

The gymnasts drank plenty of water and Team manager Bie Andersen had to get snacks with salt and sugar so that the gymnasts could perform under the scorching sun.

It was a learning experience for the gymnasts that it is something different to perform in high heat and sun compared to inside a sports venue in Denmark. This is not the last time we perform outdoors with hot temperatures and a wam sun,” says Bie Andersen, Team manager for the National Danish Performance Team.

The show was special for the gymnasts. It was the first appearance in Dubai and because the team had been separated due to corona, it meant a lot to them performing as a team again.

"It was fantastic to perform as a team again - and even outdoors in November," says Oliver Toft Lienhøft, gymnast at the National Danish Performance Team.

After the performance at EXPO the National Danish Performance Team moved in with host families and continued what they came for: inspiring to a healthy lifestyle through workshops and performances.