By: Ermira Babamusta, Ph.D., New York/
Eminent artist Halil Gashi received the extraordinary talent achievement recognition in performing arts, dance, theatre and music, in Washington DC, in April 2013. Senate Majority leader Harry Reid presented a certificate of recognition, honoring Halil Gashi’s exceptional achievements and his significant contributions to creative arts.
The award honored Halil Gashi for his legendary work at Cirque du Soleil Beatles’ LOVE in Las Vegas and for his outstanding creative achievements in performing arts in United States and around the world.
At the request of the Honorable Senator Harry Reid the American Flag was flown at the United States Capitol Building in Washington DC on April 29, 2013. “The flag was flown for Halil Gashi, one of the world’s most treasured artists, who with profound artistry, extraordinary talent and creativity has ignited the stages of the world’s greatest dance and theatre companies. Thank you for your extraordinary work with Cirque du Soleil’s LOVE in Las Vegas and for your significant contributions to the cultural life of our nation and the world through the performing arts in music, dance and theater.”
Halil Gashi’s contributions to performing arts have garnered him numerous outstanding awards in dance competitions in Germany, UK and France, including 3rd place in all of Europe Breakdance contest in Paris with Crew UK All Stars, 2013 Distinguished Artist Award, Best Body 2012, Sex Symbol 2012 and Best Model of Year 2012. In 2013 the government of United States honored Halil Gashi for his contributions to American culture and arts.
Halil Gashi earned wide critical appreciation for his portrayal of two lead characters, “Sargent Pepper” and “Dancer” in James Cameron’s Worlds Away 3D film. The movie was written and directed by Andrew Adamson, who also directed the first two Chronicles of Narnia films, and was executive-produced by James Cameron, director of hits Avatar and Titanic. The story of Worlds Away tells of a young couple that must travel through the bizarre and dreamlike universe of Cirque du Soleil in order to be reunited.
Following its successful premiere at the 25th Tokyo International Film Festival in Japan, the film was released in American cinema and worldwide on December 21, 2012. The film accumulated over $32.6 millions world wide. “Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away”, a production of Paramount Pictures, has had the widest release in the entire cinema history, shown in 840 theatres and ranked # 11.
Halil Gashi is considered one of the biggest Cirque du Soleil stars, attracting renowned celebrities at his sold-out solo performance for Beatles’ LOVE show at Mirage theatre in Las Vegas, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Donald Trump, Steve Carell, Kylie Minogue, Susan Sarando, Mel B (Spice Girls), Luke Perry, Lisa Kudrow, Bon Jovi, David Duchovny, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Paul McCartney, etc.
Halil Gashi has performed at a series of special events. Halil Gashi performed to “Something in the way she moves” song from the two-time GRAMMY Award-winning LOVE album at the 54th Grammy Annual Awards in Los Angeles in February 2012 and at the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year gala, honoring Sir Paul McCartney. Halil performed in front of music legends Smokey Robinson, Bonnie Raitt, Carole King, Herbie Hancock, Brian Wilson, David Crosby, Jack Nicholson, Richard Branson, Norman Lear and Lou Adler who attended the Grammys.