What is the Blacklight Hafla?
The Blacklight hafla started when the DDD moved to the Newark Arts Alliance.
Lorelei had done some blacklight performances and blacklight bellydance classes, before the hafla.
All the lights are off, except for blacklights, and all the natural light is blocked. Dancers all wear costuming and use props with blacklight reactive fabric and some LED and glow in the dark accents also. Only movements that are highlighted by reactive or glow items are seen, so the audience sees bellydance in "a new light.
Even the audience will glow some, if they wear white. And the programs are also printed on white and neon paper, so they can still be read in the blacklight.
How does it work for the audience?
For audience members, this hafla will be similar to other dance events. Just know that there will be no light for performances, only blacklight
- If you wear white, or another reactive color, you will also glow
- suggestions: coquetryclothing.com and Slow Man Jazz shoes
- Lights will be off during performances, so be careful if you need to move around
- There might be some non-Middle Eastern music played or props used
- Some lights will be on for the intermission break and drumming.
How does it work for dancers?
Dancers should check their costumes for blacklight reactivity. White and neon colors usually react well.
- You are not required to have a blacklight reactive costume or props, but you will be hard to see otherwise.
- note that there are wigs that also glow (try white, pink, and neon orange)
- glow in the dark items will "charge" and glow longer under blacklight
- you are also welcome to use LED and glow sticks
- suggestions: coquetryclothing.com and Slow Man Jazz shoes
- You are welcome to use Middle Eastern music or Western music (just check the playlist on the application)
- Live music is also welcome, just make sure musicians are comfortable playing in blacklight only
- There will be reactive tape on the floor and walls so you can clearly see the dance space.