History: 2010 - 2013

Below is a listing of the dates and performers at all the first 4 years of DD & D hafla events.  These events were located at Timothy's of Newark and Mojo Main(now closed).  See photos from some events on the Gallery page

2013

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Dec 15, 2013
  Bellyanna Fundraiser:  for  My FEARLESS Fight Against Lyme!
The Dancers of the Delaware Drum and Dance Hafla are proud to support the efforts of Sarah of Phengo Photography and her fight against Lyme Disease.  Sarah has been the photographer for several of our shows. She fights for herself and for others who have the disease.  
The Fearless Goal: 
‘First, our goal is to raise enough awareness and funds through this site & at our December 7 Fearless Fundraiser so we can apply for a 501(c)3 non-profit status in order to help others with this and other related illnesses not covered by insurance.’

3 ways to help
1.    Donate to one of the performers at the Bellyanna show on Dec 15th
2.    Donate via the Go Fund Me page for ‘My FEARLESS Fight Against Lyme!’http://www.gofundme.com/fearless
3.    Attend Sarah’s Benefit on Dec 7th at Ardenhttp://fearless.brownpapertickets.com/

How the bellyanna works:   All dancers pick a song between 3-5 minutes long and burn it on a CD.  Each dancer WRAPS her music as a present.  Then all pick a present like a pollyanna gift giving:  and in 2014, WE ALLOW STEALING.  It's improv with a twist.
Flier photos taken by: Phengo Photography

Guest Performers:
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Nov 17, 2013
Headliner: Ebony "The Bellydance Wild Card" from DC
Ebony's playful and sharing spirit flavors both her performances and her approach to teaching. A combination of strong technique, musicality, and innovation are the foundations of her colorful dance presence. Ebony performs both traditional raqs sharqi and her own dynamic fusion belly dance style, which is fueled by her background in both oriental and urban dance genres.

Ebony has taught and performed throughout Asia, Canada, Europe and the United States. She has toured internationally with the world famous Bellydance Superstars and Bellydance Evolution. Ebony has performed onstage with Grammy nominated band Thievery Corporation, with electronic musician and performance artist Peaches, and with Turkish/Electronic fusion recording artist Oojami. She performs with the award winning troupe Raqs Sahara, has guest performed with Solstice Ensemble, directs fusion troupes Raquettes ShimmyPop and Raqs Caravan Urban, and is a soloist at a variety of engagements including restaurants, private parties, weddings, festivals, concerts and numerous theater performances. Ebony is a featured soloist in the upcoming DVDAmerica's History of Bellydancers of Color.

Along with her love of dance, Ebony is in love with teaching. A founding instructor ofSahara Dance - Washington DC's Center for Middle Eastern Dance, her students describe her as "approachable" and her classes as "fun" and "challenging".

Guest Performers:  
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Oct 20, 2013 
Headliner: Viveca of MD
Viveca is a professional belly dancer and instructor based out of Harford County, Maryland. As a composed and elegant performer, she is always fun, friendly and both enjoys and encourages audience participation. She is known for her versatile music collection and will perform to everything from classic Middle Eastern music to America Rock music.

As a professional dancer, she has performed at various venues such as restaurants, haflas, hookah/cigar lounges, bars, Ripken Stadium, festivals and private parties. She thrives on performing with both live Middle Eastern and live rock bands. Viveca began her studies in 2007 under Devra Johari and has continued her her education under such local greats such as Shems, Sharazad, and Naimah. In order  to expand and improve her skills, she is inspired to continually seek out workshops and intensives from the best in the business, both locally and nationally. Viveca is proficient in Classic Oriental (American Cabaret) and Egyptian style belly dance and her love of music and diversity of teachers has also enabled her to dive into modern fusion style belly dance. This versatility enables her to perform at variety of venues and enchant many different audiences.    She also teaches at Swingtime Ballroom.  Bellydance Foundations with Viveca 

Guest Performers:
  • Feridem: (DE) from Raqs Devadasi and the Raq'ettes
  • Bahijah: (PA)
  • Luvlee: (MD) 
  • Cay: (DE) from Jewels Bellydance Company
  • Ashira Gemz: (DE) ​



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Sep 15, 2013
Headliner: Naimah of MD
Naimah is an award winning belly dancer from Baltimore, MD who won the title of 2009 Bellydance Nationals Alternative Fusion Soloist Champion and the People’s Choice award. She is also the director of the 2010 Bellydance Nationals Alternative Fusion Troupe Champions, “Amandari”.She has also trained several other award winning dancers.

Naimah began exploring the art of bellydance in 1999 with some background knowledge in ballet, modern, hip hop, and african dance. She has studied bellydance with well known talent such as Devra Johari, Antonia, Lotus Niraja, and Piper. Her bellydance career began with Egyptian style Cabaret but after intensive study with many instructors from all over she has found her niche in the art of Modern Tribal style bellydance. This style allows her to be more expressive and blend American Tribal Style bellydance with modern dance, classical indian, hip hop, flamenco and a little dash of cabaret. Naimah is known for her mysterious, gothic infused, fluid movements.
more about Naimah naimahdances.com    www.artofthebelly.com

Guest Performers:
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Aug 18, 2013
Headliner: Amustela of VA
Amustela is an award winning performer and instructor of "Danse Orientale", Raks Sharqi  or Belly Dance based in Northern Virginia.  She has entertained and delighted audiences throughout the metropolitan D.C. area and the world.  Amustela would be pleased to work with you to make your next party or event extra special.
Amustela's dance style is described as vintage cabaret oriental.  This style incorporates many influences of the dance evolving from Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Greek and Eastern European immigrants.  With a basis in Classical Egyptian mixed with many modern  theatrical influences, Amustela enjoys entertaining with her unique style. more about Amustela  www.amusteladance.com
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Guest Performers:

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July 21, 2013
Headliner:Khuzama  of DE/PA
Khuzama, is a multi award winning professional belly dancer, instructor and choreographer. Khuzama a dancer for most of her life, found her true passion over five years ago in the art of belly dancing. Gathering influences from Lebanese and Tribal Fusion, she performs Egyptian Cabaret style belly dance. She is a professional dancer and instructor, who performs all over the tri state area. Khuzama performs at Cedars restaurant in Harrisburg, Pa. She also performs at Casablanca Restaurant and Night Club, and Marrakesh Restaurant in Philadelphia. 

She has graced the stage of the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia with Animus, and has been seen in the Reality show Project Bellydance. She is an accomplished choreographer including choreography for the award winning dance troupe M.O.D.E of Maryland, and Masmoudi of Philadelphia. Khuzama specializes in performing to all types of music, her exciting and innovative performances are known to excite, amaze and entertain her audiences.  more about Khuzama    www.purplebellydancer.com

Guest Performers:

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Jun 23, 2013
Headliner :MAHARAL from VA
MAHARAL is a mainstream music and bellydance performance group. Music has a very high energy "Zepplinesque" style.

MAHARAL is a mainstream performance group created in February 2010 in Richmond, VA. Brett Zwerdling plays the saz (traditional Turkish lute), drums, sax, and piano. Damion Bond performs modern and traditional bellydance, aerial dance, designs choreography, and plays djembe. Original music melds traditional Middle Eastern, Israeli / Jewish, Turkish, and Egyptian styles with decidedly western influences creating what has been described as  a very high energy “Zeppelinesque” sound. MAHARAL shows are fast becoming known for their dramatic and moving pieces that combine music, dance, storytelling, history, and theatre to create a truly unique concert experience.   Please visit their website .
more about MAHARAL:   www.maharalrva.com  www.reverbnation.com/maharal‎

Guest Performers: 
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May 19, 2013
​Headliner:Najia
Najia has have a love affair with the major classics of the Golden Era of Bellydance and
loves to play with several versions of the same song from different orchestras . She has completely several different choreographies to versions of “1001 Nights”. 

Her quest is for the depth and subtlety of movement in Egyptian dance and portraying the spiritual essence of the dance.  Najia  has been a professional dancer for over 20 years with thousands of shows literally under her belt in Tri- State area as well as overseas in Egypt and Thailand. She was featured in  numerous television performances most notably her health segments on CNN and ABC News as well as an 8 part MIND Public TV series. She is true artist making her living not only by bellydancing as she she is an illustrator, photographer and photo-stylist. She also teaches people how to make mouth-watering vegan meals which combines her love of eating and helping animals, the environment and her mission to show people to aspire for the goddess within. 
Please visit her website and join her newsletter.  more about Najia  www.BEaLivingGoddess.com 

Guest Performers:    
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Apr 21, 2013
Headliner: Zen Aura
Zen Aura is a Multi-Award-Winning Dancer, Dance Fitness Instructor and Athlete who fine-tuned her dance and theatrical skills in Professional Musical Theater, Show Choirs, Off-Broadway & through master class development across the U. S. With varied background in African, Contemporary, East Asian, Jazz, Hip Hop & Latin dance styles, her dynamic, graceful and eclectic on stage persona has garnered her national acclaim and international exposure. 

Zen Aura specializes in Egyptian Cabaret, Lebanese and Fusion styles of Rahks Sharki (belly dance) with exemplary skills in playing Zagat, dancing with Veils and is a Rahks al Sayf (Sword Dance) specialist. She received core training at the Freedom Theater in Philadelphia with Impresario Shani Asantewaa, is a mentee of Egyptian dance master Khalidah Kali and earned a certification in Cairo Style 1 from Sahra Saaeda.    more about Zen Aura      www.zen-aura.com

Guest Performers:
  • Sabeela Tribal: (PA)  
  • Shasta: (DE)
  • Kahina: (DE) 
  • Luna: (MD)  www.lunaraqs.com
  • Layla from The Jewels from Jewels Belly Dance Co.: (DE)  jewelsbellydanceco.com
  • Fluid Tribal Fusion: (PA)
  • Markia: (PA)
 
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Mar 17, 2013 (St. Patrick's Day) 
Headliner: Typhrodisia
Typhrodisia is a Baltimore-Annapolis based professional belly dancer and instructor. Her dancing style is founded upon a strong background in American cabaret style belly dance and is influenced by her continuing studies in many traditional and folkloric dance forms as well as Tribal Fusion and Hula. 

She recently opened her own studio: Typhrodisia's Bellydance and Beyond.
There she teaches, hosts other teacher, hosts workshops and shows.  She is also a Co-Director of Sestraluna. 
more about Typhrodisia  www.typhrodisiasbellydanceandbeyond.com
Guest Performers:
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Feb 17, 2013 
Headliner:Devra Joahri   Devra
Devra began dancing in Atlanta Georgia studying Spiritual Bellydance. From there she moved towards performance styles of dance and eventually instructing. in 1999. She has been doing so ever since with a few short breaks in between.

Devra has taught in Bel Air, MD, Harford Community College, and now at her dance/art studio in Havre de Grace, MD.   Visit her at The Creative Sanctary of Havre de Grace
Arts for the Mind, Body and Soul

In addition Dance, textiles and all forms of art are Devra’s passion.  She had been teaching all of these for over 15 years and loves helping others discover their hidden talents. She graduated from Harford Community College in May 2012 with an AA in Fine Art and Design.
more about Devra  www.cshdg.com

Guest Performers:
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Jan 20, 2013
Headliner: Shahrzad  
Shahrzad is an up and coming Bellydancer in the Northeast region who specializes in Egyptian Style Bellydance. She dances throughout Baltimore, Washington DC, New York, Philadelphia, and Delaware. She is a passionate performer, imaginative choreographer, energetic teacher, and not only a bellydancer, but a Middle-Eastern artist in the truest sense of the word.

Shahrzad is a highly sought after performer who enchants audiences with her emotive and exciting Bellydance shows. Her affinity and talent for Egyptian dance makes her especially popular with Arabic audiences.  As a natural innovator, she also provides captivating alternative Bellydance Shows with live snakes and fire dancing.  more about Shahrzad  shahrzadraqs.com
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Guest Performers:

2012

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Dec 16, 2012
Headliner:Fundraiser for the Delaware Breast Caner Coalition
The Belly-anna is a new twist on the hafla.  At this time of year, some participate in a Pollyanna gift giving.  The belly-anna uses that idea, with performance music.

In the spirit of gift giving, the dancers of the Dec 16th Drum and Dance Hafla plan to give the gift of their favorite dance tune to another dancer to perform, while giving back to the community by supporting the DBCC.  All the music CD's will be wrapped as gifts.  Each dancer has chosen music, but that is not the "gift" that they may choose.  

This hafla will feature 9 - 10 guest dancers, some who are professional restaurant dancers and some who students of the dance, but all have experience in Bellydance. Both traditional Middle Eastern styles as well as Tribal, Tribal Fusion, and Cabaret Fusion will be performed. There will also be time for open dance and drum, so bring your hip scarves, drums, and dancing feet.

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Nov 18, 2012
Headliner: Thalia Hamdi of MD
Thalia  is a captivating performer of Middle Eastern dance, based in Baltimore, Maryland.
She is an award-winning dancer who is not only popular locally but has traveled as far as Egypt, Singapore and South America for performances and workshops. She is well known for her authenticity, creativity and dynamic performances.
 
Thalia has studied under the guidance of some of the best instructors of Middle Eastern dance in the world. She has worked  hard at her craft, giving her an understanding and ability to emote the beauty of Middle Eastern music. This ability has made her a favorite of audiences from all cultural backgrounds.  Thalia performs as a solo artist, but her performances can be tailored for multiple dancers as she has been a member of the Niraja Dance Company, under the artistic direction of Lotus Niraja and  for folkloric style, as she has been a member of Sharm El Sheik, an authentic Egyptian folkloric troupe under the artistic direction of Atef Hassan
 
Let Thalia take you back to the Golden Era of Egypt. Sit back and be transported away to the time of the pharoahs.
more about Thalia    www.thaliaraqs.com

Guest Performers:

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Oct 21, 2012
Headliner: Viviana  of DE
Viviana worked as a Raks Sharki dancer at Marrakesh in Washington D.C.  She has also performed at Mem Sahib, Amers, Red Mapel, Fatimas & Moes resturant. She was part of performed at "The Fabric of Life" at the Smithsonian Institiute of African Art. Since moving here she performed at Shag restaurant in Rehobeth, Turquoise in Bethany Beach, as well as Smith & Company. And at various local events. she hopes to introduce to this area the femininity and fun of bellydance. Vivana also know alot about the culture and roots of this dance that she would love to share this with anyone interested.

Viviana has studied and performs Turkish orientale, Turkish romani, Egyptian orientale, and fusion belly dance styles, and has performed in restaurants, and on stage throughout the tri-state area. She has studied with a number of master teachers, mostly with her mentors Artemis Mourat and Yasmin Henkish.   more about Viviana  www.facebook.com/learnbelly

Guest Performers:
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Sep 16, 2012
Headliner: Shiraz  of DE
Shiraz is a full-time multi-award winning dancer from Newark, DE.   She’s devoted her life to building bridges between cultures through dance. Through something as human as dancing, one can discover so much beauty, potential, and truth – it can be used to learn about, and unlock the true value, within oneself and between oneself and another culture; this is Shiraz’s purpose with this art form.  She lives to share the beauty of raqs sharqi through performance and instruction. She performs weekly at the top venues in Philadelphia and Baltimore and teaches regular classes right up the street in her home studio. Her next workshop, “Sensational Shimmies” is next month at the Ridgley Retreat in Annapolis, MD (Sponsor: Carmen). 

She has recently earned her B.A. degree from the University of Delaware in cultural anthropology with a minor in Islamic studies with Arabic language. She also co-produces Delaware’s largest belly dance benefit, Shimmies for the Cure, to help dance our way to a cure; which will be on the 30th at 5pm (shimmiesforthecure.org).  She would like to thank her main teachers, Artemis, Faten Salama, and Latifa, for their endless inspiration as well as dedicate today’s performance to her amazing bunch of students. She hopes her dance sparks something beautiful in your heart. www.ShirazRaqs.com for more information.   more about Shiraz  www.ShirazRaqs.com

Guest Performers:​
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Aug 19, 2012
Headliner:  Valarina of PA
Valarina is renowned throughout the Philadelphia area for her passionate, authentic belly dance performances. Owner of Studio 1831, she has been teaching and performing Middle Eastern dance for

over 2 decades. One of Philadelphia's most recognized and respected dance artists, Valarina has dazzled audiences with her technical expertise, musicality, and agility. Her innovative style is a reflection of her extensive background in dance and fitness. For eight years, she performed with the jazz dance company Waves throughout the U.S. and England and was a teacher and featured dancer at the Philadelphia’s Jazz Dance Center. She began her Middle Eastern Dance studies at the University of Delaware with Egyptian teacher Bona Khalil while obtaining her B.A. in Anthropology. She later studied under numerous masters, including Ibrahim Farrah, Serena, Elena Lentini, Ghazal Rohani, and Jehan to name a few. She has performed as a guest artist with the Belly Dance Superstars during their 2005 tour.  Even more about Valarina www.valarina.com

Guest Performers:  
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Jul 15, 2012 
Headliner: Amustela from DC/VA
Amustela is an award winning performer and instructor of "Danse Orientale", Raks Sharqi  or Belly Dance based in Northern Virginia.  She has entertained and delighted audiences throughout the metropolitan D.C. area and the world.  Amustela would be pleased to work with you to make your next party or event extra special. 

Amustela's dance style is described as vintage cabaret oriental.  This style of belly dance incorporates many influences of the dance evolving from Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Greek and Eastern European immigrants.  With a basis in Classical Egyptian mixed with many modern  theatrical influences, Amustela enjoys entertaining with her unique style.  Amustela also taught a workshop on Vintage Bellydance before the hafla.   More about Amustela   www.amusteladance.com

Guest Performers:   
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Jun 10, 2012
Headliner: Tydirah from Baltimore MD
Tydirah is an award winning performer, All Seasons Hafla Organizer, choreographer, and life-time student of Middle Eastern Dance.

Winning People’s Choice in the Rising Star category of 2009′s Northeast Bellydance Competition, the very first competition entered, I’m proud to be a Middle Eastern Dance Artist! Having trained under Basema, Lotus Niraja, MiaNaja, and currently Shems, I feel as though I’ve been exposed to the beauty, culture, and authentic interpretation of the artform. I love all styles of bellydance. Currently, I perform Raks Sharqi, Folkloric and Fusion styles. I also have experience with veils, fan veils, zills, assaya, sword, isis wings, and candles.I aspire to be a positive force within the bellydance community. I want to be an exceptional example, like those I admire, and hope to be looked upon the same.
More about Tydirah, the All Season's Hafla and  Barakaat

Guest Performers:


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May 20, 2012
Headliner: Rio    from NYC (formerly DC)
Rio is a Virginia native who began bellydancing in Canada with various instructors including Audra Simmons and Suhaila Salimpour, before moving back to the US in 2009. Beginning with the formation of Maharal in early 2010, she became a full time live music dancer and fire performer, touring regularly with several bands and performance groups such as Copal, This Way Tho The Egress, Not Waving But Drowning, Vagabond Opera, Fishtank Ensemble, Ragwater Revue, Hellblinki, Beatbox Guitar, Turku, Charlottesville’s Mysterious Concoction, Scintillation, and Baltimore’s Insijam, Dragonsong, mOsno, and more. 

Rio is a certified yoga and meditation instructor through YogaWorks (LA) and specializes in working with clients challenged by mobility limitations, rehab for injury and chronic illnesses.  Her unique style of practice is driven by a detailed anatomical approach to individual alignment in motion and creating a personal experience of mental connection and body awareness for students, no matter what background or experience.   More about Rio: www.riverraqs.com

Guest Performers:   
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Apr 15, 2012
​Headliner: Mia Naja (with her troupes) of MD
MiaNaja al Sephira is an award winning bellydancer who won 1st Runner up in the Jewel of the Nile and ZaBeths Viva la Diva Bellydance Competitions in 2008. She has now served as a judge for the 2009 and 2010 Viva La Diva, and will be judging the 2011 as well. The competition this year is on August 26, 27, and 28.

She has performed nationally and internationally and will be teaching at the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive, September 2009. She teaches Egyptian Cabaret and Lebanese style dance as well as teaching and performing Double Veil, Sword, Cane, Tray, and other folkloric forms. She has studied Flamenco, Ballet, Modern (Humphrey-Weidman technique), African and Jazz. She has studied with many well known teachers, most recently with Ava Fleming, Aziza, Oreet and Azhia, as well as Suhaila Salimpour and Amaya of New Mexico, both of whom she is Level One Certified.  More about MiaNaja and her troupes: marylandbellydance.com/mianaja/

Guest Performers:  
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Mar 18 2012
Headliner: Alexia and Groove Merchant Drum & Dance Ensemble,  of NJ
Kim Leary (Alexia) is a belly dance performer, choreographer and instructor in Central New Jersey. Kim Leary’s (Alexia) dance accomplishments include teaching both credit and non-credit dance at Princeton University.  She is Co-Artistic Director of Groove Merchant Drum & Dance Ensemble and Co-Director of her school, The Drum & Dance Learning Center in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Ms. Leary has performed at numerous prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center, The Ohio Theatre (SOHO), CAMI Hall (NYC), DanceSpace (NYC), FIT (NYC), The Evolving Arts Theatre (NYC), The Black Box Theatre (NJ), as well as at many colleges, universities, and festivals as a soloist and with her own dance company, SaZ Dance Theatre, Jamila Salimpour's Bal Anat and Dalia Carella's DNA Project  Kim holds a certification in Training & Development as well as in Multiple Intelligences and the Arts from Kean University. She is a Level 2 Certified Dancer since 2000. In 2008 Kim became certified Level Two in the Jamila Salimpour Dance Format and earned a Level Two Certification in Sahra Saeeda's Journey Through Egypt Program. Kim received a dance scholarship award from Dance New Jersey and was voted New Jersey's Favorite Belly Dance Teacher in 2008 and 2010. She has taught a variety of workshop topics at many festivals and events including Rakkasah East, Spring Caravan, The Austin Belly Dance Convention and will be teaching at FolkTours Dance & Music Camp in 2012.
Groove Merchant Drum & Dance Ensemble directed by Kim Leary and Dave Merritt performs dances and plays percussion instruments from cultures around the world. The ensemble performs culture-specific traditional pieces as well as our own original compositions. Some compositions are more traditional, loyal to the cultures that they represent while others are a fusion of musical ideas and traditions.  
More about Alexia and Groove Merchant Drum & Dance Ensemble: www.drumdancecenter.com

Guest Performers:   
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Feb 19, 2012
Headliner: Shushanna,(of PA)
Shushanna's graceful, exciting and engaging performances are the perfect family friendly entertainment for your next special occasion! Her smile will light up the room, her costumes will dazzle you, and her dancing will delight audiences of all ages. 

Shushanna performs regularly at Philadelphia area restaurants and events throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. To see Shushanna at one of her many shows open to the public, go to the Shushanna's Bellydance Events page to see where she will be performing next!

Shushanna teaches bellydance at Studio 1831 in Philadelphia. To see the current bellydance classes Shushanna is teaching go to the Instruction page.  Shushanna has studied since 2004 with Alexia / Kim Leary, one of the premier bellydance instructors on the East Coast, and she has been one of the dance company members of Groove Merchant. Shushanna is Certified Level 2 in the prestigious Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance.    More about Shushanna: www.shushanna.com

Guest Performers: 
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Jan 15, 2012
Headliner:  Donna Sahlah,(of DE)
Donna began dancing in her hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico and was fortunate to have such fantastic teachers such as Jeanette Brenner, Maureen Newsom, Amaya, and Terrell Sleeper.  Donna has taken workshops with as many teachers as she could/can find such as: Morocco, Tarik, Sahra Saeeda, Jillina, Artemis, Dahlia Carella, Jasmin Jahal, Cassandra, Hadia of Canada, Mesmera, Suhaila Salipour, Zahra Zuhair, Latifa, Aegela, Habiba, Azim, Shakira, and many more! She strongly encourages taking from as many instructors as possible to be exposed to many dance styles as possible - how better to choose your own?

She has long been an advocate of promoting dance within the community. With her time in Virgina (2002 – 2005) she co-founded an organization with her students to promote and support ME dance in the local and regional community. The Southwestern Virginia Middle Eastern Dance Association (www.SWVAMEDA.com) was formed and continues to flourish. A local Virginia Tech chapter was formed (www.hillandveil.org.vt.edu) whereby Virginia Tech property was utilized to create an annual “Dance Potpourri.” Workshop instructors were sponsored to provide instruction as well as showcasing them and the regional talent in an evening hafla.

Donna has also been part of several competitions as a judge:
• East Coast Classic Competition judge 2005-2008 (Virgina)
• Personal Best Competition judge 2009, 2011 (Ohio)

Guest Performers: Nikki Murphy: (MD)  Naadirah: (DE) www.facebook.com/pages/Gemz-of-Arabia/125664100816740

2011

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Dec 18, 2011
​Headliner: Danielle Flowers of PA
Danielle Flowers is currently teaching North African, Middle Eastern "Belly" Dance, and Zumba in the Tri-State area.  Flowers personifies the ability to be full figured and physically fit.  She teaches dance in Fitness institutions such as LA Fitness, YMCA, & the FIT Gym.  She is certified in AL Massraweya, Folkloric Egyptian Dance, as well as the internationally known ZUMBA. Ever the avid student, Flowers has pursued her studies with Nationally renown belly dancers such as Philly's own Azhia & Najia Samiya;  International Sahara Saeeda, Jehan & Princess Farhana & Faten Salaam; Belly dance Superstars: Jillina, Rachel Brice, Sharon Kihara, Ansuya, Kaeshi, & Amar Gamal; as well as Washington DC's Malika, Naimah, & Lotus Niraja. Danielle also studied under the tutelage of Nationwide Zumba Instructor Jani Roberts and East Coast Capoeira extraordinaire Mestre Muito Loco.

Danielle’s expertise in props includes Sword, Veil, Cane, Fans, & Zils (finger cymbals). Danielle is known in the Tri-State area for her Fusion Style  performances and my Hip Hop Belly dance workshops which are pop-locking.  

Guest Performers:  
  • Kahina: (DE)
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Nov 20, 2012
Headliner:  Amalia of PA
Amalia is belly dancer and instructor based in Philadelphia, PA. She is available to perform at parties and events. She also offers weekly group classes, as well as private instruction and coaching. She specializes in teaching improvisation and performance techniques.

She has performed with Philadelphia based musicians Joseph Tayoun, Roger Mgrdichian, William Tayoun, Hafez El Ali Kotain, and with Bill Koutsouros and Animus at World Café Live among other venues. She has appeared at belly dance festival Rakkasah, dancing to the live music of New York City based band, Djinn. In 2009, she appeared in a gala show of Philadelphia's finest belly dancers with international belly dance star, Aziza. Most recently, she was selected as one of the 25 belly dancers from around the world to participate in the Project Belly Dance competition.  More about Amalia: http://www.amaliadance.com

Guest Performers:  
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Oct 16, 2011
Headliner: Artemis of DC 
Artemis has been dancing, teaching and researching dance history in the United States and abroad for her entire adult life. Artemis is of Greek and Turkish descent. She fuses her love of these cultures with strong academic knowledge and excellent dance technique. She brings her spirited and articulate technique to workshops which include information on the history and cultures that generate the dances she teaches. She believes that we can all use art to build bridges across cultures.

Artemis has contributed to many publications. Extensive travel to 33 countries and intensive research into the idioms of the East, women's issues, psychology, ancient history, oriental dance, Romany (Gypsy) dance and dance ethnology have yielded many manuscripts and articles.  More about Artemis: http://www.serpentine.org/artemis/artemis.htm

Guest Performers:    
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Sep 18, 2011
Headliner: Nina Amaya, with Aubergine of MD
 Aubergine is a Baltimore, Maryland based belly dance troupe founded and directed by Nina Amaya.  We are a joyful group of dancers from diverse backgrounds who perform both Middle Eastern dances and our own style we call Cabaret Fairy Fusion.  Belly dance has many messages, facets, even names — Middle Eastern Dance, Oriental Dance, Raqs Sharqi — and we are proud to be ambassadors for this dazzling art form.  Founded in 2006 as Belly Dance Delight, Aubergine brings the same sparkling attitude to audiences throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Nina Amaya has been studying Middle Eastern Dance since 1997.   She has been trained in Egyptian cabaret and folk dance, Turkish belly dance,  American belly dance and Bollywood.  She has performed at festivals, restaurants, family parties, children's parties, parades, and galas across the region, and has been featured by the local press.  More about Nina and Aubergine:   www.auberginebellydance.com/index.html

Guest Performers:
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Aug 21, 2011
​Headliner: Khuzama of Philadelphia
Khuzama, is a multi award winning professional belly dancer, instructor and choreographer.  Khuzama a dancer for most of her life, found her true passion over five years ago in the art of belly dancing. Gathering influences from Lebanese and Tribal Fusion, she performs Egyptian Cabaret style belly dance. She is a professional dancer and instructor, who performs all over the tri state area.   More about Khuzama:  www.purplebellydancer.com/bio.php

Guest Performers:

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Jul 17, 2011
Headliner: Naimah of Baltimore
Naimah is an award winning belly dancer from Baltimore, MD who won the title of 2009 Bellydance Nationals Alternative Fusion Soloist Champion. She is also the director of the 2010 Bellydance Nationals Alternative Fusion Troupe Champions, “Amandari”. She has also trained several other award winning dancers.  More about Naimah:  naimahdances.com/

Performers:
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June 26, 2011
Headliner: Shems
Shems is a professional belly dancer and belly dance instructor based in Baltimore, Maryland. Admired for her elegant, dynamic interpretation of this timelessly captivating dance form, Shems has performed for dignitaries and celebrities, has garnered awards and has earned the respect and admiration of many audiences, top musicians and her professional dance peers around the world. 

A seasoned entertainer, Shems underpins her showstopping stage presence with a wide movement vocabulary and a strong knowledge of Egyptian, Lebanese, Turkish, American Classic, Romany (gypsy) and pan-Arabic folkloric dances. Whether she is performing a contemporary interpretation on a theater stage or a more traditional Oriental routine with live music at a wedding, Shems dances with both substance and grace.  www.shemsdance.com/shems

Performers:
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May 15, 2011
Headliner: Nefertiti
Nefertiti is a professional belly dancer, who has also been an instructor, performer, business owner and artistic director of Damali Dance Company based in Maryland and Delaware. Nefertiti shares her passion and vision for the art of belly dancing by promoting dance through education and entertainment.

Nefertiti until recently, resided in Cairio, Egypt to further gain knowledge and training of her skills as a belly dancer.   This experience has been described as one of the highlights of her career. She has performed in the Middle East and Europe during her 2 year she has lived in Cairo. Her performances in the Middle East have been for television in Emeriates, Luxor, Cairo and Morocco.  More about Nefertiti:   www.nefertitibellydance.com/about.htm 

Guest Performers:Photos of the event by foto illume   May 2011

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Apr 17, 2011
Headliner: Amartia
Amartia is a professional belly dancer in the Baltimore/DC/Harford County area. She has been dubbed the Greek Bellydance Bombshell!  Amartia has been dancing nearly all of her life, starting with numerous Greek Folk Dance groups. She has been studying bellydance for nearly a decade. Throughout that time she has become adept at all forms of props from veil to finger cymbals to wings to cane, to veil poi and fans. She has studied numerous styles of bellydance believing that learning should never stop

Amartia is an award-winning bellydancer. She has traveled to compete all over the United States. She is the 2008 Jewel of the Nile and the first place winner for veil dance from Arabian Nights. More recently she was one of the 23 bellydancers chosen to compete in a reality web-show- Project bellydance!   More about Amartia:   marylandbellydance.com/amartiabellydancer/ 

Guest Performers:
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Mar 13, 2011
Headliner: Hipnosis
Hipnosis is all about the joy and magic that is experienced while dancing together.  We dance for those moments when all else is forgotten and our concentration is on the connection and energies passing between dancers
Hipnosis is a Tribal Style belly dance troupe from the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA.  All three co-founding members, Maeve Doyle, Jessica Staley, and Vikki Gale, got their start in cabaret style belly dance, but were very much intrigued by American Tribal Style belly dance….by the exotic and elaborate costumes, the controlled and earthy movements, and the idea of dancing with a group of women as one unit.  "When I first heard of belly dance, this is what I envisioned" ~ Vikki Gale.  Each member separately searched out this new form of belly dance, and eventually ended up at the same crossroads.  Sharing similar artistic visions, a desire to grow as dancers, and an eagerness to expand on what they were already doing with tribal belly dance, they came together in the fall of 2003 to form Hipnosis and have since formed their own unique improv tribal style of belly dance.
Their goal is to share this beautiful dance with others while basking in the joy and camaraderie that exists within tribal belly dance.
More about Hipnosis: www.tribalbellies.com/about.htm
Guest Performers:

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Feb 20, 2011
Headliner: Ilianna
Ilianna began her study of Middle Eastern dance as a student of Maya. She became a teacher for many years, and her former students include:  Shiraz, Deebah, Zareen, Zahra, and Lorelei.   She continues to develop and perfect her technique and style by studying with Almaaza and by attending dance workshops.  In addition to performing at Casablanca in Wilmington, Ilianna has taught workshops, and performed at community and private events. 


Guest Performers:
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Jan 16, 2011
Headliner: Julia
Julia dances professionally in DE, Philadelphia PA, Southern NJ, and MD.  Julia performs at many area restaurants, including Marrakesh in Philadelphia and Casablanca in New Castle.  Julia’s fun energetic style makes her a joy to watch. She loves dancing and wants share it with others in any way possible: learning, teaching, performing, just goofing around with freestyle dance, etc.  She started taking classes in Norway in 2003. She studied with Sirie Ydestie there.  Locally she has studied with Maya, Almaaza, and Azhia.  She has also taken workshops with: Sahra Saeeda, Ansuya, Nourhan Sharif, as well as many others.  

Julia also teaches bellydance. Her students appreciate that she gives each one of them individual attention within the group class. She would like to thank Dinah Kirby of Devadasi for making her awesome costumes including the one she’s wearing for today’s Hafla performance. 

Performers:
  • Zahra: (DE)
  • Naadirah: (DE)
  • Samantha of Blue Lapis: (PA)
  • Liana: (DE)

2010

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Nov 28, 2010
Special Edition: Sarysma and Lorelei present an all star hafla to benefit AIDS Delaware.
This month we are joined by many former and future headliners.   Featured dancers include Amartia (Mar 2011), Julia (Jan 2011),  Michelle Meesha Tayoun, Nyla ,  Shiraz(July 2010), Danielle FLowers, and Black Dragon Bellydance.  Come see an all star bellydance show.  All proceeds, including the $5 cover and any tips given to any of the bellydancers will be donated to our cause.   

AIDS Delaware is the State of Delaware’s first and largest AIDS Service Organization (ASO). The agency was founded in 1984 by a group of concerned volunteer activists addressing the needs of the emerging AIDS community in our state. Over the last 25 years AIDS Delaware has become a professional not-for-profit agency working for the health of the human family. 

All funds in raised in Delaware stay in Delaware.  Their services focus on three primary functions: Education & Outreach, Counseling & Testing, and Case Management. 80% of every dollar raised goes directly to their programs. 

Performers:
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  • Oct 31, 2010
Headliner: Azhia  (now back in PA!!!)
Azhia, 2003 Jewel of the Nile and Belly Dancer of the Universe, has honed her unique style of dance over a 22-year career, with the help of early instruction in ballet, tap and jazz, as well as in-depth study of flamenco, West African dance, bharata natyam, hip hop and aerial arts. Audiences and musicians revel in Azhia's larger-than-life stage presence and precise, yet graceful technique. She has performed all over (U.S.A., Canada, Japan, Denmark, Russia), and has been accompanied by DJ Logic & Jason Miles, Bernie Worrell (Parliament/Funkadelic) and Animus. Azhia recently spent several years in Montreal, Quebec, Canada (where she performed as Chat Chat Miao of Blue Light Burlesque). She divides her time between Toronto, Philly, and Baltimore and continues to travel all over for dance performance and teaching. Click on the "PORTFOLIO" link to view a Gallery of Azhia's photos and performances.
Guest dancers:
Layla: (DE)  www.jewelsbellydance.org
Naadirah: Naadirah of Gemz of Arabia (DE/MD)
Blue Lapis: (PA) www.deebah.com
Kahina:(DE)
Bahijah:(PA)
Liana: (DE) 
Vianca: (DE)
 
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Sep 19, 2010: First Halfa at MOJO Main
Headliner: Caleena Janay  (now back in VA)
Being of Greek and Israeli descent, Caleena is naturally drawn to the dance. While versatile in her dance, she is also a costume designer and seamstress. She studies under various instructors from NY to FL. Her biggest inspiration is Aziza of Canada. Caleena is known for her adlibed performances, dynamic drum solos, graceful veil and sword work and flexibility. CaleenaJanay.com coming soon!
Guest dancers:
Murjanah: (of MD, currently in DE)  www.murjanahdance.com
Naadirah: Naadirah  of Gemz of Arabia (DE/MD)
Tydirah: of MD  She runs the All Season's Haflamarylandbellydance.com/allseasonshafla/
Tehnikha: Maureen and Laura (Feridem of Raqs Devadasi)
Shiraz: (DE)  shirazraqs.com
Julissa: (DE)

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Aug 29, 2010
 Headliner: Fatima from Philadelphia PA
Fatima Bassmah performs Egyptian cabaret influenced by Lebanese style belly dance and modern Egyptian dance. Involved in dance for over 10 years, she continues to study under two of the most influential teachers in the Philadelphia area, Habiba and Valerie Rushmere.
She regularly travels to Egypt to increase her knowledge of dance, studying with legends such as Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy during her travels.
Fatima Bassmah is a member of the Habiba Dance Ensemble and performs with the Ensemble at a variety of cultural events at colleges and universities, as well as museums and cultural centers. Fatima Bassmah is also a former member of the Shake Charmers Dance Company, directed by Valerie Rushmere.  www.fatimadance.com
Guest dancers:
Jackie Fortunato: from Baltimore/DC area.  www.gigmasters.com/bellydancer/JackieFortunato/
More members of Daughters of the Hip: of PAwww.tribalbellies.com/DOTH_Folder/Doth_Homepage.htm :
Meerah and Lorelei of Black Dragon Bellydance: www.blackdragonbellydance.com
Zahra: currently in DE
Tribal Spirit: of PA www.tribalbellies.com/Tribal_Spirit_Folder/TS_HOME.htm
Raqs Devadasi: of DE www.devadasibellydance.com
Naja Haje: from Raqs Devadasi:

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Jul 18, 2010
Headliner: Shiraz from DC
Shiraz is one of the top professional belly dancers in the Delaware and Philadelphia area. She is highly sought after in local restaurants, nightclubs, and other venues that feature belly dance throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. Well known for her classy signature style, she always steals the stage with a powerful emotive performance sure to excite. She began belly dancing in 2004 under Illiana of Behind the Veil andShahrzad. Shiraz finds an untapped mystery, sacredness and liberating-bliss in everyday life that empowers, inspires, and truly moves her in the dance. When Shiraz isn't performing she's busy obtaining her degree in Anthropology with a focus on the Middle East, an Arab Studies minor, and mastering Arabic language at the University of Delaware… and of course adding to her camel collection shirazdance.com
Guest dancers:
Layla and the Jewels Bellydance Company: of DE (Cabaret belydance and Polyesian styles) jewelsbellydance.org.
More members of Daughters of the Hip: of PA www.tribalbellies.com/DOTH_Folder/Doth_Homepage.htm
Naadirah:  member of Gemz of Arabia in Bridgeville and Arabian Lights Dance Company in MD
Roma of Nomadic Magic

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Jun 27, 2010
Headliner: Kostana of DC area
Kostana is an Oriental Dancer based in the Washington, DC area, who specializes in Turkish Oriental and Romani (Gypsy) dance as well as Egyptian Raqs al Sharqi ("bellydance"). She strives to make all her performances artistic, creative, & authentic by bringing a sense of cultural awareness to her dance both on stage and in the classroom. She has studied with renowned Romani and Cabaret dancers in Turkey as well as throughout the United States.
www.raks-n-rhythms.com
Guest dancers:
Kalila Al-Safir: of MD
Daughters of the Hip: of PA www.tribalbellies.com/DOTH_Folder/Doth_Homepage.htm
Kamala: of MD. www.facebook.com/Kamala Spierfuhren
Vivianna: of Lewes DE Myspace page
Alchemy: of MD
Kamala, Phoenix, and Mahin

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May 23, 2010
Headliner: Amany of Georgetown, DE
 Amany has studied the cultures of the Middle Eastern people for many years and loves to share forms of these dances with others in both performances and teaching. Her experiences of: years of studies with the masters in both folklore and cabaret, bellygrams, decades of work at Casablanca Restaurant in New Castle, teaching, along with her wealth of knowledge in technique, stage make-up, presentation, and costuming has enriched her audiences and students alike.
Amany loves to use dance to reach out to people everywhere to enjoy the art form, to have others dance to reach their inner angel while enjoying the company of other women.
Guest dancers:
Samadhia: Today she is a dancer, teacher and performer in PA www.samadhia.com
SALAMALENCO DANCERS: Samadhia and Phedra www.samadhia.com/group.htm
Vivica: of Aberdeen MD area.
Roma of Nomadic Magic: of Salisbury MD www.nomadicmagic.com
Kalliope and the Jewels Bellydance Co: of Bear DE www.jewelsbellydance.org
Zahra: of Newark, DE
The Frayed Knots: The Frayed Knots are the student Troupe of Tapestry Tribal.

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Apr 18, 2010
Headliner: Shahrzad
Shahrzad dances throughout Baltimore, Washington DC, New York, Philadelphia, and Delaware. She is a passionate performer, imaginative choreographer, energetic teacher, and not only a bellydancer, but a Middle-Eastern artist in the truest sense of the word. shahrzadraqs.com
Guest dancers:
Arabian Lights Dance Company:The ALDC is a nonprofit dance troupe from the Salisbury MD area.
Nimeera: Nimeera (www.Nimeera.com) from the DC area, is as the Chairman of the Board and Vice President of Membership for the Washington Area Mid-East Dance Association (WAMEDA)
Kahina: from Wilmington DE area
Naadirah: a member of the Arabian Lights Dance Company and Gemz of Arabia.
Selena: a member of theArabian Lights Company.
Luna: Luna President of Arabian Lights Company.
Layla: Layla is the Director of the Jewels Bellydance Company.


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Mar 28, 2010
Headliner: Bonnie and Alexis Tapestry Tribal Bonnie and Alexis have been  dancing together for about 6 years.  Their tribal dance is improvised within a  structured format, and they take turns leading and following each other.  It is an elegant and earthy "in the moment" style, which celebrates connection and support among women.  They are accompanied by Michael on darbukha and Woz on electronica. 

Guest dancers:
Naadirah: of the Arabian Lights Dance Company and Jemz of Arabia
Zahra: of Newark, DE
Sefira: of MD
Zen Aura: from the Philadelphia area http://www.zen-aura.com/
Ashira: of the Arabian Lights Dance Company and Jemz of Arabia


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First Hafla: Feb 28, 2010  1 pm - 3 pm
Headliner: Vivianna  has worked as a Raks Sharki dancer at Marrakesh in Washington D.C., As well as Mem Sahib, Amers, Red Mapel, Fatimas, and Moes restaurant. She is 2nd place winner as Headliner in the East Coast Belly Dance Classic competition in 2006. She has studied with two great master teachers, Artemis (Turkish style) and Yasmin(Egyptian style). She moved from The D.C. area to Lewes about two years ago. Now she teaches and performs in that area, as well as occasionally in DC.

Guest dancers:
​Meerah: Meerah, from Newark DE
Blue Lapis:  Blue Lapis  of Deebah Dance & Fitness www.deebah.com
Feridem of Raqs Devadasi:
Layla and The Jewels: Layla and The Jewels, from Jewels Belly Dance Co
Zareen: from Newark, DE​