Delaware Drum and Dance
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    • History 2010-2013
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    • Blacklight Hafla
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Hafla History

History


Below is a listing of the dates and performers at all the previous DD & D hafla events (History from 2010 - 2013 is on the next history page.  See photos from some events on the Gallery page

2022

Picture
Nov 12, 2022
The Nov 2022  hafla was also a hybrid event.  
Performers were live in the Newark Arts Alliance and pre-recorded.  

Performers:
​
members of the Salimpour collective from DC, dancing solo, not at a group, including Helena (MD) and Lorelei (DE)
Tapestry Dance Project (DE/NJ):  www.tapestrytribal.com
Candlelora (MN)  www.facebook.com/candlelorabellydancer
Doukissa and Dendarah Nar (DE) ​doukissa.com
​Jezibell Anat (GA):  Jezibelly-Dance-by-Jezibell-Anat

​



Picture
Aug 21, 2022
The Aug 2022  hafla was also a hybrid event.  
Performers were live in the Newark Arts Alliance and pre-recorded.  

Performers:
​
members of the Salimpour collective from DC, dancing solo, not at a group, including Helena (MD) and Lorelei (DE)
Amustela (NC)       amusteladance.com
Candlelora (MN)  www.facebook.com/candlelorabellydancer
Doukissa and Dendarah Nar (DE) ​doukissa.com
​Jezibell Anat (GA):  Jezibelly-Dance-by-Jezibell-Anat
Khuzama (DE/PA)  Khuzamadancecompany
​



Picture


May 15, 2022
The May 2022  hafla was also a hybrid event.  
Performers were live in the Newark Arts Alliance and pre-recorded.  

Performers:
Candlelora (MN)  www.facebook.com/candlelorabellydancer
Doukissa and Dendarah Nar (DE) ​doukissa.com


​

Picture
  Feb 20, 2022
The Nov 14th hafla was also a hybrid event.  
Performers were live in the Newark Arts Alliance and pre-recorded.  

Performers:
Candlelora (MN)  
www.facebook.com/candlelorabellydancer
In person: several members of the Salimpour collective from DC, dancing solo, not at a group. 
Jo (NJ)  brickhousebdblog.com  
Helena (MD) 
Donna(DC) 
  dance.yellowliongrrl.com

​

2021

Picture
Nov 14, 2021
The Nov 14th hafla was also a hybrid event.  
Performers were live in the Newark Arts Alliance and pre-recorded.  

Performers:
In person: several members of the Salimpour collective from DC, dancing solo, not at a group. 
Candlelora (MN)  www.facebook.com/candlelorabellydancer
Chadia and the Caravan Dancers (NJ)  www.facebook.com/Chadia-and-The-Goddess-Caravan-Dancers-331653111402
​
Jezibell (GA)
​April (MD): 
https://aprilmonique.weebly.com/
​

Picture
Aug 15, 2021
Aug was our first Hybrid Hafla.  Performers and audience at the Arts Alliance, and over Zoom
​
Performers:
Candlelora (MN)  www.facebook.com/candlelorabellydancer
Shaste (DE)
Diva Shafia (MD)

Picture
May 16, 2021

 Still staying remote becuase of COVID19.  Not all are able to be vaccinated, so online we go.  Live and recorded performances over Zoom.  Faeries and Flowers is the May theme
​
Performers:
Candlelora (MN)  www.facebook.com/candlelorabellydancer
Shaste (DE)
Chadia and the Caravan Dancers (NJ) www.facebook.com/Chadia-and-The-Goddess-Caravan-Dancers-331653111402​
Khuzama (DE) www.facebook.com/khuzamadancecompany/
Naimah (MD) naimahdances.com
 Dancers of Tribal Bellies Studio (PA) www.tribalbelliesstudio.com
​Hayati(NY) www.Hayatidance.com  Her Shimmy Mob online!!  fb.me/e/6iyRFhxMZ
​

Picture
Feb 21, 2021

 COVID19 made meeting in person not possible, as several states had quarantine restrictions as well as gathering size limits.  But we danced from home, all live and recorded pieces over the internet.   This month was "vintage" bellydance themed
​
Performers:
Athena (OH)   @athenashimmy  www.athenashimmy.com
​
Berna 
(VA)  www.bernadancer.com 
​Kimala Nar (MD/DE)

​Amustela (NC)  www.amusteladance.com
Nina Amaya (MD)   www.NinaAmaya.com   www.BigWhimsy.com
​
​

2020

Picture
Nov 15, 2020
 COVID19 made meeting in person not possible, as several states had quarantine restrictions as well as gathering size limits.  But we danced from home, all live and recorded pieces over the internet.   This month was blacklight and Glow themed. 
​
Performers:
Shasta (DE):
April (MD)
: ​
​

Picture
Aug 16, 2020
 COVID19 made meeting in person not possible, as several states had quarantine restrictions as well as gathering size limits.  But we danced from home, all live and recorded pieces over the internet.   Haflacon featured LeLoo, Wonder Woman, Velma and more 
​
Performers:
Calixta Starr (NY) www.facebook.com/CalixtaStarrdance
Mark Meowz (MD)  
​
Amartia (MD)  amartiabellydance.com
Naimah (MD) naimahdances.com
​Catrice Fairuza(NY) ​
Aaliyah Jenny (UT)Please visit IG @jennydance18 tiktok @aaliyahdance18 www.aaliyahjenny.com 
Jo aka BrickHouse Bellydance (NJ) brickhousebdblog.com   
​Belladonna (DC)  bohemianbellydance.com
​

Picture
May 17, 2020
 May was our first Halfa via Zoom.  COVID19 made meeting in person not possible, as several states had quarantine restrictions as well as gathering size limits.  But we danced from home, all live over the internet. 

Performers:
LuLu(MD)
Calixta Starr (NY) www.facebook.com/CalixtaStarrdance
Shasta(DE)
Kimala Nar(MD/DE)
April (MD) www.facebook.com/AprilDanceClass
​Khuzama (DE) www.purplebellydancer.com


Picture
Feb 16, 2020
 August was HAFLA-CON.  Like comic conventions, performers and audience were encouraged to dress as comic book/sci-fi characters. 

Performers:
Hassania(PA)
Azyra Izel (MD)
​Jo (NJ) brickhousebdblog.com  
Troupe DC Divas (DC/MD/?)  

​


2019

Picture
Nov 17, 2019
November was the Blacklight hafla.  Dancers all wore blacklight reactive, glow in the dark or led light costumes.  Showing bellydance in a whole new light. 

Performers:
Amartia(MD):  amartiabellydance.com
Tapestry Tribal (PA/NJ): musicians.   www.tapestrytribal.com
Shasta (DE):  
​​Troupe Mirabella (PA): www.facebook.com/TroupeMirabella
Jo (NJ) :  brickhousebdblog.com ​



Picture
Aug 18, 2019
 August was HAFLA-CON.  Like comic conventions, performers and audience were encouraged to dress as comic book/sci-fi characters. 

Performers:
April (MD)
Kaela (MD)
Shasta (DE)
​Donna Eileen (VA/DC): 
as Hatsune Miku  dance.yellowliongrrl.com
​
with special appearance by Trex


Picture
June 30, 2019
Special Edition

Welcome back Improv Roulette!!
And at Elevations Studio this month!!  

Twice before we have had an Improv Roulette hafla.  There will be no photos and not videos.  And everyone who attends performs something. 
​



Picture
May 19, 2019
2nd Quarterly Hafla of 2019
Performers:
Wendy Broadway (MD):   www.masalamovements.com
Khuzama 
(DE/PA): www.purplebellydancer.com
Jo (NJ): brickhousebdblog.com
Donna(DC):  dance.yellowliongrrl.com
Hasania (PA):
Lorelei(DE): www.loreleidancer.com


Picture
Feb 17, 2019
1st Quarterly Hafla of 2019
Performers:
Jo (NJ): brickhousebdblog.com
Donna(DC):  dance.yellowliongrrl.com
Hasania (PA):
Lorelei(DE): www.loreleidancer.com


2018

Picture
  Dec 16, 2018
The Bellyanna Hafla
In the spirit of gift giving, the dancers of the Bellyanna plan to give the gift of their favorite dance tune to another dancer to perform, while giving back to the community.  All the music CD's will be wrapped as gifts.  Each dancer has choses music, but that is not the "gift" that they may choose.
Performers:
Shasta(DE):
Jo (NJ): brickhousebdblog.com
Donna(DC):  dance.yellowliongrrl.com
Liana(DE):
Hasania (PA):


Picture
Nov 11, 2018
The Blacklight Hafla

Performers:
Tapestry Tribal (NJ/DE):    www.tapestrytribal.com/about.shtml
Liana(DE):
Hasania (PA):
Tesseract (PA):
Persephone Rising (PA)  persephonerisingtribal.com     www.tribalbelliesstudio.com
Amber Sol (NJ):  www.facebook.com/AmberSolBellyDance/



Picture
Oct 21, 2018
Hafla- con

Performers:
Tari Lagru (MD/DE and sometimes PA):  www.facebook.com/TariLagru/
Doukissa and Troupe (DE):   www.doukissa.com/
Members of Piratude, and Friends (DE/MD)

Picture
Sep 16, 2018
The pirate hafla

Performers:
About Brinjal Band (MD): www.ninaamaya.com/brinjal-band.html
Members of Aubergine (MD):  www.ninaamaya.com/faeries.html
Shasta (DE):
LuvLee (MD):


Picture
Aug 19, 2018

Performers:
LuLu (MD)

Kaela (MD )
Hassania (PA)
April(MD)
​

Picture
July 15, 2018

Performers:
Shasta (DE)
Hassania (PA)
Kimala Nar (MD/DE)
Donna Eileen (DC) 
dance.yellowliongrrl.com
​

Picture
June 24  , 2018

Improv Roulette Returned!!!
What is Improv Roulette?  
improvroulette.com
www.facebook.com/ImprovR
Improv Roulette is a collaborative performance experiment.

It is not restricted to bellydance.  All forms of performance art are included.  

No one knows what music or theme they will perform too, or who their performance partner may be.  Props and prompts are available to inspire and guide performances.  The goal is to create something new, with no pre-planning.  
​

Picture

May 20 , 2018

Guest dancers:
Persephone Rising (PA):   persephonerisingtribal.com   www.facebook.com/persephonerisingtribal
Hassania (PA):
Shasta (DE):
April(MD):  
​

​

Picture

Apr 15 , 2018


Guest dancers:
Queen Yareli(NJ): eortiz220.wixsite.com/queenyareli
Tapestry Tribal (NJ/PA/DE):    www.tapestrytribal.com
Hassania (PA):
Khuzama (DE):  www.purplebellydancer.com







Picture
Mar 18, 2018

Guest dancers:
Zen Aura (DE)  www.zenaurarahks.com/about-me
Tari Lagru (MD):  www.facebook.com/TariLagru/




Picture
Feb 18, 2018

Guest dancers:
Khuzama(DE):  www.purplebellydancer.com
Jewels Bellydance Company (DE): www.jewelsbellydanceco.com
April Monique (MD):



Picture
Jan 21, 2018

Guest dancers:
Donna Eileen (VA)   https://www.facebook.com/yellowliongrrl
Jo (NJ)
Kimala Nar( MD/DE)
Hassania
(PA)


2017

Picture
Nov 19 , 2017
This month was Blacklight month.
Guest dancers:
Troupe Mirabella (PA)
Flissy (MD)  www.omchantress.com
Layla and the Jewels Bellydance Company  (DE)    www.jewelsbellydanceco.com/about.html  
Liana(DE)
Amartia (MD)  amartiabellydance.com
Shasta (DE)
Persephone Rising: (PA)    persephonerisingtribal.com


Picture
Oct 15 , 2017

This month was live music month.
Guest dancers:
Tapestry Tribal  (PA/DE):   www.tapestrytribal.com
April (MD)  dancing with Tari Lagru
Khuzama(DE):   dancing with Tari Lagru   www.purplebellydancer.com
Layla and the Jewels Bellydance Company  (DE) dancing with Tari Lagru     
www.jewelsbellydanceco.com/about.html
  

Tari Lagru (MD/DE) www.facebook.com/TariLagru/


Picture
Sep  17, 2017

This month was the Pirate  Hafla. Arrrrrrrr.
Guest dancers:
Shasta (DE)
Kimala Nar (MD/DE)
Layla and the Jewels Bellydance Company (as Captain Jewel and the Jems) (DE) www.jewelsbellydanceco.com/about.html
with a surprise performance by the Pink Avenger ;)




Picture
Aug 20 , 2017

This month was Hafla-con.  We dressed at comic book and sci fi movie characters.
Guest dancers:
Shasta (DE)
Lorelei (DE)
with a surprise performance by the Pink Avenger ;)




Picture
July 16 , 2017

This month we had the live music (with a little dance and juggling) of Tari Lagru. 
www.facebook.com/TariLagru/




Picture
June 25, 2017
This month everyone who attends the hafla is part of the fun.  
With IMPROV ROULETTE!!


We welcomed Gabrielle from the Philly Improv Roulette group. 
More info on the webpage and facebook page:
  • improvroulette.com
  • www.facebook.com/ImprovR



Picture
May 21 , 2017

Tapestry Tribal (PA/DE):  tapestrytribal.com
Amalia(PA):  www.amaliadance.com
Hassania (PA):
The Jewels Bellydance Company (DE):    www.jewelsbellydanceco.com
Cyra Khurreen(MD):



Picture
Apr 23, 2017

Persephone Rising: (PA)    persephonerisingtribal.com
Kimala Nar (DE/MD):

Liana (DE)
Khuzama (DE): 
www.purplebellydancer.com

Zobeida (NY)
Nefertiti (DE): 
www.jewelsoftheorient.com/about

And see the Band with Joe Tayoun at Jewels of the Orient in Aug  www.jewelsoftheorient.com


Picture
Mar 19, 2017

Kyomi (PA)



Picture
Feb 19, 2017

April (MD)
Layla (DE) 
www.jewelsbellydanceco.com/about.html
Kimala Nar (DE/MD)
Hassania(PA)




Picture
Jan 15, 2017

Khuzama (DE):  purplebellydancer.com
Hassania(PA)





2016

Picture
Dec 18, 2016
This month is a little different than the rest of the year.  The Newark Arts Alliance has the Holiday Art Market  set up in the main gallery, so no performances this month.

This month is video meetup with a side of holiday shopping!!
Still pot luck, so bring a drink or snack to share.  We do have  small oven and a fridge if you need to heat or chill anything. 

​Bring $$ donation for the arts alliance ($5 recommended). Or cleaning supplies like swiffer wet and dry, clorox wipes, Mr clean liquid


Picture

Nov 20, 2016
Sherrilyn Billger (PA):  sherrilynbillger.com
Shasta(DE): 
Jewels Bellydance Company (DE):  www.jewelsbellydanceco.com
PURE (PA):  (Public Urban Ritual Experiment)
Kelebek (NJ): www.kelebekfusion.com




Picture

Oct 16, 2016

Live Music from: Tari Lagru, and Friends(MD, DE, PA)  
www.facebook.com/TariLagru/

Hassania (PA):
Layla and Zeina (DE): Layla and Zeina from the Jewels Bellydance Company.  www.jewelsbellydanceco.com

Picture

Sep 18, 2016


Kimala Nar
(DE/MD):
Zumba by Trex (PA) trex.zumba.com  
Hassania (PA)

Picture

Aug 21, 2016


Kimala Nar (DE/MD):
Liana (DE):
​Shasta(DE): 
Khuzama(DE):  www.purplebellydancer.com



Picture

Jul 17, 2016


Tapsesty Tribal (PA/NJ):  www.tapestrytribal.com
Khuzama(DE):  www.purplebellydancer.com
Hassania (PA)


Picture

Jun 26, 2016

This month, one week later becuase of Father's Day
​Luna Scura (MD)
Brenda Nogales (PA)
April Monique (MD)
Schätze (DE)
Hassania (PA)


Picture

May 15, 2016


This month we had a Faerie theme
Persephone Rising (PA) from Tribal Bellies Dance studio  www.tribalbellies.com
​
Hassania (PA)

Picture

Apr 17, 2016


Groove Merchant Drum and Dance Ensemble (NJ): 
www.groovemerchantdrumdance.com
Amustela  (VA/DC):  www.amusteladance.com
Cyra Khureen (MD)


There was no March 2016 hafla since most of us were at Art of the Belly in Ocean City, MD.  ​www.artofthebelly.com
Picture

Feb 21, 2016


Liana  (DE)
Luvlee (MD)
Zumba by Trex (PA) trex.zumba.com  
Jewels Bellydance Company (DE)
 www.jewelsbellydanceco.com
Also with a song from Hassania


Picture

Jan 17, 2016

Baba Ghanoush
  (MD):  babaghanoushbd.com
Brinjal Band (MD): www.ninaamaya.com/brinjal-band.html
Khuzama (DE) : www.purplebellydancer.com
Nina (MD):  also part of Brinjal and Aubergine www.ninaamaya.com
www.auberginebellydance.com

Illya (MD):  also part of Brinjal and Aubergine  www.auberginebellydance.com
Also with a song from Hassania



2015

Picture

Dec 20, 2015

This month is a little different than the rest of the year.  The Newark Arts Alliance has the Holiday Art Market  set up in the main gallery, so no performances this month.

This month is video meetup with a side of holiday shopping!!
Still pot luck, so bring a drink or snack to share.  We do have  small oven and a fridge if you need to heat or chill anything. 

​Bring $$ donation for the arts alliance ($5 recommended). Or cleaning supplies like swiffer wet and dry, clorox wipes, Mr clean liquid (Lorelei is getting them a new broom and dustpan!)

Picture

Nov 15, 2015

This month we had BLACKLIGHT. All the dancers wore white or other blacklight reactive neon color.  And the audience can always wear white or neon if you want to glow during open dance.  
Persephone Rising (PA)  www.tribalbellies.com
Zeina (DE) from www.jewelsbellydanceco.com
T-Rex (PA) trex.zumba.com
Forgotten Tassels Tribe from Jewels Belly Dance Company (DE) www.jewelsbellydanceco.com
April Monique (MD)
Hassania (PA)
Khuzama (DE): www.purplebellydancer.com

Picture

Oct 18, 2015

This month we  had  live music!!!  Tari Lagru was the base of the 6 Degrees of Separation band.  If you know middle eastern music or rhythms, contact us to let us know if you are joining us to jam.

April Monique (MD):
Jo: (NJ) part fo the Groove Merchant Drum and Dance Ensemble
Kimala Nar: (DE)
Jacqui: (MD)  also part of  Tari Lagru

Picture

Sep 20, 2015

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, Pirate Hafla!!! 
​
Trex (PA): trex.zumba.com
Piratude (DE): 
Kimala Nar (DE):
Liana (DE):

Picture

Aug 16, 2015


Trex (PA): trex.zumba.com
Tapestry Tribal (DE/NJ/PA):  www.tapestrytribal.com
Liana (DE):
Lorelei (DE):

Picture

Jul 19, 2015


April Monique (MD):
Cyra Khureen and Cyra Six (MD):
Amartia (MD):  www.amartia.net
Lorelei (DE):

Picture

Jun 21, 2015 
​
Zumba by TRex (PA): trex.zumba.com
Hassania (PA) :
Lorelei (DE): www.loreleidancer.com

Picture

May 17, 2015


Guest Performers:
Amustela(VA/DC): www.amusteladance.com
Shasta (DE):
​

Picture

Apr 19, 2015
 
This hafla will feature: live music from Brett of 
MAHARAL, with other guest musicians including:  Jacqui, Gene, Charles from MD, Nina from Aubergine and the Brinjal Band , Sue from Philly PA, Lorelei and....more TBA.
They will be joined by several dancers, who are listed below
Nina (MD):  also in our percussion section  
www.ninaamaya.com
Kimala Nar (DE):
Jacqui (MD):  Also one of our melody instruments  
www.poiwithjacqui.com/index.html
Kirvo (PA): 


Picture

Mar 15, 2016

​
Zahra Noor (DE)
Cyra Khureen and Cyra Six (MD)
Kelebek (NJ)  www.kelebekfusion.com
Anastasia (PA) 
​

Picture

Feb 15, 2015

 
April Monique(MD)
Hassania(PA) 

Picture

Jan 18, 2015


Naja Haje  aka Trex:  trex.zumba.com
  • Jacqui (MD): poiwithjacqui.com
  • Shasta (DE)​


2014

Picture
Dec 28, 2014
Bellyanna Hafla: supporting the City of Newark department of Parks and Rec and the Newark Arts Alliance 
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.  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.  All donations collects support the City of Newark Parks and Rec department.  All proceeds, after rent is paid, will be donated to another local 501c. 
Liana (DE)
Khuzama (DE):    www.purplebellydancer.com
Kelebeck
(NJ): www.Kelebekfusion.com
Brenda
(NY):  brendasteffon.com
Nina Amaya (MD): www.ninaamaya.com         www.auberginebellydance.com
Amy
Fae (MD): www.auberginebellydance.com


Picture

Nov 16, 2014 

The Delaware hafla will not always be featuring one headlining act each month. 
 Dancers with more experience are welcome to perform longer sets as time allows.  
We will still often have themes.  (EX, September is Pirate month)

Tapestry Tribal(DE/NJ/PA)  www.tapestrytribal.com
  • Jacqui (MD):  poiwithjacqui.com
  • Khuzama (DE):    www.purplebellydancer.com
Hassania (PA):
                                                                 And the band: Charles, Jacqui, Gene and Lorelei
  

Picture
Oct 19, 2014 First Hafla at the Newark Arts Alliance
with Headliner:  Philomena  Grand Champion Rising Star Catageory at Jewels of the Orient 2014
Philomena was 2015 Rising Star Grand Champion at Jewels of the Orient.  She also placed in the competition in 2014.  Ever since she was a little girl, Philomena always loved to dance. Hip hop, jazz, tap, ballet, you name it. Philomena stepped into bellydance when she took her first Sambabelly class with Nefertiti. From the first class, she immediately noticed a difference in how she presented herself.  With Nefertiti's guidance, she also became a SambaBelly instructor.   www.sambabelly.com


Guest Performers:
Naja Haje (PA) trex.zumba.com
Lorelei (DE)


Picture
Sep 21, 2014
​Arrrrrr, it be the 'Dance Like a Pirate' Hafla
with Headliner:  Naimah from MD
Co-Director of Maryland’s largest belly dance festival, “Art of the Belly” in OC, MD, Director of the bi-monthly show Moonlight Tribal Lounge,   And director of the Alternative Fusion Troupe Amandari (now 3 troupes!!)
 
Naimah is certified in the Piper Method School of Dance, and is certified in the Suhaila Salimpour format of dance. She has performed with live bands such as Ishtar, Animus, beatboxer Shodekeh and Senseless. She has appeared in the music video for “Dark Hall” by the band Mindless Faith, and has been featured on the Fox 45 morning news in Baltimore. She has also performed and taught workshops at well known festivals such as Rakkasah’s Spring Caravan, CCBC World Dance Festival, Tribal Fest 13, the BOCA Festival, KisFest, Shimmy in the Sun in Costa Rica, Bellypalooza, , Belly Horror, and Raven’s Night : Grimm Fairy Tales. naimahdances.com    www.artofthebelly.com

Guest Performers:
  • Naja Haje (PA) trex.zumba.com
  • Khiyatta (MD):
  • Iduna (PA):
  • Piratude (DE):
  • Phoenix/Dark Phoenix(MD):
  • Khuzama (DE): www.purplebellydancer.com 
 

Picture
Aug 17, 2014
Headliner: Ro from MD
Rotrica is a passionate dancer and performer. She is known for her outgoing and multifaceted dance style with a range from R&B/hip-hop fusion, American Caberet to traditional folkloric performances. Along with Barakaat directed by Shems, Rotrica is a member of Aleemah, based out of Columbia, maryland. She has appeared in Belly of Jazz's "Nina Simone Experiment" and "Petals for Billie"

She is certified in Sahra Saeeda's Journey to Egypt, has attended Aziza's DreamCamp and continues her studies with various instructors including Sacred Hipz of Washington D.C., Azhia of Philadelphia, Anitah Bah and Piper. She can be seen performing at a number of local DMV haflas and other venues. 
And Ro is now the hostess of the All Seasons Hafla in Towson!!!

Guest Hostess: Liana
special thanks to Kahina of the Serpentine Hafla 

Guest Performers:
  • Zahra Noor (MD)
  • Tapestry Tribal  (PA/DE):  www.tapestrytribal.com
  • Marika (PA)
  • Julia (DE)

Picture
July 20, 2014 
EFFING HAFLA
What is the Effing Hafla?  This is a hafla where dancers can perform to song with ‘explicit’ lyrics.  Some songs do have radio edits or be radio approved as is, but we normally keep family friendly lyrics at the Delaware Drum and Dance hafla.
But not this month.  Following the path of the New World Gypsy’s VooDoo Lounge and  Kallisti Tribal’s Inappropriate Hafla, this month we do not limit our performers on music choice.  Many inspirational songs do contain explicit lyrics, as the musical artists are passionate about their topic.  And our bellydance performance artists were inspired by them.   Bellydance to effing music.  How the Eff do you like them apples?

Guest Performers:
  • Kahina (DE): Hostest of the Serpentine Hafla 
  • Feridem (DE)
  • Kelebek (NJ): www.kelebekfusion.com
  • Iszabella (PA): director and founder New World Gypsy  www.NewWorldGypsy.com
  • Iduna(PA)
​

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June 22, 2014
Headliner: Nefertiti
 Residing in Delaware, Nefertiti is a professional belly dancer, instructor, performer, business owner and creator of Sambabelly Fitness. She is the president of Nefertiti Entertainment & Production Company which produces family style events.

Nefertiti has been sharing for over 20 years her passion and vision for the art of belly dancing by promoting dance through education and entertainment.  Nefertiti passion is working with sexual abused young girls and abused women thru dance  Her style of dance is primarily Egyptian while keeping true to herself.  Nefertiti performances are described as powerful, energetic, mesmerizing and hypnotic. Some have referred to her as the “essence of belly dance as an entertainer. “  She isn’t afraid to be vulnerable as she dances pain, love, joy and sorrow that relates to all women. 

Nefertiti is also an event organizer, producing family fun entertainment for the whole family.  She has produced local hafla’s, intensives, workshops and festivals.  She was the producer of Shaharzad, a Bellydance opera with a cast of 40 in Milton, De. Nefertiti most recent endeavor was the Jewels of the Orient Bellydance & Wellness Festival in Middletown, De.   The annual festival features competitions, workshops, gala, vending and parties.    As a business woman she founded Sambabelly ® Fitness and WOACA-Women of A Certain Age.
More about Nefertiti 


Guest Performers:
  • Roberto: (PA) 
  • Spiral: (MD)
  • Khuzama:(DE) www.purplebellydancer.com
  • Feridem: (DE)
  • Sequoia Zen: (MD)
​

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May 18, 2014 
Headliner:  Meesha
  Meesha is an accomplished and gifted dancer known for her engaging and stunning performances.  Her passion and love of performing the dances of her heritage are transmitted to audiences of all ages. Her natural talent and passion for the music and dance sprouted during her earliest years and grew out of a great love for the music and dance of her heritage.  As a child Meesha grew up around the constant beat of soulful Arabic rhythms and haunting melodies of her relatives’ renowned Middle Eastern restaurant and club, The Middle East.  By the time she was three the atmosphere and sounds so enraptured her tiny bones that, one night, she stood up and did a toddlers version of a belly dance.  This moment launched a career and life-long love affair for the performing arts tradition of her cultural background.  Meesha is the Founding Director and Choreographer of ALWAAN, a folk dance ensemble specializing in the exciting Dabke of Lebanon and folkloric styles of the Levantine.  This group is dedicated to presenting authentic, professional performances exemplifying a vivid culture.   More about Meesha

Guest Performers:
  • Kim Infiniti (PA): www.kiminfinitidance.weebly.com
  • Aurora: (PA)
  • Mariana: (PA) www.marianabellydance.com
  • Carol Basilio (PA):   flamencophile@gmail.com
  • Hassania: (PA)​


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Apr 27, 2014  First Hafla at Oddity Bar
Headliner: Ishtar of Pittsburgh
Since 2006, Ishtar has been Pittsburgh's Vintage Bellydance Band. Ishtar is comprised of Melissa Murphey on clarinet and Jeff Chmielarski on electric bass. 
 
Playing their own unique interpretation of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean folk melodies, Ishtar performs songs that were popular in the bellydancing nightclub scene during the mid-20th century. This exceptional fusion of traditional songs with dynamic elements has become: BellyRock. In 2008, Ishtar was voted as Pittsburgh's Best Underground Band by the readers of the City Paper!

Ishtar is also the house band for Art of the Belly Festival held annually in Ocean City, MD.
Read more about the band here: www.ishtar-music.com/bio

Guest Performers:
  • Hassania (PA):
  • Eva (MD) :
  • Liana (DE) :
  • Kahina(DE) :
  • Magdelena (DE):
  • Kelebek (NJ):  www.kelebekfusion.com
  • Zen Aura (DE):
  • Kimala Nar: (DE) ​
 

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Mar 16, 2014
Headliner: Phoenix
Phoenix’s versatile performances are marked by grace and athleticism. Will we see a warm inviting smile and the dynamic swirl of colors in a veil dance, or a smoldering glance and a swift drop into a backbend on the floor, flourishing a gleaming sword? Whatever style Phoenix chooses to present, rest assured that his audiences will be fascinated.

Phoenix has been a member of multiple award-winning troupes, including Naimah's Amandari. He began studying the various forms of bellydance in 2008, starting with classical styles such as Egyptian Oriental and American Cabaret. As his studies expanded to include Turkish Oryantal, American Tribal Style, modern Tribal fusion. He has mixed in his background in Yoga and knowledge of the martial arts to make a dance style uniquely his own.  Phoenix currently certified Suhaila Salimpour School of Belly Dance. His solo performances have been described by Latifa as "fire made flesh, spicy, with a bouquet that hints at a fine merlot."

Guest Performers:
  • Hassania (PA):
  • Medusa (MD) :
  • Shasta (DE) :
  • Bahijah & Zahra(PA) :


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Feb 16, 2014 
Headliner: Zahra Noor
Zahra Noor is an award-winning belly dancer based in Annapolis. She has a background in ballet, modern, jazz and tap, and was also a competitive figure skater for many years. But eventually, Zahra fell in love with Egyptian style belly dancing, and got her start here in Delaware.
She started training with local dancers Illiana and Maya, and has since studied with international superstars, including Katalin Schafer, Luna of Cairo, Outi of Cairo and Raqia Hassan. Zahra has performed at restaurants across the East Coast, and has participated in participated in large stage productions and competitions.
In 2012, she was a featured dancer in Belly Dance Evolution, produced by Belly Dance Superstar Jillina. In that same year, Zahra was a contestant in season 2 of the reality webisode competition Project Belly Dance, produced by Michelle Joyce. Zahra is known more for her solo work, but has also been involved with troupes, including Belly Trance and the Columbia Belly Dance troupe in NYC.  

Guest Performers:
  • Arabian Lights Dance Company (MD):  www.arabianlightsdanceco.com
  • Liana (DE):
  • Kimala Nar: (DE)
  • Feridem: (DE) 
  • Kelebek: (NJ) www.kelebekfusion.com
   

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Jan 19, 2014
Headliner: Omar of PA   
Omar is one the east coast's premiere belly dancers and one of only a handful of professional male belly dancers in America. He has captivated and mesmerized audiences at countless festivals and special events and can be seen at several venues throughout our area. His regular appearances include Friday night performances at Casablanca in Warrington, PA and other Middle Eastern Restaurants and Clubs throughout NJ, PA and beyond. He zills to a beat all his own and presents a performance that's like no other.

Guest Performers:
  • Zaida Rising: (DE) www.facebook.com/ZaidaRising
  • Phoenix: (MD) Phoenix-Raqs on Facebook
  • Doukissa: (DE) www.doukissa.com
  • Dendarah Nar: (DE) directed by Doukissa
  • Roberto: (PA) 
  • Luna Ketta: (PA)


2013

History from 2010 - 2013 is on the next history page.
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