Jennifer Macias (a/k/a Electra)

On Friday, November 12, I had the opportunity to attend and perform at a Hafla. Hafla is an Arabic word for party. This event was sponsored by Tahya, a performance artist and dance instructor who resides in the Lehigh valley. This is an event she usually hosts twice a year. I have been to several haflas, but this one in particular was an extremely successful event.

Tahya hosts these haflas to allow women of the Middle Eastern Dance community (primarily the students in her dance classes) to gather together and share their art. Many of her class participants, as well as myself, were given the opportunity to, and I quote Tahya, "spread our wings" in a very welcoming and warm environment. The Serenity Studios was the perfect place for all of us to gather. The wonderful ambiance added to the atmosphere and created an enchanted evening that was enjoyed by all who attended this most special event.

Carol Grube and Tahya

The Serenity Studios, owned by Carol Grube, who co-hosted this event, is located on Nicholas Street in Easton Pennsylvania. The decor of the studio, blended with Tahya's magical sense of Arabian style, made you feel that you had entered another time dimension.

When you entered, you felt as if you had truly entered the magical land of Egypt. There was beautiful music wafting throughout the room and the women were all dressed in all their beautiful regalia. Everyone there was very welcoming and the sense of a strong community was present.

Jannah ~ Ancient Egyptian inspired opening

The showcase of dancers was absolutely fantastic. The dancers ranged in all ages and levels of talent but each triumphantly shared her creative spirit! The showcase opened up with the magical effects of fog lending gave a mysterious curiosity to what was about to happen on stage. The opening number, which was inspired by Mimi Janislawski, a master of Classical Eastern dance, was truly awe inspiring. The performance was beautiful and captivating in that the dancer kept the entire audience in wondrous rapture. The gorgeous and graceful movements of this performance were truly exquisite. Jannah was superb in her execution of this reenactment of truly spellbinding Ancient Egyptian art.

The Sword dance performed by Shelby (age 13) and Maxine (age 16) was also beautifully performed. The two of them balanced swords on their heads as they danced, which showed what talent these two young ladies had. Their mastery of these props was very impressive to all that were there. They were truly wonderful.

This showcase of dance also had a plethora of beginning dancers who all danced wonderfully for their first time. There was Troupe Bannat Munera, which consisted of Donna, Jessica, Tippi and Jannah. These ladies blended well as a group and were well matched. They all did a fantastic job on their first performance. The showcase contained so many superb dancers that it would be impossible to be able to write about all the exquisite talents that were present that night. Nejam presented an alluring and beautiful veil dance and Lisanna and other dancers all kept the audience in a trance.

The most enthralling part of the evening was Tahya's magnificent performance. She is one dance artist that always lights up the room with her talent. Her performance was outstanding with her graceful movements and enchanting finger cymbal playing. She is the epitome of the sensual and beautiful goddess that she expresses in her dance. She is a dancer that mystifies audiences over and over again. I can say that after seeing her perform many times, she never ceases to amaze me with her captivating and charming performances.

"The highlight of the evening was to see Tahya perform. She created an atmosphere that totally engrossed the audience. Her dance was memorizing ... truly beautiful and pure magic. Thank you, Tahya!" - Sue Nadberazny, NACC class participant, hafla attendee

Add to this hot showcase a night of fun free-style dancing with friends, light appetizers, fun and hot music and you have a great night. It was a wonderful evening in that it allowed you to experience and show your art with a special community of women. It was nice to get away and just have a nice evening mingling and enjoying the company of such extraordinary people. I would give this event five stars for such an enjoyable evening.

The next hafla is scheduled for Friday, April 1st, 2005. Plan now to join us for what we hope will prove to be another memorable evening.... and by the way, we welcome your donning gossamer threads and sharing *your* dancing spirit!

(But please notify me ASAP about your interest in performing as their are a limited number of slots available.)

" Thank you for a wonderful evening.I met so many kindred spirits
and had such a great time talking about the dance.. Thank you again for the delightful experience
of the hafla. All the performers were an absolute inspiration, and, Tahya, you were sublime!
Dum tek, dum dum tek!"

- NANCY LOVECCHIO

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