PAST HAFLAS
Hafla, an Arabic word, translates to celebration, gathering, or party. In the belly dance community, a hafla is an event where students and professionals can perform and socialize in a supportive and casual atmosphere.
January 31st, 2026
Who is the dancer?This hafla's flyer features the dancer: Naima AkefFor more information about Naima, click HERE.
November 22nd, 2025
Who is this dancer?
Samia Gamal!
Zainab Khalil Ibrahim Mahfouz, better known as Samia Gamal, was born on 5 March 1924 in Beni Suef. She became a household name after enduring a difficult childhood. Gamal’s mother passed away when she was young, and she ended up living with her father, and his wife, who made her taste all the colors of suffering.
In an attempt to escape, she took on diverse professions to support herself and become independent, working as a tailor, a factory worker, and a nurse. Keep Reading .... click HERE.
September 27th, 2025
Who is this dancer?
Mata Hari.
At the age of 29, the Frisian girl Margaretha is an outright media hype in Paris. As Mata Hari, she captivates society audiences with her exotic dance, slowly baring her body. The newspapers can’t stop writing about this sensation. For ten successful years, her name has been synonymous with sensuality and glamour. But her numerous affairs with men in uniform and her travels through Europe during World War I make her suspicious in the eyes of the French secret service. In early 1917 she was arrested on suspicion of espionage for the Germans. Mata Hari dies on October 15 of that year before a French firing squad in the woods near Paris. Keep reading... click HERE
July 25th, 2025
Who is this dancer?
This is a photo of Sahary Djeli in "Salome," 1920's.This image, of Sahry-Djeli, is lovely and dates back to 1910-1913, and I use it as part of ongoing research on Salomania. Sahry-Djili was more than just a dancer. She was also a famous contortionist, with extreme flexibility and extension through her body. Her lithe limberness was her unique claim to fame and made her stand out when compared to the numerous other Salome’s gracing the stage of theaters around Europe. Look at this amazing position she could get into and hold for the length of time required for studio images at this time.Excerpt from Studio Davina.
October 14th, 2025
A fun Halloween themed Belly Dance Show.
March 25th, 2023
One of my first Haflas I hosted in Bellingham!
