Amy Currioman

I was invited by a friend of mine to attend a hafla this week.  I asked her “what in the world is a hafla?”  She told me that it is a party for people who are interested in belly dancing.  This particular hafla was only for women, and it could be for anyone who had an interest in belly dancing.  It was free, but attendees were asked to consider making a $5 donation towards a building fund project that is directed towards making improvements to the dance studio in which belly dancing classes were being held.  Up to that point, I had not even realized that you anyone offered belly dance classes in Virginia!

It just wasn’t something that had even occurred to me!  Anyway, my friend was very enthusiastic about me going with her, so I agreed.  There were several vendors there, selling belly dancing related items, a food table for snacks (free) and performances by professional dancers, then a time afterwards for group belly dancing games and open dancing.  Almost everyone there was wearing some kind of belly dance costume, (some were really beautiful!) and it was really a lot of fun!  I hope she invites me to go with her to the next one!