Review of 6th Annual Hollywood Hafla
By Nizana
The 6th annual alternative hafla and workshop sponsored by Sabah Performing Arts, Alwiyah, and the Scabland Band, is always a fun event to attend in Wenatchee. It is typically either a "Halloween" or a "Hollywood" theme, and this year it was "Hollywood." It took place on Sept 30th, 2006. The workshop choreography that was taught and presented in the evening performance by workshop participants was by Troupe Azure of Walla Walla. The routine was choreographed by the troupe director, Mary Cleveland, and Troupe Azure to Hakim's "Ah Men Halawtu," and was a fun routine to a good piece of music, which also had Stevie Wonder on it. All performers were from Eastern Washington, with Spokane, Wenatchee, Tri-Cities, and Walla Walla all being represented. "Oscars" were again awarded by audience vote, and this time, performers also got a special category to cast a vote for their favorite performance of the night. While votes were received for all troupes and soloists, Kaela took 3 of 4 "Oscars" with her "Taste of India" routine, which was a really cool number and she looked absolutely marvelous dancing it. (Costume, soloist, and Performer's Choice.) Magic City Costumes provided limited vending, and held a special open house the next day at the store, and they always have good stuff!
With the alternative/"Hollywood" theme using routines to movie soundtracks, some performers stepped up to the task of the theme, while others stayed with Middle Eastern numbers. Sisters of Sabah took best troupe "Oscar" (although there was almost a tie for best troupe) for a sword dance to "Serpent King" from Conan the Barbarian. Our wonderful hostess, Alwiyah, was unfortunately sidelined healing her blown out knee, so she emceed. Our best wishes for a speedy recovery! Wenatchee groups and soloists included Sabah Ensemble and sister troupes, Sisters of Sabah, Sabah Tribe, Binat Sabah and ADPA students, who all performed great routines. Sylfia and Orissa danced a really cute number to "We are Siamese," and Nikita performed a solo.
Workshop instructors, Troupe Azure, performed three numbers in the first set,
and then with a costume change, closed the show with a number choreographed by Sikander Jaad, and also led the workshop participant dance in the second set. They wore colorful costumes and represented different styles of dance.
Nizana and Anya, from Desert Silk Dance Co of Spokane, were again supposed to perform as a duet, this time dancing to "Are you that Somebody" by Aaliyah from the Dr Doolittle soundtrack, and "When I Close My Eyes" by Natacha Atlas, both choreographed with veils by Nizana. However, Anya fell ill on the drive over and Nizana soloed, improvising a few parts here and there. Other Spokane dancers included Isis, Nah'Joom Dancers, Zarina-Isra, and Hasna Hadiyya (with a lovely slow number that allowed for mini solos.)
image1 There were a lot of other performers that made up the creative show, including dancers representing Tri-Cities. Troupe du Soleil, (doing a great set with some fabulous blocking and flattering new troupe costumes) Shennteelaa, and the Sultana Dancers and the Tri-Cities Drum Circle (cute pirate number!) all had lively routines. All the dancers from Eastern Wa. made for a really good lineup. During the second set of the evening was the musician's jam, where anyone who could drum or make music was able to play. The Scabland Band and Tri-Cities Drum Circle made up the bulk of the band members. It was another really fun event, and big thanks go to our hosts and hostesses for putting it together, especially in such a nice venue. Looking forward to next year!
