Flowers of the Desert Hafla
Richland, WA, May 2011
As reviewed by Nizana
NUWAAR AL SAHRAA'
On May 21st, Nuwaar al Sahraa' held their second annual hafla in Richland, WA. This was also a fundraiser for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, in honor of someone close to the troupe. They raised $1147 through their silent auction for this worthy cause! It was another lovely event, well organized with a beautifully decorated stage. As well, the auction table was set up in a lovely manner, displaying the various collection of fabulous items. There was also a no-host bar, and snacks and punch were provided! The dressing room, with a private changing tent for anyone who needed it, had pitchers of water and snacks. I appreciate the attention to detail that included thank you cards handed out that night.
KAREENA AND AMBER
How nice that the show came with great programs describing the performers, the music they were performing to, and the choreographers. There were three acts, and Brishen’s class from Tri-Cities opened the show with a lively set of tribal fusion. Shennteelaa followed with a cabaret drum solo choreographed by Cassandra Shore. Nitesh, a mother-daughter duet, playing off each other, were up next with a fun set. Azara and Miri then closed the act out with a good sized group of "special guests" accompanying them for the first part of the set. Intermission allowed for mingling and munching, as well as browsing and bidding on the auction items.
AJALA AND SAFIYYAH
Act 2 was opened by Tribe Sahara, from southeast Oregon, with a versatile set and lovely costumes. Nizana improvised an expressive solo that started with a silk veil. Ajala and Safiyyah performed a flamenco fusion duet they've been working on, followed by Djimmah Karena and Amber in a duet. Lovely job on the duets, ladies! Kelsey did a funky alternative solo with sunglasses and hat and Shennteelaa and Karma from Nuwaar al Sahraa closed out the act with a choreography by Jillina.
DESERT SILK DANCE COMPANY
Desert Silk Dance Company opened the last act with a tribal fusion flavored three number set that included a number with zils and a number with canes. Benazir was up next with a solo that she choreographed Nuwaar al Sahraa’ closed out the show with a number that was really fun to watch. Nuwaar al Sahraa' is to be commended for their fundraising efforts as well as their hafla sponsorship! They put on an absolutely fantastic hafla again and I look forward to next year!
