(As printed in The Belly Dancer Magazine Quarter 2/2006)
Hollywood Hafla * Wenatchee, WA
Reviewed by: Nizana
This year, in lieu of their annual Halloween Hafla, Alwiyah and Sabah Performing Arts presented the "Hollywood Hafla" in Wenatchee. This alternative event held on Nov 5th focused on a Hollywood theme, mostly of songs from movie soundtracks. There was an amazing variety of movies and themes represented, all through the medium of belly dance. How fun! The local newspaper even provided a great preview write up and picture.
Yours truly, and my troupe, Desert Silk Dance Company, were among the performers. Of course, the fabulous Sabah Ensemble was there to start the show. There was live music by the Scabland Band, who are always great. The Riverside Theater was a beautiful (and new) setting for this event! And earlier in the day, the delightful Ravisha, of Newman Lake, presented a workshop to teach a choreography called "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" that was performed at the evening show by workshop participants. It's always a plus when there are sound and light technicians. Yes, we were treated to that pleasure, and it was much appreciated.
Outside of the lovely Sahaila (and husband Darrell!) coming from Seattle to do their cute "King Tut" routine, (joined by Wendy of Sabah,) performers were all from the east side of the mountains. Spokane, Wenatchee and Tri-cities and surrounding areas were well represented. Sabah Ensemble and their associated troupes, Binat Sabah, and Sisters of Sabah, all performed routines including "Sheik of Araby," and "You're the One That I Want" from the "Grease" movie soundtrack. "Into the West" by Sisters of Sabah won best troupe "Oscar." Other performers covered songs such as "The Littlest Mermaid" (Nadiyah and Ravisha,) "Betty Boop" (Sha-Mal,) and "Walk like an Egyptian" (Alyssa Sher-Khanjian.) There was a variety of costuming ideas, as well.
Desert Silk Dance Co performed a new choreography written by Nizana to "Theme from Love Story," a dramatic veil number, drawing "oohs and ahs" from the audience. They wore black panne choli tops with bell sleeves, and black mermaid skirts with white satin tails, and white silk veils. Black was a very popular color on this special evening. Ravisha, the featured dancer, wore a beautiful black beaded cabaret costume with white veil, and as always, was a joy to watch perform. She is so full of energy, and has the most uplifting personality. Nizana, and Linda of Sabah Ensemble performed as (the fictional) "Fifi and Fatima Gamal", doing a "screen test" with the "Kairo Kats", aka Scabland Band. This idea was Alwiyah's concept, and was a beautiful "duet" where Nizana "FiFi" and Nikita "Fatima" were showcased in solo sets to live music, dressed in shades of pink. Kaela won "Oscars" for best solo, while Shenteela Raks took best costume.
Other performers included the lively Sultana Dancers and Tri-Cities Drum Circle, performing a set that included "The Look," Nah'Joom Dancers performing a Moulin Rouge medley, and soloists from both troupes. There were door prizes, and the three "Oscar" presentations for the best soloist and troupes or duet, and costume, were chosen by the audience in ballots placed in their programs. Magic City Costumes provided vending. The mixture of drama, comedy, and themes, along with a great announcer, lended to the Hollywood theme. There was a good turnout, especially in the driving rain! This was a fun event, thanks Alwiyah, Roy and all!
