Sabah’s 9th Annual Halloween Hafla
As Reviewed by Nizana
Back to the Future
One fun event I never miss
each year is the Sabah Performing Arts Halloween Hafla in Wenatchee, WA, this
year held on Oct 17th. This event never fails to entertain! This event is
more word of mouth than any advertising, and is packed out each year with
performers from all over Eastern Washington. The workshop participants
perform what they learn in the workshop each year, and this year the workshop
was led by Zarina Isra and Nah‘Joom Dancers.
The evening was festively
done up for Halloween and food and door prizes were provided, as well as a
raffle, and vending by Kristi with some awesome artwork and original greeting
cards. Magic City Costumes held open house on Sunday with a storewide sale.
The venue was a little cozier than usual due to venue unavailability, and the
very supportive audience filled it right up.
Sabah Ensemble started out
Act One with a wild number, “This is Halloween!” It was raucous, colorful,
exciting, very in the spirit, and a fun way to open the show. Nizana and
Zahra of Desert Silk Dance Co. were up next, with a more traditional
presentation with a nod to Halloween They performed a tribal fusion set
choreographed by Nizana, the first routine being a new tribal cane fusion
number. Troupe Azure from Walla Walla performed a set along the lines of DSDC-
traditional, but with a nod to Halloween accessory-wise. Really enjoyed
their number and costuming. Troupe du Soliel from Tri-Cities came out in lovely
new costumes dancing to new routines, in the traditional style. From Spokane,
Fathiyya wearing Halloween orange and white, started with a cute little comedy
for her set of “Shimmy Shimmy Koko Pop” and “Mustang Sally.” Nuwaar al Sahraa
from Tri-Cities danced a lively traditional set with a nod to the season, and
one of their routines was backed up by live drummers. Troupe Amunet from
Wenatchee danced a lovely silk fan dance, all in white and silver to a
beautiful song by an international artist they were recently able to perform
this number live with. Sultana Dancers from Tri Cities then came out with
a set, garbed in individual Halloween costumes or accessories, and performed
part of their set live with the Tri-Cities Drum Circle. I liked the mix of the
whole and parts of the group performing. Very energetic bunch! Fifteen minute
intermission….
Nuwaar al Sahraa
Act two opened with “Moonlight”
by Wenatchee’s Sisters of Sabah, all white and ghoulish. Very cool! Brishen and
Leona (now living in different parts of the state) made for a powerful and
passionate duet to “Katrinka.” I always enjoy watching those two. Salyna and
the Methow Moonlight Madness Dancers came out with the Groucho glasses and
mustaches to perform an otherwise traditional karsilama. Nice Halloween
touch! Lulu and Alisa (Tri-Cities/Sultanas) danced a duet that seemed inspired
by Amy Sigil of Unmata, whom Sultanas are sponsoring in March at their annual
hafla. Il Rawazi Baten of Spokane danced a set decked out in different Halloween
costumes some of which included butterfly wings and striped stockings.
Shenteelaa (Tri-C) came out in a beautiful orange cabaret costume and
orange/gold sheer Isis wings dancing to “Amas Veritas.” Nah’Joom from Spokane
wearing Halloween outfits with cute little hats, performed a theatrical set
called “The Glass Coffin Burial of Professor Zorinak.” Khamara from Spokane
danced traditionally to “When You’re Evil,” exhibiting lovely hand work and
flirting eyes.
The next routine before Zarina Isra (really cute the way she had
her hair done up?) and the workshop dancers ended the show, was the Sabah
Ensemble and the Scabland Band doing “Back to the Future, Again.” I saw “Back
to the Future,” (what 9 years ago??) and it was as funny as then as it was this
time I was about to fall out of my seat I was laughing so hard. It was their “vision”
of how they age in 30, and now 21 years later. It’s lovingly called “The Walker
Dance,” and it was hilarious. These guys sure know how to put on a fun
event! Thanks and see you again next year!!!