Banat el-Raqs Early Summer Hafla
I wasn't late this time; oh no, I was so early I got to help Karen and Kathie dress the entrance hallway!
I didn't dare be late because it had been decided that I was on first, so I needed plenty of time to get myself zipped into my frock. Thank you to everyone who has ever helped me with this by the way, without you, it just wouldn't happen! I've decided I need a roadie, but as my son refuses to have anything to do with my belly dance gear, the position remains open....(applications via the webmaster)
Nettleham Village hall is equipped with ceiling fans, which was probably just as well because it was hot, hot, hot! And that was just the dancing! There was a proper bar, the chaps manning it do a great lime n' soda (with loads of ice) and enjoyed the dancing very much indeed they said. Banat el-Raqs had arranged for a jewellery stall as well as Kathies crafts, Karens souk, and Pauline and Asif with the body art, so there was a nice range of things to look at when you weren't dancing.
So who were the dancing stars this time? Everyone who performed and all the free dancers of course. Its getting impossible to pick out anyone for special mentions, as they all deserve one, but I have to say (because I know how embarrassed they will be!) that Angela, Karen and Kathie danced beautifully. Again. Kathie's sword skills are a wonder to behold, and I think she surprised quite a few people with the reveal! I truly admire Angela's dancing as I know that not a step of it is choreographed, and Karen is great, particularly given how nervous she can get.
Actually, this time, the special mention goes to Asif, Hafsa and Pauline's friend whose name I didn't get, for the wonderful LIVE DRUMMING. More please! There must be someone in the area who drums and would like to have an appreciative audience. (Goes without saying I understand, bit like the dancing really....) Till they show their heads, we'll just have to insist that Asif drums for us, as he and Pauline are becoming a bit of a fixture at our hafla's! I suppose at some point we may get bored of the artwork, but I can't see it happening anytime soon.
So, another great night out, fabulous dancing, great costumes, old friends, new friends, more dancing, gossip, body art, drumming, roll on the next one: Misterton 30th May. My ladies debut, and the first official outing of my new solo.
Trish 11th May 2008 19:20pm ( yup, less than 24 hours.)
Editor's note:
Thanks Trish, you're a star and I'm doubling your salary again! ... with the last raise I gave you, you are now on 0,000 pounds per review!
However, I have to dock you 0 pounds for forgetting to mention Tati Hafsa's absolutely jaw dropping, gob smacking isolations!
AND the doorman deserves a special mention too, Kathy's husband sat at the door in full regalia, under the Bedouin tent entryway and made an excellent contribution to the ambiance of the evening. Nice one!
I'll also mention Connie's moan (the only one she had about the entire evening), she thought that 2 pounds for a J2O fruit juice was a bit steep, especially as it was served in a disposable 1 pint plastic glass. That seems more like big city pub prices than village hall bar. "The Last of the Big Spenders" is a title that will never be awarded to Connie! (or me!)
I wasn't late this time; oh no, I was so early I got to help Karen and Kathie dress the entrance hallway!
I didn't dare be late because it had been decided that I was on first, so I needed plenty of time to get myself zipped into my frock. Thank you to everyone who has ever helped me with this by the way, without you, it just wouldn't happen! I've decided I need a roadie, but as my son refuses to have anything to do with my belly dance gear, the position remains open....(applications via the webmaster)
Nettleham Village hall is equipped with ceiling fans, which was probably just as well because it was hot, hot, hot! And that was just the dancing! There was a proper bar, the chaps manning it do a great lime n' soda (with loads of ice) and enjoyed the dancing very much indeed they said. Banat el-Raqs had arranged for a jewellery stall as well as Kathies crafts, Karens souk, and Pauline and Asif with the body art, so there was a nice range of things to look at when you weren't dancing.
So who were the dancing stars this time? Everyone who performed and all the free dancers of course. Its getting impossible to pick out anyone for special mentions, as they all deserve one, but I have to say (because I know how embarrassed they will be!) that Angela, Karen and Kathie danced beautifully. Again. Kathie's sword skills are a wonder to behold, and I think she surprised quite a few people with the reveal! I truly admire Angela's dancing as I know that not a step of it is choreographed, and Karen is great, particularly given how nervous she can get.
Actually, this time, the special mention goes to Asif, Hafsa and Pauline's friend whose name I didn't get, for the wonderful LIVE DRUMMING. More please! There must be someone in the area who drums and would like to have an appreciative audience. (Goes without saying I understand, bit like the dancing really....) Till they show their heads, we'll just have to insist that Asif drums for us, as he and Pauline are becoming a bit of a fixture at our hafla's! I suppose at some point we may get bored of the artwork, but I can't see it happening anytime soon.
So, another great night out, fabulous dancing, great costumes, old friends, new friends, more dancing, gossip, body art, drumming, roll on the next one: Misterton 30th May. My ladies debut, and the first official outing of my new solo.
Trish 11th May 2008 19:20pm ( yup, less than 24 hours.)
Editor's note:
Thanks Trish, you're a star and I'm doubling your salary again! ... with the last raise I gave you, you are now on 0,000 pounds per review!
However, I have to dock you 0 pounds for forgetting to mention Tati Hafsa's absolutely jaw dropping, gob smacking isolations!
AND the doorman deserves a special mention too, Kathy's husband sat at the door in full regalia, under the Bedouin tent entryway and made an excellent contribution to the ambiance of the evening. Nice one!
I'll also mention Connie's moan (the only one she had about the entire evening), she thought that 2 pounds for a J2O fruit juice was a bit steep, especially as it was served in a disposable 1 pint plastic glass. That seems more like big city pub prices than village hall bar. "The Last of the Big Spenders" is a title that will never be awarded to Connie! (or me!)