The Madison Bellydance Alliance was formed in 2006 as a way to bring together performers of Middle Eastern Dance regardless of subcategory, dance studio, or professional status. It is an organization of amateurs in the best sense of the word: those who dance for the love of it.
Tracy Benton (Vashti) created the web site and the Google Group and conceived the idea of the haflas. The hafla planning committee includes Celeste Smither (Chandani), Jane Schroeder, Bill Bodden, and Bill Tricomi, but many others pitch in at the events. The MBA doesn't have meetings, elections, or board members. Its current assets include a mirror, a box, and a bunch of leftover paper plates, so you could say the organization is kinda laid back.
A hafla is simply a party! In this case it is a gathering of those who enjoy Middle Eastern dance and music. Some areas have elaborate haflas at nightclubs with live musicians. Some have haflas in their basements. The MBA hafla usually has about 14 acts and about 50 spectators.
If you would like to perform at the next hafla, all you have to do is sign up. We've enjoyed performances by expert instructors and performances by those who have danced only a year. Our stage is small and friendly! We only ask that you keep your performance under 7 minutes so we can fit everyone in. Just come to the hafla and look for the clipboard—or email us ahead of time at tigerb @ gmail.com to reserve your spot. Sometimes we fill up. Don't forget a CD of your music (if at all possible, burn your music to a new CD so that we don't have to search for your track).
We usually have an appetizer/dessert potluck, and there's usually so much food brought that we don't have enough room on the table for it. Anything you'd like to share with friends at a party is appropriate.
We are strong believers in recycled dance paraphenalia! Bring your unneeded music, hip scarves, costume bits, etc, to the hafla. Make sure they are labeled with your name and what you think they are worth. Exchange your goods for somebody else's or get out your hard currency for that item you can't live without! If you are a teacher or performer, bring your business cards for the table to advertise your services.
Possibly! Contact Tracy at tigerb @ gmail.com for more information.