Shimmychicks Hafla 4 - A World of Dance
by Trish Champion


I always look forward to the Shimmychicks annual hafla, we always have such a good time. This year a change of venue; Dunholme village hall is larger which was great as I had been wondering how I would fit my piece into the limited space at Sudbrooke! We had the usual goodies; henna tattoos and tribal clothes, Mark’s tribal jewellery, Aarti J’s haberdashery and clothing… It’s amazing what you can do with a primark bra you know! And they had some nice trousers that weren’t black so I bought a pair. It’s always nice to be able to buy something you were actually looking for as opposed to succumbing to “want, not need” syndrome. The hall had been decked out ready for Christmas which gave it a lovely feel, there was a mirror ball (that worked!) and coloured lights to add to the mood. I know people (including me) moan about Christmas starting so early, but to be honest, all the danglys fitted in so well with the general air of blinginess you get at haflas that this time it really didn’t matter. The cardboard Santa’s were a bit odd though.

It was a good job that there was loads of space, as 3 of us had solos that included the dreaded audience interaction. I like doing this, its loads of fun especially with a belly audience; civilians don’t always go with it but other bellydancers are great to dance for. But lets start at the beginning of the round the world tour. The programme had been selected to take us away from all this, show us around a bit, then bring us back gently, a charming notion which worked beautifully. There was a very full programme with some extremely talented dancers and a wide variety of styles covering all genres. The new group Shimmychic started us off in Venice with their amazing wigs and masks, Tati showed us hip hop Egyptian style, the Shimea dancers took us to Spain with the ever popular Arab-enco, Arabian Delight retained the Latina feel with Shakira’s Whenever, Wherever in Spanish, before Suburban Fusion slowed the pace right down with their new fusion piece, Angel. Then before we could get our breath back, Siobhan whirled around the room to Tamra Henna before abandoning the floor to Andraste who showed us how well they’ve come on in just a few months.  Phew. And that was just the first set! Boogie and shopping break, and a chance for costume changing, before Nig took us all in charge again.

Set 2 started off with the Shimmychicks in Paris. Their quirky choreography and unique style is always impressive as is Pauline, who followed them with her mesmerising drum and sword routine. Always stunning. Sarah and Pink Nicky followed with a cheery Abba routine then, in a change to the advertised programme, Patricks Angels. “Patrick who?” asked Nig, “Swayze of course” they replied and twirled their veils charmingly to a song from the film we all love. Sigh. Then it was my turn to show off to Tales of the Sahara and I enjoyed myself thoroughly. Thank you for the compliments they were much appreciated. Malika followed, no not the lovely Janet, but an equally lovely trio of Isis-winged dancers with a new interpretation of a piece of music Jacky’s girls will know well. The final act in this set was Hannah’s first solo; a spiky and tortured interpretation of Marilyn Manson’s Tainted Love. I know I’ve lost her to the dark side now, but she came to me first, and I introduced her to Tribal. Judging by that solo I have achieved in one student everything I set out to as a teacher. I know Pauline is as impressed as I am. Then another break, this time with drums and shopping. Cool.

The final set, billed as the Journey Home started off in Egypt with Tanya dancing to Habbet Ya Zamman, followed by Suburban Fusion’s drum dance. Sheherezade completed the audience interaction and actually got people up to dance with her. Back to Europe with Qu Tu and their special brand of madness and laughter, followed by Shimea with her beautiful veils to La Vie en Rose.
The hafla closed with the now traditional Bollywood Bonanza from the Shimmychicks and their own Mumbai megastar, this was a medley of some we’ve seen before plus new bits all with the Shimmychicks uniquely energetic and expressive style. Fabulous.
Another amazing night out. Grateful thanks to the Shimmychicks and all their helpers for organising everything so well, to Nig for being a super compère, (even if he can’t say people’s names right!) and to everyone who came and made this another night to remember.  And to Aarti J for making trousers in my size that aren’t black. And Shiv for driving and to Elizabeth for making me laugh all the way home with her swearing in Russian. I must learn that one, it sounded most satisfactory.

Trish Champion  23/Nov/09