Jacky's Everything Egyptian Hafla 27Feb 2009
By Trish Champion

Here we all were, back in Misterton for the first Hafla of the year. There was a good turnout, and the usual fabulous atmosphere.  Its always good to see old friends, people we haven’t seen for a while, taking the chance to catch up, and to see some newbies, including some of my newer students taking the plunge. I wasn’t expecting my new ladies to dance with us, but it was wonderful when they did!  Pauline and the tribe came up from Nottingham, closely followed by Malika, great to see you Janet! Bellykissangel from Worksop, Dans Satam from Scunthope (as usual), Zubaidah (I can’t remember where they’re from and would hate to get it wrong...),  my lovely students from Gainsborough, Jackys students from Gainsborough, Misterton and Doncaster. See, dancers from all over!  Including Turkey, Unal danced for us as well. A huge round of applause to the chap who got dragged up, and stayed till the end! Well done you! Karen brought her souk along and at one point you couldn’t get on the stage, there were just too many people there already!
There were some lovely costumes being worn, and some fabulous performances. I know people get nervous, (I do still!) so its great that they can bring themselves to dance anyway. And its no good hiding at the back either, you can still be seen! I like to watch those that do hide; to see them doing their very best, looking so pretty all dressed up, is for me what hafla’s are all about. Getting together and having fun.
Minor niggle about performances here: chewing gum is really not a good look. You can’t smile properly if your mouth is full!
I had another fab night out and hope to be going to Worksop for the Bellykissangels first hafla in April, the week before Jackys next one. And a few short days before I fly out to Luxor again..... sooo looking forward to that!

See you all soon

Trish