Friday night saw the much anticipated OMEDS Hafla and what a fantastic lineup – with OMEDS dance groups and friends of OMEDS from all over Oxfordshire, it really was a night to remember. I had the unique opportunity to be the MC for the night, so with the best seat in the house, I got to watch, live and up-close, nearly 20 acts on the lineup. The audience we in for a real treat and diversity was high on the menu as the styles varied from the cinematic style of the early 20th century dancers, through to lively cane dancing, mesmerizing veil dances, whirling like dervishes, bellydance-line dance fusion, tribal, Greek chiftetelli, indian folk dancing and dancing to the Tomb Raider soundtrack!
I also was lucky enough to perform with my new group, Shimmy Shimmy Bang Bang, opening the 2nd half, for more on that, I’ll blog later đ
So a big thank you and congratulations to all the performers, organisers and helpers behind the scenes for another fun Hafla – see you all again soon!
First half…
1. AimĂ©e opened the show with a dramatic, cinematic choreography inspired by the legendary early C20th dancers Samia Gamal and Tahia Carioca. The music was âDimashqâ by Ahmad Fouad Hasan. This was AimĂ©eâs first solo choreography. She also designed and made her own costume from scratch, including all the beadwork â amazing!
2. OMEDS Improvers Class performed a fusion of oriental and Turkish Roman (gypsy) dance, choreographed by their teacher Caitlyn, to âĆukar Ćukarâ by KardeĆ TĂŒrkĂŒler, a Turkish song in 9/8.
3. The Tall Poppies performed a contemplative folk fusion piece, telling a story of hope after lost love. The dance is set to the lilting âSister Rosetta Goes Before Usâ by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss.
4. Layali Masrea are based in Newbury and are Judi Linleyâs student group. They performed a lively stick dance to âEl Leilahâ by Diaa, an upbeat song that tells everyone to get up and party.
5. Natalie performed a variation of a dance performed by the whirling dervishes, who spin in intense spiritual concentration with one hand outstretched towards the heavens to receive blessings and the other turned towards the earth to transmit them. This dance has a strong religious and meditative quality.
6. Ashnah Performance Group are bellydance troupe based in Abingdon. They performed an upbeat improvised tribal piece.
7. Jo performeds her first ever solo, a cheerful pop choreography to âAbdel Kaderâ by 1, 2, 3 Soleil. Jo is a member of the OMEDS troupe, which performs at numerous local events including bops and balls in Oxford.
8. Rachael, Sarah & Sophie are all members of the OMEDS troupe. Here they performed a slow, sensual piece choreographed by former OMEDS teacher, Lauren.
9. Xenia finished the first half with a joyful dance to a traditional Greek chiftetelli, sung by the successful contemporary artist Glykeria. The song is called âGyftopoulaâ (âGypsy Girlâ) and is all about the love of a man for a gypsy dancer! Choreography is by Xenia, whose motto is âsmile alwaysâ! She is a certified fitness professional, yoga, Zumba and bellydance instructor and performer, currently based in Bicester.
Second half…
10. Shimmy Shimmy Bang Bang â East meets Wild West with this cheeky little number, which opened the second half. Watch out for our talented MC, Annabel (that’s me!), who choreographed this entertaining fusion piece!
11. Judi Linley performed a slow, lyrical veil dance. Judi teaches in Newbury and also dances with and choreographs for her student group Layali Masrea. The music is âI Vava I Novaâ by Idir and K Madtheson.
12. Wolfson Middle Eastern Troupe performed an upbeat pop choreography to âHabibi Tal Alyeaâ by Madonna (the Lebanese Madonna, of course!) Choreography by their teacher, Caitlyn.
13. Cassandra Moran & Julie Robins perform an energetic fusion piece to Western pop with a folk edge. Cassandra and Julie say: âThe choreography is belly dance fusion incorporating our favourite moves from different styles including Egyptian and Tribal styles. It is extremely fun and enjoyable for us to perform, and we hope that the audience will enjoy watching it as much as we enjoy performing it!â
14. Rachael, OMEDSâ secretary, performed her first solo, a mysterious, sensual and playful dance to âBahlamâ by Natacha Atlas. Rachael choreographed this piece herself.
15. Zanoba is a local dance group who host their own Haflas in Faringdon. Zanoba means âvalued femaleâ, and tonight two members of the group perform a graceful, slow-paced and exotic dance… to the soundtrack from a popular video game! [Itâs Tomb Raider!] Choreography by Ann Clarke.
16. Lehar â next we travelled further East to India. Lehar performed a traditional Indian folk dance to âAaja Nachaleâ (âCome Dance With Meâ) by Bally Sagoo. The song describes the journey of a girl as she becomes a young woman and encourages all to forget their worries, woes and sorrows. Choreography by Arpita Desai.
17. Hamoyela â means âSmilesâ in Greek and are Xeniaâs performance group! They danced a sentimental and graceful veil routine, choreographed by Xenia, to an updated and soulful version of bellydance classic âCleopatraâ, arranged by Pangia.
18. OMEDS Tribal Group. American Tribal Style bellydance is a fusion dance form, incorporating elements from khatak, flamenco and Romany tradition. The group performed a tribal piece choreographed by their teacher Esme.
19. Rebellyon â were âin the pinkâ with this cheerful modern oriental piece, to âDrama Queenâ by Sahar. Rebellyon are Karen Bullenâs performance group, and Karen choreographed this piece. Karen is a very experienced dancer, has studied numerous styles and is known for her innovative choreographies and her fun and informative workshops.
Hi annabel,
Thanks for this. I really enjoyed the evening in oxford. There was a positive karma around everyone-all sharing the passion for music and dance and each and every performer was in there element.
A very well organised event and truely one to go to again.
please let me know of future events i would love to come.
Brilliant evening and great venue! We had a fab time meeting old friends and making new ones, and watching the fantastic variety of dances was just so enjoyable.
Well done! We’d love to see you all again at the next one đ