By Sarah McMillin, Staff writer
Susquehanna’s Belly Dance Circle performed their annual Hafla performance on April 14.
“Hafla” stems from the Arabic word for party. They are organized and performed by belly dance troupes all over the world and exclusively use traditional belly dance music that stems from the Middle East.
For the Belly Dance Circle, Hafla is the group’s biggest performance of the year.
The performance consisted of dances performed by the entire group as well as smaller groups. Solos and duets were also performed.
There are also group dances separated by experience level. Those in the level two group work with their captain to choreograph their level’s dance.
The dance captains of the troupe, senior Nirvana Thakur and junior Aiyona Hayman, organized the event.
“My favorite part is always seeing what everyone does for their dances,” sophomore Rebecca Wagner, who is a member of Belly Dance Circle, said. “Seeing the different styles of belly dance come together in one event is really breathtaking.”
Wagner continued to emphasize the variety of styles that can be found in dance.
“Dance is such a versatile form of art and there are so many ways you can put moves together,” Wagner said. “It’s always pretty cool when I learn a new move from watching one of my peers do a solo.”
Wagner also elaborated on the history and culture behind belly dancing.
“Belly dance started as a way to prepare young women for childbirth by isolating and strengthening parts of the body that are used during birth,” Wagner said. “It was very common for pregnant women to practice this form of dance.”
“Belly dancing used to only be done by women, for women,” Wagner continued. “Men weren’t allowed to watch it.”
Sophomore Wynn Phillips, another member of the group, emphasized the effort the members put into their performance.
“We work very hard, just like Dance Corps, to perfect the different moves from all the different dance styles,” Phillips said.
Phillips also highlighted the camaraderie between the club’s members and said encouraging her fellow dancers is one of the things she loves being a part of.
“My favorite part of Hafla is [cheering for] our members as they get to go out on stage and finally show off their hard work,” Phillips said.
Wagner said Belly Dance Circle accepts all members.
“Anyone can belly dance,” Wagner said. “The only requirement is a belly and the interest in trying.”
“There are absolutely no restrictions: you only have to be willing to try and of course, respect the culture and dance,” Wagner continued.