Capital
City
Hafla
Faerima
What is a Hafla?
It is a gathering. A party. A space where the music swells, the rhythm takes over, and the floor opens. Here, we celebrate the art of Arabic and Egyptian dance—not as a stage show behind a velvet rope, but as a living, breathing community experience. Each evening brings a lineup of ten to twelve dancers spanning a range of styles and levels, anchored by a professional headliner who closes the show. Expect the shimmer of hip scarves, the scent of cardamom and rose water, the quiet drama of a dancer's entrance, and the collective joy of shared movement.
An evening, unfolded
- 4:00PM
Photoshoot & souk setup
Performers gather for the pre-show photoshoot while our souk vendors set up their tables of scarves, jewelry, and treasures for you to browse through the evening.
- 5:00PM
Dancer arrival
Call time for the evening's lineup — dancers arrive, settle in, and prepare backstage before the doors open.
- 6:00PM
Doors open & buffet
Arrive to lantern light, find your seat, and settle in. The optional buffet showcases the best of Marrakesh restaurant's Moroccan food by their celebrated chef, and the bar is yours for the evening — order whatever cocktails strike you.
- 7:00PM
The show begins
The first half of the lineup — dancers from the local community spanning classical raqs sharqi, folkloric, and contemporary styles. Entrances, slow builds, and the room finding its way into the music.
- 8:00PM
Intermission
A short pause to refill drinks, visit the souk, and stretch your legs before the second half, when the evening's featured headliner takes the floor for the finale.
- 9:00PM
Social dancing
The floor opens for everyone. Beginners welcome — hip scarves are provided if you'd like to borrow one! Stay for as long as the music keeps moving you.
See it in motion
A glimpse of the music, the movement, and the magic from past gatherings — straight from the floor. Videos and memories from every Hafla live in the archive.
Set the mood
A taste of the rhythms that fill the room — press play and let the evening begin before you arrive.
Scenes from the room
Marrakesh DC
1331 H Street NW, Washington, DC
Metered spots line H, G, 13th, and 14th Streets NW. Most downtown meters are free on Sundays — please read the posted signs for any block-specific restrictions.
Several commercial garages sit within a two to three block walk, including the Franklin Square area one block north and the Metropolitan Square garages around 13th & G. Most offer flat evening rates after 5 PM.
Metro Center (Red, Orange, Blue, Silver) and McPherson Square (Orange, Blue, Silver) are each about a five minute walk. Capital Bikeshare stations are scattered across the surrounding blocks.
Become part of the Hafla
Dance in the lineup, join the drum circle, or vend at the souk — there are many ways to take part.
Help keep the lanterns lit
The Hafla is free to attend, and it stays that way because of you. Every contribution helps cover the venue, honors our performers and musicians, and keeps this community gathering thriving month after month.
Secure donation via PayPal — any amount is appreciated.
Join the Circle
Sign up to be notified about the next hafla. Reservations are made directly with Marrakesh DC at (202) 999-8980.