Your Hosts
Mathilde
Mathilde is Capital City Hafla's co-founder and a Washington, DC–based belly dancer who began her training at Sahara Dance in 2016. She is passionate about a wide range of folkloric styles, with a special love for sha’abi, khaleeji, and melaya leff. She has recently delved into theatrical belly dance as Assistant Director for 1001 Nights under the direction of Berna of Pittsburgh, and is currently diving deep into all kinds of fusion.
Patricia
Patricia is a co-founder of Capital City Hafla and former co-host of DC Hafla. She is a long-time dancer who fell in love with bellydance in 2010 after attending a show and has been studying bellydance since. Patricia has had numerous teachers, most notably Faten, and has been in her Al-Massraweya troupe since 2018. While she has studied many dance forms, Patricia’s particular interest is Egyptian folkloric. Patricia is the founder of the yearly Sands of Time Retreat on the Mediterranean, combining classes by world-renowned teachers, cultural excursions and beautiful beaches.
The Headliner
Faerima
Faerima has been belly dancing for 20+ years and is currently a teacher at the Shakti Rising in Sterling, Virginia. She specializes in American Cabernet and Contemporary Fusion styles of belly dance and loves to create unforgettable experiences for her audience.
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.
Donate for October 4
Your contributions help us bring the dancers, musicians, and magic of the Hafla to life each month. Every gift is appreciated.
