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.
Jamie
Jamie is a dedicated "bellydance husband" to Capital City Hafla co-organizer, Maddie Grant, so he knows the difference between a doum and a tek, knows what habibi means, and appreciates a good shimmy (but does not shimmy himself). In his day job he happens to deliver keynotes at conferences and dabbles in comedy, so he happily stepped into the role of emcee at the haflas.
The Headliner
Jacinda
Jacinda is an award-winning Raqs Sharqi performer, instructor, and researcher based in Washington, D.C. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience and training in Egypt, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey, she captivates audiences with vibrant artistry and cultural depth on local, national, and international stages.
Dancers of the evening
Cairistiona
Late to the party, but making up for lost time! Founding cast member of 1001 Nights - Fractured Fairy Tales, and recent Datura 8 Elements Initiate, Cairistiona started dancing with Sahara Dance in 2014 and is privileged to name Leilah Moon as one of her primary teachers and inspirations.
Casimira
To Casimira, dance is simply another way to tell a story. Movement rather than words, expressions rather than pictures. Her style is an amalgam of world dance: from American Fusion to traditional Indonesian, but her favorites are Balkan and Fusion Sword. Casimira is the founder and organizer of Raq Out Bellydance, established in 2009. Raq Out provides monthly virtual and yearly in-person haflas in College Park, MD, open to dancers of all levels.
Hanoomah
Hanoomah is a natural talent whose movement is a direct expression of the music itself. Specializing in Saudi Gulf Samri, Egyptian classic, and Moroccan Shaabi, Rasha’s artistry is entirely self-taught—a pure, intuitive connection to the culture and rhythm that she delivers with effortless grace and authentic soul.
Livia LeRynn
Livia LeRynn has been belly dancing since 2011. She dances in a "tribal" fusion style, honoring the community-oriented and countercultural roots of her chosen dance form. She is local to Alexandria, VA.
Marusya
Marusya fell in love with Belly Dance and devoted to it as a form of intentional connection with God and expression of the feminine. She teaches sensual movement classes at Shakti Rising in Leesburg, VA.
Queen Bastet
Queen Bastet is primarily a fusion dancer who blends American Cabaret, Egyptian Baladi, Western dance forms and theatrical elements. Dance is a powerful form of expression and connection. Queen Bastet loves sharing it!
ShooShoo El Fanana
Born in America with Arab and North African roots, Shoo-Shoo is a DC-based dancer whose passion ignites the moment a tabla beat or saxophone riff fills the air. They have trained with renowned artists, including their mentors Tommy King & Dandash, Kamelia Mourad, among many others. With a deep love for Egyptian arts, Shoo-Shoo aspires to become both a dance instructor and a researcher dedicated to preserving and sharing Egypt's vibrant traditions of performance and culture.
The All-Father
The All-Father is a male belly dancer from Philadelphia who specializes in theatrical fusion style belly dance. He is known for his attention grabbing costumes, unique music choices, and storytelling through his performances.
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.
Book a mini photo shoot(opens in a new tab)Open to all dancers — you don't need to be in that evening's lineup.
- 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 November 1
Your contributions help us bring the dancers, musicians, and magic of the Hafla to life each month. Every gift is appreciated.
