Event Planning: Haflas and Hospitality!

A hafla is a dance party.

This party can be laid-back and feature light snacks while people dance on the floor, have henna done, and casually present their latest dance project.

On the other hand, a hafla can be a more formal affair with stage performances and a program.

I favor the structure of the latter with the boisterous ambiance of the former.

The second Bright Eyes Belly Dance hafla occurred June 22. The goal for the first hafla in November 2023 was to have heat (we did!) and be prepared (we were!). Two guest dancers performed, and we had around 30 total.

This time we had too much heat (thanks, heat dome), but we also had five guest dancers, including a Korean fan dancer, many more guests, and an amazing drumming/dancing circle.

My troupe also performed one of the Upstate Renaissance Faire choreographies we've been focused on for weeks and looked like the professionals we are becoming!

The decor for this year came from Sam, a dancer and photographer who had all the wisteria and vinery my heard could desire! We set up the night before and included strands of lights provided by Emily, a dancer and masseuse.

(Dancer Shannon Bridwell, surrounded by vinery and lights! She'll be offering a Double Sword workshop in August).

In the aftermath, I've had time to consider my takeaways and goals for the future.

Takeaways

• Haflas are a wonderful way to bring in the community. Guests may never take a dance class, but they'll have an experience they won't forget.

• Food is a must!

• Suggested donations or food will be my go-to from now on.

• So far, 6:30-8:30 has been the perfect length.

• Expand the variety of performances but keep the length to 30 minutes.

• Live music makes everything more powerful!

• Have props on hand for people to use.

• Have a guest emcee!!!

• Make sure to have a photographer and videographer (iPhones are amazing for both!).

• My ultimate purposes are the following:
  

  • Provide connection between dancers and non-dancers.

  • Promote all the dancers and make sure they have strong photos/videos at the end for their portfolios.

Goals for the Next Hafla

• Add a few different dancers to keep things fresh.

• Bring in one non-belly dance group (I'm going to ask an Indian dance troupe for either Bollywood or Bharatnatyam).

• Figure out another amazing decorative theme.

• Bring in other instruments for the live music component.

• Add 20 more to the guest list!

What are YOUR tips for party planning and bringing out guests to a non-traditional gathering?