Habeeba’s

I was so excited to take a class here, but when the classes began they were not at all what I had expected. I was looking for something like a conventional dance class, but instead I felt like the instructors were simply there to advertise for additional classes, events, and products.
There were far too many students in the class for the instructors to be able to correct individuals — something I would think you’d want from a dance form which involves such acute isolations.
In the entire time I went to these classes I never once broke a sweat, never felt challenged or sore.
The thing that really irked me though was that they have a policy that if you can’t make it to class due to inclement weather, they will not allow you to make up the class — this seems fair, except that one morning the entire county was on a snow emergency so they cancelled class and yet the class was not made up.

I’m afraid I don’t take classes here (well, not yet anyways), but I have been to a couple of the «haflas» here, and I plan to keep coming! It’s about this I’m writing this review.
Every third Saturday of the month, Habeeba hosts a hafla (dance party). Doors typically open around 7:30, but the show doesn’t start until at least 8:00, and often later. How late it runs depends on the number of dancers, but 10:30~11:00 is typical, and it could be later.
Admission is $ 10 at the door with all ages welcome. Indeed, there are often a bunch of little kids running around (and sometimes on to the dance floor…). The atmosphere is fun, positive, and upbeat, and dancers of all levels are welcome. I myself only started dancing in June so I haven’t performed yet, but I think I might soon.
Anyways, the typical hafla consists of various local (and visiting) performers doing a routine either solo or in groups. Most of the dancers are from Habeeba’s school, but anyone is welcome. You don’t need to be a professional or even have a fancy costume — sometimes performers dance to random songs just to show off some special technique, and you see everything from elaborate galabeya to flared dance pants with a tied top and a flashy hip scarf.
Many of the dancers do perform professionally at local restaurants and events, so the quality of the performance is always pretty high. You can also learn a lot from watching the performers… and interacting with them.
Throughout the evening, the dancers will take a break and there will be «free dancing». Basically, anyone who wants can come out on the dance floor to practice their moves, get advice from fellow dancers, and use the wide floor and mirrors to do a little perfecting of their moves. There are also group dances. This might be an actual tribal dance, a circle dance, or even a line dance. Anyone can join in, whether they take lessons of any sort or not, and it’s a lot of fun.
There is also «free» food in the kitchen area, including a lot of different wines, sodas, and snack foods. Some times there are homemade cupcakes or treats too.
Habeeba also holds workshops and special events, often right before or in tandem with the hafla; watch the website, I guess, for information.
Overall, it’s a great way to spend a Saturday night, and for $ 10, a very good value given the show and snacks.

I think I’m in love.
Any activity that encourages me to wear shiny, sparkly things and make noise is pretty awesome. Besides that, I really enjoy the instruction I get at Habeeba’s. I’m a new student (5 weeks in, woo hoo), but it’s great. I feel comfortable and am enjoying my fellow students. There is such a great, supportive atmosphere here. The other women are amazing and talented, and someday maybe I’ll get there too.