I'm afraid I don't take classes here (well, not yet anyways), but I have been to a couple of the…read more"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.