Habiba's annual student hafla and dinner will be held at St. Maron's Hall, 1013 Ellsworth St., Philadelphia, PA.

What is the Hafla?
A Hafla is a party or celebration. Every year The Habiba Studio gets together for one big annual celebration. It is also our annual recital, where students perform for each other. Many of the dancers at the Hafla are performing for the first time and they need a warm and supportive audience. Many of them bring family and friends to cheer them on. If you are just starting to take lessons it is a great opportunity to see the dance as it is actually done in costume and with live music. In addition to new dancers, the members of the Habiba Dance Ensemble perform as well as Habiba. Habiba also invites other teachers and their troupes to perform, too. Food is also a great part of the Hafla. After the show we have a multi-course Lebanese buffet.including vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

When is the Hafla?
It is always on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. This year it is on November 18.

Where is the Hafla?
It is held at St. Maron's Church Hall, 1013 Ellsworth St., Philadelphia.

What do I do if I want to perform at the Hafla?
You should discuss it with Habiba as soon as possible. Habiba suggests that you should be at least an intermediate student. You should start preparing ahead by making or buying a costume and deciding whether you want to dance to taped or live music. If you dance to live music it will be strictly an improvisational show and you will not know what song they are going to play. If you dance to taped music you can pick your song and choreograph it. The time limit for either is 4 minutes. There are usually18-20 dancers in the show. Remember that the main goal is to have fun and that the audience is warm and supportive. The week before the Hafla we have “Hafla clinic” after class. The students who are going to be in the show bring their costumes and practice performing for each other. Habiba gives each dancer feedback on improving her performance. Hafla clinic is always free of charge.

How much does the Hafla cost?
For the ticket price of $37.50 you get the 2 hour show with a live band and Lebanese dinner (incl. tax and tip.) All beverages are extra. There will be a cash bar. You must buy a ticket even if you are in the show.

When do the Hafla tickets go on sale?
E-mail flyers will go out 1 month before the event and tickets will go on sale September 15. . You may buy your tickets online through the Paypal button below or send ticket orders to: Habiba Studio 611 S. Leithgow St. Philadelphia, PA 19147. (215) 925-5436.