Thread: 2008 Kismet Haflas in Dallas-Ft. Worth

Kismet Dance in DFW is an organization that I am involved with as a board member and I decided it is time to let others know about this unique dance performance opportunity in our area and to give others the opportunity to dance at one of our upcoming haflas. AND this year, we have made it even easier as we now have on-line signup (let's see how all this goes since January is the first month for this signup to be used).

Kismet Dance - Proud to be a 501(c) 3 (non-profit) organization. Share your dance! Welcome to Kismet Stage Events

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Upcoming dates:

January 26, 2008 - Dallas - Featuring the women of NTMEDA
February 23, 2008 - Ft. Worth
March 22, 2008 - Dallas - Featuring Raks Halim
April 12th, 2008 - Ft. Worth -
May 24, 2008 - Dallas - Featuring Just Fabulous Belly Dance
June 14,2008 - Ft. Worth
July 26, 2008 - Dallas - Featuring Sa'diyya and the Danza della Luna Performance Company
September 27, 2008 - Dallas (7th anniversary!!) - Featuring Johara Dance Ensemble (Bhuzzer mmouse is the director)
October 18, 2008 - Ft. Worth
November 15 (I think) - Dallas - Visions in Dance

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Dallas Location:
Carrollton Plaza Arts Center
1115 4th Ave.
Carrollton, Texas 75006

Ft. Worth Location:
Bob Duncan Center
City of Arlington Parks & Recreation Department
2800 S Center St
Arlington, TX 76014
(817) 465-6661

Near Vandergriff Park (between Matlock and S. Collins)

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Out of town visitors are welcome to sign up. We love to see new dancers!
So if you are planning on being in the DFW area for any of those dates, check it out. Signup for the above dates will usually be open a month before the event.
Kismet Dallas - Dancer Signup

The limit is 15 dancers per event on the signup and an invited guest/troupe for the back half of the show!
Kismet Dallas - Dancers

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OUR MISSION

Kismet Stage is a multi-cultural dance event dedicated to the empowerment of all dancers by providing a supportive, welcoming performance venue open to all dancers regardless of their age, size or skill level.

The Kismet Stage is just that - a stage of fate~ well lit, with professional sound, lighting and an appreciative audience. Here professionals can explore their dance boundaries, teachers can show off their students, first time performers find a warm welcoming place to debut, and potential students in the audience can find something that is right for them...

“Share your Dance!"

We've already had 11 dancers/groups sign up for our first hafla in January!!

This current line-up includes some bhuzzers too:

Tamr-Henna (TX)
Sadiyya
Magdelana Fusaro
Deelite

Along with:
Bellydance 101
Ginger Strand
It's a Class Thing
Veda
Satoko Tomihira
Doumsmack w/Tahiya
RaqSolid
Dragonia & Esmeray with the Cybele Musicians

I don't think Veda is on bhuz - she's been dancing at a lot of the haflas in the past year and so has Ginger.

Doumsmack is a local group of musicians that have grace the Kismet stage in the past and this time Taheya is dancing with them - another one of our long time local dancers.

I am not familiar with all the dancers on the list, but I am sure I will be after the 26th.

Still some spots open, so anyone going to be in the DFW area on the 26h . . . take a chance and signup!

My parents are in Ft Worth, I'll be sure to try to schedule a visit during one of the haflas... where is the Dallas one at? My folks live near the Hulen Mall in Ft Worth...

Originally Posted by jewelsdances

My parents are in Ft Worth, I'll be sure to try to schedule a visit during one of the haflas... where is the Dallas one at? My folks live near the Hulen Mall in Ft Worth...

The Dallas hafla is held at a nice little theatre in Carrollton, which is a north/west suburb . . . really convenient as it is a bit north of 635, north on 35E to Beltline exit . . . on the Carrollton town square which has some nice shops and restaurants. Well, it is relatively convenient. Coming from the Hulen Mall area? Hmmmmm, well, that is a bit of a drive for west of 35W off of 20, which I have done myself a few times in the opposite direction. I live in Northeast Dallas and have driven over to Miabella's studio which is off of 35W and 20.

If you are familiar with the area, it isn't too bad. I mapped it out from Hulen Mall to the Plaza Arts Center and it is approx. 44 miles and estimated 47 minutes of driving.

Thanks Catherine! I will try to make it out there! Miabella's studio is pretty close to my parents, I have been over there to shop and I took a class there once. She is really nice.

Originally Posted by jewelsdances

Thanks Catherine! I will try to make it out there! Miabella's studio is pretty close to my parents, I have been over there to shop and I took a class there once. She is really nice.

And I just found out that Ft. Worth has a couple of more months where they will have a hafla (April and June). The dates aren't pinned down yet, but check back . . . I think it will be much easier to dance in Ft. Worth! But you are certainly welcome to drive over to Dallas!

It is only two weeks away and the lineup looks like it has filled up nicely!!

So far we have:

Tamr-Henna (TX)
Sadiyya
Magdelana Fusaro
Deelite
Bellydance 101
Ginger Strand
It's a Class Thing
Veda
Satoko Tomihira
Doumsmack w/Tahiya
RaqSolid
Dragonia & Esmeray with the Cybele Musicians
Symeta
Thamar
Vivianne ( another bhuzzer . . . Vivi!)

That is 15 total . . . but I think the Japanese lady might be singing and she will be intermission entertainment if that is true . . . then there could be space available.

If anyone would like to get on the waiting list, then signup. In the event that someone cancels, then those on the waiting list would be moved up.

The week before the Hafla, the director (Angela) contacts everyone to confirm. Then the final line-up is done.

I will post the "final" line-up when I have that information.

Isn't NTMEDA signed up for the "back half" of Kismet? I din't see any mention of it yet but as far as I know the following dancers will also be gracing the stage as representatives of NTMEDA North Texas Middle Eastern Dance Association

Yeli and Pavalina - Asian/ Tribal Fusion
Trudi - You know she's always Sassy Fusion.

I *think* the following are also performing:
Rasha - Cabaret or Tribal Fusion
Nadirah - Cabaret
Indigo Rose - Rom and Fusion- minus Gitane with the broken foot :(
and Jeanine from Doumsmack is also representing NTMEDA

Sorry, Sarah-Beth/Yeli, I didn't mention the "Back Half" dancers only because I was attempting to get the word out about the ones that need to signup for each event. I had the generic statement above about the 15 dancers plus guest troupe/group for the "Back Half". I will try to do a better job in mentioned each troupe/group that is featured.

Yes, bhuzzers, this January for our "back half", we have members of the board of our local dance organization, North Texas Middle Eastern Dance Association (NTMEDA).

Is there space available still for performers?

Originally Posted by zahena

Is there space available still for performers?

Anyone signing up now will go onto the wait-list. You can check here: Kismet Dallas - Dancer Signup .
There are 16 dancers on the list . . . Zahara is the 16th one . . . and she is the first one on the wait-list.

The idea is that in the week before the halfa, Angela will confirm that all dancers signed up will be coming (email/phone).

From the signup page:
Sign up
Just enter in your information in the areas below. Only your name and date you signed up will be visible to the public. Your contact information will not be published and only used by Kismet to verify your attendance.

Canceling
Should you need to cancel your performance, please do so at least a week a head of time, so another may take your spot. To cancel email DallasKismet@gmail.com.

Waiting List
Yes, there is a waiting list, so even if the event is full, sign up anyway. If there is a cancellation, the list will move up accordingly.

Some Updates for this upcoming hafla:

THIS JUST IN:
Kismet Dallas Season Tickets are now available online! Discounted ticket price AND reserved seating, don't miss out!

kismetseason08.eventbrite.com

There are only a few balcony seats available, so get them now while you can!

FOR RAFFLE THIS WEEKEND:
One Full Weekend pass for the Little Egypt Workshop featuring Fifi Abdo and Dr. Mo on April 18-20, 2008 in Dallas. A $299 value!

One full weekend and Gala Show pass to Nadira Johara's "Raks Into Spring" workshop featuring Katia of Boston

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AND . . . Volunteer opportunities:
Want to see the Kismet Dallas show this weekend but just don't have
the $10 per ticket after the holidays? Volunteer! We need folks to
help set up chairs and tables, assist with dancer check in, and help
with the clean up after the show. And the best part, if you help, you
get to see the show for free!

Please contact dallaskismet@gmail.com for more information.
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Yeah, the first hafla of 2008 was a smash!!!

The dancing was great as usual . . . a good mix of styles. Great talking to lots of old friends and making some new ones. And I certainly had more opportunities to talk as I manned the retail table.

We were so pleased to have Vivi (fellow bhuzzer) for the first time at a Kismet Hafla . . . she really wowed some of the people that have never seen her before (she was at the first Cairo Nights in the competition with a 3rd place finish). It is a long trek from College Station to Dallas just to dance but when I was introduced to her niece who had just flown in from Chile, I knew that her appearance was eased a bit by that event. We definitely benefited and her niece said that she enjoyed the show too!

This will be one show that will be worth the $15 to buy the DVD! Tamr-Henna, Sa'diyaa, Vivi, Veda, Yeli . . . and, ummmmm, well, they are all listed above, lol!! I think the pre-hafla sign-up worked very well our first time to put it to the test.

I would love to buy the dvd, is it available to those who did not dance? Congrats on a great show!

Originally Posted by jewelsdances

I would love to buy the dvd, is it available to those who did not dance? Congrats on a great show!

The DVD is available (whenever it comes out) to anyone. Usually the dancers in the show are the ones buying it, but not always . .. I've told another friend of mine about who showed up to dance and she is thinking about buying the DVD herself. I was helping out the videographer during the show and while he was getting setup . . . I was amazed at the number of ppl coming to buy copies of their past shows.

I think there is a link somewhere on-line to order the DVDs . . . Just Motion Videos . . .ah, found it! It is a bit out of date as the first link I went to says "Please excuse our mess as we get a new website going . . . but visit our old website at:" Just Fabulous Productions - Home Page .

You can always email from the website to check on ordering.
I know he is up-to-date on the shows because we were selling September and November 2007 at the hafla on Saturday.

Did I mention the 2 kids doing American Tap Dance? A brother and sister . . . we could have some budding tap stars on our hands!

And did I mention the number of living and breathing drummers/musicians that came to play for dancers or just to entertain?? We were positively blessed. There was a flute player with 2 drummers in Cybele; Doumsmack offered up the drums, finger cymbals and one dance with Tahiyah Hassan featuring a guitar; plus the intermission entertainment was "It is What It is" from Denton (I think I got their name right). And another dance group added two drummers for their performance (other troupe members).

Next up is the Kismet Hafla in Ft. Worth on Feb. 23rd . . . and I decided to signup!!! Well, I have to go anyway (I am treasurer . . . maybe I should go, lol) and I have a performance in March that I'd like to do a run-through on the choreography.

Also signed up are Nadira and The Johara Dance Ensemble (Nadira's troupe . . . bhuzzer mmouse). Obsidia has signed up too. I'll check later for more additions as I am kinda busy now, but last time I looked the line-up was getting full!!!

Originally Posted by jewelsdances

My parents are in Ft Worth, I'll be sure to try to schedule a visit during one of the haflas... where is the Dallas one at? My folks live near the Hulen Mall in Ft Worth...

Jewels,
Kismet FtW is WAY closer for you! I live right by Hulen Mall as well! Kismet FtW is held at Arts 5th Avenue in the hospital district!
I guess it all depends on when you visit! ;-)
Either way both are fabulous events!
xoxo,
-NJ

Originally Posted by cbarros

Yeah, the first hafla of 2008 was a smash!!!

The dancing was great as usual . . . a good mix of styles. Great talking to lots of old friends and making some new ones. And I certainly had more opportunities to talk as I manned the retail table.

We were so pleased to have Vivi (fellow bhuzzer) for the first time at a Kismet Hafla . . . she really wowed some of the people that have never seen her before (she was at the first Cairo Nights in the competition with a 3rd place finish). It is a long trek from College Station to Dallas just to dance but when I was introduced to her niece who had just flown in from Chile, I knew that her appearance was eased a bit by that event. We definitely benefited and her niece said that she enjoyed the show too!

This will be one show that will be worth the $15 to buy the DVD! Tamr-Henna, Sa'diyaa, Vivi, Veda, Yeli . . . and, ummmmm, well, they are all listed above, lol!! I think the pre-hafla sign-up worked very well our first time to put it to the test.

Hi Catherine,
It was great to dance there. The show was very eclectic with space for all styles to dance. I met great dancers it was a blast.
It was great to see you too. I don't mind traveling as I do that all the time, so hopefully I'll see you soon.
And oh, it was a good 2nd place at the Ahlan Cairo Nights, good times!

Originally Posted by vivi

Hi Catherine,
It was great to dance there. The show was very eclectic with space for all styles to dance. I met great dancers it was a blast.
It was great to see you too. I don't mind traveling as I do that all the time, so hopefully I'll see you soon.
And oh, it was a good 2nd place at the Ahlan Cairo Nights, good times!

Sorry, I stand corrected! I knew I should have looked that up before I said it, LOL!

Definitely come back anytime to dance at Kismet. I always like to have excellent examples of Raks Sharqi at Kismet for the younger dancers to see. Usually the "professional" level dancers are working on Saturday evenings, so it makes it harder for them to come and I feel that we miss out on maintaining the balance and range of levels/styles.

Kismet-Ft. Worth is coming up on the 23rd of February! Still some spots left . . . I even signed up . . .yep, I am making the drive over from Dallas to this really cute 5th Avenue Arts Center.

Now I just need to get that dance in gear that I am planning . . . not to worry . . . it is some old well-loved music that I have used many times . . . Just need to re-energize it!

I'd love to do this, but my schedule is filled for all the days listed until July!! Hopefully I'll remember to try and sign-up in June.....

Originally Posted by cassiopeia

I'd love to do this, but my schedule is filled for all the days listed until July!! Hopefully I'll remember to try and sign-up in June.....

Yes . . . try to remember a month in advance so you can sign up!!! It will be lots of fun. ..g.:

The first FtWorth Kismet Hafla was a great success . . . yours truly went to dance and to support (while running out the door with the proceeds . . . lol, I am the treasurer and make the deposits, hehe).

NOW, we are just two weeks away from the next Kismet in Dallas with the featured troupe, Raks Halim . . . and do we have a good line-up so far !! In fact, we might even be into the "wait list" part . . . but if you think you might want to be considered in case of a cancellation (because these have happened at both events this year), sign up and you might get a call within the week of the event.

It is going to be fun!! We will have the usual raffle and I know that some of the raffle items will be for Little Egypt's upcoming Fifi workshop!! Dee Dee donated 4 workshop and 2 Friday Night show passes for the Ft. Worth event . . . and some lucky excited dancers won them.

So come on out! If not to dance then to watch, visit with friends . . . and the raffle!

This Saturday . . . March 22!!! the next Dallas Kismet is on stage for your viewing pleasure. We have a full line-up with Raks Halim being the featured troupe!

AND, I have the Little Egypt contributions for our raffle burning holes in my hands. These are for the Fifi workshop . . . so come on over for your chance to win. PLUS we have some other workshop raffles . . . need to verify but I think it is for Tribal Alchemy.

My students will be performing under the name "Banat al Henna" - I'm so proud of them!

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

My students will be performing under the name "Banat al Henna" - I'm so proud of them!

I was wondering about them . . . and now I know! Looking forward to seeing them, TH!

Well, another Dallas Kismet has come and gone on March 22nd and we had lots of fun!! Now we are rapidly approaching the next event in Ft. Worth!!!

Just a quick note about the venue - for the April 12th date only, it is being moved to a location in Arlington, TX (east of FW):

Bob Duncan Center
City of Arlington Parks & Recreation Department
2800 S Center St
Arlington, TX 76014
(817) 465-6661

Near Vandergriff Park (between Matlock and S. Collins)

I think the starting time might be a bit earlier for this location since they expect everyone to be out by 10pm. So I'd plan on getting there at 7pm.

I'm kinda new to all this...but I just wanted to express my support and appreciate for the Kismet operation in DFW.

This past March show was my first experience seeing and dancing in Kismet, and I appreciated the wide range of dance styles and levels represented. It was great seeing some of the top Dallas dancers (Tamra Henna is fabulous!), as well as the up and coming. As a dancer trying on her "performance legs", it was a very supportive environment!

Sooo....Thanks! and I am looking forward to the next show!!
Meredith

Originally Posted by Meredith

I'm kinda new to all this...but I just wanted to express my support and appreciate for the Kismet operation in DFW.

This past March show was my first experience seeing and dancing in Kismet, and I appreciated the wide range of dance styles and levels represented. It was great seeing some of the top Dallas dancers (Tamra Henna is fabulous!), as well as the up and coming. As a dancer trying on her "performance legs", it was a very supportive environment!

Sooo....Thanks! and I am looking forward to the next show!!
Meredith

Glad you were able to make it, Meredith!!! And thanks for your words of support.

See you in May!

Catherine . . . . off to other climes for April!