Middle Eastern SCA Hafla Ettiquitte

[bethlakshmi]

Just starting to brainstorm to let some answers "gel" for a bit, I'll be eloquent later.... I promised to write up some ideas for Middle Eastern Dancing in the SCA - what it's all about, dancer/drummer ettiquitte, etc. - for a new person guide.  It was years ago, but I'm remembering it now.

General thoughts so far:

•  A "Hafla" typically means a Middle Eastern inspired dance party.  The central event is usually an open dance floor where any and all dancers are welcome to come and improvise.  Drummers, and occasionally musicians, will play live music.  The usual spirit is one of openness and welcome, where dancers who have danced for 1 day or 20 years will join the floor together to strut their stuff and show their lovely attire.
•  - Middle Eastern Dance in the SCA is a blanket term used to describe any and all Middle Eastern inspired dance forms.  The typical format is a solo dance, or a choreographed grouped number, and generally all styles of dance are welcome. 
•  "Haflas" typically describe improvisation, while "Exhibitions", "Competitions" or "Performances" describe a more formal time of scheduled, pre-planned dance numbers. 
• Hafla Ettiquitte:

For anyone:
          + Haflas are like a party - chatting and joking are definitely encouraged, although in an enclosed space, be sure that you are not louder than the music.
          + Typically, non-alcoholic beverages will be freely available near the dancers - typical drinks include water, lemonade, iced tea and secanjabin - a drink historically made with vineagar and a flavoring such as ginger, lemon, orange or rose water, and possibly sugar - good for preserving electrolytes, frequently used as an alternative to Gatorade.
          + Check with your host as to whether liquor is allowed or encouraged.  Typically liquor is not provided by the host, but may be BYOB, or distcreetly damp.  Hafla convention may be stricter than site convention.
          + Watching, applauding, and calling of encouragement is readily encouraged - heckling, jibbing or mocking is not.  There are two forms of typically Middle Eastern calls - "ssSSSssss" - a snakelike "S" sound is used to applaud sinuous, flexible, seductive movements, and "ka-li-li-li", done with the hand covering the mouth, is shouted to applaud highly technical or energetic movements.  Feel free to join in, they add tremendously to the ambiance.

For dancers:
          + I leave it to personal discretion for you to tell the difference between a choreographed group piece and a improvised hafla.  Typically, if people are coordinating movements, it is choreographed, and you should not leap in, but if the dancers bear little resemblance to one another, feel free to approach the dance floor. 

          + It is generally considered polite to observe some confine of space that is proportional to the number of dancers on the floor.  With a crowded space, dancing may be limited to a 2 foot X 2 foot square, although a sparser crowd may allow for up to 6 square feet.

          + When moving, especially in tight space, look first, move second. 

          + In case of collision - accidents happen, make an apology and move along.

          + different musicians/drummers have different conventions for when to end the music.  Melodies typically have a finite ending, but a drum set may do any of the following:

• Speed up gradually
• The lead drummer will yell a catch phrase - we, for example, use "Habibi!"
• A count down from 3 to 1 to tell you how many phrases are left

           +  You get style points for ending like you meant to at the end of the song.

           +  Dancers, while enthusiastic on stage, can be shy in person.  If you see someone you'd like to meet, or a move you'd like to learn, feel free to say hello, give a compliment and ask a question.  This is the single best way to get to know dancers - we love to talk about dance!  And there are no "secret moves" - we love to share and learn! 

For Muscians:

+ An "open drum circle" typically connotes a set up of only-drummers, but all are welcome.  That said, many drum circles will happily become a "music circle" if someone with a melodic instrument and some music comes to play, so do ask. 

+ An "open jam" usually suggests that any and all musicians are welcome.

+ Musicans will gladly share music, but some songs may be intricate enough that "only if you know it" becomes the rule for a song or two.  But chances are, if you are willing to sight read, you will be welcome, and can look on with someone. 

+ Drummers will happily explain the rhythm, the typical drummer notation in the SCA is the series of "doum", "tek" and "ka" syllables describing what hands hit where on a doumbek or darbuka (Middle Eastern drum types).  For more information - see http://www.maya.com/local/senn/drum.html - this is a great source of knowledge on drum rhythms used in the SCA.

+ Musicans are welcome to bring their own music, so long as it has a mediterranean or Middle Eastern flavor.  If you bring something the group doesn't know, be prepared to suggest a drum rhythm to go with you. 

+ Middle Eastern music may involve "quarter-tones", and almost certainly involves "half tones" - "half tones" are the flat or sharp notes (the black keys on a piano) that are midway between the whole steps on a scale.  "quarter tones" are halfway between "half tones" - these are not part of traditional Western music and take some practice to hear and play well.  They can only be played on an instrument that can make minor adjustments to pitch - violins, for example, are readily adaptable.  Guitars are a bit more challenging, pianos are impossible.  There are many peices without these quarter tones, and those are a great place to start.

+ (same as for dancers) different musicians/drummers have different conventions for when to end the music.  Melodies typically have a finite ending, but a drum set may do any of the following:

• Speed up gradually
• The lead drummer will yell a catch phrase - we, for example, use "Habibi!"
• A count down from 3 to 1 to tell you how many phrases are left

+ Usually someone will be leading the "jam" - either formally or informally - when you join a group, this is the person that will do most of the talking - look to them for guidance on what to play and when to end.

+ Improvisational additions are welcome - on either drum or melodic instruments - it is your judgement call, but usually no one is "the star" - this is a team effort, so play well with others and share the glory and only take on very complex interludes occasionally.

+ Melodic instruments are a new and welcome addition to Middle Eastern Haflas - forgive us if these are not the norms where you join, we are working out the best ways to play well together.

Performances:

There are a wide variety of performing opportunities in the SCA at large - the single most important thing is to be aware of the expectations and limitations of a given venue.  Event announcements will frequently cite formal performances, and offer instructions for how to sign-up and what to prepare for.  For a Middle Eastern dancer - one of the greatest challenges is historical authenticity.  It has proven very difficult to find much information on the nature of dance movements in Midddle Eastern history. 

Other things to consider:

• Lighting - will the audience be able to see you?  Will you be able to see well enough to dance safely?
• Taped music - is using a tape or CD acceptable, or is the venue focused on live music only?
• Space - is the space large enough and free of hazards enough to dance safely?  See your space ahead of time to plan necessary alterations in a choreography.
• Audience - I'm proud to say that the majority of the SCA folks I've met are polite, courteous and kind, but you don't want to dance a sensual solo dance for the minority who are not.  Be aware of the tone of your audience and use your good judgement.  If you are asked to dance for a group you don't know - bring a friend or three. 

Some places that ARE great for dance choreographies are:

• Pennsic Middle Eastern Dance Exposition - both challenging and rewarding, held war week at Pennsic, this hours long exposition features the breadth of dance in the SCA.  Sign up begins the middle weekend at the Arts and Sciences tent.
• Coffee shops - at Pennsic, several coffee shops will gladly feature a dancer or musician - contact the proprietors before the war to get your preferred time slot.  www.innervagabond.com are the proprietors of the wonderfully decorated Middle Eastern style coffee and snack shop.
• Seraglio in Settmoure Swamp - an event dedicated to the Middle East.  Each year has a theme, but at dinner time, all types of dance of this region are welcome.  Sign up at the event, before late afternoon or contact the autocrat ahead of time.

Classes

Unless stated otherwise, classes are generally no experience required.  For a Middle Eastern Dance class, bring clothing that:

- defines or shows your belly

- allows you to move your torso and hips separately - no corsets

- is not confining

Classes range from beginner classes covering the basics of dance, through specific styles or specific techniques, up through high-level classes in composing choreographies or perfecting a specific aspect of dance.  Regular practices may also be held in your area.

Well... that was a brain dump.  I suspect I need to cut it down, but it's food for thought.

Comments

Something else to add

[aminahfiddler.livejournal.com]

Hey

Every since we were snowed in I've been giving this some thought. We had a good conversation about this.

Life has been busy and well I haven't had time for anything including picking up the fiddle :-( It will get better and i will have time soon.

Some additional suggestions for the musicians if you don't mind. In a melody jam situation you may want to talk about taquims. Where you just jam in the correct maqim. If the "leader" doesn't know you they may not offer a turn to you. If you want to during the next break make sure you let them know you want to.

The ending of the song is sometimes signaled by the "leader" lifting the foot to single at the end of the phrase the song is going to end. Some songs end with natural slow down, some end and we're done... If you're in a large group setting and you know that the person on the other side of you can't see the foot, pass it on and try to adjust your seating so that they can the next time.

Since melody is fairly new to ME and so are most of musicians don't be alarmed if we don't respond to your question in the middle of playing. I know I can't talk and play at the same time. But I will answer during the next break.

Be prepared to suggest a song if asked. (I'm so guilty of this one). If you don't know many songs don't be alarmed it takes a while, but when the group asks what you want to play be read to suggest one. Then play it.

Don't be offended if we don't allow you to copy our music. We're not trying to be snobby. It's there are copyright laws.

You rock for getting this written down. Let me know if you want/need my help for anything... Especially now that I've expressed my view.

Re: Something else to add

[lakshmi-amman.livejournal.com]

These are great! I'm glad to get a more insider opinion - I've only jammed music a few times, and watched as a dancer... but I want to set up thoughts that are welcoming so it looks fun and easy and welcoming and not a group of weird people with bizarre rituals. OK... we are wierd people with bizarre rituals, but they should only figure that out AFTER they join. :)

Since melody is fairly new to ME and so are most of musicians don't be alarmed if we don't respond to your question in the middle of playing. I know I can't talk and play at the same time. But I will answer during the next break.


People have actually tried to talk to you WHILE you were playing?? How rude! I know a few guitarists or pianists who can natter and play, but those of us with our chins stuck to our instruments and those of us who use breath to make sound should be exempt! Eesh.

I may want something... I don't know what... maybe if someone has some pictures of an Orluk, or Ochoda or Clovensheild or Watan hafla - you know, the good kind of hafla with nice audience, non-alcholic beverages, and plenty of flat, cleared, lighted ground - or of dancers and musicians in all their glory. Some eye candy.