Why Eugene Hafla, by Mariamma Jones

She moved with the grace and speed of no woman I’d ever seen or known. Her skin shimmered and glistened with wet and heat. Supple and fresh didn’t describe it. Her moves were liquid, emotive, transcendent and unique. How could she move like that? How could anyone quiver like that? And how do I learn how to do it?
We’ve all seen that woman. That woman who moves like silk in the air. Whose hips flicker with whisper softness. Whose hips move and whisper lullabies to future children. I was seven when I first saw that woman. She was belly dancing and I’ve been trying to be that woman ever since.

That proud woman who parts a crowd like a ship’s prow. That woman who is sensual and beautiful and independent. That woman who is strengthened by the support of her friends and sisters. That woman who understands the value of sisterhood, of beauty and adorns herself with grace and poise. That woman who attracts a special man because she wants him, not because she needs him. That woman who moves like no one else, loves like no one else and lives strong and free. I was seven when I first saw that woman and now I see her everywhere.

This is why we started Eugene Hafla. To support each other. To learn from each other. To respectfully watch the women who adorn themselves with giggles and pride. To respectfully watch them move and see if we can move like that too.

It requires no ability, just courtesy. It requires no money, just sharing food or drink and leaving the space clean. It requires no dancing, just being part of the scene.

Eugene Hafla meets the first and third Sundays of the month at McNail-Riley House, 601 W. 13th, corner of 13th and Jefferson from 1pm to 4pm. Please park on the street or your car may be towed. Children allowed, dancing children encouraged.