Khafif -- Description -- 
   Performers -- Photos -- Schedule -- Links


Safa -- Neefa -- Berna -- Jaya -- Jas


 Denys -- Safiya -- Mahakaruna -- Khajeem -- Sadira





Jaya

Jaya

I was bitten by the Middle Eastern dance bug around
the glowing fires of The Society For Creative
Anachronism in 1997. I had been a drummer in high
school, and the primitive rhythms immediately called
to me. (And I admit that my inner magpie was attracted
to the amazing jewelry…) Most importantly, my heart
was mesmerized and soothed by the music and the
movement.

I found a teacher and began taking lessons in 1999.
Later that year I had my first public performance at
Phat Man Dee’s birthday party. The interaction with
the crowd and my fellow dancers was like nothing I had
ever experienced. I was truly hooked! In 2002, I
became one of the founding members of the now-defunct
Troupe Al-Raqasat.

In 2003, I was privileged to perform with the amazing
members of Khafif as one of their “undead” for a
Halloween show. In 2004 I was lucky enough to dance
with them for the first time as a living guest!

I am both challenged and encouraged by the other
dancers and musicians of Khafif. I’m perpetually
amazed at how lucky I am to be able to work with the
very dancers and musicians who originally inspired my
love of this art.