Henna and Female Bonding

I am still incredibly enthralled with Middle Eastern dance. And the culture in general, even for all the crap that seems to rain upon that corner of the world.

A friend of mine indulged me and tagged along to the Jawaahir Dance Company's annual henna party. Part performance. Part fundraiser. Mostly women. We all gathered on the chilly Sunday afternoon in one of the room above an abandoned pharmacy that serves as the school's studio and classroom as well as the dance company's performance space. Pillows scattered the hard floor. We settled in small clusters to enjoy the show. Ensemble pieces, solo dances, a class exhibition, traditional and modern dance swirled across the bare stage. The audience clapping and cheering as the company shimmied, shook and twirled.
Mid-performance the raffle for henna by a professional mehndi artist as well as a full session of classes was announced. My friend's hesitation at having bought a raffle was dispersed as her number was called for one of the henna sessions. A few more dance pieces folloowed before the company began pulling the audience to their feet to share in the joy of movement.

The range of people, both attending as well as performing was astonishing...young as 6, mingled with those well on their way to retirement with a smattering of every group in between. Lithe girls undulated next to the more full figured apples of the group. And smiles were on every face.

And slowly the dance petered out as guests discovered edibles in the lobby and henna supplies in the next room over. Pillows and blankets sprawled everywhere. The two of us squeezed our way into a corner where I began to doodle with the tubes full of henna dye as she awaited her turn with the artist.It was fun, and relaxed. No pressures. And everyone in incredibly high and encompassing spirits. I recognized perhaps one or two others among the sea of strangers. But anyone of them could have been friends for all the communal joy we'd been sharing.

Rarely do conversations among perfect strangers flow so free for me. But there is something so accepting and welcoming about this community of dancers that seems to draw everyone out. I need that.

It's healing.