Our History
BFFA has a long history of bringing dancers and the community together.
Founded in 1978 as the Middle Eastern Dance Association (MEDA), our organization has spent decades celebrating music and dance, as well as the many traditions and styles represented within our community. Our motto, "Shaking Hips Since 1978," has been with us since the beginning and remains a part of our story.
Over the years, we have organized hundreds of events, including haflas, bazaars, workshops, movie nights, and special performances. These gatherings have provided a place for dancers to connect, share their skills, learn from one another, and bring their love of dance to the wider community.
In 2025, we adopted our new name, Bellydance, Folklore, and Fusion Arts Association (BFFA), to reflect the growing diversity of our community and the many dance styles we represent. While our name has evolved, our commitment to supporting dancers, celebrating music, and bringing our community together remains at the heart of everything we do.
BFFA Board Members
BFFA is guided by a dedicated team of volunteers who work together to support our dance community and bring our events to life.
Our board members contribute their time, skills, and ideas to keep the organization moving forward. They make time to support our members and create ways for dancers to connect, learn, and share their passion.
Board Members of 2026
President: Jessica
Vice-President: Anna
Treasurer: Inez
Secretary: Stephanie
Social Media: Nancy
Memberships: Rose
Member at Large: Nahla
We're grateful for the time and commitment each board member brings to BFFA.
Get Involved
Join the BFFA Board
We are always happy to welcome members who are interested in becoming more involved in the organization.
Joining the board is a great way to contribute your ideas, share your skills, and help shape future events. Be part of the decision-making that helps move BFFA forward!
You don't need previous board experience, just an interest in supporting our community and a willingness to contribute.
Volunteer at Events
We also welcome volunteers who would like to lend a hand at our events, assist with setup and preparations, or help with event activities.
If you'd like to learn more about joining the board or volunteering at events, fill out the form below.
Dance Styles Within Our Community
Raqs Sharqi
An Egyptian dance that developed through Egypt's film, theatre, and entertainment industry, becoming one of the most internationally recognized dances.
Raqs Baladi
A dance and music style with roots in Egyptian rural folk traditions that evolved through migration to Cairo and became a part of Egyptian popular culture.
Folklore
Traditional social and celebratory dances originating from the collective history, customs, and daily experiences of a specific community or geographic region.
Khaleegi
A traditional dance from the Arabian Gulf, shared across countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. Khaleegi dance is most commonly recognized for its hair-swinging movements.
Shaabi/Mahragan
Shaabi emerged from working-class neighborhoods and Mahragan developed from Egypt’s street and electronic music scene; both combine traditional Egyptian movement with a high-energy, gritty street dance attitude.
Bollywood
A style of dance associated with India's film industry, combining influences from classical Indian traditions, regional folk dances, and contemporary global dance styles.