Studio Davina

Belly Dance Mini-Magazine:
Taking the Newsletter in New Directions

This summer, we’ve decided to spend some quality time working on the Belly Dance Mini-Magazine. In the spring, I polled the Studio Davina Facebook group.  Almost unanimously, the group voted for “Themed Issues,” but there was also a large number of folks who voted for “Regular Departments.”

For me, this felt like a mandate from the community for more quality content organized in an efficient and better way.  This is the result.

“Focus on …”

We’ve chosen to create a collection of mini-articles and links to related content and call it “Focus on…”   The first in this series is about legendary Mata Hari, notorious spy, courtesan, and dancer.  Her career spanned the decade between 1905 – 1914, pausing at the start of WWI.

“Focus On…”
Curated Video, Articles, Publications

For this first “Focus On…” piece, I intentionally chose to share a variety of different information types for different newsletter readers.  Included in this section are links to primary source materials, biographical videos, informative and well researched articles, historic and modern book recommendations.

Upcoming “Focus On…” subjects include particular dates, styles, props, and, like Mata Hari, focus on specific dancers. My main mission is to share quality information. This new segment allows me to share from the wide variety of images and links from my historical research.

Subscribe to the bi-monthly, “Belly Dance Mini-Magazine” and recieve a link to download a printable coloring book, “Belly Dance Costumes to Color.”

Regular Monthly Topics

In addition to the monthly special feature, I’m honing in on a series of regular monthly topics. Much like a fashion magazine that includes columns on beauty, fashion, and travel, my goal is to create a regular list based on subscribers’ tastes.

During the second month of the year, I’m experimenting and brainstorming with my Facebook Group to dial in a good set of 8-10 topics to share each month. It’s going to be a fun project that will make the newsletter more entertaining and informative.

If you haven’t signed up for the “Belly Dance Mini-Magazine” yet, use the link below.  Keep scrolling and click through the image below to read the entire July 2025 newsletter.

Thanks for joining me for this adventure in belly dance costume and history!

~ Dawn Devine ~ Davina
July 2025

 

 

It’s June 1 as I type this intro to what is my latest video on YouTube.  I realized last week that my channel has started growing, and I wanted to introduce myself to folks who are new to my channel.

June is a month of drawing and illustration. I’m  continuing the graphic design work on the update for “Costuming From the Hip.”

Throughout my books, I’ve used my illustrations to present different styles, shapes, and wardrobe pieces that are part of the greater belly dance wardrobe.

In the next expanded edition, I’m including full-length illustrations, ensemble flat-lays, and individual garments.

In addition to illustrations, I’m flipping through my entire archive of photographs. More than 25 years of pictures! I’m systematically exploring nearly 10 terabytes of digital files to find gems to use in the next book.

In addition to fashion illustrations and photographs, we’re including new diagrams. From pattern layouts to step-by-step specialty techniques.

This edition is shaping up to be the best work I’ve done throughout my entire career as a belly dance costume designer and author of DIY books.

Thank you for your patience as I slowly work through this massive project.

~ Dawn Devine ~ Davina
June 1, 2025