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Belly Dance Life Podcast #328

Davina belly dance classes online

Interview with Iana for the “Belly Dance Life Podcast”

I was thrilled to be invited to participate on the longest-running belly dance podcast, “Iana’s Belly Dance Life.”  I’ve been subscribed for many years, and it was so exciting to get an invitation to participate in her programming.

The Podcast

Back in May, Iana reached out to me and invited me to come and chat about my career in dance and costuming. During the conversation, I laid it all out there chronologically. I was happy to share insights I’ve learned along the way.

Listen to the Interview Here: https://www.ianadance.com/bellydance-life/episode328 

Preparing for Podcast Interviews

Before the scheduled meeting time, I went over to Iana’s podcast page and listened to a dozen or so podcasts. I listened to one or two a day while walking and doing house chores for about a week.

Pre-listening to a podcaster, helped me to learn Iana’s cadence and timing so that we could have a great flow.  While most podcasts are edited, I always try to be provide clean smooth content.

I particularly enjoyed listening to colleagues in the field of dance history and research:

I enjoyed my conversation with Iana and highly recommend listening to her podcast on your favorite player. You never know who she will reach out and contact for her next interview.

Dawn Devine ~ Davina
June 2025

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Hello Hello

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

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Basinah’s Assiut Capsule Wardrobe

 

It’s May, and I’m thrilled to collaborate with the uber glamorous Basinah and her mum to craft a multi-piece assiut capsule wardrobe. Our mission is to use a couple of assiut shawls and a dress to build as many wardrobe pieces as possible using a mix-and-match format.

Basinah

Basinah, and her mum Jiniko, have been part of our team since we worked on The Cloth of Egypt c. 2014.  For the next edition of Costuming from the Hip, we are working together to create a small collection of ensembles that showcase different design and construction techniques.

Basinah appeared in “Cloth of Egypt,” “Becoming a Belly Dancer,” on stage at the “Fall Festival,” and goofing off with Jiniko. All photos by Alisha Westerfeld. Click through to see more photos of Basinah on Instagram.

The first ensemble is made from three purple assiut shawls and a dress.  We’re building a coordinating bra and belt set, a two-panel assiut skirt, and a dress. Jiniko is executing the sewing for this design collaboration.  We’re transforming the traditional dance dress in several ways:

  • Redesign Neckline
  • Remove Sleeves
  • Embellish with Rhinestones
  • Transform Sleeves
The official “Before” photo of the assiut robe, and a few informal in-progress snapshots. The next edition of “Costuming from the Hip” includes content from my booklet series as well as photographs and and new illustrations.  The current edition dates to the rewrite of 2010.

“Costuming from the Hip” update

I’m very happy that the text of the book is basically finished.  During May, I’m editing the bibliography and other end matter content.

My goal is to create a bibliography that will serve as useful tool for future researchers.  We’re sticking to published books, and organizing them into logical groups for locating publications thematically.

In addition, #CFTH30 includes a new research guide for using archives. I’m including my best tips, tricks and methodologies for finding information in newspapers, magazines, and journals.

A sample spread from the bibliography in “The Cloth of Egypt.” I’m expanding the “reading list” for Costuming from the Hip based on the positive feedback from my colleagues in belly dance history and costume design. Photos by Alisha Westerfeld.

Sewing Resumes here at Studio Davina

Some folks might have heard over on Patreon or in my Studio Davina group on Facebook, that I’ve been having some issues with my right thumb.  Over the past two months, I’ve worked on some rehabilitation and I’m happy to announce that I’m once again able to pull a needle.   Hurrah!

Time to head back into the studio to resume work on the appliques for the “Blue Mermaid.”  Photos to follow in the next post!

Happy Dance and Costuming,
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
May, 2025