Categories
Belly Dance Costuming DIY General

Event Survival Bag

This coming weekend on Saturday, I will be attending a local event that I had the pleasure of launching many years ago, The Fall Festival hosted by Babdama. This year, I’ll be there vending with my portable book-store.  I’m especially excited to bring along a few pre-release copies of my next book, “Color Theory: With Pencils and Mandalas.”

At my booth, I’ll be joined by my co-authors Alisha Westerfeld and Sara Shrapnell and with luck, we will have a great view of the stage to enjoy the show!  Several of the dancers who have appeared in my books will be taking the stage, and I’m looking forward to seeing some of my friends perform!

But while I love hanging out with friends, I have found that I will enjoy the event so much more if I take along a survival kit.

Event Survival Kit

I keep my event survival kit in what I think of as a medium-sized cosmetic bag. I make sure that it’s bright and easy to spot at the bottom of a dark tote-bag or when it’s tucked in a box under my table.  This bag is the right sized for me to wrangle all the items that I need while I’m sitting in my booth.

And since I love “What’s in my Bag” videos on YouTube, I thought I would take a moment to share what I include in my event survival kit.

 

Purse Companion

At first glance, this looks a lot like the contents of a purse, and in fact, many of these items might seem painfully obvious.  But this bag is separate from my purse for security purposes.  This is the bag that I’m pulling out and might leave on top my table under my book rack for easy access.

But while it’s nice to see a peek inside, I thought I would spread out what I keep in this bag.  Boy, was I shocked with the amount of stuff that I manage to get into the bag – and I still have room to spare.

Personalized Event Essentials

As you peek at my supplies, let me give you a little rundown of what I routinely carry.

  • Top row from the left: Ikea shopping tote for purchases, business postcards, tissues.
  • Middle row from the left: paper fan, pressed powder, black eyeliner, signature lip color, metal tin, healing gel, hand cream, anti-bacterial spray.
  • Bottom row from left: blotting paper, survival rations, mints, and candy.

But what’s in the box?

That tiny little box in the center of the photo above contains a complete hand-sewing kit!  I choose that box because of its cheeky cover.  It perfectly contains the essential items that I would need on hand to sew a broken hook and eye back into place!

What about everything else?

I know you might be thinking, what about aspirin and earplugs?  Because I go to so many music events, I actually carry earplugs in my purse.  However, at dance events, I like to keep my purse secure, so I will grab the things I need. and tuck my purse away.  Though I’ve never had my event survival bag “lifted,” I have a greater sense of security know that this kit will be easy to replace!

And that takes care of one tiny bit of event packing! 
Perhaps I’ll see you there!
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
Thursday, November 9, 2017.

 

Categories
Belly Dance General

Getting your Performance videos onto YouTube

One of the most frustrating features social media today is being unable to share your belly dance performance videos!  With global copyright protections in play, it can make a dancer feel like a third class citizen behind musicians.  As dancers, we use and respond to music, we interpret the music, and share that music with our audience.  George Balanchine once said, “Dance is Music Made Visible,” and yet we are constantly being thwarted when we attempt to upload clips of our performances.

Over the past few months, and a fair bit of research and experimentation, here are some strategies to try when selecting your music to raise the odds of getting your video online.

Choose Copyright Free Music:  This may sound simplistic, but sometimes doing the work ahead of time will save you tons of frustration. YouTube has a very easy to use Music Copyright search that allows video creators to check to see if the music they are hoping to use is available.  In order to use this powerful tool, you will need to log into your YouTube account to access this address:  https://www.youtube.com/music_policies

YouTube's Music Copyright Search Tool

Dance to a live band: When you’re contemplating which performances to book to share on social media, investigate your local live music options. Live music cuts will pass muster on a copyright search. Like this performance clip I posted to Instagram of Bay Area belly dancer Shalimar wearing a costume I made.

Use Classic or Folk Songs: There are many titles that are now “out of print” and looking into some classic recordings might be the way to find a piece that are available for use and distribution online. Many vintage recordings might be available, so pull out your old vinyl and hit the floor.  Here, Bay Area dancer Natika dances to the classic Turkish Rompi-Rompi.

Ask Permission:  There are some wonderfully talented local bands who make and sell their CD’s at events.  A great example is the Sacramento based band Pangia, who made the first cut that Natika performed to in the clip above.

In our current era of video proliferation, it’s important for all visual artists to have the power to share their work on their websites and in social media.  A video is essential to facilitate booking gigs, advertising for students, or simply to share their art.  So before you book your next performance for video, do a little research beforehand to raise your chances of having your clips past social media muster!

Now, I’m off to find some copyright free music to use as the background of a sewing demo.  The struggle is real!

Happy Dancing!
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
Wednesday, November 8, 2017

 

 

Categories
Belly Dance General Makeup and Appearance Publications

What is the Belly Dance Bundle & Zill Contest?

Hello Gang,

I just heard about a “thing” that is happening here on the web in October, the release of “The Bellydance Bundle.”  You may have seen the ads on social media, in emails from your favorite dancers, and you might even be involved!  This project is the brainchild of belly dancer Tiffany Noro, who’s married her love of belly dance and her career in social media to create this great “deal” for belly dancers world-wide.

Is the Belly Dance Bundle good deal?

I’m sure most of us check our belly dance budget and ask the question can I afford to XYZ.  Although at first glance it’s unclear what is included in this bundle, these products are coming from a collection of an exceptional group of performers and instructors.  I asked myself, would I take a workshop by these ladies at a workshop?   Even looking at this partial list of dancers – the answer is a resounding YES!

It’s a Belly Dance Event in Your Own Home!

One of the ways you can look at this collection of digital information as a belly dance festival in your own home.  ONLY, unlike a big event, you can ACTUALLY participate in everything and at your own pace.  Unlike a multi-track event, with multiple teachers presenting their material at the same time, you don’t have to choose which one to invest in.  Instead, you can, quite literally, do it all!   One of the other things that happens to me during big festivals, is that I often wind up “missing something” when I’m having lunch or dinner.  With all of these online classes and digital workshops, you select the time that works best for you.  No more dancing through a workshop unable to focus due to hunger, thirst, or in my case, the need for a nap!

Last minute surprise – I’m joining the bundle!

I was planning on buying this bundle, saving the cash, when in the 11th hour, I was invited by the organizer to join this event!  Every bundle will include a complete copy of my recent book, “Zills: Music on your Finger Tips.”  So if you choose to invest in the $147 bundle, a digital version of my book will be included.  This is .pdf format is a “Bundle Exclusive” and the only way that Zills is available as a digital publication.  Every day over the next few weeks, the value of the Belly Dance Bundle is going up.  So as of this moment, the “Value” or the combined price if you bought everything separately, is at about $900.

Feel Like a Winner?

Turquoise International has contributed some sets of their beautiful finger cymbals that are being given away this week.  If you click on the link below, you can enter to win a mini-bundle that includes a set of zills AND a workshop hosted by Nadira Jamal, The Belly Dance Geek.  It costs nothing to enter, but you have the chance to win big!   As you know, I LOVE finger cymbals, their history, legend, and lore, and Nadira is a fantastic instructor that I am happy to recommend!

But where’s the dancing and shopping?

Okay, so unlike a festival you won’t get the opportunity to feel and touch a bunch of costumes or see a lot of live dancing.  But that is really where the rest of the internet comes into play.  Between sessions, you can shop online at your favorite dealers, browse Pinterest for idea shopping for future costumes, and even spend some quality time on YouTube enjoying some great performances.

Ultimately, let your needs as a dancer and your budget guide your decision.  If you look at that list of instructors and see a tasty buffet of educational opportunities, then click on one of the images above for a quick link to the Belly Dance Bundle website where you can sign up for the mailing list, and when the sale opens, order up your own private festival to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

I’m really looking forward to these classes!
Come Join me on FB for discussions about the classes,

Dawn Devine ~ Davina
Sept. 25, 2017

 

Categories
Belly Dance Costuming DIY General

Working with Egyptian Fringe

One of the most glamorous, sparkly, and shimmy enhancing costuming elements is Egyptian beaded fringe.  This sparkly design element is composed of glass rocaille or seed beads suspended on a thick thread from a top rope. The strands are closely packed together, creating a shimmering wall of color.  This fringe can also be cut apart and used as clusters or even tassels around a costume.  The image at the right is the glamorous Bay Area belly dancer Adriana wearing an assiut bra with an Egyptian fringe cluster at the center front.

Egyptian fringe is a handcrafted item, that is generally available in approximately meter-long pieces or in matched sets.  It comes in some basic lengths such as 4″, 6″ and 8″ length drops. Egyptian fringe can be a single colored bead and length like the black hank below top left.  It’s also available with specialty beads, like the gold drops on the tips of the peacock blue iridescent fringe bottom right.

Geometric patterns such as squares and stripes like the black and silver top right.  V shaped sets are also available like the burgundy and gold pictured below right.  Sets often include three V-shaped pieces, one for the front and back of your belt, and one for the bra sometimes with an additional length of short fringe to bridge the gaps between the front and back, or to add to accessories for a cohesive look.

Prepping Egyptian Fringe

One of the ways to make fringe last longer is to seal the knots with glue. When cutting meters into smaller parts for use around a costume, adding glue prior to cutting is essential to prevent losing strands after the cut.  Dabbing a bit of glue on the knotted ends of each strand may sound like a lot of extra work, but it can add years to the lifespan of your beaded fringe.  I am currently using Aleene’s Fabric Fusion which comes in a pen form for precise application, or in bottle form which is a less expensive choice.

Sourcing Egyptian Fringe

I prefer to buy my fringe in person at belly dance events.  When I don’t have ready access to an event but need to get a costume done, I will reach out to trusted dealers who carry top quality fringe directly from the source.

Scheherezade Imports – Although the website has a vintage look, it doesn’t begin to represent the quality and quantity of stock that Lucy, aka Scheherezade has available in stock.  I like to message her using her website with my specific request, and she always responds promptly. Visit their website.

Dahlal International – This beautiful website focusses primarily on ready-made costumes, but has a small, but potent, section on specialty belly dance costume making materials.  I have made many purchases from Dahlal, and have never been dissatisfied with the quality of the products, service, and shipping. Visit their website.

Turquoise International – While I have never ordered from the Turquoise website, I have purchased a lot of beaded fringe from Ali, the proprietor, in person at Rakksah West.  However, I can attest to the quality of their fringe. Visit their website.

Of course, you can find Egyptian fringe available on Etsy, eBay and through specialty dealers worldwide.  Search for the color and length that you prefer, and you will find plenty of sources.

Design Tip:  In the photo above, Zemira aka Alisha Westerfeld, is wearing an imported bedlah, or bra and belt set made with a variety of colors of Egyptian fringe.  You can get this effect by cutting several colors of fringe into pieces and sewing them together and putting them to your costume.

Add Dealers to your Source Book

No matter how you source your fringe, I highly recommend establishing a good relationship with your favorite dealers.  They can help you source unusual colors, lengths, shapes, and also share with you good deals when they get ahold of them.  Be sure to sign up for mailing lists and pay attention to annual sale dates.

As you make more and more costumes, I always recommend that you create for yourself a personal source book where you collect the names and contact information about your preferred dealers.  Keeping track of who’s reliable, professional, and courteous is important information to have on hand when you’re gathering materials for making costumes.

Above Image: Notice the dab of glue placed on the fringe prior to cutting.

Now I’ve gotta run and hand-sew a bunch of fringe onto this belt!   If you have any more questions about Egyptian fringe, how to handle and use it, please drop me a line via email and I’ll be happy to answer any questions for you! Reach me at davina@davina.us and include “re: Egyptian fringe question” in the subject line.  Alternately, you if you are a FaceBook user, you can join the conversation over in the Studio Davina group.

Happy Costuming and Delicious Dance!
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
Sept. 14, 2017

 

 

Categories
Belly Dance Costuming DIY Design General

Costume Design Approach: Line and Cluster

There are many strategies for designing belly dance costume bra and belt sets.  One design approach I use often I like to call the “Line and Cluster.”  In this technique, I begin with a flexible, but linear design element, such as rope, narrow ribbon, chain, or, as in this example, rhinestone chain.  Choose something long and thin with some ability to bend and twist, curving to create undulations in the line.  While my demo piece is pretty high glam with bright fabric and glittering AB rhinestones, you can choose to take this approach in a more fusion or tribal way using chain for the line, and coins and metal fillets for the clusters.

Prepare your Belly Dance Bra

Pink Rhinestone Bra prepped for slip stitching the dart legs. Studio Davina - www.davina.us

We’re starting at the mid-way point in the construction of this lovely pink costume that I’m calling “Stoned Pinky.”  I’m working with the same client who commissioned the “Lavender Garden” bedlah set I designed in the spring.  For that costume, we did a “Stash Attack” and pulled items from storage, recycled from previous projects, and found materials stored in my cabinet of curiosities.  to create a lovely floral-themed belly dance bra and belt.  I posted a 4 part series of blog posts about that project which begins here.

If you would like more information about how I prepared and covered these bra cups, directions and step-by-step photos are in my book Embellished Bras.

Design Approach: Line and Cluster

In this method, you’re essentially “drawing” a series of undulating lines across the surface of your costume. There are three design groups that I find look lovely on a belly dance costume bra and belt set.

Uniformly Shaped Embellishments: Filling the spaces between the lines with one uniformly shaped design motif is perhaps the quickest and easiest from a design perspective.  Remember, though the size remains the same, the color and material can vary.  For example,  you could use rainbow hued rhinestones, or you could use the same size stones of various composition like pearly, stone, and metal.

Repetitive Motifs: One way to tie a full head to toe ensemble together is to use a repeating motif on each of the garments.  You can pull a design from the fabric of your skirt, or your bra and belt, or just pick a motif at

Random Sized Clusters: In this style, I use a variety of different shaped and sized design motifs to fill the area between the lines.  I often will stick to one color, but change the shapes and finishes to create a more dynamic that contrasts with the lines.

Line drawing of three styles of the "Line and Cluster" design approach. | Dawn Devine www.davina.us

First line of the "Line and Cluster" design approach on a Pink Belly Dance Bra. | Studio Davina www.davina.us

Draw your Main Style Line

The most important part of this project is laying in your first design line.  You want to create your ideal amount of “Wiggle.”  If you are new to this method, you can experiment with thread tracing until you find the line you like, and then apply your linear design element.  In this example, I’m using rhinestone on chain.

I like using rhinestone chain for its ability to gently curve, allowing me to draw a sparkly line across the surface of the bra cup.  I pin the design onto the first cup and get it perfectly to my taste. Then using measurements, I recreate a mirror image of the design on the opposite cup.

If you would like to work along with this project, this is the chain size I used for the first and second lines of the design.  I used a smaller 2mm size rhinestone chain for the third and fourth lines.

Rhinestones spread out and ready to sew on using the "Line and Cluster" design approach. | Studio Davina www.davina.us

Choose your cluster style

For this costume, I’ve chosen to use an uneven cluster that I’m going to build up in an organic way. I begin the clusters by working from the largest rhinestones to the smallest.  Think of it like a jar.  If you want to put large rocks, medium pebbles, and sand into the jar, it’s best to put the rocks in first, then add the pebbles and finish with sand. If you put the sand in first, it’s hard to get the rocks and pebbles to fit in.

For this project, I’m using four of these AB rhinestones assortments,  as well as a bag of additional 10mm AB Rhinestones,   I had some fuchsia stones in my stash, but they are 7mm similar to these.

To see what I have to work with, I spread out all the materials on a piece of fuzzy fleece cloth. This will prevent beads, sequins, and stones from rolling away. Sometimes, if I’m using particularly bouncing or rolling prone materials, I will lay my cloth in a box-lid or on a cookie sheet, or tray to prevent the supplies from wandering off.

Sew on the Rhinestones

For the bra, I really wanted to stay as symmetrical as possible, but still loose and free.  Instead of mapping out the whole project, I just worked free-form, but in a symmetrical pattern.  I would stitch down one big stone on the left, then repeat that placement on the right.  I would repeat this process working in clusters of 2-5 stones, sewing them down on the left and then repeating the same cluster on the right, mirroring the placement and pattern.  It’s not an exact match, but with this much bling, is an exact match essential?   If you are looking for tighter, more symmetrical process, I recommend using chalk, or a fabric pen that will disappear (test first on a scrap) and then place your stones in the pattern.  Since my customer has a fixed budget, flying freeform saves time – which in turn saves her money.

Pink Rhinestone bra in progress, demonstrating the "Line and Cluster" design approach. | Studio Davina www.davina.us

Repeat Cluster and Lines

Once the look is established with the first design line, and the clusters have been applied around it, I added the second design line.  Then I repeated the process, laying down the biggest stones first, filling in with clusters around the larger stones.  When the third line was added I pinned the bra cups to my dress form and stepped back to take a look at the bra.  It’s good to get an “audience view” of a costume.  Because Shalimar likes to dance in restaurants with low lighting and a close audience, I dimmed my lights and stood back 8 feet to see the costume in progress.Pink Rhinestone bra made using the "Line and Cluster" design approach. | Studio Davina - www.davina.us

One of the things I like best about the line and cluster approach to design is that it’s very versatile.  It can be applied vertically, horizontally, or as I did in this bra, following the angled line of the upper cup.  At this stage, I need to finish the design all the way to the bottom of the cups and then attach the bands and straps to complete this garment.

To the SEWING TABLE,
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
Aug. 19, 2017