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How Are Veils Used in Belly Dance?

By Treva Bedinghaus, About.com

Question: How Are Veils Used in Belly Dance?
Answer: Props are used in belly dancing to add mystery, interest and variety to a performance. One of the most popular props used in belly dancing is the veil. Dancing with a veil adds a touch of elegance to a dance performance, especially when the veil flows gracefully with the movements of the dancer. Dancing with a veil emphasizes the grace of certain arm and shoulder movements. Many belly dancers use a veil as an opening prop to slow music, then gracefully and respectfully discard the veil after a few minutes, or when the tempo of the music changes.

Veils can be either circular or rectangular in shape. A veil is simply piece of light fabric measuring around 3-1/2 to 4-yards. Fabric choices for veils include sheer varieties such as chiffon, organza and silk. When purchasing a veil, make sure to dance with it to assure you buy the correct length. A veil needs to be long enough to dance with, but not so long that it trips you up. For measuring purposes, hold the veil in both hands with your arms straight out to the sides. The veil should be this length plus two more feet.

Practice in front of a mirror with your veil. Use soft music with a slow, even tempo. When dancing with the veil, try to create the illusion that it is a natural extension of your body. Allow the veil to flow through the air as you interact with the fabric. The veil should ripple with gentle waves with each movement of your body. With a little practice, the veil will add a special touch of magic to your belly dancing.

How to Make a Simple Veil

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