Belly Dance Silk

Shahina
Why Silk For Veils and Accessories?

by Shahina

I am often asked by new dancers where to obtain hip scarves, veils and accessories. I usually mention a few of my favorite internet sites and then I go into my standard tirade about using caution and being sure of what you are buying and the return policies if you are dissatisfied.

My rule of thumb with respect to skirts and veils is this, “If it isn’t silk, don’t buy it.” This brings the very predictable response, “Why not?”

The foremost reason is impossible to express in words— so I don’t. I demonstrate.

I take a polyester chiffon veil and dance with it. My student watches and gives me a puzzled look. I put down the polyester veil and begin to dance with a silk veil. Within moments I can see the understanding dawn on the student’s face.

The silk has a “life” in it. It floats on the air, it glides over the skin, it caresses your arms and face and it shows in your relationship with the veil as you dance.

It is a terrible mistake for a new dancer to buy three yards of polyester to learn with, thinking she will buy a silk one when she knows how to dance.

Trying to manage an unresponsive veil takes too much energy away from the dance. Wearing a skirt that hangs limply or is too stiff to show your subtle movements is a disservice to yourself.

I enjoy creating beautiful silks for myself and my students. Look at the photographs throughout my website. Most of them contain images of silks I (or my friends) have dyed or painted. Each is unique. Each one has a personality. I don’t sell them over the internet because I can’t make enough of them and still have time to dance!

I occasionally host silk veil dyeing workshops. See my calendar to find out if one is scheduled soon. If you can't wait for the next workshop to learn, or want to see what I have available contact me. I am happy to give private lessons.

I also conduct ninety minute veil skills workshops for both beginner and advanced dancers. I hope to hear from you soon!

 Related Links
Shahina's belly dance silk page
Belly dance workshops with Shahina
Belly dance lessons with Shahina
Shahina's resume
Silk patterns by Shahina
Shahina's photo album
More of Shahina's opinions

Copyright © 2004, 2006 by Shahina All rights reserved.