Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Recommended Readings – Beauty for the stage!

(a.k.a. “I couldn’t have said it better myself!”)

There are many things that I am still learning. After scouting the Internet to research a few things, here are some other resources that I wanted to share with my readers. I hope these links help you learn new things that benefit your dance!

First, here is a wonderful post on WHY you should wear stage makeup: http://www.kawakib.com/page-43.html

Next, here is an amazing instructional video on how to apply dramatic eye makeup. I used the principles in this tutorial this past Saturday and received rave reviews! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ILuAlxVUU4&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fbellydancingdiva%2Ecom%2F2009%2F06%2Fstage%2Dmakeup%2Dand%2Dhair%2Dtips%2F&feature=player_embedded

Makeup alone will only get you partway to the stage. Here is a magnificent instructional clip on how to keep ornaments in your hair: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFj8IJ2CvUg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ethegypsykiss%2Ecom%2Fhowtobellydancefreeclips%2Ehtml&feature=player_embedded

And, if you like braids, then this site will give you both instruction and ideas:
http://www.dreamweaverbraiding.com/Braiding_Tips.htm

Please note: All URL’s link to pages by other artists who have full copyright to the materials therein. These are provided as a referral without making any claim of ownership of the content. The best way to honor an artist is to support them in their art!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Safe Fan Transport

About a year ago, as a door prize in a fan workshop, I won a gorgeous feather fan -- turquoise blue with peacock accents. I have wanted to dance with it since; but, one fear kept me from doing so: how could I safely take it to and from venues? After some searching, I found a relatively inexpensive solution that will repel water and keep the fan from getting crushed. I purchased a zippered portfolio case from my local arts and crafts store. It has plastic sides that will keep water out, the shape is a broad, skinny box with a handle for easy carrying, and the shape will keep the fan so that the weight is on the fan’s base, not the feathers. I got my husband to rustle up some out of date foam-board (dry mount) advertising from work and stuck a piece on either side of the case to reinforce it a little more. The case has big pocket on one side and elastic straps that cross in an X on the other (like some suitcases) – both of these features hold the foam board securely and act as more cushioning for the fan.

My gorgeous fan (a handmade Dorma original!) will finally make its debut next week.