Davina ~ Dawn Devine is a belly dance costume designer, dance instructor and author of more than a dozen publications on Middle Eastern dance.
Many years ago, a reader in Germany took the time to translate Hints and Tips into German. She sent me a copy long ago, and it languished, lost in a hard drive under my desk. Now, years later, I’ve found this document. Although I’ve since lost the name and contact information for the translator, I am indebted to her for the time she spent working on this project. Thank you!
Hints & Tips in German – Download .pdf here.
Duct-Tape Dummmy – A fashionable tool for a fabulous fit.
For anyone who struggles with fitting costumes and clothing to their own physique, a fitting assistant or duct-tape dummmy is a handy thing to possess. These are a fun project that require the helpful hands of a friend to complete, and will help you achieve the best fit possible with the minimum amount of re-sewing.
Step-By-Step Directions from Threads Magazine
I’m sure you’ve seen directions for the duct-tape dummy around the web before, but Threads Magazine has created a new vision of this sewing-room companion. Instead of a silver robot-like version of you, why not have a stylish colorful twin using one of the latest generation of printed duct-tapes?
Periodically, it’s good to revisit your duct-tape dummmy to make sure that it still accurately reflects your current dimensions. As we travel through the journey of our lives, our bodies evolve. Losing or gaining weight is obvious, but even small changes in posture can affect the hang and swing of a garment. Is it time to make a new fitting tool?
If you find your current twin is the proper size and configuration, why not give her a new coating of fashionable duct-tape? It can bring new life and energy into your sewing space and inspire your inner fashion designer.
In this day and age, isn’t it nice to know that even our sewing tools can be stylish! Thanks Threads for the excellent article complete with step-by-step illustrations.
~ Davina ~ Dawn Devine
www.davina.us
Serge Diaghilev dance impresario and creator of Les Ballets Russes had a unique vision which has sustained the test of time and profoundly effected the entire world of dance. The fantastic orientalist inspired costumes by Leon Bakst have left a lasting impression of his sumptuous balletic reinterpretations of the exotic and mythic east.
Diaghilev had a unique knack for surrounding himself with an illustrious and international group of creative and artistic minds to design his costumes. From the French fashion designer Coco Chanel to the avant guard Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, this exhibit is filled with some of the best costumes ever designed. Diaghilev Exhibit
If you are not in the vicinity of the Victoria and Albert in London to view this show, why not visit their website and drink up some of the Images or check out this video to view parts of the exhibit. Video of the Diaghilev Exhibit
If you don’t have time to watch videos or explore the V&A website, at least visit their store where they have an easy to view collection of Bakst costume illustrations. V&A Prints
After several months of combing the web in search of a WordPress theme that would fit our needs, we’ve found one! Called Bombax from Itx, we’ve finally found something that we think will work for us. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be porting content over from the last version of the davina.us website here and the next generation of Costumer’s Notes will hit the web. I would like to thank everyone who helped me in my quest – most notably – Barry B. my sys-admin for setting Word Press up on my server, Mike H. and Joe E. my trusty editors who makes sure that things are spelled right, and Jerry C. who is transforming himself into a WordPress guru and is customizing this theme to suit my needs. Thanks guys for all your help – I really couldn’t do it without you!
Hello Gang,
As many of you know, for more than a decade, I was an art historian. Today, though I teach dance and costume design, I frequently find myself slipping into “lecture” mode as I talk about Islamic art. Many belly dancers choose to study the cultural arts of the Middle East, and are frustrated by the limited amount of imagery available to give visual context to written histories. Dance, as an ephemeral art form, was only recorded sporadically in visual representations and textual descriptions. Logically, we know that dancing girls existed, but where are they in the historical record?
Well, today I have the pleasure of sharing a fantastic documentary on Islamic art – the best I have ever seen. Paradise Found: Discovering Islamic Art features noted British art critic Waldemar Januszczak in a grand sweeping survey of the art and architecture of the Islamic world. The focus of this program are the myriad depictions of paradise that are found within Islamic art. The presenter takes us on a journey across time and throughout the far flung territories that compose the Muslim world. This is a lush presentation by a passionate historian and who genuinely adores his subject. He introduces the viewer to some of his favorites; images of sumptuous gardens, amazing architecture and beautiful objects. Each work is invested with the same lofty and yet earthly goal, to evoke a sense of paradise. As you watch, keep your eyes open for historical images of dancing girls, some of which are quite rare and unique. Because, what would paradise be like without belly dancers?
I hope you enjoy this program as much as I do.
~ Davina ~ Dawn Devine
Author • Costumer • Dancer • Historian www.davina.us
Paradise Found: A Documentary on Islamic Art and Architecture