One of the best ways to keep your skin looking its best when on the road or in the air is to pack a kit of moisturizing essentials. I like to keep a kit packed and ready in an approved zip-lock baggie in my dance kit. Then, when the next event is around the corner, I can grab and go! Even if I’m not traveling far, I keep these items stashed in my kit, because really, should a girl ever be with out some lip balm and sunglasses?
Over the past year, I’ve been presenting an hour-long lecture entitled “All About Assiut.” Sometimes it’s a slide presentation and at other times, it’s more of a hand’s on informal talk. As I’ve been working on my book, the handout has evolved as well, with interesting historical images, a bullet list of facts, and a selection of quotes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
As of today, October 1, I’ve got 14 costumes to complete and photograph before my book is finished. I’m anticipating a mid-winter release – if you join my mailing list, you will get the first notification of the book’s availability.
In the meantime – click on the link below and enjoy my handout!
~ Dawn Devine ~ Davina
The fall season is the best time to shop for party shoes and this season is offering a wide variety of glittery, sparkling shoes. Sparkle and shine is hot for the holidays but eternally useful for dancers, showgirls and divas. Here are just a few of the thousands of styles, shapes and colors now available around the web. Have fun shopping!
I’m in the middle of preparing to attend the Las Vegas Belly Dance Intensive Sept. 6 – 9 at the lovely Flamingo hotel. I’m teaching a workshop called “Think Like A Designer” about planning and building a useful wardrobe using techniques from the worlds of fashion and costume design. I’m really excited about teaching, performing and networking at the show! In preparation, we’ve put together a promotional post card for the book I’m currently working on “The Cloth of Egypt: All About Assiut.” Check it out!
Tribal Fest is one of my favorite events to go to, hang out at and watch lots of fantastic dancing. This year, there were many wonderful assiut-clad performers. Here are three more of my favorites from this year’s events. Check out part 1 for more.
After relocating to Portland and opening her studio Datura, which has become the new epicenter of modern tribal fusion, Rachel Brice has built a troupe featuring an amazing group of talented dancers. You can spot one of my favorite tribal performers, another Bay Area to Portland transplant, Ashley Lopez amongst these amazing women. The costuming is lush, silver on black assiut. The dance – spellbinding.
This performance features the supple Sasha, who spent his days of Tribal Fest 2012 wandering around draped in as many as 7 vintage assiut shawls. A self-proclaimed assiut addict, here he is performing with at least four draped around his body which he tucks and wraps the scarves to preserve them whole while still enjoying the shimmer and swing of wearing them in performance.
The Qabila Folkdance Company brought to the Tribal Fest a more traditional folkloric performance wearing lovely assiut gowns. These ladies performed an upbeat Saidid and Gahwazee Suite with style and gusto. Visit their FaceBook page to connect with this talented group of women.