One of the most alluring aspects about oriental dance is the veil. Mysterious, exotic, soft and sensual, the veil allows us to express our femininity in a unique way. There's something wonderful and luxurious about that whispery piece of silk! This month's newsletter is dedicated to the art of dancing with a veil. Here is a fun multiple choice test that will explore your veil expertise. Who knows? Perhaps it will provide you with inspiration the next time you go out to perform!
1. What types of fabric are best used to make a veil?
2. When is the veil used in a typical classical Egyptian oriental dance routine?
3. What is the correct shape of the veil?
4. With how many veils should a bellydancer dance?
5. How should a veil best be cleaned?
6. Who is Loie Fuller?
7. What is the "Dance of the Seven Veils" and when was it originally performed?
ANSWERS:
1. If you answered A, B or C, you are correct. All of these types of fabric make a great veil, and come in a fantastic array of colors, including tie-dyed. Preference of one fabric over another depends entirely on your dance style and the fabric weight you like to sue.
2. A is the correct answer. In a classical Egyptian dance routine, the performer usually enters with a veil, uses it briefly and discards it. This is opposed to, for example, a Greek style routine in which the veil is worn when entering the stage and then removed and danced with later in the routine.
3. B is the correct answer. The most common shape is rectangular, at least 2 feet longer than your arm span, or about 3 yards. However, if you answered C, you get half credit. There are lovely veils in the shape of a half circle.
4. A or B is the correct answer. Most often, only one veil is used in a classical oriental routine, but it has been popularized in the last 30 years to dance with "double veil", which expands the visual appeal and movement possibilities.
5. C is the correct answer. Of course, in time with use your veil will get grimy. It will collect perspiration and odors such as smoke. Woolite is a nifty product, but not too nifty for your veil, as it may be too strong for the color and cause it to bleed. The safest way to clean your veil is by hanging it over your shower rod and steaming it. Don't ever wash several veils together, because you will risk them all turning out a dull, grey-green!
6. B is the correct answer. Kudos to you if you know of Loie Fuller! She was an American who became famous throughout the U.S. and Europe for performing with veils of all types and using special lighting techniques to appear as various images such as a butterfly, a flower or fire. She inspired many modern dancers who were intrigued by belly dance, such as Ruth St. Denis and Isadora Duncan. Look up Loie Fuller in the library and check out some wonderful photos of her with her long, flowing veils!
7. C is the correct answer. Even though the historical character Salomé inspired the creation of the "Dance of the Seven Veils", it was first created for the opera entitled "Salomé", performed in Chicago in 1910 by Mary Garden. After this show, her appearance was banned in New York but, curiously enough, it was casually accepted in Milwaukee!
How did you do? If you did not do too well, perhaps you need to pick up a video which specializes in dancing with a veil, like my Reach for the Stars Volume 2. See the videos page on my web site. If you did great, you might also want to go to the videos page, because maybe you'd like to reward yourself. In any case, please check out the article on Music Suggestions for ideas of beautiful music to which you might dance with your veil.
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©1999 Jasmin Jahal