Where did dancing with a veil come from? Traditionally, veils were used by the women in the orient for discretion in public. It symolizes flowing femininity and creates a certain exotic mystery. True veil dancing in oriental dance occurred only within the last century and was strongly influenced by dancers of the West that were fascinated with the orient. (Other effects of Western influence brought Egyptian dance to films, and caused oriental dancers to wear high-heeled shoes and elaborately sparkling costumes.) Today, the best veil dancing is not found in the Middle East, but rather by the dancers everywhere else in the world. The popularity of talented veil dancing is very high.
What should a veil be made from? * Any light fabric that easily catches the air. Silk is the best. * Some specialty veils (for example, circular veils) can be made of heavier fabric. * A basic rectangular veil should be double the length of your arm span. If not silk, then the minimum length is 2 feet or 60 cm longer than your arm span. (Hold your arms straight out to each side and measure from the fingertips on your left hand to the fingertips on your right hand, then add 2 feet.) * A silk veil should not contain any sequins or trim on it, because it will add too much weight and ruin the flow of the fabric.
When should you dance with a veil? * To soft, flowing music (not a drum solo!) * In a classical oriental dance routine (not folkloric) * Usually at the beginning of a performance, but can be in the middle of a long show or for a finale' (depends on the show and the music)
Holding the Veil: * Good posture, head lifted, chest open and lifted, shoulders relaxed and down (no matter if the arms are held up, to the side, or anywhere else) * Arms should be held in a long curve. When held out to your sides, the palms of the hands should face down * Veil is held between the thumb and fingers (not between the fingers), with the fingers held together and the hand extended with soft energy
Moving with the Veil: The veil should frame your body and add a soft flow. Never work with the veil too strongly or sharply. Never throw the veil away like some dirty laundry. Respect the veil's own breath and life, and allow the veil to enhance the breath and life in your performance.
Jasmin's philosophy: Dance with the veil as a NATURAL extension of your arms. The audience should feel that you and the veil are one, rather than you manipulating a prop (a clearly separate thing from you, the dancer). Anything you dance with (cymbals, stick, whatever) should be connected to and integrated with your movements.
(back)
©1999 Jasmin Jahal