Greetings and Welcome

       

This is the page where you can access various documents I have put together over the years to quench the thirst of my class participants' curiosity about some of the history of the dance as well as costuming ideas and patterns. 

The information on costuming primarily comes from a wonderful book* in my collection that, at least the last time I checked, is out of print.  Also contained therein are instructions and patterns from a now-retired costume designer extraordinaire ~ the one and only Ellen Laincz!

• History Booklet
  PS:  Here's an interesting lil' post on FB:  Click here
  NOTE:  I cannot say I fully "approve" of all that's said therein as I believe whole heartedly that the dance is deeply steeped in ancient millenia-old traditions of women's culture celebrating the Divine Feminine practiced amongst women to celebrate their sensuality and prepare the womb to give birth.  ANYWAY,  the Thomas Edison footage is well-worth the watch!  
• Costuming Handout Part 1
• Bra and Belt Construction
• Veil Booklet
• Golden Rule Mudra handout
  NOTE: click here for more information including a video link demonstrating Tahya teaching 'Golden Rule'
• Story of the Systrum
• Intro to Frame Drum

 

And don't miss other recommended reading (for example, "Must Reads") ala the Links & Resources page.

 

 

BONUS!
GENTLE SEATED STRETCHES WITH TAHYA:  
Click here  for a video review of gentle seated stretches as presented by Tahya,
typically offered as part of her Mudra classes *and* applicable to anyone seeking
an opportunity to keep blood circulating and oxygen flowing through
the neck, shoulders, arms and down into wrists and fingertips.

 

 

 

 

*The Belly Dance Costume Book by Zarifa Aradoon