Tribal Bellydance Costuming 101

I teach costuming workshops now and again, specifically for tribal and fusion bellydancers. I used to be a professional costumer, so I have spent quite a lot of time considering all the elements that go into this style--what makes it so rich, without being gaudy? It's also so very personal--there is not real "uniform"--so it is open to wide interpretation. I have addressed the topic in brief in a previous blog post, but for a deeper look into successful costuming I offer this new post. This was developed off of a handout I have given at past workshops, which addresses some key considerations for American Tribal Style, ITS, tribal, and tribal fusion bellydance.

Getting Started with Makeup

One of the most requested topics I get, both online and in workshop requests, is for makeup tutorials. Makeup takes a lot of experimentation and can be frustrating at first, especially if you have never or rarely worn makeup in everyday life to begin with. Everything seems so intimidating! Garish! SCARY!

So here is your invitation to play. Explore. Build up your courage and confidence. And go forth and make your face glamorous!

Here are some videos I like:

A bare beginners lesson in makeup. Not dramatic enough for stage, but is great for helping you understand the steps, what shades of a palette go where, etc. I think her "newbie" tutorial cred gets ditched right around when she decides to do WINGED LINER, so I say skip that business if you're not ready to rock that.
http://youtu.be/vo1HggTYeJk

TheMakeupChair has lots of great videos. This is good, close-up, simple. You can put so many colors in where she puts the golden yellow color.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FLhm3u94qo

Wayne Goss has a fantastic "mistake-proof" method that works with any color range and is a great introduction to some simple blending skills.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEAYXm3ezNg

Faisal Zedan and Rachel Brice - solo at the DeYoung Musem

Jane Hall's amazing mentor on doumbek; Rachel Brice on belly. Enjoy!

Shut Up! and Shimmy Podcast with Shay Moore

The lovely Kat Ross asked me to come on her new podcast, Shut Up! and Shimmy, and here is the results. Enjoy!

Respect and the Tribal Code

Jenn Lemaire Kasper posted a fantastic blog entry devoted to the idea of Respect in our dance community. Give it a read!


"The Tribal Code: Respect
I feel that respect can be divided into two levels. One sits at the surface and is what we call "common courtesy". But I would like to talk about taking our respect a bit deeper than common courtesy. I would like to think there is more to respect than that. What I am talking about is a deep respect for who we are and what we do that can (and sometimes does) border on reverence."

http://sacredmovement.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-tribal-code-respect.html