Thread: Pulling together a 1929 themed vintage bellydance costume?

Hi Ladies,

My dance partner and I were invited to dance in a local Halloween extravaganza, which this year is featuring the theme "1929 Coney Island". I have been doing some research to find the right look for our costumes. I have found some wonderfully informative vintage photos/ post cards on the "joy of bellydancing" website, but I am looking for even more info or thoughts from all of you creative folk! I am personally intrigued by the art deco movement which seemed to be prevalent....however, funds and time are an issue.

Would creative draping with a coin costume be appropriate? I appreciate any advice or help you could offer!

Thanks!!!! ..g.:

Hi,

I think Sarah Skinners beautiful costume on her DVE evokes that era.

Google:

Seven Veils - Romantic Bellydance

(Sorry I can't get a link to work here)

Maybe you could use prestrung Christmas garland?

Originally Posted by gothique

Hi,

I think Sarah Skinners beautiful costume on her DVE evokes that era.

Google:

Seven Veils - Romantic Bellydance

(Sorry I can't get a link to work here)

Maybe you could use prestrung Christmas garland?

She is amazing with her costume making!!! Thanks!

Hi,
She has a blog about making her Salome costume at Shakemyday New York City Events
:-)
It is AWSOME!!!

I just checked it out! pretty amazing...unfortunately, i probably dont have that kind of time...or talent!

I am the other half of this project and had been thinking of the same Bhuz question ;-)

Anybody have any idea of what we can do if we rely on the fact that Badia Masabni's Casion Opera opened in 1926?

Check out these images:
http://www.pennywisearts.com/collage.../1_Dancers.jpg
http://www.pennywisearts.com/ssd/SSDDancersIII.jpg
http://www.pennywisearts.com/ssd/SSDDancersII.jpg

Some of them look like ropes of pearls or christmas beads and silk scarves & skirts.

Check this one out, she has a flapper look:
http://www.joyofbellydancing.com/images/reneeadoree.jpg

Originally Posted by steffib

I am the other half of this project and had been thinking of the same Bhuz question ;-)

Anybody have any idea of what we can do if we rely on the fact that Badia Masabni's Casion Opera opened in 1926?

Well, first of all there are all those images in the preceding posts. Second of all, Coney Island in 1929 was almost certainly not very influenced by the Casino Opera, but it was almost certainly still influenced by those ex-Chicago World's Fair dancers, and the Salome dancers, and possibly 20s fashion as well.

I would go for something a bit like this

and/or this

I've got some images of "orientalist dancers" from the 1920s that I can't post, and they seem to have used a ton of rich, draped and tucked-looking fabrics rather than jewels or coins necessarily. Lame (not tissue lame, the old soft stuff), assuit of course, soft brocades etc. You don't necessarily need a bedleh per se, just something two-piece.

Google Theda Bara.

Originally Posted by zumarrad

Well, first of all there are all those images in the preceding posts. Second of all, Coney Island in 1929 was almost certainly not very influenced by the Casino Opera, but it was almost certainly still influenced by those ex-Chicago World's Fair dancers, and the Salome dancers, and possibly 20s fashion as well.

I would go for something a bit like this

and/or this

I've got some images of "orientalist dancers" from the 1920s that I can't post, and they seem to have used a ton of rich, draped and tucked-looking fabrics rather than jewels or coins necessarily. Lame (not tissue lame, the old soft stuff), assuit of course, soft brocades etc. You don't necessarily need a bedleh per se, just something two-piece.

Love those looks! Ran across your second photo too randomly but didnt know if it fit the era! Thank you!

Originally Posted by dunyah

Check out these images:
http://www.pennywisearts.com/collage.../1_Dancers.jpg
http://www.pennywisearts.com/ssd/SSDDancersIII.jpg
http://www.pennywisearts.com/ssd/SSDDancersII.jpg

Some of them look like ropes of pearls or christmas beads and silk scarves & skirts.

those are fabulous images! thank you! Really loved pearls...didnt they?!!?

Belly-dancing Catherine Zeta-Jones's mesmerising turn in new Houdini film | Mail Online

I have always loved Dondi's arte deco costume from Hollywood Babylon. It's on the DVD cover.

Hollywood Babylon Photos - Pictures & Images, Belly Dancers, Belly Dancing, Bellydance

And here:
IAMED's Belly Dance Photo Viewer



Regards
Priscilla

Originally Posted by gothique

Belly-dancing Catherine Zeta-Jones's mesmerising turn in new Houdini film | Mail Online

oh my, she looks amazing!!!! I do like the look of this costume in particular! I really liek the look of the fabric gathered around the hip...thanks gothique!

Check out Tempest's photo gallery--this is right up her alley...
Tempest - Darkly Dramatic Dance

I came across this Princess Farhana video. In the opening credit it says it's 1911, but it still has a really cool vintage, early 20th century feel that might be helpful.

[ame=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uYI_BvveR7g]YouTube - Princess Farhana Fan Dance[/ame]

I think the easiest thing to do for the skirt is to find a nicely embroidered dupatti and wear it wrapped over a satin circle skirt. Then build the top from there.

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by mathkitty

I came across this Princess Farhana video. In the opening credit it says it's 1911, but it still has a really cool vintage, early 20th century feel that might be helpful.

YouTube - Princess Farhana Fan Dance

oooh, thank you! Love her hair!..g.:

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

I think the easiest thing to do for the skirt is to find a nicely embroidered dupatti and wear it wrapped over a satin circle skirt. Then build the top from there.

{{{HUGS}}}

yes, the more photos i look at, the more it seems layering is the key! thank you!!!