Thread: shamadan costuming

I have danced with a Shamadan a number of times-always with a head scarf under the crown and, with only one exception, with a full dress. Once I wore a bedleh.

It occurred to me that I don't know why one would wear a dress versus a bedleh or 2 piece costume. And I don't know why one would wear a scarf over versus under the crown of the shamadan.

Please fill me in!!!

Thanks!

where i am, it depends on who has hired you. if they are egyptian, dress and head scarf. other ethnic communities are asking for it as well. then what they want changes it up. i have been asked to enter with shamadon, as the opening...next section being a veil..so, when that is requested, it is a bedlah.

It occurs to me that a scarf would alleviate wax in the hair - I've had my share...

Maybe next time I'll add a scarf.

Hi, beautiful Sandra! I think people wear a scarf over the crown mainly for looks, to decorate the "apparatus" and soften the helmet effect of the metal.

I was taught that dresses are preferred primarily because shemadan is considered folkloric/traditional and secondarily because -- here at least -- Egyptian weddings often call for somewhat more conservative costuming. However, plenty of shemadan experts (hi, Candi!) and current stars in Egypt (Camelia) wear two-piece costumes, so it can't be a universal principle.

Here is a link to Candi's shemadan article just 'cause it's a wonderful resource:
Rakscandi
I don't know that she specifically addresses costuming, but there are lots of nice pics and links.

Here we go for a dress as it is a folkloric piece. Haven't seen people wear head scarves at all - just wash the wax out (actually more and more venues won't allow open flame so you have to use LED candles)

Thanks for the responses.

I have to wear a headscarf under the crown because it is too big for me.

At first I thought the headscarf OVER the crown was weird (because that wasn't what I did) but now I don't know...It is probably a matter ofpersonal opinion.

Thanks!!!

Originally Posted by SandraDances

Thanks for the responses.

I have to wear a headscarf under the crown because it is too big for me.

At first I thought the headscarf OVER the crown was weird (because that wasn't what I did) but now I don't know...It is probably a matter ofpersonal opinion.

Thanks!!!

i must wear a head scarf or the shamadon leaves marks..it also helps it sit right on me. my scarf matches my dress

I don't like the scarf completely hiding the crown -- I was in a group that did that, and I thought we looked like the Blue Helmets! But a long scarf wrapped just around the bottom edge like a headband is cute, IMO.

a lot of times i've done shamadan for egyptian weddings where i lead the zeffa and later do a full scale show.

I wear the dress for shamadan because that is more traditional with egyptian weddings and secondly so that there is a little difference between the earlier costume and the two piece i will wear for the show.

as far as head wrap...i wear a veil under because A) the shamadan doesn't fit that well without it B) I think it looks better than just having it on your naked hair...it relieves the look of it being a helmet C) it saves your hair from the wax that drips down (and if you've ever done a zeffa with live musicians...a ten minute entrance turns into a half hour free for all on the dance floor)

i don't like the way a veil looks over the shamadan...it looks messy....but that is just personal opinion...