[ozma]

Then came the veil. I'm not big on performing with a veil more than I have to. My lack of apartment space in which to practice veil doesn't help my feelings about me and the veil. But, damn, the veil is pretty, that can't be denied. Majority of the action shots of belly dance that I love involve the veil. I ironed that baby! I knew it would photograph well.

Photographing the veil gets exhausting. You have to stay in motion, often repeating things over and over, while still mixing it up enough to keep it fresh for yourself and your expression.

I jokingly performed a move many of us call "The Farasha" in which you fling the veil up while dropping to the floor looking upward with an expression of glee/ absolute peace and love/ surrender and the veil descends.

The Farasha photographs wonderfully. Nam recognized the Farasha (his photo of Farasha performing The Farasha is on her business card) and asked for it once more.

It's worth it.

Even if it means dropping to the floor 10 or more times in a row.

And it did.

"Once more"

After capturing a few more classic veil shots, it was over. 3:30AM.

First thing to come off were the nails. Free at last, free at last, I can manipulate objects again, free at last! NO more asking Momo to reach into my belt, pull up my skirt a little bit more, and pin it higher! Dignity!

I ducked into the changing space to get free of my costume.

I packed quickly, not having to worry about wrinkles this time.

Nam had offered us a ride home (to Momo's) and after learning that I had to be at a workshop at 10AM he insisted on driving us first and then taking down all his equipment.