Help me pls....

[AngelaDiCaprio]

Okay, despite my non-pro status. Someone thought I am good enough to perform and has invited me to dance at Portlands, Zoo lights festival in December. So this is totally out of my area of expertise and I need costuming help...





Theme: winter, cold to very cold, dark nights and lots of pretty lights, christmas?

I was thinking of dusting off some of my tribal skirts and doing a tribaret type performance with sword routine but I'm not a very creative person when it comes to going along with themes. The only thing I can think of is having some sort of christmas lighted costume. Another suggestion is doing candle trays routine... any ideas, suggestions welcomed...

I need help!!!!

[Michelle75]

I could have sworn I saw a belly dance christmas music CD. That does sound cheesy though. I'm sorry, I'm no more creative than you are. Wish I could help.

Please don't be her though. OK!!!
http://www.vimeo.com/130994


Michelle

[nasila]

There's a track on the Christmas album by Brothers of the Beledy that's dancable - Deck the Halls (the other songs were pretty but way too slow and somewhat religious to dance to).

I did that song last year at Princess Farhana's Xmas party with a red L Rose trumpet and a white bedlah and a Xmas hat to match. ;)

There was also someone at that party that danced with a light-up bedlah, very cool! And I've seen Celeste do a cane number with a light-up candy cane striped cane!!

A snake dance for a gig at the Zoo would be cute. Although the poor reptile might be very chilly...

Just some thoughts!

[kina]

Brothers of the Baladi (I think that's there name) have a christmas cd.

Keep in mind that Christianity has it's roots in the middle east, you can easily take themes directly from that time and era to portray.

As inspiration, you could choose to portray a mother giving birth, raising and loosing a child.

Aepril Schaile did a performace where she explored the themes of motherhood, an amazing job and a performance that still sends chills down my spine.

[nasila]

ah, yes! they spell it Baladi. A Time of Peace is the album name. You can listen to samples here:

Amazon

I sped it up by 5% and zilled with it. :)

[AngelaDiCaprio]

Oh Goodness no! I promise not to be her...

[AngelaDiCaprio]

I know the band well... well at least I thought I did. I dance with half the members every month...

I didn't know they had a christmas CD maybe cause its not christmas so they don't display it during this time of the year at their vending table? I'll have to buy it...

[dunyah]

Congratulations, it sounds like a fun gig. Will you be dancing outside or indoors? If outdoors, tribal style, with layers of pants, skirt, etc. and shoes sound like a good idea.

I think you could do just about anything with some sort of nod to the season. A silver "ice" costume or a red "Christmas" costume or the tribaret sword with a bit of the Brothers' Christmas music would work. Have fun with it, I'm sure it will be great.

[CFerhat]

I have a beledi dress in red twilight velvet from L. Rose - I've added a bit of gold trim to it and wear it w/gold belt/jewelry/slippers. It looks nice for holiday gigs - if I was dancing outside I'd probably layer a full-body shaper underneath. If you're only dancing in 15-minute stretches that might be enough. I also have a heavy velvet caftan that I'd wear over it when I wasn't dancing. If you're going to be out in the cold, dancing for a long time, then the super-layered triberet look would proabably serve you better.
Good luck to you!

[Michelle75]

I've been thinking what I'd do if I were in your situation. I think I would wear a long sleeved saidi dress, maybe velvet in a bright color since it will be dark.(velvet simply to help me stay warm in Portland Oregon during December) and make a christmas themed cane like mentioned above. With the saidi dress you get to wear head gear to alsoto help keep heat on your head. You've gotten alot of good advice in this thread, so, good luck!

Here's a red velvet dress:

or a white and gold velvet:

red & gold stripped cane:

[AngelaDiCaprio]

Hi Dunyah!

I will be dancing outside.... and street shoes are required by the Zoo for safety purposes.. (Ugh) sandals are not allowed.

I have been molling around with an Ice Queen costume in silver. I have a full length metallic silver dress. Just not sure I can fit into it. Its been awhile....

[AngelaDiCaprio]

Ooooooooooooo I like the White and gold....!!!! but I have no money right now... :(