 The
Gilded Serpent presents...
“Adventures In
Belly Dance Costuming”
by Stasha Vlasuk, Vol 1
book review by Robin
Alnisa Wood
 "The
Golden Gate Bridge reminds me of belly dance costume
bras --a delicate suspension, perfectly balanced, offering
a dramatic view.”
I love
this quote from volume one of "Adventures in Belly Dance
Costuming,”by Stasha Vlasuk. This
is a good book for both sewing veterans and beginners alike.
This volume covers bras, belts, "cheater bras",
and vests (with or without sleeves). Stasha has included
patterns, as well as a lot of information, and this is all
very helpful. One of the features I really liked was a materials
list for each project so one can gather everything one needs
and plunge ahead. There are many good hints including beading
techniques, the use of 'pop beads' as a great and inexpensive
decoration (along with
how much to buy), the use of buckram to reinforce parts of
vests that tend to curl, and very exact directions on how
to fit and adjust your costume pieces. As a veteran costumer
myself, I was glad that she mentioned lots of try-ons when
working on your own costume - I am not alone! I did wish
there were illustrations for the sleeves, but I suspect that
the directions are clear once you're working with them. I
would add one hint of my own: when using a front closing
as suggested, use - double fasteners.
All in
all, I found the information good, the directions clear,
and the anecdotes fun. Stasha is a well-known performer---I
did not know until now that she was so knowledgeable about
costume construction, and I am sure that her other volumes
contain many more good hints.
ed-
To purchase Stasha's book, contact her directly at stasha@stashamania.com
Have
a comment? Send
us a letter!
Check the "Letters to the Editor" for
other possible viewpoints!
Ready
for More?
More by Rhea
9-18-02 My
Belly Dance Baptism, or A Tale of Armpit Hairs
There
was a rumor (that was the truth) that I didn’t shave under
my arms.
10-25-02
The Photography of Cynthia F Cushman, Full
size photos, smaller
photos (and files) Dramatic choice photos
of Leila, Dalia, Momo and Suzanna
10-20-02 Visions
of Delight, A History of Belly Dance in the United States Reviewed
by Bobbie Giarratana & Susie Poulelis
Photos of MECDA performers & layout by Susie, Third Annual Bay Area MECDA
Showcase
10-17-02 Music
and Style by Yasmela / Shelley Muzzy
ATS seems to be pushing Middle Eastern dance, at least in the U.S., back into
that safe and sexless area, sans the real knowledge of true folk movement |
