From what I have learned Egyptian style veil work began with Samia Gamal. She was working with a famous Russian ballet dancer, Ivanova, who instructed Samia to hold a piece of fabric as a way to improve her arm carriage. That's the rumor anyway. Samia being one of the most famous and beloved Egyptian dance stars - was emulated by others and it become something of a trend. Though anyone who has seen the Egyptian style of veil work would concur that there are light years of difference between it and American Oriental veil work. The veil, if it is used at all, is held away from the body, used for a short time in a very simple fashion, usually during the entrance, the music is fast and it's discarded quickly and unceremoniously after perhaps some walking, spins and "walkarounds". The difference in the veils itself are evident as to their use. The Egyptian veils tend to be a wee bit shorter, and also edged in beads, often there is decorative work on the veil itself (which does not particularly lend itself to American Oriental veil work). It seems though that many more American dancers lately labeling themselves as Egyptian stylists use the silks and use them much longer though not necessarily more intricately (not a put down). And I just realized I'm rambling and that it doesn't really pertain to what you were asking, sorry!
What I would like to hear about on this subject is the OLD school Turkish Oriental (not roman) and veil work. Because the clips I've seen of the grand dames like Nesrin, Banu and Sema etc. use veil not like the Arabs but more like the Americans. Given the dominent Turkish influence of the American style at least in the early days... would lead one to wonder... I'd love to hear about veil work from our Turkish experts!
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And, final addendum, if veil is 'fantasy' or 'AmCab', does this mean that only on-traditional music or fusion music is appropriate?
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Most often what I choose as music for my veil section is Amarabic music. Pieces from John Belizekijan, George Abdo, Sirocco, Brothers of the Baladi, Eddie Kochak, Joseph Pusey...
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what about swords, trays, candles (not on a headdress), or any other props (poodles anyone?)...?
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Hey, I hear Naima Akef liked to use her parrot during her goblet routine, lol.
One of the things I see as being paramount to the authentic prop discussion is being absolutely crystal clear about the dance + prop in question. I think sometimes we tend to lump it all toghether as someone was saying recently in another thread. If the prop is used somewhere in some dance in the Middle East that doesn't make it authentic to Oriental dance. Votive candles (not shemadan)? Not authentic. Sword in Oriental dance? Very hot topic there and torn views. According to my research, no sword is not authentic to Oriental dance. There are pretty clear views as far as gender roles go... the weaponry used in various folk dances is invariably wielded by men in all their macho glory, be it an AK 47, a sword, a staff... Tray? there is the tea tray dance of Morocco - totally bereft of knowledge on that one - but since I've been told that Morocco is not a country where Oriental dance is indigenous then I would guess no not to Oriental dance. Tarik, where are you? You are the resident tray guru. Goblets? Yes, Assyrians and I'm told Egyptians too have used balancing on glasses during Oriental dance for some time. Cane? Yes. Isis wings? No. Fans? No. Snakes? No.