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Fabulous Full Figures, Part 1: Leyla Lanty - Page 3

© Shira

Another creation of Amira of Pharonics of Egypt in Cairo, Egypt, this costume is based on a folkloric costume from the western desert area of Egypt. The original folkloric style is made of opaque fabric with a wide ruffle around the hips made of contrasting opaque fabric. This is the stage or nightclub version which would be worn for doing the dance of that region of Egypt.

Working with a foreign costume maker can be interesting, because often they make assumptions based on their local knowledge, and even if we know about those assumptions, we don't always remember to tell them the stylistic differences we want for performing in our own settings! Here's what happened when Leyla ordered this costume:

In Egypt, dancers, with the exception of big stars, must keep any slits in the skirts of their costume either at or below knee-level. When I put in the order for this costume at the Cairo atelier, I forgot to remind them that I wanted the slits in the skirt at the side seams above the knee for use in America. By the time I realized that they'd made it for use in Cairo, it was too late to have it redone. So this is one of my most "demure" costumes.

Click here if you'd like to see additional pictures showing this costume from two other angles.

Related Articles

Would you like to see my other Suite101 articles related to this topic? These will take you on a tour through articles with additional costume inspirations, advice on how belly dance can help with weight loss and fitness, and suggestions for other sites on the web to explore:

• Fabulous Full Figures, Part 2: Leyla Lanty. This was the second article in this series, and features another photo gallery showcasing Leyla Lanty. Includes pictures of additional costumes made in Cairo.
• Fabulous Full Figures, Part 3: Asifa el-Bah'r. This is the third article in this series, and features a photo gallery showcasing Asifa el-Bah'r from the San Francisco area. In her costuming style, she assembles various components from diverse sources to create ensembles that look great together.
• Fabulous Full Figures, Part 4: Talibah. This is the fourth article in this series, and features a photo gallery showcasing Talibah from the San Francisco area. Talibah makes many of her own costumes, and her styles may give you some ideas for inexpensive but attractive outfits you can make for yourself.

The copyright of the article Fabulous Full Figures, Part 1: Leyla Lanty - Page 3 in Middle Eastern Dance is owned by Shira. Permission to republish Fabulous Full Figures, Part 1: Leyla Lanty - Page 3 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.