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Prop technique4 minutes
Veil dance in belly dance: Guide to elegant throws and handling
By Bernhard De LucaUpdated
- The veil is held loosely between the index and middle finger to allow for a quick release.
- The power for elegant throws comes from the entire body and the shoulders, not from the wrists.
- Utilizing air resistance ensures maximum flight duration of the fabric over the dancer.
- A stable stance and fluid transitions prevent the veil from getting tangled around the body.
The veil dance fascinates with fluid movements and apparent weightlessness. With the right technique, you tame the delicate fabric and let it glide breathtakingly through the air.
What you need for training
- A rectangular veil made of silk or chiffon
- Sufficient space to the ceiling and to the sides
- Basic knowledge of oriental arm positioning
- Non-slip surface for safe turns
The physics of floating in oriental dance
The veil is one of the most fascinating props in oriental dance, as it makes air movements visible and gives the performance a mysterious, almost floating dimension. To unfold this magic, a precise belly dance technique is essential. Many beginners make the mistake of tearing the veil through the room with too much force, which makes the fabric look heavy and tires the arms quickly. The key lies in the combination of gentle guidance, the targeted use of air resistance, and perfect timing when releasing.
Before you dare to try dynamic throws, you should develop a feel for how the fabric reacts to your movements. The arms never act in isolation, but initiate the movement from the center of the body and the shoulders. An elegant veil dance lives from the illusion that the fabric flies weightlessly while you move completely effortlessly underneath it. If you want to familiarize yourself more intensively with the musical structures of Raqs Sharqi, our guide on belly dance music & rhythms will help you to coordinate your throws exactly with the accents of the music.
Step by step to the perfect move
Take the starting position
Spread your arms wide to the side and grab the veil at the top corners. Your elbows are slightly bent, your wrists relaxed, so that the fabric forms a gentle curve behind your back.
Generate momentum from your shoulders
Move your arms in a large, circular motion upwards and slightly forward. Use the momentum of your entire upper body to build a cushion of air under the fabric, which carries it upwards.
Release the veil in a controlled manner
Open your fingers exactly at the moment your hands reach the highest point in front of your face. Let go of the veil and pull your hands flat downwards so that it can fly undisturbed.
Dancing under the veil
Use the moment the veil is in the air for an elegant turn or a soft hip movement directly under the descending fabric. Catch the veil by the edges again before it touches the floor.
The most important do's and don'ts for the veil toss
Correct
- Move your arms fluidly from the shoulder
- Spread the veil with a wide curve
- Release the fabric at the apex of the throw
Error
- Press your elbows rigidly against your body
- Jerk the veil upwards
- Keep your grip tensely closed
Your checklist for the perfect veil dance
Before the dance
Preparation
On the dance floor
Meanwhile
Frequently Asked Questions
Chiffon is very suitable for beginners, as it is slightly heavier and flies more stably. Advanced dancers usually opt for lighter silk, which looks particularly elegant but requires more precise handling.
Hold the veil loosely between your index and middle finger while securing it with your thumb. This allows you to release your grip at the crucial moment of the throw in a flash, without getting stuck.
This usually happens due to rushing or damp hands. Make sure to always guide the veil away from your body with extended arms and consistently direct your throws in the wind direction of your own movement.
Read more
Belly Dance Music & Rhythms: Feel the soul of Raqs Sharqi
Choosing the right veil: Materials and flight characteristics
Saidi Cane Dance: Technique and Balance with the Assaya
Instruments of Oriental music: embodying sounds in dance
What kind of belly dance music type are you? Take the quiz
Modern Belly Dance Music: Trends in Raqs Sharqi
Sword dance in belly dance: balance and safe handling