Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by SugareeButterfly on June 8, 2011 at 8:24am

I just got my veil fans in the mail last week and was wondering the same thing. Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Ursula Hodge on June 8, 2011 at 9:41am

One of the best fanveil dancers in the Southeast is Mahsati Janan from Asheville.  She has some videos out. http://www.mahsati-janan.com/dvds.html  You might try some of these...She's one of my favorite peeps and a whole lot of fun in person too...I haven't used her DVD's, but have seen her perform in person and took workshops.

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Permalink Reply by Heather Marie Nagy on January 9, 2012 at 1:52pm

I actually just received my first veils and have had this problem too. But I've come to realize that while there are many different styles of veil dancing, (belly dancing, oriental, burlesque, etc) that the best way to learn is to know your fans and create your own style that fits you. I feel a little silly still, but fans are so easy to get into and they are so beautiful! Just get lost in it :)

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Permalink Reply by Kalila Indivar on April 19, 2012 at 9:27am

As a longtime user of fan veils, I have developed most of my technique on my own. I've adapted it from veil, poi, and ideas from other dancers. I even teach workshops in it. A few basic pointers that I give everyone:

1. Don't be afraid to experiment.

2. Keep energy in your arms.

3. Work on your spinning: different methods for not getting dizzy and flat-out dervish-style spinning.

4. Let your fans be quiet if you're doing something else with your body. More than once I've seen dancers do really intricate work while the fan's still going. No one sees it because the fabric draws the attention. Experiment with ways to frame and quiet the fans while you use your body.

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