COSTUMING GYPSY CARAVAN STYLE

One of the many questions that often gets asked; once a student has been dancing with me for awhile is what costuming pieces do I need?  This is a great question!  There is so much out there and it is all beautiful and it is so hard to not want it all!  There are definite key components that are needed and are consider basic parts of a costume.

This is geared toward Gypsy Caravan Style which Paulette Rees-Denis the founder of GC released for our Caravan Project Troupes.  Consistency and looking similar is the key we are a tribe.

Basic Tribal Components:  

• 25-32 Yard Tribal Skirt ( solid Color only)
• Pantaloons, Harem Pants or Belly Dance Pants
• Choli (Black)
• Lace up vest ( any color to coordinate your skirt)
• Hip Wrap (Nothing with coins)
• Tribal Tassel Belt ( short tassels nothing long)
• Body Stocking Black (only if you do not want a bare belly)
• Mix of Flowers ( need at least 5)
• Jewelry Bling (Ethnic, natural, silver, sterling)

Tribal Vendors:

http://www.magicalfashions.com/  (Skirts, Lace Up choli, Belts)

http://www.bellydance.com/  (Lace up , Hip Choli,Wraps)

http://www.moondancebellydance.com/  (Tribal Belts Mirrored, Hip Wraps. Velvet Choli’s)

http://www.tribenawaar.com/marketplace/Cholis.html

  (Black Choli’s, 32 yard skirts these skirts are called cupcake skirts and are amazing!  I have a white one)

http://www.flyingskirts.com/ (skirts, Choli’s)

THE POWER OF DANCE

Often we do not realize the power that can happen of one little simple thing and the affect it has in our lives.  For me I can attest that the one little power for me is dance.  Since 2013, I have undergone a amazing transformation.  Starting out in a cocoon and emerging into a beautiful, fluttering butterfly.  Verbal & Mental abuse eats at  your core; chips away at your self- worth, lowering your confidence, sinking and not able to swim.  2013 was the year I changed that and left the life I had known and determined to find something better and live the life I desperately needed and wanted to have.   

I am amazed of what I have gone through over the course of the last few years and how far I have come.  It is all because of this wonderful power of dance and Gypsy Caravan Style Belly Dance.  This dance literally saved my life, my spirit and was always the one and only constant good thing in my life.  Working through the pain, hurt and mistrust dancing it all out through my emotions.  At times,  I sobbed and cried through my dancing and other times I screamed and yelled.  This dance made me confident, secure, empowered and beautiful.  Being part of a community, pack, group made me feel strong and confident and ready to move forward!  

People often discount the true power of dance.  I will tell you;  I am living proof of what the power of dance can do for a person!  If it was not for this dance; I can honestly say I would not be sitting here giving you a brief glimpse of my story.  Dance is a meditative and wonderful healing component.  All my emotions came out when I was mentally and physically exhausted.  Dance carried me; my sister of this dance carried me through every battle, every scare, every insecurity and every scar that was left behind.  Today is a new day!  I changed my page and changed my story!

I have accomplished things that were only dreams; that are now quickly turning into a reality meeting amazing women.  It has taught me how to be courageous, strong, beautiful, hopeful, independent, passionate, loving and the best version of me.  I am truly thankful and in awe for all the opportunities, support and love!  Dance is in my blood, heart and soul.  It is my happy place.  The one place where I can be totally and completely me.  I am moving on and forward and I cannot tell you how excited I am to see where I will be at the end of my path and my journey!  Just by changing my story!  Love to you all!  Your beautiful and strong women!!