Dance and Shantell

Site menu

Main page Bio Photos Performances Classes Costume Design Videos Dance Musings Shop

Just for fun:
Historical Dance Gallery

Contact The ShanMonster

The Omphalo-Stepses Belly Dance Costuming Book

What is The Omphalo-Stepses Belly Dance Costuming Book?

The Omphalo-Stepses Belly Dance Costuming Book is a bound reference with large pages (8.5" by 11" notebook size), and is clear and easy to follow.

The book contains 36 pages of information, including how to make:

• Skirts
  • Triangle Insert Skirt
  • Extra-Full Insert Skirt
  • Fishtail Skirt
  • Ragamuffin Skirt
  • Straight One-Slit Skirt
  • Straight Double-Slitted Panel Skirt
  • Circle Skirt
  • Snowflake Circle Skirt
  • Ragged Point Circle Skirt
  • Handkerchief Trim Skirt
• Tops
  • Bra Top
  • Turkish-Macedonian Vest
• Veils
  • Rectangular Veil
  • Circular Veil
• Basic Belt
• Hip Scarf
• Harem Pants
• Cleopatra Headpiece

I also show you how to sew with coins, and include information on how to alter "normal" clothing into a stunning costume. In addition, I reference a few belly danceable commercial patterns, as well giving links to belly dance pattern companies on the internet.

The entire book is illustrated with clear black-and-white line drawings.

The pictures you see here are of me in some of the costumes I made. You can make some, too! It's not difficult at all!

One customer says,

I noticed you were promoting your dance costuming book on ebay and in the spirit of encouraging womens creativity and entrepreneurial activity, I thought Id give you a testimonial. I bought your book some years ago and it gave me tons of ideas, encouragement, and probably saved me from time consuming mistakes. For instance the tip about using a bra thats bigger than you would usually wear, as the beading makes it smaller. Its not fancy but its got all the meat we amateur costumers need. Its really unique, too Ive searched but never seen anything else like it. Most recently I made myself a way cool beaded number from an old Punjabi suit I found at a thrift store.

Each book is $10.00 plus $4.50 shipping/handling to Canada and the United States. Elsewhere pays $6.00. I accept PayPal and well-hidden cash. International money orders cost me an extra $5.00 to cash, so you probably won't want to pay with those. I can make additional payment arrangements for fellow Canadians.

The book is currently between print runs. If you'd like to be informed when the new run has been printed, contact me for more details.

© 2006 Shantell Powell