Thursday, May 1, 2014

Inspired by Dance

Belly dancing has a long history, but one that seems a bit fuzzy when trying to figure out exactly when it originated or by what culture. It can be found throughout the Middle East, but also ancient Roman and Greek cultures. It has both a folk, or social significance as well as a deep history in performance art.

What ever its origins, I love the color and movement of the jewelry and costume. I love the rhythmic sound to the dance and the musical beat the dancer makes with the sway of the costume. I've seen this type of dance performed live several times, and usually just stare in wonderment as to how they dance that way. It truly is such an art.

You'll find these pictures for my mood board, and several other inspirational pictures on my 'Dance' Pinterest board. Gotta love Pinterest for grouping, organizing and inspiring thought as I work through designs. 

Last week I showed you a bracelet that had the same colors and brick-beaded triangles. But in this one I switched up the design to give this piece a whole new feel. By adding chain and briolette drops (lemon quartz) I get a Middle Eastern vibe to this pattern. I also wanted to echo the triangle pattern in the bead work that runs along the choker in the overall design through a netting of chain. This was a fun piece to make, and fun to wear to add a little excitement to an outfit. 

24 comments:

  1. I to am an aficionado of belly dancing.

    Never a day goes by without a brief fantasy on the topic.

    I am of course far to much a gentleman to discuss details here, but just let it be said, that most blokes harbour similar thoughts.

    Do you mean that they wear jewellery?

    I'd never actually noticed.

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  2. My daughter is a belly dancer. I know she would love your necklace!

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  4. I remember laying eyes on this for the first time and my jaw dropped. This is a statement of all that is good in jewelry ~ in particular YOUR jewelry. Metal, Gems, Seed Beads, Ribbon...and it all flows. Gorgeous piece, Cynthia. Gorgeous.

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  5. Beautiful piece Cynthia I bet it feels good when worn.
    Therese

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  6. Wow... makes me wanna take up belly-dancing ;)

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  7. What an inspiring Pinterest Board! I love to watch dancing. However, I was born without an ounce of rhythym. Even my "chair dancing", or dancing while remaining seated, is horrific! This is a beautiful piece and I can truly see your inspiration the your lovely design!

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  8. I love pinterest! I don't dance at all but would not mind taking a belly dance class...to burn calories and fat at least! lol! What a lovely piece and I see that it matches last week's bracelet :)

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  9. LOVE!! I really do enjoy reading all your info and seeing your gorgeous jewelry!! Remind me to show you the pic of me and my sister at White Sands NM sometime in the late 1970's or early 1980's - dressed in Belly Dancing costumes,...it's a hoot!! (I tried to look through her facebook pics for it but she has well over 1000 pics - so that would have been a full time job. I asked her to post it and tag me w/it!!)

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  10. Wow, creative and gorgeous! Could bring out the belly dancer in anyone I suspect. My sis-in-law belly dances. The last time I saw a performance in a middle eastern restaurant there was a couple dancing, I didn't know men actually did belly dancing. He was in great shape (equal opportunity here!)

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  11. Years ago I saw a performance of professional belly dancers and it was just a amazing! I loved the jangling jewelry best :)
    I love how you interpreted this in your piece! Those briolets are lovely!

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  12. This necklace is so beautiful! I love the movement in it! I was thinking, you could make it a little bigger and put it around your belly ;o)

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  13. Neat. I love the source of inspiration. Very nice use of color and detail.

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  14. The choker is so beautiful! Belly dancing amazes me. I almost took a class at the gym years ago but it was too late in the evening for me. It would have been an adventure to try!

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  15. A beautiful neckpiece. Have always been curious about belly dance and its origins. Great post !

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  16. What a great design. I love how the ribbon keeps it so airy and light weight.

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  17. Absolutely gorgeous! I just love this design!

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  18. O wow, that is lovely -- you perfectly captured that exotic air that one associates with belly dancing, and the Arabian Nights!

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  19. That is very nice! Definitely looks like its for a belly dancer.

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  20. very creative!
    Your Pinterest dance board is great!

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  21. Dear Cynthia:
    Very unique and decorative piece.I love the idea of the joined ribbon to it.On having seen it,
    I am in the mood for dance too:-)

    -All the Best-
    -Halinka-

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  22. This is such a perfect interpretation of belly dance wear! Love the post, as I always love to learn something and especially if it's historical.

    I could see a whole line with different colors in your shop...

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  23. Very original work!!!
    Besos, Marcela♥

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