This month we have gone all Spanish! Well, being geographically close it is not surprising that southern Spain and north Africa have had an influence on each other's dance and music since the Moorish rule of Spain in the 8th century. We are exploring some of these links below via our Spanish inspired items.
Now quintessentially Spanish, these richly embroidered, fringed shawls originated in China and were first brought to Spain, via the Philippines, in the 15th Century and have been popular ever since!
They add a touch of Espana to any oufit!
Great for bellydancers to wear as a hip belt or to use as a prop Check our stock:
The Phoenicians (1,000 BC) used wooden, hand percussion instruments much like castanets and their use spread throughout the Mediterranean area. Later metal was also used, as still seen today in Moroccan castanets, and Egyptian zills.
To play castanets, wrap the string around your thumb, and click the shells together.
Fans were popular in Egypt for keeping cool and swatting flies. As they moved into Spain the Moors of North Africa brought with them a protective attitude towards women and the hand fan was perfect for providing a sense of privacy and mystery whilst also giving relief from the heat. It has also proved to be a great dance prop as you can see here!!
Seville has an amazing Arab heritage. The spotted flamenco dresses, skirts and outfits were influenced by the Sevillanas folk dance and music from Seville. They are frilly, spotty, lavish, sophisticated, beautiful and ON ZARA'S ZOUK.
We have skirts, dresses, tops and more suitable for all dancers .......
I am off to Egypt at the end of this month so if there is anything specific you would like brought back, new items you would like us to stock or anything else, please email me and I'll do my best to fulfil your request!
Of course, it goes without saying that there is absolutely no pressure to buy anything you suggest.
