Silk Scarves and Dance

The appeal of silk scarves, one of the favorite accessories for women around the world, does not just lie in their ability to brighten up regular attire and lend a sense of elegance and sophistication to an outfit. In the world of dance they also play another couple of vital roles, firstly as part of the costumes which are worn by dancers, and secondly as 'props in a range of traditional dances and other activities.

When we think in terms of the occasions when silk scarves are used in dance, probably the first thing to come to mind is the traditional middle Eastern belly dancing, which is believed to have originated centuries ago as a dance to the goddess of fertility but became more popular during the 1700s and 1800s. The dance, which involves the movement of isolated parts of the body such as the stomach, chest, hips and shoulders, in some cases not only sees the dancer wearing a hip scarf which is often decorated with coins, but also using a silk scarf or veil as a prop which the dancer uses throughout her routine.

Filipino dancing is another type of dance which uses scarves, but this time the role that they play is in expressing emotion. Self-sufficiency, control of emotion, disgust and anger are all expressed by particular movements of two scarves which are held in each of the dancer's hands.

As anyone will know who has watched a gymnastics display, gymnasts typically use a whole range of props such as balls, hoops, ribbons and wands, and women's scarves are another essential item which many incorporate into their routines to add extra interest and better display their skills. School children are often provided with them too, in dance and movement classes to encourage them to use their imagination and express emotions. Even cheerleaders have been known to incorporate them into their displays.

Of course, for some of the more energetic activities, a plainer and more functional type of scarf is probably more appropriate, but for certain types of dancing, and particularly dances which are used for the purposes of expression and which show off the beauty and skill of the dancer, a hand painted silk scarf can add wonderfully to the display. The light, soft 100% pure silk fabric is perfect for producing the desired movements and the stunning unique hand painted designs can increase the overall effect immensely. With such a wide range of themes to the designs, dancers can even choose a theme which correlates in some way with the dance itself.

The strong colors which are used in the creation of flowing handmade silk scarves makes them perfect for all kinds of dancing displays, whether they are being worn or used as a prop. Scarves which use either gentle pastels or strong, bold hues can be chosen according to what the dancer is trying to express, but whichever is the case, a beautiful silk scarf can add color and interest to any dancing display.

Interested in silk scarves, or shawls? Visit WomenClothingToday.com to browse a gorgeous collection of scarves and shawls perfect for accessorizing or for giving as a unique gift. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie-Ann_Amos

Silk Appeal - Sensual Women's Scarves for You and Your Man

Women - we spend hours on end planning what we are going to wear on that special date. If we are not physically rooting through the closet trying to assemble the perfect outfit, then we are daydreaming about the clothes that we own, imagining how this dress will look with that jacket or this skirt with that top. In our minds, we even try on different items of jewelry, shoes and accessories until we come up with what we hope will be the look to take his breath away, and then we concentrate on the perfume that is going to set his pulse racing.

Sight and smell tend to be the two senses that both men and women concentrate on when they want to make a really big impression on the opposite sex. The sense of touch, however, is one which is rarely taken into account in terms of what we wear and how we present ourselves, and yet it can have a profound effect on the way that we, or our partners, feel.

Even on a first date, and especially on one where two people really hit it off, couples do still touch one another. The woman might touch the man's arm as they chat over dinner, or he might place his hand on her shoulder or waist as he guides her safely across a busy street. They might not be intimate touches, but they leave an impression nevertheless.

In fall and winter especially, the clothes that we choose to wear tend naturally to err on the side of warmth and practicality. Often though, they are manufactured from rough materials such as itchy wool or coarse tweed which could in no way be described as sensual to the touch. Rather than making our fingers want to linger, they make us want to recoil.

Silk, of course, is one of the finest and softest fabrics there is, which is why it has earned such an outstanding reputation as the hallmark of quality. Used to produce luxury garments and accessories, it not only screams class, style and the ultimate in elegance, but also sensuality. It simply begs to be stroked and caressed.

An entire outfit made from silk would, for many people, be neither a practical nor an affordable option, but that does not mean to say that the fabric has to be ruled out altogether. A silk scarf or shawl worn over a dress, top, jacket or coat can still provide that all-important sensual appeal, but without breaking the bank.

When choosing a woman's scarf or shawl, the very best in terms of silk appeal comes from 100% pure silk. Fine, smooth and sumptuously soft, it scores highest on the 'touch scale', but you can also see instantly that it is the ultimate in quality.

Another thing to bear in mind when selecting a women's scarf or shawl is the method of introducing the design and the color into the fabric, because this too affects the feel of the finished product. While printed designs tend to stand proud of the silk and feel slightly rough to the touch, hand painted silk scarves and shawls which have absorbed the special dyes remain as soft and silky as the natural fabric itself.

Interested in silk scarves, or shawls? Visit WomenClothingToday.com to browse a gorgeous collection of scarves and shawls perfect for accessorizing or for giving as a unique gift. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie-Ann_Amos