Island Costumes: 2009

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Choosing the proper costume for a Tahitian Dance competiton- Pareo

The competition season is starting. Do you have your complete costume?

Depending on the competition that you are participating in, you will have different costume needs. Make sure you read the rules and regulations for the competition that you will be entering. It is usually included with the entry form.

Most solo competitions require a pareo to be worn. They will specify what the fiber contents should be. Usually, Rayon is allowed. I have seen some that require cotton only.

My shop now carries solid color pareos, in 100% Rayon. The fringe has been removed and the edges have been neatly re sewn. I also remove the maker label.

Please visit my shop
islandcostumes.etsy.com

Thursday, February 26, 2009

This is the back side of the braid

I use a hook to hold it tight while I braid

Tahitian Dance costume tutorial. How to make a haku braid costume.

Supplies

a good si

zed handfull of raffia (or 6 long 1 inch strips of fabric)
a large amount of ti leaves, fern, silk foliage, raffia, more' cut into 10-12 stips
patience

I used 3 yellow strips of fabric so it easier to see in the photos

1. Tie a knot in the top of your raffia(fabric)

2. braid fo

r about 12 inches or so. This will be your tie to tie around your hips.

3. have 2 pieces of the braid in your right hand and 1 piece in your left hand.
Add a clump of leaves. I use 3.

4. cross over the upper piece in your left
hand

5. cross over the piece in your right hand
pull it tight

6. Flip up the back end of the clump

at the same time- lay your next clump

Cross

over with the upper left

cross over with the right

and keep going until it is as long as you would like

you will need to make a 12 inch braid at the other end for your other tie and then tie it off