Four Big Influences of Moroccan elements in FCBD® Style
As we’ve learned throughout our classes and podcast with Nawarra, there is an identity associated with the music and dances, this is no different when it comes to adornment.
In FCBD®Style, there are a few areas of Moroccan adornment we can see in our costuming. Most of these are seen in our more classic style.
In Nawarra’s class, Costuming and Jewelry of Morocco, she goes in depth with plenty of photos and examples of textiles and jewelry from many tribes throughout Morocco. Of course, I highly encourage you to go take all her classes! Even if you just listen in while you are cleaning house or doing some yoga.
For today’s blog and our references, I thought we could look at four main areas where we find Moroccan elements in our costuming:
Headdress – These days we mostly see FCBD®Style dancers wearing hair gardens with the occasional pieces of jewelry mixed in. But large headdresses were a staple in the earlier days of FCBD. In fact, Megha made us wear full turbans for every performance until probably around 2009. Surprisingly the outdoor summer festivals in full turbans weren’t so bad…they captured the sweat and kept it out of our eyes and makeup.
The fabric we use for either full or half turbans also gives us a base for more decorative headdresses. Want to add more than just flowers to your hair? Add some fabric and you have a base to pin your jewelry.
Jewelry – There is something that feels so good about layering on big chunky necklaces, bracelets and earrings to create a look that is both beautiful and impactful to the audience. Many pieces we find in shops or online that we are drawn to for our costuming actually come from (or at least are inspired by) Moroccan artisans.
Remember that many patterns and pieces have special meaning so be sure to know what you are wearing aside from "it's just pretty". You may find out that you are drawn to a piece that represents something you resonate with which just adds to the special feeling of wearing it.
These days you can find a lot of information online. Even Wikipedia has a vast amount of information.
I purchased this book a few years ago and fell in love with it!! Full color pages with lots of great information about pieces from throughout Morocco.
Mozuna – I don’t see dancers wearing these often anymore, but I love these long sequin ropes. I actually love them even more after learning about their practical and varied use of them (thanks to Nawarra's new class!. They are great additions to headdresses and hips. I even wear mine hanging down like a long ponytail.
They have become quite hard to find, but if you are feeling crafty, you can make your own!
How fun would it be to make them in your troupe colors?
Ana Winson wrote a blog post that goes into more detail and walks you through the DIY Process. Thanks Ana!
Tattoos – The topic of facial tattoos, or ḥarqūs, has become a hot one over the last few years. I hope to have a full course on these in the future. For now, please know that each symbol has a special meaning. Nawarra goes into the various reasons each symbol should be researched before you add it to your costuming.
Here’s an excellent article on the topic as well as examples of some of the symbology behind many of the patterns.
I'd love to hear what Moroccan elements you add to your costuming!