There’s something absolutely enchanting about veil work in belly dance. The way it floats, wraps, and swirls adds a layer of mystery, elegance, and grace. But behind every smooth spin is a story of tangled fabric and a lot of trial and error.
A Little History
While veils are often associated with belly dance, they weren’t originally part of traditional Middle Eastern dance. The introduction of the veil into belly dance is widely credited to early 20th-century performers, especially in the West. One of the first dancers to use a veil on stage was Ruth St. Denis, an American modern dancer who, in 1906, created performances inspired by Egyptian and Indian imagery. While not authentic to Middle Eastern traditions, her performances sparked curiosity and influenced theatrical belly dance in the United States.
Later, veil work found its way into Egyptian cinema through dancers like Samia Gamal, who popularized veil entrances in the 1940s and 1950s. She was often seen gliding across the screen with a veil, adding romanticism and elegance to her performances. Samia’s work is still referenced by dancers and historians as a turning point in the visual language of modern belly dance (see A Trade Like Any Other by Karin van Nieuwkerk).
Veils Today
Today, veil work is a beloved part of belly dance across the world. It is often used at the beginning of a performance, creating a soft, dreamy atmosphere before the rhythm kicks in. Veils also feature in choreographies that demand fluidity, or when the dancer wants to create big, expressive shapes on stage. Dancers have pushed the boundaries of veil work with innovations like double veil, fan veils, and even LED veils used in fusion performances.
Fabric and Flow
Silk is the go-to choice for veil dancing because it is light, flows like air, and responds beautifully to movement. It creates a floating, cloud-like effect that dancers love. Chiffon veils are heavier and don’t float as easily, but they can add richness and weight to a performance. According to many professional dancers and teachers, silk is the best investment for fluidity and visual impact.
My First Time with a Veil
Ah, my first time. I thought I’d float across the room like a goddess. Instead, I wrapped myself up like a burrito, caught the veil on my head, and at one point I genuinely looked like a haunted bedsheet drifting through the studio. I was mortified. There was one moment where I spun and the veil just stayed on my face.
But honestly, every dancer has to go through that awkward veil phase. If you’ve never looked like a tangled-up laundry pile while trying to be graceful, have you even veil danced?
My Top Veil Tips
Learn how to let go and get it back
Sometimes the veil just flies off. And honestly, that’s okay. Being able to gracefully let go and regain it like you meant to is a game-changer. Practice this often.Avoid stepping on it
Veils are sneaky. They slide and slip and can trap your feet if you’re not careful. Don’t place your weight on it, and try not to let it drop under you. This is especially important in performances where you're moving quickly.
What the Veil Adds
Veil work adds poetry to movement. It brings softness, mystery, and depth. It can hide and reveal, draw the eye, and enhance musicality. A veil creates space between the dancer and the music — it gives room for breath, for expression, and for beauty.
Whether you’re dancing to classical Arabic music or something modern and moody, a veil can elevate your performance with elegance and emotion. It’s not just a piece of fabric — it’s a partner.
Learn with Me
I have a full veil course on Bellyfit by Leilah, my app where I guide you through veil technique from beginner to advanced. You’ll learn how to float, spin, wrap, toss, and untangle with confidence. It’s one of my favorite things to teach because it transforms your whole energy as a dancer.
And if you’re reading this before 3rd August 2025, I’ll be teaching a live veil workshop at Pineapple Studios in London. Come dance with me in person, I promise it’ll be beautiful, fun, and a little bit chaotic in the best way.
Sources and Further Reading
A Trade Like Any Other by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Staging the Orient: The Imagined Middle East in American Popular Culture by Jane Desmond
Egyptian cinema clips of Samia Gamal, available on YouTube
Historical articles from The Gilded Serpent, an online belly dance magazine