Posts: 10,113
6/27/08 1:27 P

Filing ours seems to have worked pretty well. They're ridged on the balance point by a dremel tool.

current weight: 125.0

159 146.75 134.5 122.25

110

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6/27/08 12:20 P

Also surfing wax works good...if you have a surf store near you

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6/27/08 10:19 A

I was once told that a "REAL" dancer doesn't use anything to "hold" the sword on her head -- like wax, rubber cement, etc.

Well, I subbed at a cafe once, and I was dancing not too far from the kitchen and it was HOT! I was soaked with sweat. Somehow, that managed to get my head/hair wet, and dang if my sword (which always stayed firmly planted on my head) slipped off and just about clipped a young girl in the arm.

I was mortified and decided from that moment on, I would NEVER dance around people without SOME kind of protection for slippage on my sword. You can't control the environment in a restaurant like you can for a stage show. I use a thin layer of rubber cement on the balance point. Then you can always surreptitiously wipe it off before you sheath the sword, so if anybody looks at it, they don't see the cement.

So I guess I'm not a REAL dancer (lol) but I'm determined to never accidentally amputate an audience member!

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5/11/08 1:32 P

No hurry - so far the hole in my head has worked quite well for holding the sword in place!

current weight: 115.1

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5/11/08 12:15 P

There's a reason that's not suggested, but I've totally forgotten what it is (gimme a break, I just got up.)

current weight: 125.0

159 146.75 134.5 122.25

110

Posts: 3,393
5/11/08 9:20 A

One of our troupe members recommends using candle wax on the sword to help keep it from swinging as much when you turn. Haven't tried it yet. Any thoughts on this?

current weight: 115.1

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3/12/08 6:31 P

LOL...never thought of that either...don't you love your blonde moments??

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3/12/08 1:19 P

That makes a world of sense - thanks Amanda.

current weight: 125.0

159 146.75 134.5 122.25

110

Posts: 1,573
3/12/08 1:07 P

You can also pick any basic drills video, and do the movements with the sword on your head. I do this with Jillina's new fitness dvd, and also Jenna's Bellydance Basics and Beyond.

Drilling this way makes you learn how to hold yourself so that you can balance the sword while doing practically any dance move. You don't want to be limited to JUST "sword" dance moves -- ya know?

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Posts: 346
3/11/08 2:33 P

There's also a new series out from WorldDance New York!!!
three different dvd's with THREE different choreography on each! the one with Ariellah has a sword dance on it too!

I ordered that one first, because I love ariellah, and the preview looks great of all the other gals on there.

this is a link to the one with sword, with a preview. the others are on that site too!
http://www.worlddancenewyork.com/product.php?proid=65&catid=7

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3/11/08 1:13 P

I love my swords...have fun!!!

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3/10/08 8:53 P

Thanks - I'll check them out!

Posts: 346
3/10/08 7:25 P

Belladonna just came out with a new one!!

More "tribal fusion" style!

I like it. VERY simple and fun to dance with.
Great moves that look complicated but allow you to dance with your sword!
Its not cheap though...
Called Sword Stylization with Belladonna (my spelling sucks)

Posts: 10,113
3/10/08 7:17 P

Off the top of my head, the only ones I can think of at all are Princess Farhana's and Mezdeluna's.

current weight: 125.0

159 146.75 134.5 122.25

110

Posts: 21
3/10/08 6:41 P

Hey there - I'm geting a sword. Does anyone know of a good DVD I could get to work with my new sword. I'm very excited to be adding this to my practice!!!