Dances form allover the world - Tanoura Dance

So I have decided to start this project 'Dances from allover the world'. if you're interested in knowing about other cultures, the Tamoura dance drawn above belongs to the Egyptian/Arabian culture. Basically, it is a folk dance usually performed in Egyptian festivals. A male dancer wears this big, highly patterned and beautifully coloured skirt which he keeps rotating with some oriental music in the background. Though, I haven't seen one in reality but I am a fan of this amazing dance. Here is a link for it if you've never seen it before: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jywejo-Z6v8

The first drawing was sketched. Sorry if it seems a little bit unclean, too much pencil was used in it.

The second drawing was drawn in calligraphy pen except for the face. (I wasn't focusing on the face much)

The patterns was the most challenging thing about this drawing, probably that was the reason why it took me so much time to draw. The tools used were 2B pencil and a calligraphy pen. And a reference is used of course!

I need your feedback, criticisms and comments considering this sketch. I'll be posting it again in colours soon.

AND if you like to suggest for me to draw other dances I would be glad if you would recommend any whether it is from your country or other ones.

Hey there,

Okay a quick review, just because the title interested me
So I watched the video because I had no idea what it was actually like, and it was really fun. However to the drawings, I think I'll start backwards and comment on the second drawing first (calligraphy one). The skirt it's self is really cool, I like how the designs are repetitive, but each one is different in it's own way if you know what I'm babbling about. The face, I think would be even better if it was in the pen too but that's just me. I wont comment on the first one, because I think it's just as cool as the second. Oh and I'm glad to hear you are going to post some with colours, I can't wait to see those!

I'm sorry I'm not much help, keep it up

Hi! These are great!

I really like the designs, and I'm glad you spent awhile on them, even if it was tedious.

I agree that although you didn't choose to focus on the face, the viewer's eyes are still drawn towards it a bit, so I would make it a bit more clear in the second calligraphy drawing. Also, it could be a bit more detailed so that we are pleased when we look at it.

The skirt looks awesome, yes, but although you don't want to say this, it's still really uneven when you look closely. What I would do is make a circle with a compass and straight lines using a ruler and protractor, but then change line, make them a little more curved and make the curve of the edge of the skirt look more real, so that it gets more realistic, if you see what I mean...

There's one more thing that annoys me. Where are the legs????? It looks especially weird in the first sketch that the drawing ends where the skirt ends. Please add some form of foot or limb to make it look like a real person.

Anyways, it's really awesome and I can't wait to see other dancers you've got in store!

P.S. I have a suggestion of another dance form in Irish step dancing, which is not at all swirly and flowy, but I bet you could make it look really cool.

Hi Star! I love the idea behind these drawings. Very unique, and a great way to show movement in a picture, I think

I think you've got the lineart down pretty well! It looks great, especially on the calligraphy version, the pen looks wonderful. The designs on the skirt are really what add detail to this drawing. You drew the whole outfit very well and the proportions on the dude were right-on tool.

I'll throw out some nitpicks here. For some reason the man's collar is bothering me. It looks like it's pinching his neck. Maybe if you added detail to the folds we would get a better idea where the fabric is.
What's the thing on his chest, that looks like it's covering his hands a little bit? I can't figure out what it is.
The legs appear to be missing. Also, the face seems to be a tad off. It looks like his eyes are a little too close to each other.

Color will really make this drawing come to life! Keep adding detail and spend time on it. I want to see lots of colors in the skirt and more detail to his face. Definitely let me know when you post the final version!

Oh, and for another dance idea, try Bollywood! It's an African type of dance that focuses on the dancers making hand gestures. I always thought it was really cool.