In this illustrated online talk for the Costume & Textile Association, Laura will look at diverse Greek and Balkan textiles and their many connections to dance, including Goddess embroideries. 

In Greece and the Balkans up until very recently, both circle dance and textile production were essential parts of rural women's lives. We can better understand both of these women's arts by looking at the connections between them, which in turn sheds light on women's lives in pre-industrial society. Handmade festive costumes, often extremely elaborate, are shown to best effect in the circle dance, and the woven and embroidered motifs often encode information which can be 'read' by those who know. Many of these signs and patterns, including the symbol of the Goddess, have roots in Neolithic Old Europe, indicating ancient origins of both textile arts and circle dance.

At 7pm UK time. Cost £5.98. More information at this link: http://www.ctacostume.org.uk/events-online.html

Registration via Eventbrite at this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-dancing-needlewoman-embroidery-in-greek-balkan-dance-tickets-170280755323

See also: http://www.ctacostume.org.uk