The fabric is more of a personal preference - silk or chiffon fabrics can work for single or double veil work. More of a preference of how you want it to look and flow. The technique for each can be done with either - they just respond a little different.

For single veil - either rectangular or semi circle works. For double veil, I suggest staying with the semi circular shape. The rectangular will not have the same effect.

As for size - may be play with both sizes and see what works for you. Most say a veil is around 3 yards but again...see what feels right on you. I have a student that is 5'4" and the 3 yard veil just engulfed her....so we trimmed it back slightly.

If you are interested - my mentor is putting out an instructional DVD on double veil soon. Hopefully within the next month.....she is a wonderful teacher and she is the person who taugh me double veil technique. I now apply those techniques to wings. She has taught double veil for many years....and is an amazing dancer and teacher.

If you are interested - contact her: www.unicorn-bds.com or her email:
joynan@unicorn-bds.com

I have not seen Petite Jamilla's video but she is a beautiful dancer to see in person ....

Enjoy -- I teach veil workshops too - probably my favorite tool (or my wings)! Have fun!!

I agree with Phoenix..it comes to personal preference for fabric. If you are 5'3 it may be easier for you to go with smaller half circles that measure 45 inches wide by 2.5 yards long. The larger veils are 55 inches wide and 3 yards long...I stand at 5'8 and they are pretty big...to make it easier I tuck the edges in my belt and use them as wings.

Rectangles don't have the same curved ripple as a half circle..also for double veil work circles are easier and I think they look better...

Silk easier than other fabrics..probably not but it just depends on what you want. Tissue lame' is pretty easy..each fabric has its own characteristics so go for what you really want to do :)

I love PJ's video, you can get it at www.bohemianmarket.com
:)

oh yea...i have a few unedited short clips at www.akaisilks.com/movingcolors.html go to that page and you will see links to click on..the top two are half circle veils in different sizes..they are very short but may give you a visual idea of the difference:)

I'm 5'4" and I'm enjoying using the full sized half circles. At first I thought they would eat me alive, but if you keep your arms strong and follow the tips on the A'kai site concerning handling the veils, it isn't hard at all. My favorite thing to do during practice is to get them spinning without music. You can hear the "whoosh" they make as they cut through the air!

Now, I'm hoping to get my hands on some of the mini wings so I can do more double veil trick stuff without getting them caught on one another so easily.