Melaya

2.3 metres long and 1.5 metres wide. The melaya is a large shawl used in the traditional dance from Alexandria, the Melaya Lef (lef means “to wrap”).  It is less sheer than a conventional veil, and much heavier. The traditional melaya is plain unadorned black, but this version for the stage is edged with paillettes (large, flat, shiny discs) to add colour and highlight the movement.