Bahira entered two of her original designs in the First Costume Design
Contest held at Desert Dance Festival. She entered in two categories:
Theme, which she modeled herself, and Tribal, modeled by Shiva.

Bahira called her Theme creation "Butterfly Flutterby". The
butterflies on the stretch netting Beladi inspired dress were glittered
by hand and set the tone for this themed entry. Butterflies are found
on the hand-beaded Bra and Belt, as well as the glitter-dot black skirt
underneath. The bottom half of the form-fitting Beladi dress fans out
in bead & sequin-edged petals. Two layers of glitter-dot
one-and-a-half-circle skirting also fan out beautifully during spins.
The necklace and earrings were made by Bahira to complete the Bedlah and
flowers in her hair give the reason she is surrounded by butterflies. A
two yard turquoise silk circular veil flutters with the illusion of
flight.

Bahira was given two minutes of stage time
to model the dance-ability of her creation.

Shiva modeled the Tribal costume entitled "Savannah Sunset" in shades
of rust, gold and black. The vest and wide harem pants are covered with
tigers and gazelles and the African fabric overskirt echoes these
colors. The 4 1/2 inch wide woven belt is adorned with, glass beads,
cowry shells, handmade orange wool tassels, brass Indian bells, and
panels of African fabric in complementary black, gold and rust colors.
The bra is covered with color coordinated woven trim and cowry tipped
black and gold a cotton fringe which perfectly accents upper body
movement and shimmies. An Indian glass Mandela ornament focuses the
Chakra at the heart. The headwrap is Bahira's own creation, the
"Insta-Turban" which turns any rectangular piece of fabric into a quick
and classic turban ready for decoration with feathers, jewels or, in
this case, tassels.

All the contestestant were called onto the stage for the awards.

Bahira waits to hear the results of the contest.

Shiva accepts the trophy as Bahira wins first place in the Tribal category.

Bahira also placed second in the Theme category.

Look for this photo in next year's DDF program.
See you next year!"