Looking for the best performance staves, fans and props?

You’re in the right place!

When I started fan dancing, I found the available options difficult to maneuver and fragile to gig with. Nothing wrong with the feathers, I turned my attention to the structure (staves, planks or sticks) that supported them. Since 2013, I’ve continued developing on my metal stave invention and expanding with new offerings always with the same goal… build fan props that enhance your performance.
 

Whether you are just getting started with fans or an established fan dancer, there is no competition to the quality, durability and customizability of my work. Plus, when you opt for my staves, you are supporting previous and future innovation of this iconic prop.

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Before you proceed, give this a read.

  • While stave kits usually ship out within 2 weeks of order, my design and build time is extremely limited. Regular purchases are still going out within 8-12 weeks. However, custom requests usually exceed 12-16 weeks. Maintaining another career, toddler and occasional social life has really slowed things down!
  • For fun and FAST, snag a Quick Buy set that is ready to ship immediately.
  • Always consider one of my build partners: Buttercup (Las Vegas), Hartless Malone (New York), Jahireen (New Orleans) or Faye Havoc (Canada). Learn more about all these incredible artists.
  • While I can ship stave kits to many more countries, the site is configured to be limited to those that I can ship completed fans to. Reach out if you have questions. 
  • For EU buyers, we ensure all our products comply with GPSR, CE marking, and other applicable EU Directives. Review product safety information
The 1933 Chicago World’s Fair was saved by one of the most iconic burlesque performances in history, the fan dance. Shimmying into the burlesque scene in 2008, Donna Touch has dedicated her burlesque career to this specialty. Once a skilled fan dancer, she now just designs and builds all of her fantastic props in Chicago. Donna proudly calls on the legacy of fan dancers that have come before and serves the innovators yet to be seen.
Remember… you can look, but Donna Touch!

Not sure where to start?

Browse the gallery for inspiration!
Find fans you like and are close to what you’d like to build or perform with. Read the post description to help guide your learning. You can also sort by feather type, color and packages.

If you need more guidance, book a virtual consultation with Donna Touch!

Stave kits

Do staves make a big difference? YES, they do!

Donna Touch metal staves are superior to bamboo or acrylic: lighter, slimmer, and more durable. They collapse and open like regular fans but can be tightened without cracking. 

Benefits:

  • Designed and tested by a skilled fan dancer. 
  • Lightweight, longer, and more durable than acrylic options.
  • Made from commercial-grade aluminum, powder-coated for durability.
  • Collapsible and easily tightened for static performance.
  • Thin and narrow, making fans appear denser in motion.
  • Easier to grip with customizable bolt heights.
  • Proprietary hole patterning that protects feathers.
  • Glue-free assembly for easy feather removal or repurposing.
  • Customizable shapes and structures available.

Stave kits are ideal for those experienced with fan construction. Complete fan packages are recommended for others. All sizes are in stock ship within 2-3 weeks and kits include everything you need for assembly. Colors include gold, silver, almond, white, black, and color match (no additional fee).

Plume or pheasant kits come with needle nose pliers, bolts, locking nuts, washers, wire, lacing thread and wrenches. Boa stave kits come with zip ties and flush cut tool.

Durable and tested with feathers only, staves won’t crack or break but should not be bent. For other materials, contact us for options.

Staves kits for plume fans

Staves kits for pheasant and peacock

Fan conversions

Great feathers deserve the best staves! 

Do you have a set of fans that you would use more if the staves were lighter and better constructed? Maybe you have an old “starter” set that could use another layer of feathers? Or… the worst… you have a set on brittle or broken staves! Benefit from the durability and slimness of my staves that offer fuller-looking fans, less stress on your feathers and the potential to improve your overall performance… and joy with the prop! 

This is a great option for those that have loose feathers, but starting with a consultation is required. Unfortunately, conversions are limited to U.S. residents only. For international customers, consider stave kits and work with a local fan builder or costumer. NOTE: Packages include insurance, but as materials are used, replacement value is not covered. If you believe your material is worth more, please reach out.

Ostrich plume fans

Packages are for pairs (2) fans, but description is written per fan to make it easier to visualize. All fans collapse and come with a pair of wrenches. You can tighten your staves as much as you need with no risk of cracking!  View the color page for swatch details.

Basic & bulk series

When I’m able to buy in larger quantities for the Basic & Bulk packages, costs are lower. That’s why you’ll see quantity discounts and sale runs limited to these packages. Fans in this series are limited to single color.

Buy 2 sets and save $25 EACH set! Feather color must be the same, but stave colors can be different. You must put the packages into the cart to see the discount. No discount code required. Any combination of Basic & Bulk packages over $2,000 qualify for FREE shipping, U.S. or international! Use code BulkFreeShip at checkout.

Customizable series

Please check back for updates! New options are being negotiated!

Ostrich boa fans

Packages are for pairs (2) fans, but description is written per fan to make it easier to visualize. All fans collapse and come with a pair of wrenches. You can tighten your staves as much as you need with no risk of cracking!  View the color page for swatch details.

Pheasant fans

Just like the feathers, pheasant fans are complex! Please visit the structured pheasant project planning page for complete details on how to put in an order request. 

All custom

Quoting and working through creative discussions takes TIME! Please understand that I must charge for the time needed to provide guidance, quoting, designing and sourcing. To help streamline your custom project, consider these steps before requesting a quote or consultation:

  1. Learn about fans. Browse the gallery for inspiration! Find fans you like and are close to what you’d like to build or perform with. Read the post description to help guide your learning. You can also sort by feather type, color and packages.
  2. Dream up your fans. Download, print and get creative with my fan coloring sheet. Try creating a mood board, gather images of patterns you enjoy and fabric/material swatches of colors. All these pieces will help you communicate your vision more effectively.
  3. Set a realistic budget. Review the fan packages to get a sense of cost for a set that is close to your goals. Understand that custom components, dyes and other customizations add cost. With your budget in mind, it’s much easier to back out the costs to help you achieve your fan goals.

Rush!

We aim for 8-12 weeks from payment, but offer rush service to meet deadlines. Custom dyes/structures will only be guaranteed to a deadline after material confirmation. Rush rates apply to individual orders projects, not multi-fan projects.

Fan cases

Wherever you gig, protect your fans! Handmade and shipped directly, you will be impressed by the thoughtful design and high quality of these soft sided fan carrying cases. Plus, every purchases supports a Ukrainian maker! 

Handmade and shipped directly! Use one of the links below to purchase.