We don't wear "fancy" costumes
to class:
CLASSWEAR
Preferred gear:
- dance practice gear such as tights, leggings, dance pants, leotards,
unitards
- yoga type: soft leggings, tops
- scarf or sash at hips: the visible line at the hip helps you learn movements
- feet: bare, ballet slippers, soft dance sandals or shoes
Not advisable:
- baggy clothing
- jeans
- sneakers, hard shoes
Most students enjoy a hip treatment such as a coin or fringed hip sash to accentuate the
movements and add a bit of fun. Premier Center (518-561-3127) sells coined hip sashes for under $20. You can also
use a fringed shawl or any type of sash, material, or scarf that you can tie around your hips.
A little background on coined hip sashes: There are a zillion types available
(online shopping) and they are a lot of fun. They are usually a student's first Belly Dance costume purchase. With a
velvet top or choli and skirt or harem pants - you have a nice recital costume.
In days gone by, many teachers "forbid" their use in class because a whole class
of them makes a very noisy, distracting class! However, since they are so popular and accessible and do add some
learning value to student hip movements, they are much more "allowed" in current times.
I do allow them in my classes.
COSTUMES FOR PERFORMING
There are many styles of costuming, just as there are many styles of Belly Dance and Middle Eastern
style dancing. [See links below] Additionally, fusion, alternative, experimental combine various types.
Each of the many countries from whence sprang Belly Dance have their own regional styles.
BASIC CATEGORIES OF COSTUME PIECES:
Each category is differentiated by type of decoration:
-"Sparkly": beaded appliques & fringe, sequins, shiny / "Cabaret" or nightclub style
- Coined: Real or fake, antique or new coins sewn or attached with metal loops and chains / for cabaret
or folkloric
- Fabric: trim, fringe, decorations made of material & cloth / folkloric
The two main basic styles:
A. Two piece set with bare (or bodystocking'd) midriff worn
with skirt or pants
The 2 pieces = top & hip treatment
*Note: the bra & belt set is called "Bedlah" ="Suit" in Arabic
Style of Top:
1. Bra top or
2. Fabric crop top w or w/out sleeves
-blousy, peasant top style or
- close fitting: stretch velvet, other fabrics
Hip treatment:
1. Belt - firm base or
2. Fabric hip sash, ties at hips
*The hip treatment can be built into the bottom skirt or pants and not as a separate piece
B. One piece dress, or tunic over pants or skirt
- Form-fitting or - Loose, blousy
- With or without sleeves
The Two-piece Top/Hip set and the One-piece Dress/Tunic are then decorated accordingly: sparkly,
coined, or fabric; or a combination.
Nowadays, there is a lot of style mixing, with the advent of American Tribal Style, Tribal fusion,
Tribaret, Goth, Fantsy, Goddess, Alternative, Experimental, etc; some with quite beautiful results, some quite awful...depending
on your taste.
The question of "authenticity" is a hotly debated topic. See links on styles.
