Tie on a Hipscarf!

If you go to a bellydance workshop, you will find women and men in various workout clothing such as yoga pants, tank tops, t-shirts, etc.  What makes it obvious that they are learning bellydance is that almost all of them will be wearing some sort of hipscarf.  Yes, it can make dancing more fun, but the main reason for tying something around your hips is to make your hip movements more obvious and visible.  You are helping your teacher or audience see what you've been working so hard to learn.  If you are practicing in front of a mirror, you receive the visual benefits, too. 

Fringe?  Coins?  Fun, but not necessary.  Some teachers actually discourage wearing coin hipscarves due to the noise level and because they often "shed" coins when you get your hips moving.  (So be prepared with an alternative when taking a class or workshop from a teacher that is new to you.) 

Where do you find hipscarves?  There are many lovely scarves in retail stores that will do the job - they often have a little fringe, too.  You can also make your own (details to follow on a future blog post).  There are several online vendors who carry scarves with coins, are crocheted with beads, or glimmer with paillettes.  One of my favorite places for such scarves is Scheherezade Imports.  Click on "Hip Sashes" on the left.  

Scheherezade Imports also has a great "Finger Cymbals, Veil & Hip Sash Getting Started Set."

If you are looking for a simple dance outfit that is perfect for beginners, check out the Student and Troupe offer from L Rose Designs.