PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES. (coming soon)

PREPARING FOR A PERFORMANCE.
How to rehearse when you can’t rehearse (location, injury, etc.)

COSTUMING. You’ll need something to wear. The results from a “bellydance costume” internet search are overwhelming! When you are a new performer, you want to keep it simple and fairly inexpensive. Actually, same goes for coordinating group outfits, no matter what experience level.  My suggestions below are for group performances. You can absolutely use these same costumes for solo performances. 

I will be adding more links, photos, examples, sewing tips, etc. to this.

For casual group performing (all levels): Black yoga-type pants (“jazz pants” on dancewear sites) with a jewel-tone close-fitting top(s) and hip scarf.  (When we dance as a group, go with red, turquoise, bright purple, emerald or kelly green.) The close-fitting top can be half (bare-midriff) or full, depending on your preferences. Layer a tie-top, if you want. Something like this photo: 

Search Bellydance.com for “square sequins” to find a red or turquoise hip scarf ($17.99) and “lace bolero choli” for a lace tie-top ($19.99).

Camisole (full or half) or tank to wear under the tie-top such as DiscountDancewear.com (full) or half-top. (Dancer’s Wardrobe carries some of these.) You can usually find a nice selection of colors at Target, Kohl’s, or Wal-mart.

You can switch out the pants for a full, straight, or trumpet-style skirt for a different look. A maxi skirt can work, but I prefer something with a slit.

For one-costume-fits-all performing (solo, group, intro or continuing, oriental, folkloric) – stretch beledi dress with sleeves, jewel-tones are best on stage.

Dahlal’s Aziza Saidi dress in Diamond wave, Holographic stripe (not black) NOTE: this style is easy to sew, let me know if you want tips 

 

For Oriental-style “Continuing” class group performances: 

half top and trumpet shaped skirt in a bright color – Dahlal’s Ahket and Minya sets are my first picks

For “professional” group performances (details coming soon): Turquoise is the theme color, gold or silver accents. Bedlah (turquoise preferred, gold or silver okay) with a full or fitted skirt (nice to have both options). Stretchy beledi dress in a jewel-tone for folkloric choreos.

***Of course, you’ll need a cover-up! Dancers don’t show their costumes until they are actually performing.***