What Should I Wear?

Ah, the age-old question asked by women (and some men) for special events or even a night out with friends.  We want to dress appropriately for the occasion, feel comfortable, and look our best.  The same is true for bellydance, whether it’s your weekly class, a casual hafla, or a full stage performance.

What to Wear to Bellydance Class
In general, wear comfortable, but not too loose, clothing.  Yoga pants or leggings paired with a close-fitting t-shirt or tank top is perfect.  You teacher needs to see the outline of your body to observe proper alignment and movement execution.  Many teachers have hipscarves for new students to borrow, otherwise look for a triangular shawl with fringe that can be tied around your hips. If you want something more bellydance-specific, there are so many options!  First ask your teacher if coin scarves are allowed in class (sometimes they are too noisy).  Then head to Bellydance.com and click on “hipscarves” on the left.  If you want something very lightweight, quiet, and SPARKLY, search for “square sequins”. (For those in the Fredericksburg, VA area, head downtown to Dancer’s Wardrobe on William St. to check out their products.)

What to Wear to a Hafla (as a performer)
A student hafla (party) is usually a casual event, geared towards providing a fun & friendly atmosphere for students to showcase their newly acquired skills. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to look great!  In fact, black yoga pants paired with a nice hipscarf and coordinating tie-top can be perfect.  Add some gold bangles, large earrings, and possibly a necklace to finish the look.  If you are anxious to take your costuming a step further, beware of the Halloween or boudoir-type costumes that are in abundance on eBay, Amazon.com, and elsewhere (even on the previously mentioned Bellydance.com).  Ask your instructor for recommendations since she/he might have something specific in mind for students to purchase for group performances. Otherwise, check out the “Student and Troupe Offer” from LRoseDesigns.com or even pick your own style of skirt and top from their catalog.  There’s nothing like having pieces made to your size and fabric choices! A velvet trumpet skirt and half or tie top are the start to a very flattering and put-together look.  Dahlal.com has a variety of skirt & top options under “accessories” and SharifWear.com designs are popular with dancers for casual looks.

Coming Soon – What to Wear for Stage Performances