Costumes worn for dance have as long a history as dance itself, and invariably have changed depending on many factors, including social, religious and political change. Although the earliest visual examples of costume worn for Egyptian dance can of course be seen in various tomb paintings and Ancient Roman murals, and some tantalising snippets of information appear in fragments of ancient documents, we largely have to guess as to what would have been worn.

Today some types of Middle Eastern Dance require the dancer to wear a costume that is based on a traditional or historical style, with information drawn from paintings and written descriptions. Even some contemporary costumes are based on a traditional design (which may have changed little over hundreds of years) but are updated with adjustments to fabrics, decoration and style.

Middle Eastern Dance covers such a wide and varied cultural as well as geographic area, that it would need an encyclopaedia to list all the costumes appropriate for the many different styles of dance! The scope of Middle Eastern Dance covers the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, India, North Africa, and styles that have been created from America. Today's dancer has a huge range of styles and designs to choose from.

Belly Dance costumes are not just limited to the two piece costume that most people first think of when the dance is described. Styles range from the glittering cabaret to the simple traditional. Folkloric costumes are usually based on either traditional styles or gypsy clothing or costumes derived from tribal everyday clothing. Some costumes also draw on historical information, such as costumes of the Ghawazee, Pharonic, Persian and Armenian traditions. You will see a lot of costumes that are also a mixture of several styles, with a bit of artistic license thrown in! In general, groups or individuals who follow a specific style of dance will choose costumes to match their dances, but within groups you will also find quite a wide range of tastes and preferences.

It's a good idea to have a look around first, and if possible try on some different styles to see what suits your shape and size, before buying or making anything. Consider what the costume will be used for- is it simply for practise- or are you planning to perform in it? A glamorous beaded two piece might not be suitable for that performance at the Retirement Home! What colour, shape or style will suit you? It's important to note that the correct belly dance 'look' is to focus mainly on the hips, so skirts and harem pants should always finish below the navel, and this line emphasised with a sash or hip belt. There should be a clean line from below the bust to the hip, with no waistline!

Practise Costumes

Usually, most dancers like to wear some form of costume in class as this helps to emphasise movement and gets you 'into the mood'. It's also a good way of finding out what fits and how to keep it in place while dancing- and you can ask the opinion of others. Most importantly, it needs to allow for plenty of movement, and feel comfortable!

A practice outfit can often form the basis of a first performance costume. There are several suggestions for practise wear:

• Wear a leotard or one piece swimsuit with either a shawl tied over it, or a skirt worn on the hips with a scarf or coin belt over the top.
• Wear a body stocking or sheer top with a skirt or harem pants over it and scarf tied on the hips.
• Wear a midriff top and either pants or skirt and hip belt or scarf on the hips.
• Wear a costume (see below)
• Wear a leotard/leggings and a sarong tied over, plus a hip belt.

When you have been dancing for a while you may decide to either buy or make your own costume, and then classes are an ideal place to try them out and enjoy them!