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Costume for Performance

You've rehearsed the choreography and the moves, know the music, and now that you're ready to do your performance, the big question is: what to wear?

Middle Eastern Dance is an exciting eclectic mix of styles and traditions, with a bewildering array of different types of costumes to suit all tastes and traditions. One attractive aspect of the dance is that it is possible to make your own unique creation, yet still comply with the basic principles of Belly Dance costume.

There are several basic styles of costume which can be worn for specific dances, settings or traditions. For example, it might not be either practical or appropriate to wear a sparkly, skimpy cabaret costume to perform outdoors at the local village fete! There are folk, traditional and gypsy costumes, historical period costumes, glamorous cabaret costumes and lots of variations in between.

Firstly, decide which type or style of costume would be most appropriate for the event or setting you are performing in: for a wedding, dinner dance, or in a restaurant, a glittery glamorous cabaret costume would be most suitable. This can be a Bedleh or a sparkly Baladi costume. For an outdoor event, and partly depending on the time of year and weather, it would be more practical and advisable to wear a costume with more of a folk influence- this could still be a two piece costume, or a sequinned Baladi dress, but with more emphasis on glittery coin decoration, bight colours and textured/decorated fabrics.

You also need to take into consideration the audience you are dancing for- will there be a mixed age group, including families and children, or elderly people for whom glitter and bright colours might be more important visually? Some dancers prefer not to dance at events that will have predominantly male audiences, but if you do, be very clear about the message you want to convey with your costume (and dancing!).

Also remember sheer fabrics like chiffon and voile will be lighter, but much more revealing than satins, cottons or velvets. Consider how revealing a fabric might be in certain light and weather conditions.
Decide if you want a floaty look, or a skirt with weight and movement?

Generally speaking, folk, gypsy or historical costumes will tend to be constructed from more ethnic fabrics: cottons, wools and woven fabrics, with embroidery or metallic decorations like braid or coins. Colours will usually be more natural and subdued, set off with dull silver and sometimes gold jewellery.

If your dance is of traditional origin, then a folk costume will be most appropriate. If you are dancing with a group, take into consideration what the other dancers will be wearing. Try to match or compliment colours and style of costume, as it looks much more professional from an audiences perspective if there seems to be a theme or similarity between the costumes of a troupe.

Shapes, Sizes & Colours
Secondly, you will need to look critically and honestly at your own shape, size and height. A costume that looks fantastic on a petite lady will probably not flatter a larger more curvaceous figure! Darker colours will be more slimming, light coloured fabrics will make you look larger and shiny fabrics will highlight every curve and bump!

You also need to consider your skin tone and hair colour and pick a colour or colours that suit you. If you're not sure, ask a friend to give you uncritical advice. As a general rule, drawing attention to your best features will distract the eyes away from your worst features.

Two Piece or not Two Piece?
Many ladies are reluctant to 'bare their belly' for a variety of reasons, and although there are alternative styles which cover your midriff up completely, you can still wear a two piece costume, with additions to 'fill the gap'! In some Middle Eastern countries, dancers are by law (and custom) required to cover their navel. In order to still be able to wear a two piece costume, some dancers fill the gap with a body stocking, or sheer flesh or other coloured fabric. Others design their costume with a shaped centre panel fixed at the middle of their bra and attached to their belt below the navel.

Another option particularly suited to the layered look of folk costume, is to wear a leotard or swimsuit, with a fitted bolero/bodice over the top. Traditional gypsy style costumes also feature a sheer muslin chemise, over which skirts and bodices/jackets are worn, with the midriff hidden but still slightly visible.

You may decide to make your own costume, but if you are a standard size there is an amazing range of cabaret costumes available from vendors either via the Internet or from one of the many dance events around the country. Expect to pay upwards of 150 for a complete Egyptian or Turkish cabaret costume.

If you are performing for the first time, you may find that you can adapt part or all of your practise costume- jazzing it up with jewellery, scarves and other accessories. Try on as many different styles and combinations as you can, to find which shapes and designs suit you, and very importantly- what feels comfortable!

One important rule which I broke to my cost is: always try dancing in your new costume at the class or at home before wearing it in public. Dancing at a public event, I once wore a two piece costume with a chiffon skirt which was elasticated but not attached to the belt. As a consequence I trod on the hem, and the skirt pulled down below my belt revealing my under wear for an awful few seconds in the middle of a dance! Not something I'll be repeating! Always make sure that what you are wearing feels comfortable, secure and supportive! Check fastenings, hems and openings to make sure they are not going to let you down, trip you up, or reveal bits you'd rather keep hidden! A useful tip is to always carry a little sewing kit for on-the-spot repairs, including lots of safety pins.


Home History Costume News How to... Links	Arielle Miramar
Introduction Performance Make-up Jewellery
Costume for Performance
You've rehearsed the choreography and the moves, know the music, and now that you're ready to do your performance, the big question is: what to wear? Middle Eastern Dance is an exciting eclectic mix of styles and traditions, with a bewildering array of different types of costumes to suit all tastes and traditions. One attractive aspect of the dance is that it is possible to make your own unique creation, yet still comply with the basic principles of Belly Dance costume. There are several basic styles of costume which can be worn for specific dances, settings or traditions. For example, it might not be either practical or appropriate to wear a sparkly, skimpy cabaret costume to perform outdoors at the local village fete! There are folk, traditional and gypsy costumes, historical period costumes, glamorous cabaret costumes and lots of variations in between. Firstly, decide which type or style of costume would be most appropriate for the event or setting you are performing in: for a wedding, dinner dance, or in a restaurant, a glittery glamorous cabaret costume would be most suitable. This can be a Bedleh or a sparkly Baladi costume. For an outdoor event, and partly depending on the time of year and weather, it would be more practical and advisable to wear a costume with more of a folk influence- this could still be a two piece costume, or a sequinned Baladi dress, but with more emphasis on glittery coin decoration, bight colours and textured/decorated fabrics. You also need to take into consideration the audience you are dancing for- will there be a mixed age group, including families and children, or elderly people for whom glitter and bright colours might be more important visually? Some dancers prefer not to dance at events that will have predominantly male audiences, but if you do, be very clear about the message you want to convey with your costume (and dancing!). Also remember sheer fabrics like chiffon and voile will be lighter, but much more revealing than satins, cottons or velvets. Consider how revealing a fabric might be in certain light and weather conditions. Decide if you want a floaty look, or a skirt with weight and movement? Generally speaking, folk, gypsy or historical costumes will tend to be constructed from more ethnic fabrics: cottons, wools and woven fabrics, with embroidery or metallic decorations like braid or coins. Colours will usually be more natural and subdued, set off with dull silver and sometimes gold jewellery. If your dance is of traditional origin, then a folk costume will be most appropriate. If you are dancing with a group, take into consideration what the other dancers will be wearing. Try to match or compliment colours and style of costume, as it looks much more professional from an audiences perspective if there seems to be a theme or similarity between the costumes of a troupe. Shapes, Sizes & Colours Secondly, you will need to look critically and honestly at your own shape, size and height. A costume that looks fantastic on a petite lady will probably not flatter a larger more curvaceous figure! Darker colours will be more slimming, light coloured fabrics will make you look larger and shiny fabrics will highlight every curve and bump! You also need to consider your skin tone and hair colour and pick a colour or colours that suit you. If you're not sure, ask a friend to give you uncritical advice. As a general rule, drawing attention to your best features will distract the eyes away from your worst features. Two Piece or not Two Piece? Many ladies are reluctant to 'bare their belly' for a variety of reasons, and although there are alternative styles which cover your midriff up completely, you can still wear a two piece costume, with additions to 'fill the gap'! In some Middle Eastern countries, dancers are by law (and custom) required to cover their navel. In order to still be able to wear a two piece costume, some dancers fill the gap with a body stocking, or sheer flesh or other coloured fabric. Others design their costume with a shaped centre panel fixed at the middle of their bra and attached to their belt below the navel. Another option particularly suited to the layered look of folk costume, is to wear a leotard or swimsuit, with a fitted bolero/bodice over the top. Traditional gypsy style costumes also feature a sheer muslin chemise, over which skirts and bodices/jackets are worn, with the midriff hidden but still slightly visible. You may decide to make your own costume, but if you are a standard size there is an amazing range of cabaret costumes available from vendors either via the Internet or from one of the many dance events around the country. Expect to pay upwards of 150 for a complete Egyptian or Turkish cabaret costume. If you are performing for the first time, you may find that you can adapt part or all of your practise costume- jazzing it up with jewellery, scarves and other accessories. Try on as many different styles and combinations as you can, to find which shapes and designs suit you, and very importantly- what feels comfortable! One important rule which I broke to my cost is: always try dancing in your new costume at the class or at home before wearing it in public. Dancing at a public event, I once wore a two piece costume with a chiffon skirt which was elasticated but not attached to the belt. As a consequence I trod on the hem, and the skirt pulled down below my belt revealing my under wear for an awful few seconds in the middle of a dance! Not something I'll be repeating! Always make sure that what you are wearing feels comfortable, secure and supportive! Check fastenings, hems and openings to make sure they are not going to let you down, trip you up, or reveal bits you'd rather keep hidden! A useful tip is to always carry a little sewing kit for on-the-spot repairs, including lots of safety pins.