Costuming for Beginners
You’ve taken classes for awhile now and your teacher starts suggesting a solo performance. Gasp! Now what? There are many things to consider about your first performance (which I did write a blog about here) but costuming can often be a frustrating and extremely expensive endeavor. With the loss of physical retail options for costuming, which is a whole article by itself, it can be extremely difficult to find costuming that will actually fit and suit your body and style well. With all the modern problems there also comes modern solutions. Here a few things to chew on when preparing your first costume.
Photo by Drumroll Studios.
What, why, and where?
Ask yourself a few questions. What style are you performing? Tribal, ATS, Cabaret or something else? What music are you using? Do any of these things dictate a certain costuming need? For example, lets say your first performance is with a veil. MAYBE wearing a full velvet costume isn’t most ideal. Whatever the context of the style, props, and music will need to guide your costuming choices. So what about the “where?” Consider where you are performing. Is it for a local hafla, studio show, or outdoor public event? Generally when starting out I recommend air on the side of caution. Dressing more appropriately solves any issues of being too revealing or inappropriate for the audience. If you are unsure please check in with your instructor. They can help guide you in the appropriate direction for you needs and may even have in-studio options for you.
What do you like?
Seems like a silly question but what is your personal aesthetic? Does glitter and beads sound great or are muted dark tones more your style? Consider also the different types of costuming options. Bedlahs (bra and belt sets), full length dresses, Egyptian style costuming, choli tops, pants, the options are endless! Look at what other dancers are wearing and take note of what you like personally. You’ll want to wear what makes YOU feel good. If it’s out of your comfort zone you’ll be more worried about the costume than your performance. There is NO requirement to show body parts off that you don’t want to show off. There is NO requirement to dress feminine. You and you’re body are valid and deserve a space on stage. If you are feeling concerned I recommend you pop over to my blog, Why You SHOULD wear that costume.
Where to Buy
Here are a few resources to purchase your costuming online and in person. There are MANY many more but they are all options I’ve used many times in the past and cannot recommend enough.
Buying a Costume
Pre Made Options
www.bellydance.com (Use my code TacomaDance for discount at check out). Sizing varies so I do recommend looking at the chart before purchasing.
Amazon.com. I know, cheap options that won’t last long but if you are on a tight budget it can be a resource.
www.bellydancestore.biz . Everything from low - high end. Always check measurements before purchase. If it’s your first show, I recommend a silver or gold bedlah set. They go with everything!
https://shinnysquirrel.com/ . This is for my Tribal and ATS dancers. She makes beautiful costume pieces that are handmade. I cannot recommend her enough.
https://www.dahlal.com/ Something for everyone. Great quality pieces you’ll have for a lifetime.
Custom made
www.fearlessglamour.com . Easy to wear and made to fit perfectly for any body type. Loads of stunning fabric. I own 4 full length dresses and I love them.
Bellacostumes.com This is a big purchase. Super high quality and will last a lifetime.
Personal favorite of mine. http://www.pharaonixofegypt.com/collection/index.php . I will never sell the costumes I have from them.
Buy from a Local Dancer
Your teacher can set you up with costuming options either in house or recommend options. Check for costume swap events, or events that have vendors!
DIY Your Own
For beginners, this is my favorite option. It feels so much more personal to curate and craft items on your own. It’s also generally a cheaper and more ethical option!
Thrift Shops! You can find gems in thrift shops. Mixing and matching items or reusing beaded dresses can easily give you an option that not only will not break the bank but will be uniquely yours. Expand your imagination and look through vintage dresses, belts, shawls and you’ll be blown away from what you find. Don’t be afraid to re-purpose clothing to create something new.
Create your own costuming. I am no costume creation expert but Sparkle Belly is! Sparkle Belly has many beginner friendly costume patterns and videos that can help you make the custom creation of your dreams!
Closing Thoughts
I wanted to quickly touch on the issue of cultural appropriation. Dancers who are not of the cultural we dance from are already riding a line of appropriation. When costuming please be respectful with your choices. Avoid “Gyspy” costuming as the term is incredibly offensive. Bindis, turbans, and/or anything representing traditional Muslim wear isn’t appropriate either. The goal should NEVER be to look more “exotic”. Use your naturally lovely features and if you are EVER unsure about if a costume is appropriate reach out to your teacher or a trusted community member.
In short, use your resources and happy costuming!
Kat teaches, dances, and produces shows in Tacoma, Washington. You can find out more about her belly dance classes, belly dance performances, and belly dance shows at www.tacomabellydance.com
