Thread: Modesty (LOL!) Panels

Yes, that's right: I used the word modesty in a non-mocking, non-ironic context .w.:

So I got my green iridescent leopard-print Eman in the mail today (formerly Azhia's!) and, due to the asymmetrical hemline and daring slit, my co-workers have officially deemed it racy. .w.: ..l;,

Seeing that I'm based in Pleasantville aka Connecticut, few people here have seen a cutting-edge Egyptian costume, no less, bellydancer in general. I'm thinking I might want to create some sort of detachable sheer fabric panel for this costume so that I don't get fired or make any soccer moms jealous. Then, I can say "to hell with modesty," and remove the panel for nightclub gigs, or for when I move to a more liberal part of the county ..l;,

How have you guys put together a detachable panel? Do you use velcro? Hooks? Snaps? What shape do you cut the fabric to? Any advice or pics you may have are greatly appreciated.

Talk to me!

Lisa

This is a great idea. I think I would use snaps. Velcro is bound to end up snagging something. And I kinda think (no actual experience here) I might cut the fabric in a triangular shape so it would be less bulky at the top but increasingly full as you go down. Also would distribute the snaps or whatever you fasten it with down to at least just above knee level if not more. I have seen "modesty" panels attached only in the very top of the slit. Not only do they not really hide the thigh, the constant swinging and swaying of the panel actually draws the attention and makes everyone stare right at it, watching the intermittent glimpses of thigh (and so not really watching the dance).
Rosette

You can make a separate sheer skirt altogether that you wear underneath the racy skirt and not have to mess with snaps or velcro. Also, because the hemline is so funky, it might be too difficult to have a panel made for it.

You could make basically a "tube" or A-line skirt with a sheer fabric and simple, flat elastic waist band, really really thin elastic so that it doesn't become bulky.

Example: this green Eman Zaki dress has a pretty high slit up the side. There is a sheer green slip underneath.
Comme ça:

[This dress is on hold for Josy but if she doesn't want it, I'm putting it to pasture on the SWAP pages...]

lrose will make a modesty panel for you, lrosedesigns.com

I'd avoid velcro. It can snag chiffon, and feel scratchy if your leg brushes against it.

If I were going to do it, I'd probably use snaps.

Great ideas, everyone! I'm probably just gonna make a separate underskirt to avoid the issue of what shape to make the panel and where to apply it. That way, too, it won't be stuck with a bunch of annoying snaps when I'm not wearing a panel.

Or maybe I just need to move to Vegas, or someplace less conservative where I wouldn't have to worry so much about the repercussions of *gasp* showing some leg. ..l;,

And yes, Rosette, your description of the ubiquitous "modesty" panels cracks me up....at that point, you may as well wear a giant sign that says "Have a gander at these thighs, baby!"

Silk chiffon if you can find some to match or contrast, triangle cut on the bias works well for movement...and can be hung off of 3 hooks on the inside of the skirt

I tend to do 1/2 circle panels. attached at the top of the slit and then - if I am feeling it - on either side at the knee. If I bead the bottom, it has amazing swing!

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Or maybe I just need to move to Vegas, or someplace less conservative where I wouldn't have to worry so much about the repercussions of *gasp* showing some leg. ..l;,

Yeah...move to Vegas, baby!!!

You would be surprised at the conservative nature of the dancers in Vegas, because we are surrounded by 1/2 nude dancers, showgirls and strippers, the professionals tend to lean toward a more conservative side to show that we are different from the T&A on the strip and in the clubs, it always cracks me up that people think the racy costumes are Vegas worthy. Most of our professionals are conservative and classy, but not all, there are always exceptions!..l;,

Hi Lisa!
I have one Pharoanics costume with removable chiffon panels over the 2 slits in front...they have small snaps which really don't hold. I have replaced with LARGE snaps which do hold. I rarely use them, because I am one of those who like to show leg!! Nothing wrong with it most of time. I do think for certain venues and audiences it is good to be aware. I don't find bellydancing a very conservative dance in nature..so showing off a bit is fine in my opinion.. Some of us show the bottom half...while others show the top!


Modesty panels are great..but I have yet to see any dancers here or elsewhere covered top to bottom dancing cabaret...so enjoy and good luck!

BIG SNAPS will work if the panel is not too full!
Take care!

Originally Posted by Samira_dncr

Yeah...move to Vegas, baby!!!

or Europe or............ Egypt!..g.:

Originally Posted by Aradia

You would be surprised at the conservative nature of the dancers in Vegas, because we are surrounded by 1/2 nude dancers, showgirls and strippers, the professionals tend to lean toward a more conservative side to show that we are different from the T&A on the strip and in the clubs, it always cracks me up that people think the racy costumes are Vegas worthy. Most of our professionals are conservative and classy, but not all, there are always exceptions!..l;,

LOL. I think Vegas is just a crazy place in general. Yes, there is a streak of conservatism here, but the place also has a freedom that really isn't enjoyed in small communities across the country. You definitely have to clarify that you are more than a dancer...as the word "dancer"="stripper" here.

Originally Posted by Aradia

You would be surprised at the conservative nature of the dancers in Vegas, because we are surrounded by 1/2 nude dancers, showgirls and strippers, the professionals tend to lean toward a more conservative side to show that we are different from the T&A on the strip and in the clubs, it always cracks me up that people think the racy costumes are Vegas worthy. Most of our professionals are conservative and classy, but not all, there are always exceptions!..l;,

I was hoping you'd chime in ..l;, ..l;, ..l;,

Wow, who knew? Here in New England, I frequently find my mind wandering off to someplace friendlier, warmer, and more liberal....must not get carried away with my utopian daydreams!

I can definitely see the need to counter the "skin" with over-the-top amounts of grace and class. Civilians must be so quick to lump you into the showgirl category - which is fine in and of itself, but not comparing apples to apples. Could explain why you and Tanya always have the most exquisite, gorgeous costumes!

My new "naked" Emans are SO gorgeous and classy (both the champagne-colored dress and the green leopard one with the funky hemline and slit) - I think it's time to expose sleepy Connecticut audiences to high-end Egyptian costuming:

"This is a Sahar. Can you say, Sa-HAR?"

..l;, ..l;, ..l;,

Lisa

I think your audiences will enjoy all the glamour! Costumes are so beautiful...just about anyone can appreciate them! I am sure you look beautiful!

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Great ideas, everyone! I'm probably just gonna make a separate underskirt to avoid the issue of what shape to make the panel and where to apply it. That way, too, it won't be stuck with a bunch of annoying snaps when I'm not wearing a panel.

Or maybe I just need to move to Vegas, or someplace less conservative where I wouldn't have to worry so much about the repercussions of *gasp* showing some leg. ..l;,

And yes, Rosette, your description of the ubiquitous "modesty" panels cracks me up....at that point, you may as well wear a giant sign that says "Have a gander at these thighs, baby!"

Yes, move to Vegas and dance with ME!


On another note, I sewed in a modesty panel on one of my skirts...I'll see if I still have the instructions and PM you if you're interested.

Yes, even in Vegas, I used a modesty panel! lol

I know I'm in New England (Boston), and I've never felt as if I've had to be overly conservative. No boobs, butt crack, (or other cracks) if you can help it at all.

Although the Sahar Miracle Bra Costume isn't allowed on me outside of the house without a trained guard, that's been a partner objection, not a GP convention. :-)

And I'm desperate for a naked costume.

Just 'cause.

Probably doesn't hurt being in a major city, Kina. Boston is SO lovely!

I'm based in the same county that Stepford Wives was based on....yeah, we're talkin' the Ladies Who Lunch crowd, to the Nth degree. Or, in the slightly less affluent parts, SoccerMomVille .w.:

TOO funny about that Sahar. Those babies should come with warning labels!

I just got my first truly naked cossie (champagne colored, with high slits, plunging neckline, and beige mesh insets encrusted with tiny crystals) and it is diiiiiiii-vine ..g.:

Join me in the "nakedness," Kina. It's liberating!!!

~L.

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Probably doesn't hurt being in a major city, Kina. Boston is SO lovely!

I'm based in the same county that Stepford Wives was based on....yeah, we're talkin' the Ladies Who Lunch crowd, to the Nth degree. Or, in the slightly less affluent parts, SoccerMomVille .w.:

TOO funny about that Sahar. Those babies should come with warning labels!

I just got my first truly naked cossie (champagne colored, with high slits, plunging neckline, and beige mesh insets encrusted with tiny crystals) and it is diiiiiiii-vine ..g.:

Join me in the "nakedness," Kina. It's liberating!!!

~L.

I'm trying! The ones i can fit into I can't afford, the one's I can afford, i don't want!

Originally Posted by TanyaLV

I don't find bellydancing a very conservative dance in nature..so showing off a bit is fine in my opinion..

I LOVE the way you think, Tanya!

Why can't you be 4'11" and a size 00 so I can buy all of your used Sims? ..cr.:

Originally Posted by kina

I'm trying! The ones i can fit into I can't afford, the one's I can afford, i don't want!

I'm fortunate enough to have a "body double" here on Bhuz (Azhia!) who sold her beautiful Eman dress for only $300. The color just lights up my skin. I truly lucked out!

Never fear: someday, you will find your lucky naked dress, too ..l;,

Originally Posted by yasmindiab

Yes, move to Vegas and dance with ME!

Deal. We'll start our own pantsless troupe and get rich off of our instructional videos. We'll build a YouTube empire!

To heck with modesty! ..l;,

(Pantsless referring to the YouTube instructional video thread, for those who are concerned about the state of my mental health!)

naked costumes are fun! I still want Shims butterfly dress!

{{{HUGS}}}

I definitely love my naked costumes, anything that looks taupe or flesh tone draws me!! I think the Stepford wives need some exposure to Sahar costumes!!!!
As Samira said, we are sort of conservative within a liberal community in Vegas, but we have to 'clarify' the type of dancer we are, never just say "oh, I'm a dancer" or you will get the response "at what club?"..c:: "No, not that kind of dancer" ..l;,

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Deal. We'll start our own pantsless troupe and get rich off of our instructional videos. We'll build a YouTube empire!

To heck with modesty! ..l;,

(Pantsless referring to the YouTube instructional video thread, for those who are concerned about the state of my mental health!)

I love the way your mind works, Lisa.

You *sniff* complete me!
;)