Thread: And now it's time for a belly stocking...

This might be kind of on the philosophical side....

So over the past 18 months I have put on weight. I debated for a long time about this, and have purchased two body stockings to cover my belly while in costume, one in nude and one in black. I'm working on losing it, but due to an eating disorder history I can't jump on the diet bandwagon like most people can (so please, NO diet advice). I'm not thrilled about my weight gain, but I am not willing to die for weight loss anymore.

Still, I feel conflicted over the tummy cover issue. Does it really make me look more attractive to have my belly encased in nylon? Or is it something that I'm doing to make myself feel less vulnerable? Does it look more professional and put together? Is the audience more inclined to make rude remarks if I'm covered or not?

If you're a larger dancer, do you wear a belly stocking? Why or why not? At what point did you decide to If you're not a larger dancer, how do you feel when you see a dancer in a belly stocking? Does it make a difference to you in their presentation?

I use fishnet stockings, cut them into shorts and hock 'em up to my bra and pin. Less constrictive and cheap. Plus at halloween you can find fun colors and tye-dye!

Hey girl. I had the same questions. I got a lot of helpful guidance and advice here.

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/fitness-be...-spin-off.html

I have seen all sorts of dancers wear stomach covers--thin and heavy, young and old, taut and postpartum stretched. If you feel uncomfortable or self conscious about having a bare stomach, then go ahead and cover. As long as your cover matches your costume and fits you properly, it won't be a distraction to your performance. I think that the most important issue is to wear a costume that flatters your body and makes you feel good about your appearance.

I don't know the exact nature of your concerns, but at the risk of putting it coarsely, some bellies are more "solid" than others. I think the public perception is that the "softer" ones look better in the stomach covers because the fabric provides a little extra shaping. People talk about how Middle Eastern audiences love "jiggle," but Western audiences do not seem to share their enthusiasm. Regardless of whether you cover or not, your belt needs to conform to the contours of your body. "Muffin top" doesn't look good on anyone.

I have worn belly stockings when I was a bit heavier and felt more comfortable with my belly covered. I'm not sure how much of a difference it makes to the audience, but I feel the big difference is in your own confidence when you dance.

Pretty much as Tourbeau said, if you are feeling self-conscious about your appearance when you're dancing I think it shows and the audience picks up on that. I think it's important to wear something that makes you feel good. If that means covering your belly for now then you should do it.

I also think that most general public are not likely to be distracted by an attractively covered belly, they will just think it's part of the costume.

Originally Posted by rachelw

This might be kind of on the philosophical side....

So over the past 18 months I have put on weight. I debated for a long time about this, and have purchased two body stockings to cover my belly while in costume, one in nude and one in black. I'm working on losing it, but due to an eating disorder history I can't jump on the diet bandwagon like most people can (so please, NO diet advice). I'm not thrilled about my weight gain, but I am not willing to die for weight loss anymore.

Still, I feel conflicted over the tummy cover issue. Does it really make me look more attractive to have my belly encased in nylon? Or is it something that I'm doing to make myself feel less vulnerable? Does it look more professional and put together? Is the audience more inclined to make rude remarks if I'm covered or not?

If you're a larger dancer, do you wear a belly stocking? Why or why not? At what point did you decide to If you're not a larger dancer, how do you feel when you see a dancer in a belly stocking? Does it make a difference to you in their presentation?

It's about what makes you feel comfortable. If a dancer performs professionally, then I feel that a cover up is vital if she has a less than firm and blemish free tum. It's about the aesthetic. An unfortunate but necessary factor when dancing for the public.

I don't like them much. I have a large fishnet one with diamonte that I wear for more conservative gigs and I like the idea of the DIY fishnet ones because then you can match colours to costume which looks better. Sometimes i feel wearing a body stocking makes everything worse like a big arrow pointing at your stomach saying "this is big look at this".It has to match you skin or your costume.
I agree that its how you feel because that effects your dancing. You have to feel good to do a good performance

Originally Posted by Candi

It has to match your skin or your costume.

Agreed - I don't really notice covers that match and just look like part of the costume, but skin tone that isn't quite right is distracting.

I really love the look of mine, which I only got into after getting pregnant and having a troupe leader suggest one to me. It feels like it completes the costume. I've been getting them to match the costumes rather than skintone - it just makes a 2 piece look more like a dress.

I personally would rather see a covr that matches the costume then tries to match skintone - there's something sausage like about the skin tone ones for me but I love the look of a cover that ties into or pulls together a costume.