Thread: left side skirt opening?

Costume experts........

Is there a reason almost all skirts are slit on the left instead of the right? Assuming most dancers probably favor a right hip, does it work better to open it on the left or is just random?

Just checking before I decide to finish my skirt and leave an opening on the right for a little more leg action.

Thanks!

Personally, though I'm right-handed, I'm left hip dominant, so left slits are great for me. If you're right-hipped, though, you should make your skirts to suit you.

I was told by a very authoritative teacher, whose dedication to authenticity I always valued enormously, that the left leg is considered more beautiful.

I have skirts with slits on both sides. Both of my legs, to me, look the same (not my best parts). But depending on the dance I'm doing, I move the skirt from one side to the other if I can.

Hi Sam! ,r:;

Everytime I sew a skirt for myself (or for and other dancer) I always favor leaving the openning on the right leg, but it's my own preference.

The Egyptian costumes I owned all have the slit on the left side, and before you've mentionned it, I thought that was just a coincidence but after visiting the bellydance store's website, Uh?? Yay! The are practicly all open on the left side!! .w.: ..c::

Is this a misterious rule from the bible of BD costume?

But franckly I would say go for what makes you happy, if you are "righthanded" of the hips, go for the right slit! :thumbs_up:

But now that you've bring this up, I don't think I going to be able to sleep until I find out why! ..cr.::Aconfused:

Qamar

Maybe because Egyptian teachers in Egypt teach most moves from the right side? This way, the leg or leg up isn't seen as much? Here in the USA we are taught everything on both sides for fitness and well and health issues but I've been told by some experts that more is taught on the right side in classes in Egypt. That is why a lot of dancers there have problems with their left knees.

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

Personally, though I'm right-handed, I'm left hip dominant, so left slits are great for me. If you're right-hipped, though, you should make your skirts to suit you.

To rephrase is it better to have the slit over your dominant side or not?

Originally Posted by beafarhana

I was told by a very authoritative teacher, whose dedication to authenticity I always valued enormously, that the left leg is considered more beautiful.

That's funny I always thought right side was the 'good' side....

And I think my right leg is nicer, my right hand too!

Originally Posted by Qamar60

Hi Sam! ,r:;

Everytime I sew a skirt for myself (or for and other dancer) I always favor leaving the openning on the right leg, but it's my own preference.

The Egyptian costumes I owned all have the slit on the left side, and before you've mentionned it, I thought that was just a coincidence but after visiting the bellydance store's website, Uh?? Yay! The are practicly all open on the left side!! .w.: ..c::

Is this a misterious rule from the bible of BD costume?

But franckly I would say go for what makes you happy, if you are "righthanded" of the hips, go for the right slit! :thumbs_up:

But now that you've bring this up, I don't think I going to be able to sleep until I find out why! ..cr.::Aconfused:

Qamar

Hello Line!!!

Of course you would know you make so many costumes!

I know it's prefernce but it's true if you look almost all costumes ahve the slit on the left! Curious hmmmm.....

I thought maybe because if you are making it on a sewing figure your right side would end up being the dancers left, I doN,t just searching...

Most people are right dominant, which would mean the right leg is slightly stronger. Unless you are trained to work both sides equally when you dance, right-handers usually default to standing on the right leg when doing posed hip work--which would mean the more attractive leg to see through the skirt slit would be the left one.

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

Most people are right dominant, which would mean the right leg is slightly stronger. Unless you are trained to work both sides equally when you dance, right-handers usually default to standing on the right leg when doing posed hip work--which would mean the more attractive leg to see through the skirt slit would be the left one.

That's exactly what I was thinking, that plus ending poses are more likely to have the left leg sticking out. Mine are, anyway.

I am just happy the slits are on the left as I have a tattoo on my right hip that I would rather not show in a cabaret costume ;-)

I have heard that, in some cultures, that the left is "feminine", and the right is "masculine". As in ladies tie their belts on the left, and guys tie on the right. This was the case in my Greek dancing, for instance.

I've never worn a slit skirt, but if I were to do so, I'd be inclined to put it on the right - not because I give a darn about the above - but because I too am "right hipped".

Originally Posted by basina

I am just happy the slits are on the left as I have a tattoo on my right hip that I would rather not show in a cabaret costume ;-)

Ok, now we have to know... (!) ..l;,..l;,

I have a tendency to hit my knees wherever there is a corner to run into... And my right knee looks worse (small scars) than my left one. So if I can choose, I will always have the opening on the left.

MEISSOUN

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

Most people are right dominant, which would mean the right leg is slightly stronger. Unless you are trained to work both sides equally when you dance, right-handers usually default to standing on the right leg when doing posed hip work--which would mean the more attractive leg to see through the skirt slit would be the left one.

I think your explanation makes sense Tourbeau. I think I will show off my sleeker less muscular leg.

I am more of a left handed dancer so I am more comfortable with the slit on the right a la my fabulous ending!

Originally Posted by meissoun

I have a tendency to hit my knees wherever there is a corner to run into... And my right knee looks worse (small scars) than my left one. So if I can choose, I will always have the opening on the left.

MEISSOUN

Now, you're reminding me of my dear wife who also has a tendency of running into things.

Next time I wear a short skirt, if a guy comes up to me a say: "Lady, you have a gorgeous (right... or... left) leg!" ..g.: When I sew my next skirt, I'll know on which side to cut the slit! ..l;,..l;,

Qamar

my skirts open on both sides.i do all steps both directions.

Originally Posted by Qamar60

Next time I wear a short skirt, if a guy comes up to me a say: "Lady, you have a gorgeous (right... or... left) leg!" ..g.: When I sew my next skirt, I'll know on which side to cut the slit! ..l;,..l;,

Qamar

I have a feeling you will become like Zamora then and have them on both sides! Sometimes that other side "peeks" out.

I am slightly stronger in my left leg, which is why I tend to stand on it, but I find a left opening makes more sense to me simply because if I tie something around my hips and fasten it at one side, I always tie on the left. Always. The other way round feels wrong. If a skirt is made so that it's effectively a wrap around that joins over one hip, left is the obvious place.

Skirts and dresses used to have zips on the left. I presume it's because most people are right handed and it's easier to zip or fasten something across your body than try to do it on the same side as your dominant hand.

I never thought about where I tie things, and I DO tie them on the left. Always. So maybe (tattoo aside) thats why I also prefer left slit. ;-)

And Zorba - too funny. I actually dont much care for the look of tatts with cabaret costuming (though I think they look fab with tribal). its just my personal preference. I have one on my left ankle that I dont always worry about though were I to wear a really modern egyptian costume I would maybe cover it with an ankle band, but the one on my right hip is a decent size green and purple celtic dragon - doesnt really go well with the glittery goddess image ;-)

..g.: I'm a lefty, so I always tie things on the right. I am also right-hip dominant in dancing, though I try to balance things out when I practice or teach. So I'm really confused about which side to have the slit!.w.:

Originally Posted by basina

And Zorba - too funny. I actually dont much care for the look of tatts with cabaret costuming (though I think they look fab with tribal). its just my personal preference. I have one on my left ankle that I dont always worry about though were I to wear a really modern egyptian costume I would maybe cover it with an ankle band, but the one on my right hip is a decent size green and purple celtic dragon - doesnt really go well with the glittery goddess image ;-)

I understand exactly what you're saying - although around my neck of the woods it seems that more Belly Dancers have tatts than not, even the cabaret gals! They just add glitter to their tatts before a show.

yes to the above.
also, from the audience perspective, the slit will appear on the right side of the stage, which is sometimes considered the stronger side of the stage. also, since arabic is read right to left it would be more comfortable to watch the exposed leg on the right, since the eye is trained that right is the point of origin