Thread: My Very First Costume

Hey guys,
I am pretty new to the Board. I haven't posted much, but I've learned a lot while lurking.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my excitement with you all...after 6 years of (on & off) belly dancing and drooling over costumes (from day 1), I finally ordered one. I have never performed, but my New Year's resolution was to stick with it and make something of it! So I ordered my costume, got back into classes and registered on bhuz! Anyway, here it is - I ordered it in a light blue/turquoise color. I am so nervous! God, I hope it fits!

That is gorgeous. Congratulations!

Oh, I almost forgot, one of the main reasons I posted this was to find out..what the heck are you supposed to wear under the skirt?????? I thought I read somewhere that costumes had built-in panties, is that true? Do I buy blue underwear? What? Those are some pretty high slits!!

p.s. Welcome to Bhuz!

Originally Posted by Kristen81

Oh, I almost forgot, one of the main reasons I posted this was to find out..what the heck are you supposed to wear under the skirt?????? I thought I read somewhere that costumes had built-in panties, is that true? Do I buy blue underwear? What? Those are some pretty high slits!!

Try to find some boy shorts in a matching color. Boy shorts are awesome under circle skirts with high slits!

American Apparel has 'em in every color of the rainbow. Scroll down:

American Apparel | Women's Styles | Panties

It looks like you're going to need something like a string bikini, and if keeping those strings from wandering into view is a problem, you can put snaps on the undies with corresponding snaps on the inside of the costume belt. Just make sure you thoroughly "test drive" the costume (meaning, dance in it at home or in the studio, doing the same things you intend to do in performance) so you can identify and deal with any problems that may happen. You should be wearing all accessories while you do this as well, jewelry, headpieces, armbands, whatever you intend to wear. We've most of us been tempted at some time into dancing a performance in a costume ensemble that we'd tried on but hadn't actually done the dance in - and regretted it.

What fabulous costume. Good luck with it.
Rosette

Oh SatinW, is what you're suggesting the shorts that actually show, but match? Hadn't though about that.
R

Originally Posted by Rosette

Oh SatinW, is what you're suggesting the shorts that actually show, but match? Hadn't though about that.
R

Pretty much. I've worn boy shorts or hot pants with very similar costumes and it's a really nice look if you want more coverage than a bikini but still want to show leg! The goal is to find a near-perfect match so the boy shorts look like they're part of the costume.

Of course, a string bikini safety pinned or snapped in place would definitely give you that leggy old-school look. Ah, to have so many undergarment options!

Thank you everyone! I do like the boy short option. I think I'll wait until the costume arrives before I order the matching undies : )

Congratulations! And Welcome!

If you decide to go with undies; I'd choose a color close to your skin tone.

You can baste the slits together into something less than cooter territory.

Sometimes those circle skirts with slits are adjustable so that you customize the width of the gap over the leg. You can close the gap all the way and then baste as Anala suggested, so you don't show more leg than you feel comfortable with.

A "vintage" look is to tuck the front panel into the back of the skirt, so that it drapes over the leg opening. You can arrange it so that some of the upper thigh is exposed, or you can arrange it so that the thigh is covered. This is usually done before putting on the belt. Is the belt separate from the skirt in this costume?

Originally Posted by dunyah

Sometimes those circle skirts with slits are adjustable so that you customize the width of the gap over the leg. You can close the gap all the way and then baste as Anala suggested, so you don't show more leg than you feel comfortable with.

A "vintage" look is to tuck the front panel into the back of the skirt, so that it drapes over the leg opening. You can arrange it so that some of the upper thigh is exposed, or you can arrange it so that the thigh is covered. This is usually done before putting on the belt. Is the belt separate from the skirt in this costume?

I love this look. Just a peek of upper thigh but no danger of showing other bits I don't care to see!

Lovely costume choice! I personally like matching boyshorts or I wear harem pants underneath as I am not so comfortable with my legs.

That's really pretty :) I love the boy shorts idea.

Originally Posted by dunyah

A "vintage" look is to tuck the front panel into the back of the skirt, so that it drapes over the leg opening. You can arrange it so that some of the upper thigh is exposed, or you can arrange it so that the thigh is covered. This is usually done before putting on the belt. Is the belt separate from the skirt in this costume?

Can you post an example of this look?

Congratulations. What a pretty choice. Be sure and post pics when you get it!!

Originally Posted by Kristen81

Can you post an example of this look?

I wish I could but can't think of where to find an image of this. There was a video posted recently on Bhuz of a dancer wearing a black or dark circle skirt tucked this way. I think she was dancing with fans, maybe, but I don't remember who she was. Very pretty look.

You could also get sheer harem pants to wear underneath.

I'll probably get both the boy shorts in blue and a pair of nude string bikini underwear and see which one looks/works out better. I'm not a big fan of harem pants. I'm fine with showing leg, just not "cooter teritory". Haha.

Originally Posted by Kristen81

I'll probably get both the boy shorts in blue and a pair of nude string bikini underwear and see which one looks/works out better. I'm not a big fan of harem pants. I'm fine with showing leg, just not "cooter teritory". Haha.

Ooh, be careful with nude underwear - from a distance it can look like you are actually nude - with Barbie doll genitals Better to match your underwear to the costume; in case of accidental flashes your underwear will look like part of the costume.

what a nice first costume! great choice!

Originally Posted by Sarahamh

Ooh, be careful with nude underwear - from a distance it can look like you are actually nude - with Barbie doll genitals Better to match your underwear to the costume; in case of accidental flashes your underwear will look like part of the costume.

Hahahah yikes!!! Okay blue undies then. Wow...so much to think about. I am so glad I posted this. I was always curious as to what dancers wear underneath. So thanks again for all your comments, tips, and compliments on the costume.

That's a beautiful costume! I wish my first costume was that elegant.

I usually wear harem pants under my circle skirts. For a while, I wore shorts or leggings, I just love the puffy harem pants look.

I wear either panties in a matching color, if you do a skin color then if they show when turning then people thing they just saw your "business" which is not good, or harem pants with slits. That way you are covered but still showing leg. Congrats! It's gorgeous. Please post pics when you get it. and to Bhuz

Never wear white under white, just say'in, not good!

Originally Posted by faaria

Never wear white under white, just say'in, not good!

Exactly, that's why I always go with nude.

White under white, almost becomes 'neon'.

Originally Posted by faaria

Never wear white under white, just say'in, not good!

oh, totally agree ..l;,

I think the OP got the costume in blue though, so no fear of that with this one, but still, its always good advice!

Congrats! And welcom to a whole New World of addition. You are going to feel beautifull in it. I am also a new bhuzzer, but not a new costume owner. My first costume is similair to this one in tourquois. I still have and love it. As far as the udergoodies go I like the herem pants with the slits. I have some in a flesh tone from L. Rose and they go well with all of the fuller arabeque type skirts. Don't try to wear them under a tight Egyptian number though. They won't fit. Hee hee. Have fun girl! Happy dancing!

Congrats on the costume - it's gorgeous! I especially like the arm drapes.