Thread: Help Prevent a Costuming Faux Pas

In a few weeks I’m dancing solo and I’d appreciate some guidance on costuming. (Usually, I dance with a troupe, so I don’t have to worry about what to wear.) I’m performing with zills to cut of “Baladi Unplugged” by Helm, but my choreography is American Classic/Oriental (i.e. Not-Tribal).

I have a few options, including a new Hanan dress that I bought from Khalila in the Swap Meet that I’m just dying to wear. What kind of costume do you think should I wear? I don’t want to look like a mixed-up mess.

I don't know much about AmCab costuming ( I associate it with a two piece bra/belt and a circle skirt), but dresses usually look elegant and classy.

I have a few belahs. I have chiffon circle skirts and harem pants to pair them with as well. I also have a 25 yard skirt that goes with one bedlah that I wear for my troupe costume. I also have the Egyptian dress, but I don't know if it "goes" with the dance style and music since I don't dance purely Egyptian. I think I might be the only belly dancer at this event too if that matters. I'm kind of learning towards the dress since this event will have a lot of children at it and I want to look more covered.

I also have Tribal gear, but the dance is not remotely Tribal. So I’m leaning towards the sparkles.

I listened to the 30 sec iTunes segment of your music. I think you can't go wrong with a dress. However, if you are doing floorwork, it will look better if you wear harem pants with skirt and bedlah.

Maybe you can videotape short clips of yourself dancing to your music in the costumes of your choice, post it here and ask for a feedback. I'm sure fellow Bhuzzers will let you know if something is not right.

I'll see if I can get a video put together. I'm not doing any floor work, so I'm not worried about versatility.

Based on what you've said, the dress seems like the best choice. 1) you're possibly the only belly dancer at the event, so you'll want to look like a cabaret belly dancer might look (thus a tribal look wouldn't fit the occasion) 2) if it's a family venue, it may be your best bet to be a little more covered in a dress. That way you don't run the risk of offending an audience (sad, but true). 3) Sounds like you're dying to wear the dress! Go with what will make you feel fabulous for your solo!

One suggestion, if I may - practice in the costume - you never know what might pop up and a performance is not a good time to discover it.

Good luck on your performance! I hope it goes really well and that you get lots of compliments!

I definitely need to do a dress rehearsal. I just wanted an extra opinion that I wasn't committing a belly dance sin by wearing an Egyptian costume while dancing to a tribal-ish song. (I supposed I should have thought of that before I choreographed it in the American Classic style, but I figured drumming was pretty culture neutral. Besides, it is the beledi rhythm!)