Thread: what would you wear?

So I'm stumped and conflicted.

As part of my final paper for my World Music class, (my topic is the history/development of the American Vintage Oriental style aka American Cabaret) I am doing a mini-mini set. 3 minutes. I was thinking of wearing of turkish bedlah, and two chiffon skirts, with veil. but now I'm worried that maybe that's too bare for the college crowd. I've danced in the same at noon at nursing homes/senior centers/arts festivals...but the classroom has me stumped. What would you do?

Poofy harems with elastic below the knees for a nice drape, split down the thigh at the front, ala Atlantis.

well it's about Am Cab, so i'd go with the classic look. maybe put the harem's under the skirts if you want more cover, but i'd skip the elastic under the knee. *personal preference* i hate that look, it's like the costuming equivalent to nails on a chalk board to me.
just watch the spins that the skirt doesn't clear someone's desk ^_~

Adding a vest or sleeves would also reduce the "bare" feeling of the costume while preserving the classic feel. Just a thought.

ah, I think you are sweating it too much. The college students will love your bare look, as will the professors.

Unless you are going to a really really conservative religious college...then go with a ghawazee coat or assuit dress, like Bal Anat.

:-)

Originally Posted by zaynahcantara

So I'm stumped and conflicted.

As part of my final paper for my World Music class, (my topic is the history/development of the American Vintage Oriental style aka American Cabaret) I am doing a mini-mini set. 3 minutes. I was thinking of wearing of turkish bedlah, and two chiffon skirts, with veil. but now I'm worried that maybe that's too bare for the college crowd. I've danced in the same at noon at nursing homes/senior centers/arts festivals...but the classroom has me stumped. What would you do?

Unless you go to an extremely conservative college, I wouldn't expect anyone who grew up in a generation that saw belly shirts, low-rise pants with visible thongs, and booty shorts to be shocked by that outfit. If you are concerned someone will balk, you can always bring in pictures of other vintage dancers to back up your claim that what you are wearing is authentic to the style. To me, the important part is having a good cover up to wear when you're not performing. If you are not planning on a costume change during class, wear a full-coverage caftan or other gown so your bedlah is well out of sight.

Of course, another option is to go with a toga-style veil wrap that you don't take off during the performance--still very authentic and more covered, but I'd still stick with a full-coverage caftan when you're not dancing there, too. IMHO, veil wraps are only cover ups when performing for other dancers and in between sets at restaurants, not GP one-off performances.

I'd go heavy on everything except for the midriff - leave that bare
in other words, sleeves, pants, full skirts, modest cleavage, and accessories like matching headpiece, jewelry. No on can complain or get away with stupid remarks when you're so obviously covered up -

Agree with previous posts-just wanted to say:PPP!

(Post pic´s please!)

I think I understand how you feel. Myself, I've always been a prude about my own body. I don't mind skimpy costumes on other dancers - but not on me :)

Wearing skirts over pants and a vest or top with sleeves is an authentic, covered up look. Sometimes, we wore harem pants with Hippie (flat neck, bell sleeves) or Peasant (gathered neck and wrist) type tops with shawls and scarves. When I started dancing in the 70s I didn't see any local dancers wear Ghawazee coats or Beledi dresses, but I'm sure people in other places were wearing them.

Another option is to wear a flesh-toned or colored body covering under your costume. My first teacher always wore panty hose or tights under skirts or sheer harem pants. Another student used panty hose legs on her arms to hide scars, so this option is completely authentic. You could take this to an extreme and wear a long sleeved, long legged body suit under your costume.

Well Salisbury U is definitely not a conservative religious school! LOL! I think I'll pair my beeeauuutiful copper bedlah, with two skirts and maybe a turkish vest with sleeves. I'm really excited to 'introduce' this dance to the class. And, just to prepare them for life, I'll make sure to mention that in clubs and other venues it considered a sign of respect and appreciation to TIP the dancers!

Good luck with your presentation!!