Thread: Crowns: In or Out?

Ordering a costume & I kinda want a crown vs standard flat headband. I know it's personal preference, but do you think crowns are passé?

I still love them!

Sometimes I like them when I see them on a dancer, and sometimes I think they look silly. I think that for me, it depends on the individual dancer and on how well it goes with the rest of the costume. On me, for example, it would look fairly ridiculous. :)

I never liked them, but I got this costume that had one, and I LOVED it. It made me look TALL, and lifted my hair while keeping it out of my face.

I am a convert.

Out of style for dancers or out of style for GP audiences? Dancers geek on the intricacies of costuming trends in ways that the public can't even begin to imagine. As long as you look like a genie princess or a nomad, the public isn't too picky. If you can rock a crown (or for that matter, a full-out rhinestone tiara) with a cabaret costume, and it matches the outfit and plays nicely with your hair, go for it.

I don't know how in out out they are, but I adore a little crown. Bellydance gives us license for ostentation, so I say crown away!

Maybe they're passe enough to be retro chic now?

I don't worry much about what's in fashion, I worry about what's flattering. For instance, I love the sleek modern Cairo look, but I'm not wearing it. I'd rather people say 'Look at that gorgeous dancer in the retro bra/belt set' than 'look how on-trend that lumpy saggy dancer is."

If a crown flattered me and I liked the look, I would most definitely wear one. Haven't ruled it out, actually!

I look like She-ra in a crown, but I've seen them on dancers when I like the look. If it looks good on you, go for it!

Yeah, what Lauren and Tourbeau said. What's one audience's passe is another audience's vintage-glam. Think fringemonsters. While some dancers categorically write off fringe as "so 1982," general public audiences go gaga over that look, AND you'd be hard-pressed to find a handmade costume from the 1980's that stays on the Swap Meet longer than 3 hours.

As stage entertainers, we have a god-given right to be crazy, whimsical, glamorous and out in the left field. If you like it, don't let the Fashion Police stand in your way! Because I'm sure they're out to get all of us in one way, shape or form .p::

If the costume is a custom order, I suggest ordering both. A crown and an flat headband. That way you can wear what ever is appropriate for the venue/audience. I love crowns. Very Lucy 1985. The gp expects us to be fancy and extravagant. Thats why they hire us! If we're gonna go over the top, I say lets go big ;)

I personally don't like them... think they look weird, but I'd say it's all up to you! They probably look more exotic than a headband to the gp, but out of style to arabic crowds.

Originally Posted by sabrinabellydancer

If the costume is a custom order, I suggest ordering both. A crown and an flat headband. That way you can wear what ever is appropriate for the venue/audience. I love crowns. Very Lucy 1985. The gp expects us to be fancy and extravagant. Thats why they hire us! If we're gonna go over the top, I say lets go big ;)

After I posted I thought about ordering both. I may just do that. I think if it'll cover my sugar bowl ears then I can pull off a crown. Just trying to decide between the big glam Jillina-type crown or the Ansuya-esque little crown with fringe over the ears, that looks vintage/earthy/folkloric to me. I like both, but they're very different looks.

I guess I was thinking in terms of resale value also - if I ever sold the costume, would there be more value with a headband vs crown.

I think as long as it's flattering on you and with the costume, go for it.
As for if it's in fashion... I say as long as it's not on top of a mullet, a crown is ok. lol

For American's yes, for other dancers (as long as they appreciate the vintage look) for Arabs, I would say that's a big no.

Originally Posted by _Tanya_

For American's yes, for other dancers (as long as they appreciate the vintage look) for Arabs, I would say that's a big no.

YES, absolutely, unless it's something along the lines of what Asmahan might wear in one of her astounding entrances. But then you'll need other accessories along with your crown: a big clam shell and four strong man, for example.

As far as Arab audiences, I would think this would depend on who was hiring you and what they wanted. Not every customer is looking for cutting edge. If they're hiring you to give a classic, nightclub-style performance to traditional music, why wouldn't you be able to wear a vintage-style costume, crown and all?

I guess I was thinking in terms of resale value also - if I ever sold the costume, would there be more value with a headband vs crown.[/QUOTE]

In case it matters, I don't buy a costume based on headband vs. crown, etc. LOL

Rajaa of France had one made as part of a custom costume to go with a sharqi/drama choreo that hubby gave her. I love it on her.

Welcome to Facebook

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

As far as Arab audiences, I would think this would depend on who was hiring you and what they wanted. Not every customer is looking for cutting edge. If they're hiring you to give a classic, nightclub-style performance to traditional music, why wouldn't you be able to wear a vintage-style costume, crown and all?

Yeah, this. It seems like the floating bras and miniskirts that are hot in Egypt haven't caught on in all corners of the Middle East. Lebanese audiences immediately come to mind. I've been watching tons of Lebanese clips lately and have noticed that most modern Lebanese dancers are still wearing a very classic silhouette - they love their bedlahs and swooshy circle skirts. (Along with their 3" heels). And Turkish dancers are wearing their Bellas and Legends.

Not to mention, an older, more conservative Egyptian crowd might not necessarily want you to show up in near-pasties with a jeweled thong peeking out over the top of your miniskirt.

I wholeheartedly agree that costuming is a very case-specific thing. I also think it's a personality thing. Generally speaking, dancers who have a little extra spunk and "kiss my tiara!" attitude carry off crowns better than those who have a more demure stage persona

A Russian woman came up to me after a show recently and told me I should wear a crown since I didn't have anything in my hair and I have small, delicate "princess" features. I had never seen anyone wear a crown before but thought it was a cute idea.... This woman also informed me at another show that I should wear brighter lipstick - she's apparently appointed herself as my personal stylist - ha ha!

I personally don't like crowns FOR ME because I have a longish face and adding anything that sticks up on my head is going to make me look weird.

i never "got" the crown .can someone explain why it is worn?..dont get fan veils either...thought they were asian.
thanks guys..*sigh * so much still to "get".

Out out and out. I have never a seen a dancer in egygt wearing them in the last 5 years or so and I am mystifyed as to why costumes still include headbands when nobody ever wears them these days.

I never believed in following fashions and trends. I believe in making my own and wearing what suits me. I never want to be viewed as cookie cutter.

Originally Posted by zamora

i never "got" the crown .can someone explain why it is worn?

They were fashionable in Egypt back in the late 1990's. It's just an accessory, just like any other sort of jewelry you might wear in the hair to bring the total effect of the costume up above the neck.

I still have a couple that match certain costumes. If I'm wearing a costume that has a matching crown, I'll usually wear the crown too.

Originally Posted by candi

I am mystifyed as to why costumes still include headbands when nobody ever wears them these days.

Maybe because some of us foreigners like the headbands and still enjoy wearing them? I honestly don't care whether Dina and Randa wear headbands these days or not - I happen to like headbands, I think they're flattering with my hair style, and I will wear them regardless of whether Dina does. I would be disappointed if a costume I bought came without one.

Originally Posted by Candi

Out out and out. I have never a seen a dancer in egygt wearing them in the last 5 years or so and I am mystifyed as to why costumes still include headbands when nobody ever wears them these days.

I always wear my headbands if one came with the costume...I think they add a nice final touch to your whole look and a little bit of sparkle. I tend to like smaller ones though.

Speaking of crowns.. love this one :)

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqZWnUqHYu8&NR=1]YouTube - Bellydance Star Natalia Fadda Oasis Festival[/ame]

Personally I can't imagine wearing either a crown or a headband...not my style at all.

Originally Posted by caralovescostumes

Personally I can't imagine wearing either a crown or a headband...not my style at all.

I don't wear them either, but I can see why a lot of dancers do. Headbands are great for keeping your hair out of your face and seamlessly disguising 3/4 wigs. Plus, hair accessories can really tie together the overall look of your costume, even if it's something simple like a rhinestone hair clip or a flower.

Yeah, I prefer neither...I like rhinestone barrettes and flowers. I suppose if I were ordering custom, I would opt for the headband because I would wear it occasionally.