Thread: Dressing The Part

Hi,

I just put a new blog post up about "dressing the part" for dancing- you can see it here:
PRINCESS FARHANA

xx princess

YES!!!!! Great article!

Like...ok.... Love
Thank You!!

It is so true. My teacher always stressed looking the part. She always stressed that every one should recognize the belly dancer the minute she walked in. The women usually came all gussied up, especially the Chaldean women! The female singer was always very ornate and opulent, think Sabah! So the dancer had to surpass what they typical patron would wear and come close to matching the singer. Back when I danced, I usually wore full length evening gowns on a Sat. night. Of course, because we were dancers, our outfits weren't as ornate as we had to quickly change and we didn't want to wear clothes that were hard to get in and out of or leave marks on our body. I loved stretchy form fitting dresses the best because they were easy to change in and out of and very comfortable.

My highest compliment would be when I walked into a club for the first time and be mistaken for the star singer!

I agree and I wish more dancers would read this . . . especially the part about the cover-up! (it's one of my biggest pet peeves)

I agree with every last syllable- and it is definitely the same at work as with dance. I actually have a mirror next to the phone at work, and I always make sure to smile before answering the phone. I swear, you can hear a smile!

Originally Posted by Lara L

I always make sure to smile before answering the phone. I swear, you can hear a smile!

I agree, you can hear a smile! I too always pump myself up before getting on the phone for a business call, and many times over the years people have told me that they like talking to me because I always sound so upbeat.

Amen! It's really important to remember that dressing appropriately is a way of showing respect to others as well as to yourself. I think a lot of dancers love the glamour aspect of this performance art, so I'm confused about them showing up to gigs in grungy clothing and hair -- take the opportunity to be glamorous all evening!

I think this is even applicable for events that aren't gigs...I make sure that I always look nice when I am attending or performing at a gala show/hafla. I see it as an opportunity to show my best face to potential students and clients.

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

I think this is even applicable for events that aren't gigs...I make sure that I always look nice when I am attending or performing at a gala show/hafla. I see it as an opportunity to show my best face to potential students and clients.

In a small town, I had to think carefully about my approach to going *anywhere* since students and clients spot me at the library or the grocery store too. As a mom with young kids, it is flat out impossible for me to look as glam as I would like every time I go out, but no quick trips to the store after class unless I've taken time to at least slightly transform myself from that hot sweaty mess class tends to leave me in!

Originally Posted by Lara L

In a small town, I had to think carefully about my approach to going *anywhere* since students and clients spot me at the library or the grocery store too.

I've run into Jillina at Target and Tamra-henna at Trader's Joe's (both of whom always look smashing). It's not just small towns! ;P

I loved that article because - and it's probably my own insanity - but I often rehearse for a stage show wearing the costume I plan on using.

The practical side is finding out ahead of time if there are any loose bits, things to trip on, etc - but being in the costume motivates me to practice more, dance better, etc. It puts me in the right frame of mind.

Or, I'll change costumes if practicing in one doesn't seem "right" for the choreography or music.

Am I the only nut out there who does this?!

Originally Posted by phillyraqs

I loved that article because - and it's probably my own insanity - but I often rehearse for a stage show wearing the costume I plan on using.

The practical side is finding out ahead of time if there are any loose bits, things to trip on, etc - but being in the costume motivates me to practice more, dance better, etc. It puts me in the right frame of mind.

Or, I'll change costumes if practicing in one doesn't seem "right" for the choreography or music.

Am I the only nut out there who does this?!

Nope, you're not the only one! In fact, I just did this tonight.

Originally Posted by phillyraqs

I loved that article because - and it's probably my own insanity - but I often rehearse for a stage show wearing the costume I plan on using.

The practical side is finding out ahead of time if there are any loose bits, things to trip on, etc - but being in the costume motivates me to practice more, dance better, etc. It puts me in the right frame of mind.

Or, I'll change costumes if practicing in one doesn't seem "right" for the choreography or music.

Am I the only nut out there who does this?!

I would probably do this... if I didn't insist on making a new costume for almost every routine. I'm such an addict- I will never learn, no matter how many midnights before the gig end up at the sewing machine!

Lara, I'd love to see your dance closet!

Originally Posted by Doozer

Lara, I'd love to see your dance closet!

my dance closet doesn't hold a candle to the fabric hoard (watch it, I said hoard- that's h-o-a-r-d, not whore, really!)

You're welcome to come browse if you help me organize it

(If I could figure out how to post photos, I'd totally show off my latest- I did a sword routine & decided I needed to be as shiny as my sword... & you should see the outfit I designed around a pair of earrings!)

but I often rehearse for a stage show wearing the costume I plan on using.

I think you are insane if you dont. Many a disaster has been averted by doing this. Costumes "grow" with body heat and moisture, so I have had to make adjustments for the heat factor. I will teach a whole class in mine to give the costume time to settle in.

Originally Posted by anala

but I often rehearse for a stage show wearing the costume I plan on using.

I think you are insane if you dont. Many a disaster has been averted by doing this. Costumes "grow" with body heat and moisture, so I have had to make adjustments for the heat factor. I will teach a whole class in mine to give the costume time to settle in.

A girl after my own heart! And there's nothing like thinking the elastic in your skirt is tight enough, then practicing in it and realizing that you could shimmy it right off!