Thread: What to wear for a Seder? What would you wear?

So, I'm dancing at a Seder celebration/ceremony for a Jewish women's group next week and I'm pretty excited about it. It is a women's event and I'll be getting all the women up to dance about and enjoy themselves. I've never danced at a Seder before and I had to look it up, but now I'm really liking the idea that we will be like Miriam the prophetess with her timbrel and all the the women of Israel dancing to celebrate their escape from slavery in Egypt.

Now I'm trying to decide what to wear. Should I do a belly cover? Should I just be my usual belly dancing self? I don't think I can pull off authentic period clothing by next week (nor do I think they expect it) but I'm wondering if there are touches I should add to give it an older feel? It does feel kind of odd that I might be wearing an Egyptian costume, but then kind of appropriate?

What are your thoughts?

Talk to the hostess. It is going to depend on how conservative the group is. I'd think that having hired a belly dancer, they probably want a belly dancer unless they have asked you to do folkloric. The easiest thing to do is ask.

Have fun!

{{{HUGS}}}

Yes, depending on what specific sect they belong to will change their preference so it is best to ask. I did an event for a Jewish women's club a few weeks back and when I asked they said normal stomach baring outfits were fine and they were happy that I had asked just in case. I went to a Bat Mitzvah at the same temple a few years back (as a guest, not a dancer) and they wanted shoulders covered. They will most likely be fine with you showing your stomach especially if it is for the women's group. The group I did an event for was a really fun bunch of ladies! I bet you will have a great time at the Seder, Passover is one of my favorite holidays!

Hi Shems!

I'm engaged to a wonderful Jewish guy, so I've been to quite a few Seder dinners throughout the years.

I would just wear your normal belly dance attire, but go for the bedlah and skirt look. Most of the Jews I know are pretty open-minded and accepting, so I wouldn't worry about covering yourself from head to toe... especially if the ladies who hired you didn't say anything about it over the phone. Seder is a lot of fun (at least it is with his family), so enjoy yourself!

Damn, I knew the seders I've been to over the years have been missing something, and now I know what. However, never having been to a seder that featured a belly dancer--excellent idea, though--I'd go with those who suggest you call and ask.

Let us know what you chose and how it went, please.

--Alex

So, that was fun. A unique experience. At times I felt like I was doing more herding than entertaining, but the organizers really seemed to appreciate that.

In the end I went with a full purple skirt with teal underskirt and purple harems - a white bedla with purple a green accents and a purple net belly cover - I thought better to err on the slightly more conservative side. It seemed to go over quite well as did my presence at the event.

It also taught me a lesson in how to be prepared for anything. (The music organizers told me one thing and when I arrived they wanted something different.) It all worked out in the end. It is always better when I don't have to use my easy going, roll with the puches and improvise special skill though.