Thread: Breaking the Rules: Costuming Edition

I really love circle skirts, but as many a costuming book has made abundantly clear, it is not a wise choice for a pear-shaped gal like myself. My "theory" is that if I follow all of the other advice to a tee- drawing attention to my upper-half, wearing v-shaped belts, etc. - that it'll help detract from the circle skirt no-no.

So, I'm wondering how other dancers made "costuming rules" work for themselves. Are there any things that you've been told won't look good on your shape, size, complexion, but you've found ways to work around that advice? How have you modified patterns or costume pieces to work better for your body?

I would consider myself as somewhat pear shaped, I guess(I'm a little smaller on top, and I have booty, hips and thighs). I, too, love the look of circle skirts. I have tried satin circle skirts, and I think they look awful on me. I have worn double chiffon circle skirts, and I'm happy with they way those look on me. Otherwise, mermaid/trumpet type skirts seem to flatter my figure more, imo.

Well...I believe in dressing in whatever bellydance costume is appropriate for level and the accompaning music/dance/show etc that makes YOU feel GOOD(disclaimer:panties here,lol)and FEEL that you look fine in it.

Myself pearshape,I have OK legs and if I consulted a (dated) costuming book it would maybe suggest a sarong type skirt of the "Cairo in 80´s-90´s"-style or a mermaid skirt.

I always wore either circle skirts,(wide cut) mermaid skirts or very flared pants paired with some floaty fabric on the upper arms/shoulder drapes/flared sleeves etc to "balance out".
...big hair,head/hair deco and padded bra did the rest;-)