Thread: belly dance class - what to wear?

I'm going to my first belly dance class this weekend -- I'm so excited! ..g.:

Any tips on what I should wear? I do know on the studio website it says I need a scarf, and if needed I can purchase one there ($20).

Also, what size scarf is used in general? I have some already so I might not have to buy one yet.

Thanks for any advice!
Anne
p.s. I hope this is the right forum for this, if not - please just direct me elsewhere, LOL.

Big enough to tie around your hips!..l;,

You can wear something loose fitting on the bottom (so long as you have something to tie around your hips) but it's a better idea to wear something form fitting on top and on bottom (not necessarily tight). Wearing something form fitting allows you to see what your body is doing easier. Also, there is no need to show your belly, just don't wear a big t-shirt or anything. Once again, form fitting makes it easier to see what's going on. No need for a coin scarf either. As long as you have a *simple* scarf to tie around your hips it'll be fine!!!

For class I wear a unitard that has a mesh midsection, and a hip scarf with no coins. You could wear a leotard and tights if you have them and are used to dance classes. You could wear a leotard and a broomstick skirt and a hipscarf if you need to feel more covered. You are going to be spending a lot of time looking at yourself in the mirror, so pull up your hair (in case you get sweaty) and wear some lip gloss and sparkly earrings if you have them.

I would suggest wearing pants, so that your instructor can easily see what your legs are doing (or not, as the case may be ). Yoga pants or leggings are excellent for this. And as ejaghana mentioned, wearing a big boxy t-shirt or sweatshirt also makes it difficult for the instructor to see what's going on under there. I would wear as close fitting garments as you feel comfortable in.

I am actually loving the hot weather because a lot of my students are showing up for class in shorts. I can spot a hyperextended knee a mile away these days! ..l;,

Top: form fitting T shirt or top - nothing too loose or too big.
A leotard is perfect, it shows your torso, and in case you are figure concious it actually slims down your waist as well. The main bonus is that you don't have to keep tugging your shirt, or pulling it down.
You also do not need to bare your midriff.

bottom: I would suggest pants or shorts.
Definitely no skirt. Your teacher needs to see your feet (to make sure they are not turned out when they need to be parallel) and your knees - it's very important.
Yoga pants are perfect. Make sure your pants sit on your hips, and not your waist.
Also no jeans, because you may be sweating, and hopefully at the end you'll be doing streches, and those could be uncomfortable in jeans.

Hipscarves are helpful for beginners, it helps them get "into the mood" :))

Marianna
www.marianna.cc

My standard class wear is: Bra, T-shirt or leotard, and tights or track suit trousers, bare feet (or ballet slippers - no street shoes or trainers). No big skirts and no jeans.

If it's cold where you are add layers that can be removed as you warm up.

Most of my students wear their veils as a hip scarf - 2.5-3m of chiffon. Some have small triangular scarves.

Enjoy!

I am actually loving the hot weather because a lot of my students are showing up for class in shorts. I can spot a hyperextended knee a mile away these days!

I'm actually getting quite good at spotting them in practically any pant. Except big harems. *Sometimes* you can tell, but it's really luck of the draw.

I'm another who prefers stretchy pants of some kind rather than a skirt. Sweat pants or leggings are fine, plus a t-shirt or, if you're confident showing your midsection, a crop top. A good supportive bra is a must, even if you don't wear one normally - you're going to want that support!

Around here, most people wear fitted yoga pants and sports bras or tight tank tops. :-) (With a hip scarf of some sort)

Welcome to Bhuz and have fun at your first class!

Every time class season starts up for me I treat myself to some new practice wear at the dance gear shop around the corner. What you wear is up to you but here's what I go with when I'm teaching.

Dance Pants
Spiffy Sports Top (normally has a witty dance slogan on it)
High Impact Athletic/Dance Shoes
Fringe Scarf (Too many coins and I can't hear anything)
My Lucky Velvety Head Band

Some of my students wear 10lb diving belts and regret it after about 15 minutes of Turkish Hop Steps but it's always an option. ;-)

Have a Great Class!
~*Genisis*~

Wow, lots and lots of help here -- I so appreciate it!

I'm thinking I'll dig out my old leotard and get some new yoga pants....I'm a barefoot type so hopefully I can do that.

I really like the idea of getting a unitard with a mesh midsection -- I've seen some online and maybe I'll order one eventually.

LOVE all the tips, thanks so much again. ..g.:
Take care,
Anne

Originally Posted by anne_of_kingwood

I'm a barefoot type so hopefully I can do that.

Anne

Anne, I'd call the instructor or studio/community center regarding the type of flooring in the classroom before I went barefoot. The room where I teach has a nice wooden floor -- but it's unfinished and for years the room has also been the room where the tap classes are held. That means the floor is 1) dirty and full of metallic tap dust constantly and 2) sometimes a bit rough, and some gals who refuse to wear shoes have picked up the occasional splinter. I advise all my students not to go barefoot (and from the former sentence you can tell about how well they listen to me..c:: ). I'd recommend Hermes sandals, Grecian sandals, character shoes, jazz oxfords (all styles of dance shoes available from dance vendors online -- try Danny's Discount Dance or just Google Capezio . . )

Make sure the teacher doesn't have a preference towards the non-jiggly coin scarves. Some prefer you don't wear them

Kat -- good point about the flooring issue -- thanks for the heads up!

indigostars -- thanks for the scarf tip -- I've been looking online and never knew there were sooooo many kinds of scarves out there, LOL!

Take care,
Anne

For me, I usually wear spandex shorts and a tank top. I don't wear a hip scarf as I find the weight of the fabric and coins distracting. I also find the extra movement is causes distracting. I can see much better my execution of the steps without a scarf. But every person is different and since you are new you may want to wear the scarf so that you can see your hip work and your isolations. You may want to wear dance shoes depending on the surface of the floor. The surfaces I work on enable me to practice barefoot.

thanks Christina! : )
Anne

You're welcome. Hope all our suggetions help!

Originally Posted by anne_of_kingwood

thanks Christina! : )
Anne