Spin-Off Thread: How Many Costumes Does A Restaurant Dancer Need?

[bethsoren]

In a different thread, someone asked about how people were cutting back in the belly dance world due to the economy. Which led me to ask a different question:

What is the absolute minimum number of costumes a restaurant dancer can have and keep the owners & regulars happy?

Needless to say, this isn't something I do so I'm curious to know the answer!
.w.:

[Lauren_]

I think it depends on how often you dance at the same restaurant. I guess weekly is most common, but some restaurants rotate monthly and some dancers perform in the same restaurant 3 or more times a week!

This used to be easier in the days of bra/belt sets, when you could just rotate out different skirts. I still do that to a point, and I know for a fact my restaurant manager thinks those are all completely different costumes.

[laura 2]

I agree with those who say that if you're dancing at a restaurant regularly, it's good to invest in more mix and match bedlah and skirts than lycra sets. A gold bedlah, a silver bedlah and 3 or 4 different skirts with accessories can easily make 10 or more "looks". Pluse, if you're dancing at a restaurant with a lot of GP crowd, they tend to expect a Belly Dancer to wear a traditional bra/belt/skirt combo.

[Sonja2]

I think I have about 10 or 11 that I rotate between, and about half of those are bra/belt sets so I can rotate out skirts, as mentioned by others. Of those, 2 are cheap-o's, a couple were made by a friend, and the rest are really high quality. When I first started out, though, I only had 4 costumes, and they were fine. I think I got bored before the customers did.

[SatinWorship19]

To Laura's point, I'm beginning to "come around" on bedlahs, too.

Conversation with my boyfriend last night:

Me: (Showing BF iridescent orange bedlah from Azhia) I want you to take pictures of me in this one. Isn't it great?
Stacy: Oh my GOD that's hot. I've never seen THAT one before! When did you get that?!?!
Me: You're kidding, right? I'm wearing that one in that picture you like so much of me....the one you've gushed about every day since we started dating 5 months ago....where I'm in the water with the sunset behind me.....you know....
Stacy: What? No.
Me: Lesson #1 in BD costuming, Stace. This is a bedlah. You mix and match with different skirts.
Stacy: Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh who knew! Looks like a different costume to me!

If my boyfriend, who notices when I get a 1/8" trim at the ends of my hair, was fooled....then a bunch of strangers at a restaurant won't be able to tell the difference if you mix and match your skirts.

Back to topic? It really depends on your schedule. If you do sporadic private gigs, you could get away with probably 3-4. If you're dancing 3 times a week at the same place, then I'd consider a more comprehensive wardrobe par for the course.

[SatinWorship19]

As for how many are in my closet?

I have 8 that are in tip-top condition, 1 that I never wear but still hang on to in case I need it (it's a gown), 1 that's in the E.R., and one on the way.

Five of the above are bedlahs or (in the case of my Tony & Robbies) include some sort of detachable bra/belt.

I do sporadic private events and the occasional restaurant/club appearance, no regular gig.

[ruta21030]

it also depends on how many venues...............there are dancers that dance 12 or more times a week and maybe 4-5 different venues.....at that point it's less about how many times you're seen in a costume, but in rotating them enough to keep them all in good repair, so they're not worn out................those dancers would need more than a dozen

[Lesgemini_Zafirah]

To Laura's point, I'm beginning to "come around" on bedlahs, too.

Conversation with my boyfriend last night:

Me: (Showing BF iridescent orange bedlah from Azhia) I want you to take pictures of me in this one. Isn't it great?
Stacy: Oh my GOD that's hot. I've never seen THAT one before! When did you get that?!?!
Me: You're kidding, right? I'm wearing that one in that picture you like so much of me....the one you've gushed about every day since we started dating 5 months ago....where I'm in the water with the sunset behind me.....you know....
Stacy: What? No.
Me: Lesson #1 in BD costuming, Stace. This is a bedlah. You mix and match with different skirts.
Stacy: Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh who knew! Looks like a different costume to me!

If my boyfriend, who notices when I get a 1/8" trim at the ends of my hair, was fooled....then a bunch of strangers at a restaurant won't be able to tell the difference if you mix and match your skirts.

Back to topic? It really depends on your schedule. If you do sporadic private gigs, you could get away with probably 3-4. If you're dancing 3 times a week at the same place, then I'd consider a more comprehensive wardrobe par for the course.

Hehehe..l;, I love this story, Satin/Lisa!!!..l;,

[Lesgemini_Zafirah]

Incidentally, this is why I've subscribed to the "Multi-color"-beaded or Gold/Silver combo bedlah and swap out skirts-- so much more versatility...g.:
(Everyone who knows me in my local dance community knows that I'm all about multi-colored, multi-metallic...anything!:))

[steffib]

I asked the same question a while ago, not easy to get a number without a lecture. The ultra-condensed answer I managed to get was 3-4.

[aazura]

When I was a baby belly, I knew one dancer who danced at a Greek restaurant every weekend. She had one silver Costless bedlah that she wore with a silver and turquoise lame skirt set. Same costume, same restaurant, every weekend. And because it was Costless, it lasted for years.

Personally, I don't know how she did it without getting bored to tears, but the crowd and the owner didn't care in the least, and it saved her hundreds of dollars in additional costuming.

So I guess the answer really depends more on the dancer than it does anything else.

[Salena]

A wize Bhuzz-er said it here once:

"how many costumes does a dancer need?.............ONE more!" ..g.:

Seriously, hard to say. I dance at one restaurant where there are alot of regulars, so they do notice "ooh, you're wearing my favorite!" and i typically do two sets a night there, so I need to switch it up.

the other restaurants are bigger, and the guests are a mix of regulars, and folks who are there for parties,etc, so it's unlikely they'll remember or have seen my costumes before.

Finally, like others have said, it depends on how frequently you dance; you need to let all the pieces and parts breath, air out, make repairs, etc, and so you need enough to rotate them out if you're dancing several nights a week.

Wow, that wasn't very helpful was it?? I just added more fodder to the connundrum!

Ah well, like I said..............."one more!" But maybe the one more is created by adding a new skirt, or veil, new jewelry, to a bedla you already love.

These days, it's great to be able to mix and match!

[Vahana]

Thanks for the info, Steffib. I am the scheduler at my restaurant and I have hired a newbie dancer who asked me about costuming. I am a poor one to talk though because I have an abundance of costume. ..g.:

This will help me to help her see that she need not make a huge investment. She could easily get multiple looks from the two bedlahs she has and come in around 3 - 4, or more.

[SandraDances]

I think you should have at least four, but more is better.
Also, slightly off topic, I like bedlehs for restaurant dancing with washable skirts. I might like M.E. food, but I don't like the smell of it the next day...it's nice to be able to toss the skirt int he washer.

[Lauren_]

I asked the same question a while ago, not easy to get a number without a lecture. The ultra-condensed answer I managed to get was 3-4.

..l;, Well, it is a discussion site.

And it really DOES depend. 3-4 costumes as a minimum number is overkill if you have a monthly restaurant gig, like I do. It's not anywhere near enough if you're dancing 2 sets a night 6 nights a week.

I dance monthly at a restaurant and do mostly private gigs and annual events. I could probably get by with 2 sets of bedlah and a full rotation of skirts, plus a Saidi dress for folklore as a bare minimum, but I wouldn't be happy.

[Sonja2]

maybe I DO need to join the costume addict thread! No, really, the reason I have so many has to do with participation in a troupe (several of my costumes are either troupe pieces or were bought for dancing in a show). Up until a year ago I had only about 4 costumes and 3 were bedlehs. But our restaurant has alot of regulars and we dance 3 sets with costume changes, and I'm there quite a bit, so it really depends on how much you perform. Plus, I'm a costume addict....that is actually the primary reason I dance at the restaurant! So I can afford new costumes! *blushes*

[Lauren_]

I think having shows with costume changes increase your need for costumes exponentially.

I don't *think* I'm a costume addict, but I find a need a lot of different kinds of costumes. Besides costumes for restaurants, there are costumes for party gigs (looking as much like a stereotypical bellydancer as possible), costumes for art fairs and dance shows (looking as little like a stereotypical bellydancer as possible), and so forth.

I need folkloric costumes, sexy costumes, un-sexy costumes, flashy costumes, romantic costumes, elegant costumes and funky costumes to go with all the possible venues and sets I might ever perform....

[bethsoren]

Wow! Who knew the numbers would vary so much!? I have really learned a lot from this thread! Thanks everybody!

[Sonja2]

Besides costumes for restaurants, there are costumes for party gigs (looking as much like a stereotypical bellydancer as possible), costumes for art fairs and dance shows (looking as little like a stereotypical bellydancer as possible), and so forth.

..l;,..l;,..l;, Yes.... we (troupe) do all those mixed events, from folklore galas to street festivals, to theatrical productions & we have to have the stuff for all of it! Add to that needing at least 5 really nice, "glam" costumes for private parties/stage solos/competition (this year!)/and restaurant and it adds up quickly! Ah well...to me, a pretty costume is a work of art!

[aamel_MirahAmmal]

"how many costumes does a dancer need?.............ONE more!" ..g.:

Heh heh--yeah, and that's Ni'mah's tagline.

I would agree with what others have said. It depends on:
1. How often you'll be dancing.
2. How many shows each night.
3. How often you'll see the same people.
4. How frequently you're doing other gigs (how much other wear and tear your costumes will get).

If you're just starting out, 3-4 is probably a good place to start, knowing that you may need to invest in another before too long, but that you haven't spent yourself into a huge hole if it takes time to build business or if things don't work out (which, in this economy...) And, as others mentioned, bedla are a nice place to start because you can swap out different skirts and accessories.

When I first started, I danced at a restaurant where there was one show a night and I danced maybe 2 or 3 times a month, and where there were certainly repeat customers, but they tended to come maybe once a month or less. I did some other gigs, but not tons. So I got by just fine on three costumes for a couple months and then bought a fourth when I felt I needed it. Similarly, I have a friend who danced at a restaurant about once a month, two shows a night, with occasional other gigs and did plenty fine with 3-5 costumes.

At this point, I perform most Friday and Saturday nights plus some performing during the week and/or on Sundays. In a typical weekend night I might do 2-5 shows (most of the restaurant nights end up at least two, sometimes three shows, and if I have gigs before or after...) and there are some "regular" weekly customers. Plus, if I wear a costume Friday, I prefer to let it "rest" and dry out the next day or two, even if I'm not going to be at the same venue. So, I've had weekends where I litterally from Thursday to Sunday had 11 or 12 costume changes and worn different costumes for most of those. Not every weekend is that hard on the wardrobe, but some are...add to that that at any time 1/4 to 1/3 of the wardrobe is out of rotation (for repairs, etc.) and that not every costume is right for every gig...I think I have somewhere in the 16-18 range (would have to count). And that's just two piece costumes--there are also the dresses and folkloric wear for other types of performances.

[Sonja2]

Yes, it's amazing how many costumes at any given time need some sort of repair work...and how long it takes me to get to it (I hate sewing). Typically about a third of my costumes need hooks tightened or moved or replaced, sequins re-sewn, straps secured, etc... Or they are stinky and airing out, or need washing.... same with my hairpieces....at any given time I have 1 waiting around for a wash. And that's with me dancing maybe 3 out or 4 weekends a month at some venue, whether restaurant or other, with at least 1 costume (usually 2) change per event.

I got along great with a gold bedlah, a silver bedlah, about 4 different skirts and a red/black egyptian costume for about 6 months when I danced 1 weekend a month. Pretty soon, though, I was feeling bored with my wardrobe...and realizing that it was pretty obvious that the bedlahs were inexpensive troupe sets and wouldn't work in a solo environment...and I couldn't wear the same Egyptian bedlah for every solo....so with all the great prices on Bhuz, it's hard not to invest in at least a few really high-quality pieces....but then you don't want to dance those to death! They wear out fast, with sweat & friction & smoke & general dirt getting all over them. Much faster than "street clothes" in my opinion. Even my husband commented on his favorite costume, when he looked at it up close...."wow, this is getting worn out in some areas, I didn't realize they wear out like that!"

[FayrouzFarasha]

For a weekly gig. I would shoot for 8 costumes.

[danielabellydance]

I asked the same question a while ago, not easy to get a number without a lecture. The ultra-condensed answer I managed to get was 3-4.

Umm...I don't think you got "lectures", just explanations. Like everyone on this thread has pointed out, there is no "one" answer - it depends on the type of gig you have. 3-4 would be sufficient in some situations, but not all.

[Nadra]

it depend on how many times you dance there. i would say have a couple work horses and change the skirts up. the only time i think you need different ones is for private partys in the same circle of people!

[Candi]

Ok i'll be brief I've 4 costumes I dance monthly at two restaurants. I do two sets each time so need 2 costumes a night 4 costumes=struggling. Need more.

[tahiradancer]

I am talking to one venue about my dancing two mights a week but they want three sets. In my estimation, I am going to need between 12 and 18 'costumes'. This could be different skirt and bedlah combos, dresses - which I like for third sets - what ever.

Although it shouldn't be a problem for me as at this point I own 28 costumes. Can't wear them all, but that is changing. And yes, a couple are Turkish sets, but my experience is that the GP doesn't mind those so much!

Someone who had danced in Egypt told me that she actually had a chart where she plotted which costumes she would wear which nights because of factors such as people who were regulars didn't want to see the same costume over and over, so she made sure that she didn't wear the white dress more than one Tuesday a month!

{{{HUGS}}}

[resullivan]

Good question Beth ..g.:..g.: (*waves* How can we live so close and still manage to not see each other in months. ) Can't wait to see the rest of the answers.

I'm still victim of "just one more" ,r:; (but I just need a black without coins, really that's it). I know I've seen the gals at Casablanca DE in 3 different costumes in one night. And I only recognized one from a previous performance.

In a different thread, someone asked about how people were cutting back in the belly dance world due to the economy. Which led me to ask a different question:

What is the absolute minimum number of costumes a restaurant dancer can have and keep the owners & regulars happy?

Needless to say, this isn't something I do so I'm curious to know the answer!
.w.:

[bethsoren]

Good question Beth ..g.:..g.: (*waves* How can we live so close and still manage to not see each other in months. ) Can't wait to see the rest of the answers.

I'm still victim of "just one more" ,r:; (but I just need a black without coins, really that's it). I know I've seen the gals at Casablanca DE in 3 different costumes in one night. And I only recognized one from a previous performance.

I know, if I got out more we'd see each other more often! But I hiberate at Layla's studio in the winter!

Thanks so much for the response everyone! This has been a great thread to read!

[Andalee914]

I agree with those who say that if you're dancing at a restaurant regularly, it's good to invest in more mix and match bedlah and skirts than lycra sets. A gold bedlah, a silver bedlah and 3 or 4 different skirts with accessories can easily make 10 or more "looks". Pluse, if you're dancing at a restaurant with a lot of GP crowd, they tend to expect a Belly Dancer to wear a traditional bra/belt/skirt combo.

Hi Laura,

I liked what you said here. In fact, my one of my teachers touched on this today. This is something that I definitely need to take into consideration when purchasing costumes.

[maliaraqs]

maybe I DO need to join the costume addict thread!

Plus, I'm a costume addict....that is actually the primary reason I dance at the restaurant! So I can afford new costumes! *blushes*

Twice in one post! Girl, get your butt on over to C.A.A. and join! .p::..l;,