Thread: Student outfits - the good the bad and the ugly!

Hello

I am having a bit of a strange time with my students (been painted as an evil dictating villain for trying to find a co-ordinating outfit they all have in the wardrobes already). Details of my trials and tribulations in the teachers group, if you are subscribed.

Anyway

I am looking for pictures of student groups and recitals . . .mainly looking for pictures of nice co-ordinated groups, I know asking for pictures of 'bad' (i.e unco-ordinated and all different colours and styles) is a bit dodgy!

Thanks

Z

If it helps, you're welcome to look at the page I put up for my students
http://www.bellydancestuff.com/studentcostuming.html

There are a few links to student costuming in the middle area of the page.

(Hmm, probably time for me to verify links & update this page!)

Sahara Dance does a great job with outfitting students. Lots of photos here: http://saharadance.com/galleries/ Check out the "Under a Desert Moon" annual shows.

Here's my girls in their varied shades of green baladi dresses:


The dresses cost about £18 each for the lycra fabric, and we used four different shades of green, so that everyone could have a colour that would suit them. I also said they could customise the dress (e.g. neckline, sleeve pattern, sequinning/decoration etc) to make it more personal & individual, while still keeping to the basic "green lycra baladi dress" concept. We had a couple of sewing nights which were sociable and fun.

that's a great idea bea! did you have a pattern you gave them then?

Originally Posted by artemisia_danst

that's a great idea bea! did you have a pattern you gave them then?

I had a basic pattern (it's on my website), and I was using two or three similar dresses myself when I was teaching, back then (now its jazz pants all the time!) but some of them free-styled a little. I wasn't too concerned about the details, because I knew the overall colour scheme would unite the group and give it the coordinated look.

zafirah, I just joined the teachers group and composed a long reply to you regarding your problem. Unfortunately, it seems that I can't participate in the groups because its one of those functions that is not supported for safari. I learned this after my lengthy reply was sucked into cyberspace.

To tired to retype evevrything, but I have a powerpoint presentation that goes over costuming issues and has photos of good student and professional costumes and also UBDCs and explains why the UBDCs are crap. if you can receive a very large email (10MB may be more) I'll be happy to send it to you. Email me. (I can't pm either)

I have some picturs of various studio shows that include our advances student groups:
http://home.tiscalinet.ch/susanne.we...exp06_all.html
http://www.8ung.at/simone/album/tanz...tion/ex03.html

Those are always simple outfits that they make themselves (together).

We always take great care to dress them well. And they are trained to SMILE!

MEISSOUN

Originally Posted by zafirah

Hello

I am having a bit of a strange time with my students (been painted as an evil dictating villain for trying to find a co-ordinating outfit they all have in the wardrobes already). Details of my trials and tribulations in the teachers group, if you are subscribed.

Anyway

I am looking for pictures of student groups and recitals . . .mainly looking for pictures of nice co-ordinated groups, I know asking for pictures of 'bad' (i.e unco-ordinated and all different colours and styles) is a bit dodgy!

Thanks

Z

I'm replying on thread as well as group with general comment because I honestly beleive I can speak both as a teacher and more importantly a student!
The worst thing is being forced into a cosrume which doesn't suit you. Cost well: if students can't afford co ordinating costumes they just won't pay for them!
If you can plan ahead you could start a savings' club for performers.
If you are really clever, as some are and your show is in the public domain, you can get a grant.... but back to track. I shall put a photo on the gallery of a local class who bought their tops and skirts from an Indian trader out there in Cyberspace and it was a good buy. They reuse the costume in different ways and it's still out there so newbies can get one.And it is nice enough for students to put to use when they do a solo.
If you look back at my glitter dot fest phot ( No NO don't use the material just the pattern) These tops were made from a BD pattern and the skirt just a circle skirt.
Other than that as Bea says were appropriate a simple beledi dress looks good.
I don't like a mish mash either but it's unavoidable with newish students and ever changing ones so when embarking simple rules from a student perspective.
1. Please come to a consensus on shape and material
2. Please let me,the student chose my colour
3. Please keep it cheap
4. If I am the poor soul making them for you, give me time and just reward.
5. Remember I am an individual even if you tell me I can't be a DIVA,r:;

Originally Posted by lizajuk

direct link

Originally Posted by lizajuk

direct link

for some reason I cannot do direct link to gallery, Zaf for my improvers' group dance pik n' mix.

I would love them all in matching cozzies but we have a wealth gap in the group and despite them being committed , it was not feasible to fork out for one. They thrashed out their own ideas, with mother hen directing and saying no at odd times in the discussion and I think they looked as if "they meant" it when they danced.

I don't really want to hash it all out again, but just to state:

The point was i don't want anyone to buy anything. I simply wanted to come up with some sort of theme that they could assemble from what the already had. Somthing as simple as 'black skirt and bright top' or 'everyone wear something red.'

The bone of contention is about me suggesting that some in a circle skirt and topshop top and some in a bedleh and some inbetween is going to look very messy.

I think it's ok to have people in different colors, as an audience member I like seeing a bright mix of colors. As long as they're all wearing something in the same style, for example a choli top, with a full skirt. I think the key is to really have them all in different colors. So you don't have like 3 people who match each other and 4 others who are each wearing something completely different. Also, in that case, nobody should be wearing black, they'll look out of place among all of the bright colors.

We have our recital Friday! For the beginner students, our teacher simply has them wear black pants and black top, and anything they want around their hips. It is simple, and it doesnt look trashy (in my opinion ,r:; ). Actually, it kind of looks cool!

My first teacher would have her classes wear black pants/skirts, black tops (covering the middle just for uniformity..some of us were comfortable exposing our tummies, others weren't), and any color hipscarf we wanted.

I've also seen classes/troupes that were told to wear whatever they wanted and the result was messy. One in tribal gear, one in pro cabaret gear, others in black exersise pants and hipscarves...

Just about everyone has black pants, or can get a hold of a plain, long black skirt that moves well...

when in doubt...go with the basics. :)

I am going to second the black skirt or trousures. Add a hips colourful scarf with matching choli and veil, and you have a great, inexpensive costume.

{{{HUGS}}}

here are our three current student outfits, and guidelines that come with it

1.

- chiffon skirt, whatever, any colour except black, preferable double layer; long enough! preferable a bright colour.
- black top with NO decoration, length preferable till just about your belly button, covering it if you prefer, but not hanging over the top of the skirt
- a beaded scarf with NO coins, and they all tie it the same way too.

2.
- black dance trousers
- elaborate hipscarf (any)/ variation: a costume belt.
- black top

3.
all white (trousers or skirt), and a black beaded hipscarf (ha, and an akai veil in firey colours, they can borrow mine if needed)


i've also just bought a whole set of really nice black very flattering tops (just about midriff covering, leaving half a cm of skin, which people are ok with/most love it even and wear them to class), and started selling those so we match even more for outfits 1 and 2.

i love bea's colour galabeya idea's and might steal that. though having something where sewing is a requirement would be problematic.

Originally Posted by artemisia_danst

though having something where sewing is a requirement would be problematic.

A couple of sewing nights hosted by those in the group who are confident sewers is quite easy to arrange, and it all helps with the group bonding.

Zaf, I know you've already decided you want a uniform look, and I fully support that and feel like your students need to respect your decision since you are, after all, providing this dance opportunity for them.

But I feel compelled to stand up for the 'all different colors and styles' scenario here.

I've generally let my students costume themselves for events like haflas and recitals (within certain guidelines of propriety of course). I feel like in those environments they're performing as students and aren't expected to look like a troupe. I offer lots of advice and ideas, but I let them enjoy their own creative process as long as they present 'decently.' I think of those events as being all about them and try to let go of the idea that they exist to reflect well upon me. (something I've had to work on while parenting teenagers -- yikes!)

Seeing all the different costumes, purchased and homemade, is half the fun for the audience sometimes!

When we present the dance to the general public as a repertory group, the bar gets raised of course. It's no longer *just* about having fun at that point, they really are representing my studio and aren't just dancing for their own friends and family any more.

I'm not trying to be critical of teachers who want a uniform look for their students, that's enjoyable for the audience and I'm sure has its advantages for the instructor and students involved.

Just standing up for the notion that the alternative isn't necessarily 'bad,' just a different POV.

Originally Posted by zafirah

The bone of contention is about me suggesting that some in a circle skirt and topshop top and some in a bedleh and some inbetween is going to look very messy.

I agree, Zafirah. I like color and variety in a group piece, but you can't have one dancer in their fantastic new Pharonics bedlah next to another dancer in a choli and hip scarf. Can you ask the dancers with the fancier stuff to save it for a future solo, for the sake of the group looking more uniform?

The troupe I'm in very rarely wears the same thing, but we always make an effort to have a similar style. Eg, everyone wearing a similar skirt (straight or full), style of bra/belt (fancy bedlah, coin set, or simple choli/hip scarf).

Okay, here comes the dreaded "ballet comparison" . . .

When my oldest daughter was in ballet and the spring recital came along, it was expected that the little dancers would wear "costumes" that matched and that Mom and Dad would spring for said costume. (I believe that the studio had a scholarship program for those in true financial need.)

Knowing full well that it's much easier to costume 15 ten-year-olds in leotards and tights than it is to outfit adults of various proportions and ages in something remotely resembling dance wear, if only marginally belly dance wear, I will state the following:

If ya wanna perform, at any level, ya gotta pay the price. Okay, that said, allow me to explain myself.

When my darling blonde little daughter was in various recitals over the years, we would pay $50-$70 (US) each time; this was 10-12 years ago. These were recitals . . . the likelihood of someone coming in off the street was pretty low. The complexity and cost of the costume coincided with the experience level of the class. Costumes ranged from very simple skirted leotards with a bit of trim and a hair thing-y the first year to a fairly elaborate get-up with a multi-layered stiff tutu-type skirt and a good amount of trim her third year. Each costume, including the simple skirted leotard, was made-to-measure. To keep costs down one year, the families were asked to sew some simple strung sequins around the neck or something. Sometimes we had to buy new tights or shoes (very inexpensive) if we didn't have the color already on hand.

So, I think a similar idea of costuming can very easily apply to adult belly dance students; we can also take into account the venue (mostly family/friends/dancers vs potential of a wider audience).

Brand new, just out of the gate beginners dancing at a a recital or hafla for family, friends and other dancers: black dance pants, black tank top/leotard, and a hip scarf of the students' choosing. Assuming someone has none of these things already, the dance pants and tank top, if shopped for wisely, will be well under $40 and can be worn forever. The teacher could probably lend a hip scarf. Voila! A costume.

This same group of beginners, after some experience, might want to spring for veils; or, the teacher could have matching/coordinating veils that are used for performances only. The same black dance pants and tank top/leotard can be used. These folks are performing at recitals and haflas.

Dancing at festivals takes us potentially into the realm of dancing for the general public (dancing at the local state/county fair is definitely the GP!) and might demand a bit more in the coordination of costuming; it should also demand a relatively high level of presentation, in my opinion. Please note that "a relatively high level of presentation" doesn't mean the most advanced dancers, necessarily; it just means that the students who dance have a high commitment level to practice on their own and give an excellent performance, even if the dancing is relatively "simple" in nature. But performance requirements are a different subject, so I'll return to costuming.

When my little group of students performed for the first time in public, they had coordinating beledi-style dresses; the dress pattern was the same for each, but the color was different for each; they wore identical hip wraps (just a rectangular piece of fabric tied at the hip). They looked good.

For our second year of performing we made the leap to matching tops/skirts from L. Rose Designs because we were dancing at a festival. I did not want the students to spend money on a bra/belt set. Instead, I created some simple beaded fringe for the hip of the skirt; everybody sewed the fringe and an applique on her skirt and trimmed her own sleeves; we coordinated, but did not match, our jewelry. Between the top/skirt (custom made for each) the cost of the materials for the trim, etc, they each paid $103. Although the top cannot be worn for professional gigs, the trim from the skirt can be removed and the skirt used forever. We do not dance often, but have worn these costumes 4 or 5 times.

We are not an advanced group, heck most folks are barely beginners in ability, but I think (just my opinion) that a certain amount of cohesiveness is necessary for any bunch of people wishing to dance as a group.

As others do, I find it very distracting to see a group of people on stage whose costuming isn't coordinated in some way, even if they are students dancing at a hafla! It really doesn't have to cost a fortune to coordinate a bit.

ETA: Just to complete the ballet:belly dance analogy (though very imperfectly), if we're willing to spend fifty bucks so Little Susie and her friends can look good together as a group, why shouldn't we be able to ask an adult to buy a pair of black pants and a tank top so she and her classmates can present a cohesive image to entertain friends/family and, potentially, the public?

Deborah

I think one of the wonders of bellydancing, is how it makes a woman feel. Hence, if students wear something that makes them feel unattractive and self conscious, it is likely they will not continue classes (what reason have they to stay), or pull out of a dance days or moments before they are to perform.

While there may be monetary issues, perhaps you also have some confidence issues.

We recently had a similar problem, in which we were all meant to wear bedla for an upcoming hafla. I cringed at the idea and was very vocal about it. Solution - we are all wearing full circle skirts and veils (thats what ties us together as a group) with our own choice of suitable top - some bras, others fully covered with 3/4 sleeves, others with coloured body stockings. Our hafla is Friday week, so I will post a pic of our mish mash. One thing to note - while in class, when we all wear a miriad of styles and colours, but the dance is polished, the result is still amazing.

My niece (who was age 3 at the time - that's right three years old), was learning ballet, and she was told that in oder to take part in the show, she had to buy a particular outfit, which cost £60 ($120 now, but $100 when exchange rate is more normal). Result was, she didn't do the show. Grrrrr!

Originally Posted by perizaad

I agree, Zafirah. I like color and variety in a group piece, but you can't have one dancer in their fantastic new Pharonics bedlah next to another dancer in a choli and hip scarf. Can you ask the dancers with the fancier stuff to save it for a future solo, for the sake of the group looking more uniform?

This is mainly where the bone of contention is - which I am confused by as I have told them they can wear their fancy costumes for their solos, it confuses me why they would demand (and the message is coming across pretty much as they think it it is their god given right) to wear them for group dance also. Surely wearing different costumes for different dances is even more fun than wearing just one?!

Maybe I'm an unusally 'group' minded person, but when I have ever been in groups I enjoyed the idea of looking like a group and was perfectly happy to wear my nice red skirt instead of my nicer blue skirt if it meant I looked like part of something. I am experiencing a confusing amount of resistance and vitriol at the mere suggestion at the moment.


Anyway, I'm boring myself with the topic now I should let it drop!

Z

Originally Posted by zafirah

This is mainly where the bone of contention is - which I am confused by as I have told them they can wear their fancy costumes for their solos, it confuses me why they would demand (and the message is coming across pretty much as they think it it is their god given right) to wear them for group dance also. Surely wearing different costumes for different dances is even more fun than wearing just one?!

Maybe I'm an unusally 'group' minded person, but when I have ever been in groups I enjoyed the idea of looking like a group and was perfectly happy to wear my nice red skirt instead of my nicer blue skirt if it meant I looked like part of something. I am experiencing a confusing amount of resistance and vitriol at the mere suggestion at the moment.

Z

Just curious, could part of the concern be that they are afraid they don't have enough time to change inbetween performances? I know that last year we were suppose to do a costume change (that ended up not happening) during a show, and as it was the first time, I was really paranoid about it. Especially considering we had coin bras (which are just a mess to put on).

Originally Posted by mihnea

Just curious, could part of the concern be that they are afraid they don't have enough time to change inbetween performances? I know that last year we were suppose to do a costume change (that ended up not happening) during a show, and as it was the first time, I was really paranoid about it. Especially considering we had coin bras (which are just a mess to put on).

I think the main reason folks wanna "get all dolled up" is simply that they have bought the stuff and are determined to get the benefit from it. But I have to say I, as a student, never wanted to wear anything that made me different from the group. I knew the time for the "costume" was when I did a solo. And I so agree that just "anything goes" is destructive to the whole group thing both in dynamics and for the audience. I do know teachers who "allow" a free rein but it doesn't look good and it's not fair on group members who haven't indulged themselves in a bedlah or posh frock.
One hafla I go to ( you were there, Desna) encourages every dancer (performing or not) to "dress up" and this gives them all the opportunity to parade their lovelies..as you do! Group performers yes well they tend to look "uniform". But you can bop away in the full McCoy! Why not!!
I think the "ballet EG is good to mention but boy are adult women less easy to manipulate than adoring mummies with their Angelia-Ballerinas who will mostly find that money anyway, anyhow!,r:;

Originally Posted by Lauren_

Zaf, I know you've already decided you want a uniform look, and I fully support that and feel like your students need to respect your decision since you are, after all, providing this dance opportunity for them.

But I feel compelled to stand up for the 'all different colors and styles' scenario here.

I've generally let my students costume themselves for events like haflas and recitals (within certain guidelines of propriety of course). I feel like in those environments they're performing as students and aren't expected to look like a troupe. I offer lots of advice and ideas, but I let them enjoy their own creative process as long as they present 'decently.' I think of those events as being all about them and try to let go of the idea that they exist to reflect well upon me. (something I've had to work on while parenting teenagers -- yikes!)

Seeing all the different costumes, purchased and homemade, is half the fun for the audience sometimes!

Just standing up for the notion that the alternative isn't necessarily 'bad,' just a different POV.

I'm with Lauren here on this one. It works for MY classes. I have my students wear what they like with the exception of cabaret outfits. They can wear harem pants, choli tops, black pants, cute top, hip scarves, whatever jewelry to dress up they see fit, and whatever colors.

They are presented always as students......feedback has been good.....and they all wear something different that alot of them have made themselves and/or bought.....

My students, money is a BIG issue, as I have alot of grad students/college students/people with limited resources.....

Also a big issue with my students is, I have a WIDE variety of ages, shapes and sizes.......ranging from very petite small framed gals to gals who are at least 100 lbs overweight and everywhere in between......

I've seen students wearing all the same thing too, which is fine, but it just doesnt' work for my classes.

Bea, I love those baladi dresses. That looks fantastic! hmmmmm, that might be very do-able for us!
thanks for sharing!

"My students, money is a BIG issue, as I have alot of grad students/college students/people with limited resources.....

Also a big issue with my students is, I have a WIDE variety of ages, shapes and sizes.......ranging from very petite small framed gals to gals who are at least 100 lbs overweight and everywhere in between......"


i have all that too... and combined with the argument they want to wear what they already have: it's why one needs to communicate very early on what you expect them to wear/have by the time a recital comes. students after a few weeks often come and ask me about "what can i buy, no, not for class, but for halfa's, and dress up", and "my husband wants to buy me something", or "my niece is going to turkey" and "where do i get hipscarfs/a veil/zills". and i make sure my answers to those questions point in the direction of stuff they WILL be able to use for class/recitals. i also make sure I wear stuff that is close to what i will eventually ask them to get (black yoga pants, a hipscarf, a chiffon skirt every now and then, etc). . and i strongly advice against beginners shelling out for cheap beginner costumes and i tell them about my first costume which was horrible and would it not be nicer to buy a nice scarf they can wear to class every single week, etc.

also, for shows, i offer "lend outs" even discretely if necessary to those that cant afford it. for every troupe costume i have a few in my own wardrobe, that i can wear myself should i need to dance with the students, or that i can lend out, and that i will have with me for the shop in case someone forgot their top/slippers/skirt, etc.

and i dont go for the wearing all the same either, but there is ways to look coordinated without students all neding to buy the same l-rose outfit

it confuses me why they would demand (and the message is coming across pretty much as they think it it is their god given right)

Bah, is it just me that cringes with that? :(