New Costume, part trois...

[zorba]

Here's an update on the costume that was discussed on old Bhuz - with quite a different look now:



Its not as "clean looking" as it could be as I have an A'Kai four yard veil wrap going on in this picture - but I've gotten a LOT of compliments on this ensemble.

[BabsGrrrl]

Where oh where did you get those pants! They are FAB! (and match your toes nicely, btw! hee! )

[zorba]

Custom made for me by L.Rose!
Now, surely you wouldn't expect a Belly Dancer worth anything to go on stage with toenails that didn't match the costume?!?

[mahsati]

Do you have a better picture of the ensemble?

I am still not sure what I think about it. The top just doesn't seem to fit with the rest of it somehow to me. Maybe it is one of those where it looks awesome in person, but doesn't shine as well in pictures.

You look like you are having a great time, though - and the pants are really nice!

[yasmindiab]

Why can't I see it? :(

there's no picture, just an empty space...

[antimony]

I agree with Mahsati that the top seems to photograph really differently from the rest of the outfit.

Based on this picture, it seems like the outfit needs something with metallic fabric accents on the bottom half to tie the bottom together with the top. And maybe the top needs something pink or red.

But it's definitely coming together so well!

[zorba]

Originally Posted by antimony

I agree with Mahsati that the top seems to photograph really differently from the rest of the outfit.

Based on this picture, it seems like the outfit needs something with metallic fabric accents on the bottom half to tie the bottom together with the top. And maybe the top needs something pink or red.

But it's definitely coming together so well!

Look closer.

There is a pink pailette (sp?) net hip scarf that is mostly, but not entirely, hidden by the veil wrap, and there are pink sequins on the ends of the sleeves as well as the back of the top. There's also pink sequins near the shoulders, and more pink pailettes hanging from the bottom fringe of the top.

Obviously, I need a different picture!

[mahsati]

Originally Posted by zorba

Look closer.

There is a pink pailette (sp?) net hip scarf that is mostly, but not entirely, hidden by the veil wrap, and there are pink sequins on the ends of the sleeves as well as the back of the top. There's also pink sequins near the shoulders, and more pink pailettes hanging from the bottom fringe of the top.

Obviously, I need a different picture!

Definitely a different picture! Even knowing what I am looking for I can't see the other trim well. I *knew* it must be a picture thing

Ok, now Zorba - now you must make new pics :)

[BabsGrrrl]

Originally Posted by zorba

Custom made for me by L.Rose!
Now, surely you wouldn't expect a Belly Dancer worth anything to go on stage with toenails that didn't match the costume?!?

Heavens above! Never!!!

You inspired me to get my nails done in a lovely fuschia tonight! Whee! Nothing like a good manicure to pick up your spirits!

[heinakuu]

i can see the pink colour in the sleeves and some other parts , but still think you need some more clearly pink, like in your pants, in the upper part to make the style complete. I would use really pink lipstick but for you I'd prefer some same shade pink as in the pants in the middle of the top, to brighten it up even in pictures. I think in stage lights the top is glittery enough but my eyes need a pink spot.

Looks good already but together we can make it perfect...

[zumarrad]

Well, you know me, Zorba, I do like my simplicity. I'd be putting that top with something else, some kind of black iris belt/pant combo, and getting myself a brilliant pink top to match those pants. I think the fabulous subtle glitter of that top gets overwhelmed by the strong colours.

But! Have you done something new with your beard?

[zorba]

Originally Posted by zumarrad

But! Have you done something new with your beard?

Nope, same one! Its just freshly trimmed in that pic!

[Andrea2]

I think it must be the photo that's leading us astray. I can see some pinkish tones on the bottom of the top (!), but overall it reads dark with a green cast. I love the black pants with the hot pink insets, and I have the same hip scarf. (As an aside, touching the scarf with sweaty hands will cause the color to bleed onto your hands. I was quite puzzled about how my hands suddenly had color until Antimony pointed out the answer.) The dark top feels serious, and the bright bits at the bottom seem fun & flirty so I'm getting a contradiction in the overall feel. Again, this could be a completely false reading and look fabulous in real life.

[mish_mish]

I somehow lost my post...

Zorba, I really like that you have simplified your color scheme with the black, red, and pink. I really like the pants.

However, I agree with the others who have said that the lower half of your costume and the upper half don't work together. The top is too loose across the chest and the lurex striping adds too many new colors and doesn't echo the style of the pants--the top is more of a folkloric/old fashioned style and the pants are very modern.

I really admire your willingness to ask for feedback!

[danidance]

I realize your original post isn't necessarily asking for critique but the thread has gone that way so here's my .02, unwelcome though it may be:

I think a solid black fitted shirt that covers the stomach would look best, for various reasons.

Zorba, I think this style of outfitting gets very close to the "girlie dress up time" line, rather than "serious male dancer who knows how to dance". If indeed you care about being taken seriously, then I think you need to evaluate your costuming overall with respect to how it reads. If you want to be perceived as hamming it up & dressing like the ladies - okay - but if being viewed and respected as male dancer, then IMO - you need to figure out a different costuming style. I realize you might respond with "I want to break gender stereotyping," however I don't think a cross-dressing vibe works honestly with that goal.

Sorry if that seems bit*hy, but you've asked opinions on costuming several times and I decided I'd finally speak up about it. I guess the flames can begin....

[zorba]

No, no flames here - but my absolute #1 PET PEEVE are male dancers in shirts...

Not here, nu-uh, not never!

I'm a Belly Dancer - and people expect me to look like one. Belly Dancers DO NOT wear shirts.

As for "Cross-Dressing" - my definition of the term is wearing something that is anatomically specific to the opposite gender - i.e. a bra. I don't do that either. And think about it, this term is ONLY ever used nowadays in reference to males - there's no such thing as a female cross dresser. This double standard is illogical and wrong.

Besides, I've probably gotten more compliments on this costume than all others of mine put together. People like it, both dance sisters and audience alike!

But DaniDance - I sincerely *do* appreciate your feedback - no-one can please everyone, so I don't even want to try. I'm just not very good at staying in the narrow "male box" that society sometimes wants me in.

[hassmysteria]

i went on your website, zorba, and saw another pic of this costume! i think it's great :) I do like the red and black one the most though :D

[danidance]

Well, I would say that the top in the picture above is very much a female style - so while not a bra - it is rather gender specific. IMO, of course.

As for cross-dressing - I beg to differ on it being only applied to men. I've heard it applied to women - perhaps it's more a statement of being in "drag" but applied for both, most definitely.

I think this costume is actually better than others you've worn because it is pared down from too many scarves, etc. I don't think too much bling and *stuff* is very flattering to anyone.

And definitely no, we can't all please everyone all the time. Also, don't forget, people don't want to hurt your feelings - I doubt very seriously that anyone is going to say anything negative on average and that's too bad in many ways because that's how we learn.

[zumarrad]

My personal favourite is the one in your icon, Zorba. I love that costume on you and think it's a wonderful style. I like simplicity at the best of times, but I like simpler lines and not too many colours on you particularly because you are a man and have a lot of hair - head, face, chest. I think hair is its own decoration. I know I've needed to add *more* accessories since I cut my hair off.

Trimmed beard = very smart!

[zorba]

Originally Posted by danidance

Also, don't forget, people don't want to hurt your feelings - I doubt very seriously that anyone is going to say anything negative on average and that's too bad in many ways because that's how we learn.

Well Dani - my feelings are rather hard to hurt, not impossible, but hard. You haven't hurt my feelings at all - I appreciate anyone's genuine input. You're OK in my book, even if/when we disagree.

This said, I just came back from a miserable performance - I had a middle eastern woman MOST POINTEDLY walk out when I was on stage. This woman had been even ruder to one of my dance sisters earlier in the evening, so I'm trying not to take it too personally - most middle easterners, especially the younger ones - seem to love me, but this one obviously didn't.

So I'm kinda down...

(and no, I wasn't wearing "Dani's Favorite" tonite!)

[danidance]

No excuse for rudeness - sorry that happened to you. I would be devastated as well (come to think of it, I'm trying to recall - I'm sure I've lost a few audience members in my time lots of us probably have.)