Plus size bellydancing

luvnafctn · 08-31-2007, 12:00 PM

Okay, so I know there are a few threads in the forums relating to this topic, but as a bellydance beginner and veteran internet surfer, I'm having a really hard time finding flattering plus size (like size 20-22) bellydance wear. I am trying to smooth out some of the lumps and bumps with diet and exercise - espicially because I'd like to be a part of my instructors troupe and would hate to embarrass anyone or make anyone uncomfortable - but I don't know what direction to take with costuming in the meantime.

How much of a difference does a body stocking really make? Do they come in plus sizes? Are there longer tops that are acceptable to wear? I guess I'm just hoping to find something that will allow me to "release my inner diva" while looking flattering at the same time.

And while I'm thinking about it, does anyone have any really good abdominal exercises? That's my problem area.

Any help you can offer is much appreciated!

TIA!

catwomyn · 08-31-2007, 12:07 PM

Hi, Tia

I'm also a plus-size dancer and it's very difficult. My costuming tends more toward the tribaret style which is a little kinder to the larger body - gypsy skirts and cholis. L. Rose also custom makes beledi dresses which are flattering to w wide range of sizes and shapes.

*Shira* · 08-31-2007, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvnafctn

How much of a difference does a body stocking really make? Do they come in plus sizes? Are there longer tops that are acceptable to wear? I guess I'm just hoping to find something that will allow me to "release my inner diva" while looking flattering at the same time.

One idea to consider is wearing a dress instead of a bra/belt set. I've seen some plus-sized dancers wearing fabulous dresses that looked stunning on them. You can custom-order costumes in any size from www.dahlal.com . And www.lrosedesigns.com makes them custom to your size - they have some beautiful fabrics - velvets, sparklies, etc.

You can buy body stockings made to your size from www.sugarpetals.com . The beige ones control the jiggle a bit and can make a white belly seem tanned, but I don't think they make a lot of difference in appearance. However, the darker colors (black) I think DO have a slimming effect.

Souzan · 08-31-2007, 12:29 PM

Full size and specia costume needs???

Check out this thread I started on full-size and special needs costuming. I think you will find it interesting.

In addition to being a plus size, I am an older dancer and so have those issues as well in costuming choices. These are some things I have learned from other dancers and from experimentation:

Choose the appropriate costume style for the dance style--don't wear tribal or "faux gypsy" style with classical Egyptian music
If you sew, brush up on your skills so that you can make appropriate costume adjustments. You can let out seams, add fabric into seams, add darts, take out darts, etc. If you don't sew try to learn from someone who can patiently show you what to do.
Big gals can wear more stuff--big jewelry, big hair, big makeup, more fringe, etc. because it doesn't overpower us like it would on a petite dancer.
Choose mat fabrics that absorb light rather than reflecting light. Use shiny accents to draw the eye to your good parts and awy from your bad parts.
It goes without saying to evaluate your figure type (there are lots of shapes to plus-size gals) and learn basic styles look good on you. Check out www.costumegoddess.com for help.
Play up your makeup, manicure, footwear, jewelry.
Many vendors will special order costumes to your measurements for you or help you to find the right costume for you.
If you have great legs--show them. If not, select something that just lets a little peek through.
BD Patterns has dozens of sewing patterns for dresses and costume pieces sized up to 24. Also check out Madame X patterns. Madame X is a plus-sized dancer and costumer.
Yes, belly nets and body stocking work to hold things in and smooth out the rolls, bumps and lumps. I wear the full torso armess body stockings under dresses.

Check out the plus sized costumes at Dahlal.com, bellydancewithk.com, halimedasoasis.com. Halimeda may be able to find the right costume for you if she doesn't have one in stock.

Take care,

Souzan

shaynaz · 08-31-2007, 12:38 PM

Start to learn about your body type. Are you a pear, hourglass, etc. shape and then go from there. Cuz if your short and have an hourglass shape then circle gypsy skirts are NOT for you! I totally agree with Shira that dresses are more flattering on us. There is a books that can help you out with costuming and what will look good on you. Its from The costume goddess. Its the first one that explains all the body types and what will look good.
Also there are a few tribes on tribe.net that are specifically for bigbeautifulbellydancers and people sell stuff all the time... http://bigbeautifulbellydancers.tribe.net/
http://tribes.tribe.net/goddesscostuming
http://tribes.tribe.net/swapbbbellydancers

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvnafctn

Okay, so I know there are a few threads in the forums relating to this topic, but as a bellydance beginner and veteran internet surfer, I'm having a really hard time finding flattering plus size (like size 20-22) bellydance wear. I am trying to smooth out some of the lumps and bumps with diet and exercise - espicially because I'd like to be a part of my instructors troupe and would hate to embarrass anyone or make anyone uncomfortable - but I don't know what direction to take with costuming in the meantime.

How much of a difference does a body stocking really make? Do they come in plus sizes? Are there longer tops that are acceptable to wear? I guess I'm just hoping to find something that will allow me to "release my inner diva" while looking flattering at the same time.

And while I'm thinking about it, does anyone have any really good abdominal exercises? That's my problem area.

Any help you can offer is much appreciated!

TIA!

*Shira* · 08-31-2007, 01:06 PM

Here's a web site I put together a few years ago that is dedicated to the needs of plus-size dancers: http://www.angelfire.com/art/bbwdance/

Souzan · 08-31-2007, 01:33 PM

Another suggestion...I have a folder on computer where I save photos of plus size dancers in costumes I think look great on them. It helps give me inspiration and ideas for costuming.

I'm a tall apple shape and its hard to get the tall elegant look I wish I had with the belly. But I'm working on it.

Souzan

mahira-michelle · 08-31-2007, 02:06 PM

Hi, I am a larger dancer and I can say that I look for costumes that flatter my shape, dresses, certain cuts on bedlahs, etc.. Body stockings or belly covers don't suck you in but they keep things from giggling too much, so yes they do help. I have learned that showing less skin on certain costumes helps flatter my shape. Meaning, adding a U top or gauntlets or wearing a costume that has an asymmetrical top instead of a bra. But you have to be careful with that too, too much coverage can sometimes make you look larger. Have fun with costuming, if you don't like it, you can always resell it here on Bhuz! :-D

luvnafctn · 08-31-2007, 02:44 PM

Wow! You guys are amazing!

You know, that's one thing I'm discovering about all you bellydancers... you are so helpful to those of us that are just starting out!

You guys rak! (I think that's the right way to say that, right?) :)

Thank you all so much! Those are some really great ideas and suggestions that I will definately put into practice!

missbinkowitz · 08-31-2007, 04:18 PM

Look at The Belly Dance Shop's website (their based out of Charlotte NC) -- Lee and Cuynet carry quite a bit of goddess-sized bedlah

laura 2 · 08-31-2007, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvnafctn

espicially because I'd like to be a part of my instructors troupe and would hate to embarrass anyone or make anyone uncomfortable

As if!!!!

One of the things I am so happy abut with the students who have expressed interest so far, is that it will definately include all shapes, sizes and ages. That's one of the reasons I made the costume guidelines as open as I could - I want you guys to feel as beautiful as you are when you get up on that stage in November!

Bhuz is a wonderful resource, and I'm glad you're finding it as helpful as I have!

luvnafctn · 08-31-2007, 05:11 PM

Awe! I luv you, Laura! You always make Sue and I feel very comfortable in your classes, and we're so glad that you're there to bring out our inner divas! :)

mish_mish · 08-31-2007, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by missbinkowitz

Look at The Belly Dance Shop's website (their based out of Charlotte NC) -- Lee and Cuynet carry quite a bit of goddess-sized bedlah

Miss B--when did you sneak back onto Bhuz?!

angelique2 · 08-31-2007, 06:37 PM

I got my plus size costume from pyramid imports Right now they have Get $50 off any full costume in the store! They have reasonable prices.

www.pyramidimports.com

This is the one I ordered.. http://www.pyramidimports.com/bellydancing/bdc1083.htm

bdaddiction · 08-31-2007, 09:04 PM

Definately the links and suggestions above, especially Shira's link. I find her site a useful source for many things bellydance.

Thanks Shira!