how to dance in a long velvet tight skirt? ack!!

[jesennia]

Ok if I can kick this cold by next week I'm dancing and am gonna wear that gorgeous teal sim I just bought from Rania..the skirt is floor length because I hate short skirts..it rests on the top of my foot but grazes the floor when I'm stepping..it folds over on itself if I bend at the knees to do mayas..
The skirt is tight but has some stretch. So range of motion is no problem..I'm nervous about stepping on the edge of the skirt ..ive been practicing shuffling my feet a little ..or sliding them a bit...to sort of kick away the skirt discreetly so my feet have room. My feet are usually all over the place..i like to spin. Anyone have any hints on how to deal with this? I dont wear heels because I'd end up in the couscous so can't shorten it that way

[anala]

A week before I perform in a long tight skirt I will teach all my classes in a long tight sarong to drive home some muscle memory.

[Lauren_]

I think you need to shorten the skirt. Is it possible to take a tuck somewhere around midcalf, or anywhere there's little or no beadwork?

[zumarrad]

Get up thar on demipointe.

[sabrinabellydancer]

...and please be extra careful on your backward traveling steps.
those are the ones that get long skirts the worst imo.

[ozma]

I'm not helpful, I just keep thinking:

Stop, drop, and roll.

[Azhia]

LOL, Oz...

I would agree w/ Lauren. As a clumsy Oompa Loompa, I don't like having stuff around my feet.

Since it's fitted you can try taking several huuuge safety pins and, on the inside of the skirt, vertically gather the fabric on the pin. On the outside it creates that old-timey velvet curtain look. I do that with several of my dresses/skirts, and have done it for models at bellydance Fashion Shows. Works pretty well and looks nice. Of course I don't know exactly what your skirt looks like so if it looks dorky don't blame me. ;0)