Belly dance clothing

Types of belly dance clothing

The term belly dance clothing refers to the attires worn by performers during a belly dance. They include hip belts, coin belts, and bra tops. They are usually handmade and come in various colors and textures. Here are some types of belly dance outfits.

• Traditional Bedlah

  These are traditional belly dance clothes used in stage performances. Typically, they are two-piece attires that consist of a decorated bra and a skirt. The bra usually has artistic designs and is made from beads, sequins, and coins. Similarly, the skirt is also embellished with these materials. The bedlah outfits are commonly used by dancers in Egypt and other Arab countries. They come in different designs and sizes to meet the needs of different performers.

• Arabic Dresses

  These are belly dance dresses worn in Middle Eastern countries during cultural events. They are two-piece attires consisting of fitted tops and flared skirts. The tops are usually embellished with beads, sequins, and embroidery. The skirts are made from light materials and are free-flowing to allow free movement. They come in different styles, colors, and sizes to meet the needs of different performers.

• Folk Costumes

  These are belly dance clothes worn during cultural and folk events. They are usually colorful and made from light materials to allow free movement. The costumes are two-piece attires comprising a top and a skirt. Sometimes, they can be accompanied by a hip belt. The costumes are made from different materials and designs, depending on the dancer's cultural background.

• Modern Belly Dance Outfits

  These are clothes worn by belly dance performers when dancing. They include a top, a skirt or harem pants, and a hip belt. The clothes are normally made from light and free-flowing materials. The popular types of tops include bras, camisoles, and choli tops. The skirts come in different lengths, with the longest being ankle-length. The harem pants are loose-fitting with an elasticated waist and a drop-crotch. The hip belts are worn around the dancer's waist to support the hips and back. They are made from stretchy fabrics and are sometimes embellished with coins and sequins.

• Fusion Costumes

  These are modern belly dance dresses that are influenced by different cultures. They are usually two-piece attires that include a top and a skirt. The tops are usually embellished with beads, sequins, and embroidery. The skirts are made from light materials and are free-flowing to allow free movement. The costumes come in different styles, depending on the influence of the different cultures the costume is made from.

• Harem Pants

  These are loose-fitting pants with a drop-crotch. They are popular among belly dance performers. The pants are made from stretchy fabrics. They are sometimes accompanied by a matching top and a hip belt. The pants are made from different materials, including cotton, silk, and rayon. They have an elasticated waist and are sometimes accompanied by a drawstring.

Design of belly dance clothing

The design of belly dance clothing varies greatly and is very rich, depending on the culture, style, period, and personal taste of the performer. It is designed to enhance the dancer's movements, highlighting the fluidity and rhythm of the dance, and often incorporates vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and luxurious materials. Here are some key design elements of belly dance outfits:

• Top

  The top part of the belly dance clothing can be very different. It can be a simple bra or a more complicated top that covers the shoulders and arms. Most of the tops will have beads or sequins on them so that they will sparkle when the dancer moves. The designs range from simple ones that only have straps to more complicated ones with long sleeves and fringes.

• Skirt

  The skirt is the most important part of the clothing because it shows most of the movements done in belly dance. The skirts are usually long and wide to allow for different movements. The edges of the skirts usually have beads or sequins so that they sparkle when the dancer moves. There are different types of skirts, like the two-tiered skirt with an extra short layer over the main long skirt or the harem skirt worn by many dancers because it is comfortable and easy to move in.

• Hip Belt

  The hip belt is one of the most important parts of the belly dance clothing. It is usually made of cloth, beads, or coins, and it sits on the hips. The hip belt accentuates the hips and helps show their movements. It also helps the dancer keep the clothes in place. There are different types of belts with simple and intricate designs, and some need to be fastened while others are worn over the head.

• Accessories

  Various accessories are used in belly dance, like veils, finger cymbals, and fans. The veils are usually light and flowy, with different colors and sizes. The fans are also light and often used with music to create a rhythmic sound. Accessories enhance the dance and add to the overall appearance of the dancer. They are an important part of the performance, as they help create a certain atmosphere and can be symbolic of the dancer's personal style.

• Materials and Fabrics

  Different materials are used to make the clothes, like silk, satin, or cotton. The materials are chosen based on the comfort and look they will give the dancer. Silk and satin are usually used in professional performances because they give a nice look and feel. Cotton is used for practice and casual performances. The fabrics used are usually light to allow the dancer's skin to breathe and not stick to the body, which can be uncomfortable.

• Color Schemes and Patterns

  Color schemes and patterns are very diverse. Some popular colors include red, blue, green, and purple. The colors are chosen based on the mood the dancer wants to portray. Red is usually chosen for strong emotions like anger or passion, while blue is used for calm and peace. The patterns on the clothes can range from simple ones like stripes or dots to more complicated ones with flowers and other designs.

Wearing/Matching suggestions of belly dance clothing

• Top the skirts

  Pairing the tops with the skirts is a common practice for belly dancers as it brings out the aesthetic beauty in them. It is important to select a top that complements the color and style of the skirt. For instance, a lacy top can be paired with a flowing skirt to achieve the look of a fairy while a sequined top can be paired with a fitted skirt to achieve the look of a glamorous individual. Also, the tops should fit properly not too loose or tight to allow for free movement during the dance. In addition, they should be comfortable and not cause any irritation to the skin. Moreover, the material used to make the top should be breathable to allow air circulation and avoid sweating. Finally, the tops and skirt pairing should be durable to withstand wear and tear during practice or performance [5].

• Layering with belts

  Layering with belts is a well-known technique in belly dance where different types of belly dance belts are used to bring out the beauty of the dance. Using different colors and materials adds depth and dimension to the dance. The practitioners should start by selecting a base belt that is used regularly. This can be a simple hip belt made of cotton or a silk base belt. Then, they can start adding different layers of different materials. The layering should be done carefully to achieve a certain look. For instance, a cotton base can be combined with a silk scarf to achieve a certain look. Layering with belts requires knowledge of the materials and how they move. It is important to know how the material interacts with the dancer's body to achieve the desired look and enhance the dance's aesthetic appeal.

• Choosing a bra and top a size larger

  When choosing a bra and top for belly dance, selecting a size larger than the usual size is important. This allows room for movement and flexibility during the dance. Belly dance involves a lot of movement, and wearing a tight bra and top can restrict movement and cause discomfort. A larger size provides support without constricting the body. Additionally, a larger size helps accommodate different body types and shapes. It is important to select a bra and top that fits well and does not slide or shift during the dance. Look for styles with adjustable straps and a secure closure. Opt for tops with decorative coins or sequins, adding visual interest and enhancing the dance's aesthetic.

Q&A

Q1: What are the different types of belly dance outfits?

A1: Belly dance outfits are categorized into three main groups. Each group serves a specific purpose in performing this dance. The categories are: – Costume: This is a full set of clothes worn when performing. It includes a top, skirt, and accessories. – Practice attire: These are comfortable and simple clothes. They allow free movement during practice. – Street or casual wear: These are everyday clothes that have a belly dance style. They can be worn for casual outings.

Q2: What are the key features of belly dance clothing?

A2: Some key features make this clothing unique and suitable for its purpose. For example, the outfits have a flowing design that allows free movement. The clothes also have a low-rise on the hips. The tops have a revealing cut that exposes the midriff. The fabrics used are light and airy, such as silk and chiffon. They have bright colors with gold and silver accents. The designs also incorporate coins, beads, and sequins. The items are durable and can withstand regular use. The clothes come in various sizes and are easy to care for, with hand wash or delicate cycle recommendations.

Q3: What are the benefits of wearing belly dance clothing?

A3: Wearing the right belly dance clothing has many benefits. First, it boosts confidence and body acceptance. It helps the dancer focus on the movements and the music. It also enhances the flow of the dance. The clothes allow for free movement of the body. They help develop muscle control and improve flexibility. The outfits are comfortable and help reduce stress. They also promote cultural appreciation and awareness. This helps in making new friends and connections, which enhances social life.