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The Costume Goddess Tells All
 See all 7 how-to costume books

NEW: Tribal Vibes for Bellydancers
 Latest Tribal/Fusion costume eye candy

Costume Goddess photo galleries
 My own designs for your inspiration

Goddesses must pay rent too! Donate to your hard-working Costume Goddess, Dina Lydia—in appreciation of artistic performance photography offered to the NW bellydance community. See Flickr performance galleries.

THANK YOU!

Frequently Asked Questions

Recent News

  • 7-10: VIDEOS: My videos are onlne! So far I have uploaded singing performances - a hobby of mine - but am working on Costume Goddess Tips for you all. I will link those here as I finish each one. Dina Lydia's You Tube Channel

  • 7-10: PHOTOS: I created a collection for Seattle's Mediterranean Fantasy Festival 2010.
    MedFest 2010 Collection

  • 7-10: BOOK UPDATE: I'm working on an update of Book 3, Belt and Bra for Bellydancers. The 2010 edition will feature Tribal-style pieces as well as traditional cabaret bedlah.

  • 4-2-10 PHOTOS: I created a collection, the 4 sets from Cues and Tattoos, nearly 400 images.
    Cues & Tattoos Collection

  • 3-28-10 PHOTOS: I created a photo album for the Cues & Tattoos Tribal fashion show.
    Just as I'm getting used to bellydance Steampunk - after writing Tribal Vibes! — here come the plaid pants and Frankenstein boots. Cues & Tattoos Tribal Fashion Show on Flickr.


  • 3-22-10 PHOTOS: I created a photo album for "Hathor Unveiled," a showcase of our most experienced and accomplished older dancers. My photos without flash from Hathor Unveiled

    3-15-10 PHOTOS: I photographed the very amusing "Murder on the Orient Express" bellydance mystery show starring Sasha Summers (Diva le Déviant) and Skin Deep troupe. Photos on Flickr

  • 3-10-10 : I dressed appropriately to volunteer for Dr. Seuss Reading Day at the local elementary school. Dr. Seuss Photos on Flickr • The kids loved the costume! Thank-you notes from kids

  • 3-2-10 I completed updates of my first book Flattering Costume for Bellydancers and Arm Costume for Bellydancers. A narrower text allows me to place the same content on fewer pages; plus I added some new photos and illustrations.

  • Katrina of Skin Deep hosted a Book Release Party for Tribal Vibes, with many of my dance friends featured in the book giving a delightful performance. Photos on Flickr

  • 10-26-09 PHOTOS: I judged the costume contest at Imei's Halloween "Pearls of the East" Spooktacular, featuring, Pandora, Raqs Steady Eddie, and Twilight troupe, who are featured in my upcoming book Tribal Vibes for Bellydancers.
    Pearls of the East Photos on Flicker

  • 5-09 PHOTOS: I'm uploading a TON of photos onto Flickr, to be enjoyed by more viewers. View the sets here: Dina Lydia's photos
    My sets feature thousands of performance pics of local dancers, and also Seattle political and community events.
    If you recognize a dancer who is not identified properly, or would prefer a photo of you not be displayed, or would like the high-res file, PLEASE contact dina@costumegoddess.com

  • 5-12-07: Costume Goddess mini-Fashion show with ArtsWest
  • 8/20/07: Dina produced UNCAGED CABARET, a theatrical fundraiser for Congressman Jim McDermott.
  • 7/20/06: Dina founded CITIZEN ARTISTE.ORG for politically-minded artists.

Frequently Asked Questions

ARE YOUR COSTUMES FOR SALE?
I'm flattered you like them, but the costumes on my galleries are my personal wardrobe, not for sale or rent at this time.

DO YOU DO CUSTOM DESIGN?
I no longer do custom sewing for either local or distant customers. Instead I teach design and sewing through my how-to books. I also do custom graphic design.

DO YOU DO DESIGN CONSULTATION?:
If you email me a full length photo and your preferences, I can design and sketch a costume ensemble with sewing details and samples of materials. A local costume-maker can do the construction. E-mail me to price a personal design consultation.

CAN YOU HELP ME FIND CLASSES?
Goddess or not, I couldn't possibly know where you can find a job, a seamstress or a teacher in your town thousands of miles from mine! Try Shira's Directory for local information.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN HISTORICAL COSTUMES?
I am not an historian of Middle Eastern dress. I'm afraid I can't tell you how to wrap a turban, authentic 14th century Moroccan style for your SCA event. You may find useful articles at the historical sites on my links page.

I NEED SEWING and DESIGN ADVICE...
I AM known for dishing out free advice (time permitting) but when asking a stranger for a favor, a "please" and a "thank you" don't hurt, hm?
And if the question is "I know nothing, can you tell me everything?" don't be surprised if I refer you to my books, which have all the answers...

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