Hi Dina,
I just started bellydancing recently, with basically no dance experience
in all my 22 years. I was wondering how long you have been bellydancing
for, and how long it took before you become confident enough to describe
yourself as "a bellydancer."
Also, I don't know a thing about sewing or crafting
and I was wondering if you had any simple tips to enhancing my bellydancing
costume. It is very basic.It is a straight skirt with slits up the
side and a simple tie shirt, all embroidered. I just need to add accessories.
Thank you for your time...
Answer:
It's natural to feel like you're playing a role, when first you present
yourself as a "bellydancer". It's like saying you're an astronaut!
Tell people that you
are a student of bellydance. Even pros and teachers continue
to study for decades. After several successful experiences, you'll begin
to feel comfortable calling yourself a bellydancer. Whatever it is you
do, they cannot do it!
Your
look is important. It helps you achieve the right state of mind
to assume your new persona as a dancer, even while practicing.
I have many tips for enhancing a student costume
in my book #2, Easy
Costume for Bellydancers. All the costume pieces have
only straight seams. Some are readymade pieces that have been decorated
with coins, jewelry parts, and simple beaded and fringed effects.
Book #6, Thrifty Chic, also
has many easy and low-cost suggestions.
Photo left: Jazell wears a silvery tie shirt enhanced
with coins; straight skirt, matching hipscarf with beads-by-the-yard
tassels, and a metallic scarf as a front panel. Shirt and hipscarf
are fastened with decorative brooches (jewelry pins).
The most important for practice is a simple coin
belt OR hip scarf with fringes, tassels, or coins. I like rows of
coins, because the jingling sound helps you learn your hip movements
and it's fun. You can make these (in Book #2) but if you can find
one readymade that you can afford, get that if you're in a hurry.
Metallic headbands or headscarves, pendant earrings,
ethnic jewelry, and armbands decorated with chains, coins or pendants
also give you that distinctive bellydancer look.
My Links
Page has many websites where you can find costume pieces, jewelry,
and decorating materials for sale online.
