Authentic Belly Dancing Costumes
If you are a beginning belly dancer and you are shy about performing in front of a spouse or loved one, you must get yourself an authentic belly dancing costume. Wearing a costume will get you in the right mood for dancing and make you feel exotic and sexy. If you look the part, your dancing will look more authentic, and your audience - even if it is just one person - will enjoy your dance tremendously.
Belly Dancing Costume - Top and Pants
Your top and pants should be made of the same fabric. Prints and solids are both acceptable, but the fabric should be interesting. Metallic fabrics and brightly colored fabrics work best. If you wear a dark, plain color like black, be sure it is trimmed with bright metallic gold or silver fringe or sparkles.
The traditional harem pants are worn below the natural waistline so the navel is exposed, and the traditional bra top is worn cropped to expose the midriff. Don't worry if you don't have six-pack abs; belly dancers usually have a little extra flesh around the midriff. However, this skin should be toned so it doesn't jiggle uncontrollably during shimmies and hip piston thrusts.
Belly Dancing Costume - Jewelry
The right jewelry can make any belly dancing costume look authentic and genuine. Belly dancing is always done in bare feet, so make sure your toes are perfectly manicured. Ankle bracelets trimmed with sparkling jewels and tinkling coins draw attention to your beautiful feet.
Arm cuffs with bells or tinkling coins add drama and a pleasing sound to your dance. "Slave" style bracelets are extremely popular, as are heavily fringed bracelets that loop through the fingers to keep the fringe extended. Some cuff-style bracelets are worn high on the upper arm and feature fringe that extends nearly to the wrist, giving the impression of a fringed sleeve. These pieces should always be coordinated with the entire belly dancing costume for an integrated head-to-toe look.
Earrings are an important element of any belly dancing costume. Sparkling crystals are popular, and coins are a recurring theme with belly dancing. Both work well in earrings. Hoops look just as good as dangling chandeliers, so pick an earring that suits your personal style.
Bindi is the term for jewelry worn on the face. Wear a single jewel between the eyebrows for drama, or select a fancy bindi that extends across the entire forehead, accentuating your eyebrows.
Belly Dancing Costume - Hip Scarf
Hip scarves can transform any pair of workout pants into harem pants. Don't skimp on the bells and coins, as these add interest to any costume, and movement to any dance.
