How to Put Together a Basic Belly Dance Costume

Belly dancing is the art of celebrating a woman's curves and feeling good about yourself. Your belly dancing costume should make you feel empowered and sensual. A basic belly dancing costume is good for practicing around your house or in class.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Silk blouse or choli
• Wrap belt
• Pantaloons
• Sequins
• Superglue
• Scarf
• Headband

1. Find a suitable top. Select a silk or silk-like blouse that bares your midriff. Look for a "choli," which is what Indian women wear underneath their saris. Your blouse needs to cover your entire bust line and back so you can wear a bra underneath. Wear a bra that provides adequate coverage if you cannot find a suitable blouse.

2. Buy pantaloons that fall just beneath your navel. Choose a pair made of opaque fabric with cut slits lengthwise in the legs. You can also wear a light, floor-length, flowing skirt that is easy to move in. Wear appropriate underwear underneath your pantaloons, since you can see through the fabric.

3. Secure a hip belt. Cut 4-inch wide strip from stretch fabric long enough to wrap around your waist and tie. Attach a row of light chain or fringe to the strip of fabric, along the bottom edge. Wrap the entire thing around your waist and tie it or pin it together.

4. Glue sequins in the same color as your fabric along the edges of your pantaloons and blouse. Let everything sit and dry before trying it on so the sequins don't fall off.

5. Drape a scarf over your head. Make sure it's opaque so you can see through it. Pick a scarf that matches the rest of your belly dancing costume and secure it with a plain headband that blends in with the scarf.

[Belisha]

on 4/13/2008 Sorry, can't see thru opaque