Costuming for Performance

Costumes are not required (or recommended) for class. Costumes for performance vary depending on the event, but are based on the classic ATS look:

This is a classic costume that compliments many figure types. It looks unified, but still allows us to all show off our own individuality and creativity. Think big, gorgeous colors to keep the audience smiling!

PLEASE — if you want to perform and funds are an issue, come talk to me. I can work with you to find inexpensive options. I also have a few pieces available to lend out or sell relatively cheaply. Let me know ASAP if you need assistance.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS about whether a particular item is suitable, ask me before purchasing. I am here to help. There's a lot of lesser-quality stuff being sold as "tribal belly dance costumes" that won't work for our needs.

Skirt.

Minimum 10 yards at the hem/bottom tier, but you can also find 15 and even 25 yard skirts. (I've even seen 32 yarders on eBay... wow.) A regular circle skirt or a skirt with vertical inset panels will not move in the same way — please make sure you get a tiered 10+ yard skirt.

This can be any solid color, including black. Some of the skirts with a print or contrasting color border are nice. I'd prefer you avoid skirts where each tier is a different color/print — but if you already have one and it's full enough, it's good enough for me.

Make sure you get something that is the right length for you. Skirts that are too long can be rolled up at the waist, but skirts that are too short are difficult to salvage. Some vendors will make skirts in specific lengths, like Flying Skirts. See links below.

Pantaloons (aka "harem pants").

Wear these under your skirt to add fullness and color when you spin. If possible, please have these be a different color than your skirt. Men: This will be your outer layer.

If you make or buy new pantaloons, the fuller ones without slits (sometimes called "tribal-style pantaloons" or "monsterloons") are the best. I get best results when I use 1 1/2 to 2 yards of fabric per leg. If you already have pantaloons, don't worry about making or buying another pair, just use what you have.

If funds are an issue and you can't arrange for pantaloons, wear colorful leggings or tights with the feet whacked off. The look won't be the same, but you will still be covered & colorful.

Belt.

Anything that you can come up with that looks earthy. Fringe, tassels, toran hangings, stuff with cowrie shells are all great options. Coin belts are OK as long as they've got that tribal feel — please no chiffon. Fringe hip wraps are great, as are burnout velvet shawls.

Tassel belts are quite straightfoward to make, if you're feeling crafty. If you own a panel skirt, you can wear this on top of your skirt too! The more layers the better.

Top.

Long or 3/4 sleeves, in any color and style that goes with your overall look. (Short sleeves are OK for warm-weather performances, as long as the entire look is still very covered.) Please have the sleeves be relatively fitted & avoid the "butterfly" top or "bell" sleeves — I want to be able to see the beautiful line of your arms. You can show your belly if you want, but you don't have to. You can also wear a body stocking if you like.

Please make sure your top offers good coverage AND good support — or wear appropriate undergarments.

I really like the open-back choli tops, available from Flying Skirts and other vendors. They are supportive, beautiful, and come in many styles, fabrics, and colors. Other ideas: camisole top with shrug; wrap top; long-sleeved leotard. If you'd rather the sleeves not be super fitted, you can go for the peasant top look. If you can only find short-sleeve or sleeveless tops that you like, grab a pair of cheap knee-high socks, whack off the feet, cut a small hole for your thumb, and voila — tribal armwarmers.

Men: vests are perfect, maybe a vest over a shirt. Or, long-sleeved tunic top if you don't want to purchase a vest. Check out Valizan or Shades of Araby on Youtube for ideas.

Coin Bra.

Classic ATS costuming involves wearing coin bras over cholis. I love the look, but they're time-consuming and/or expensive for student performances. If you have a coin bra, you are welcome to wear one; however, they are not required.

Jewelry.

Lots, and big — men too! Layer necklaces! Anklets! Bangle bracelets, or big chunky stones. Dangly earrings. Fake (or real) tattoos. Henna. Anything and everything goes.

Head.

At minimum: scarf tied as headband, any color/pattern that works with your look. Flowers, yarn dreads, hair falls, turbans, etc. are all A-OK. Think big and colorful.

Footwear.

Shoes finish off a look nicely. Footwear (or lack thereof) will vary depending on the venue, but it is a good idea to have shoes you can dance in. A pair of black Chinese Mary Jane flats will serve you well, as they can be used outdoors as well as in. Other options include ballet slippers, ghillies, or the popular Hermes sandals.

Coverup.

It is a good idea to be able to cover up your costume; it preserves the mystery and makes performance time special. Covering up our yards and yards of fabric and bracelets is difficult, however. Ghawazee coats or other coverups that have a front closure are great. A veil or sarong can be used in a pinch, but I strongly suggest using non-sheer fabrics.

Face.

Makeup is an integral part of your costume. Makeup will vary with the event and venue, but typical tribal makeup involves red lips (not brown), strong, lined eyes, darkened eyebrows, bindis, and facial "tattoos" created with liquid eyeliner. We will discuss as performances get closer.

Where can I get all this stuff?

From me. I have several pieces to lend out and/or sell.

Locally. We have several great seamstresses around, including some within the growing Tribal community. Ask me & I can point you to someone.

Make your own. If you are handy with a sewing machine, there are free and not-so-free patterns available online. Fat Chance Belly Dance sells the Folkwear "Tribal Belly Dancer" pattern, which has patterns and information on all the basic elements.

Goodwill. Especially for leggings, jewelry, and tops that you can cut up and repurpose.

On the internet.

Questions? info@jaiyana.com / 207-619-4230