(Appeared in the Quarter 2/2004 issue of The Belly Dancer Magazine)
Costume for Classes
By Dawn “Davina” Devine
Our dance requires years of training, rehearsal time and practice. Over the course of her career, a Middle Eastern dancer may work with dozens of teachers, workshop leaders, choreographers and troupe members. One of the questions each dancer must face is, “what should I wear for dance class?” While the easiest answer is “ask your teacher,” this isn’t always an option. Here are a few tips and ideas to help plan for your next group session.
The Dedicated Dance Bag
Having a dance bag ready to go with all of your supplies is essential. Be prepared for nearly any challenge. Along with a bottle of water and a snack, be sure to have your zills, veil, hip-wrap, dance shoes, small towel, notebook and pen. Having a dedicated practice bag will let you dash off to classes quickly and know you have everything you need.
Costume vs. Clothing
Unless you are at the dress rehearsal stage, it’s inappropriate to wear a full cabaret style bedlah to a class or workshop. Classes are for focusing on the movements of the dance and developing technique. It’s about thinking and moving and engaging the mind and body together. A cropped top and leggings will show all the movements of your torso and stomach and can be tossed into the washer after a day of working out.
To Skirt or Not To Skirt
Unless the class focuses specifically on skirts and skirt manipulation, avoid wearing skirts in dance class. Although our dance focuses on elegant isolations of the torso and hips, our legs are really the hidden workhorses. Skirts obscure them. Having your legs exposed means that your instructor can see what’s happening. She wants to see the angle of your knees, the movement of your thighs, and the way your weight is distributed so she can make corrections.
The Essentials
Ultimately, there are only three essential things to wear to dance class: body wear, a hip-wrap and dance shoes. If you are uncomfortable in form-fitting body wear, why not try some comfy stretchy yoga pants and a semi-fitted tee? If you don’t want to spend the cash on a specialized hip-wrap, use a thrift-store scarf to accentuate your hips. Don’t want to invest in dance shoes? Then look for a pair of comfy, smooth-soled shoes. But if you are ready to make the financial plunge, look for these features when selecting your rehearsal wear.
Leotards, Unitards, Tanks and Leggings – The first layer should be one that hugs your body, provides enough coverage for your personal comfort, and yet still reveals the movement of your physique. This will allow your instructor to see your motions and the stretch and pull of various muscles. Body wear is available through specialty dance shops and on the Internet. Try one of these:
Discount Dance Supply: www.discountdance.com
Just for Kix: www.justforkix.com
Dancewear.com: www.dancewear.com
Hip Wraps – The next essential layer is a hip wrap to define your hip region and help you focus your attention on it. Embellished with coins and beads, there are many varieties of imported sashes available from specialty vendors. Sashes can be as simple as a scarf or as complex as shaped belt dripping with fringe. You can even make one yourself. For classes and workshops, it’s nice to have a sash that makes a minimum of noise. In a class of five, a noisy belt isn’t that much of a problem. In a class of 40, it can make it hard for the instructor to talk over the sound of all those jangling belts. If you are buying a sash for class, skip coins and bells and look for quieter options like chainette or beaded fringe.
Scheherezade Imports: www.scheherezadeimports.com
Artemis Imports: www.artemisimports.com
Turquoise International: www.turquoiseintl.com
Shoes – One of the most important, and often overlooked, element of the practice outfit are shoes. Your feet are your foundation. Protecting and supporting them will ensure that you remain injury free. Select shoes that will be durable and comfortable. If you always perform in a particular style of shoes, practice in them. Dance shoes are an investment. Be a competitive shopper and comparison shop brands such as Capezio, Bloch or Danshuz. If you dance on a concrete floor, try wearing dance sneakers to provide support, bounce and cushioning.
Capezio: www.capeziodance.com
Toe-To-Toe Dance Shoes: www.toe2toe.com
Champion Dance Shoes: www.championdanceshoes.com
Shoes are also available from all of the vendors in the body wear and hip wrap sections.
As you shop for workout and practice wear, be sure to buy the best quality you can afford. But no matter what you settle on, make sure it is an outfit that allows you complete freedom of movement and makes you feel like a million bucks. Once you have everything together, pack them in your dance bag and you’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice!
