5 Types of Belly Dance Costumes
The beautiful middle eastern dance that we know and love has some variations that are accompanied by different styles of costumes. Want to learn more more about them? These are five different styles of belly dance costumes:
Egyptian
A form-fitting top and a hip-hugging skirt are two essential elements of the Egyptian style belly dance costume. The more traditional costumes of this style have a mesh that covers the midsection and brings the top and bottom together, but the Western-style Egyptian costume doesn’t have that, allowing the midsection to be bare. That is called the “Bedlah” style. This costume is meant to accentuate the Egyptian movements.
American Tribal
ATS is known for having “tribes” dance in hypnotic unison. The tribe will usually select costumes that are similar but have contrasting colors. Hand-made jewelry, makeup, headpieces, and body art complement the outfits.
Cabaret
Back in the 60s and 70s, belly dancers would try to mimic the style of Turkish and Arabic belly dancers for their costumes. It usually includes chain drapes, coins, beading, metallic fabrics, hip belts, and two-piece skirts, although harem pants are also an option. There’s often a lot of jewelry involved, as well as finger cymbals.
Fusion
Fusion belly dance is a mix of traditional belly dance and other types of dance like ballroom, Brazilian, Spanish, and more. There are even a little bit of martial arts in that mix. Fusion belly dance costumes can take all kinds of different forms, which allows you to get creative. Explore the theme and come up with ideas for a belly dance costume based on that. There can be pants, lace, headpieces; you name it.
Gypsy
Free-spirited nomadic groups performed gypsy dances. They adopted moves from each village they’d visit during their travels. Their costumes are quite diverse and reflect the different ethics and traditions of the lands they visited, as well as the changing climates. Gypsy dresses incorporate lots of color and movement, layering different types of garments with different textures. Belts, jewelry, and ribbons used as complements.
Costumes are a favorite item for those of us who love belly dance. Which one is your favorite?