Bellydance Costume

Should I take a bellydance class? How should I ask permission?

It's very casual -- Once a week ($45/month), no costumes (thankfully)--just yoga pants and a T, fusion style (a combo of middle eastern and cabaret.) I'm looking to tone up, and I want to have fun with it. (In fact, my first choice was pole dancing -- It burns a ton of calories and works every muscle, I think I'd be good at it, and it would be so much fun. I don't think I've ever heard my mom say "NO" faster.) I'm looking at this type of dance because I certainly don't have the body (or the money) for ballet (I'm very... curvy.), I can't see myself getting into hip hop or ballroom, and again, I think I'd have a lot of fun with it (I tried a short video on it. I think I'd do better learning from a class, but I really liked it.)

By all means I think you should take a belly dance class if you get your mother's permission. Unlike pole dancing, in belly dancing you do keep all of your clothes on!! You might also try calling belly dancing by one of its other names like "Middle Eastern Dancing" "Oriental Dance" "Belidi dance" or "Near East" folk dancing. This isn't lying, these are all names of the many dances we call "belly dance."
This dance is a wonderful way to get in shape as it is a low impact exercise that is kind to your body as you get in shape and lose weight. I am 55 years old and I have been belly dancing since 1977. I did have some health problems and some life issues that caused me to quite dancing for about 10 years but I've been back for about 5 years. I am a large women and I wear very modest costumes that cover my body because there are lots of things about me that no one wants to see.

Women in the Middle East do not dance for men, this dance is a women's dance and is done for other women. Here in the US, most of us will never dance in public or as a professional. Let her know that most of the women you will meet in this class are mothers, grandmothers, teachers, lawyers, just normal women. And there are many mothers and daughters that take classes together. You might even suggest to your mom that she take the class with you, or at least come to check it out. You might also see if there is a student night or a dance show in you city and go with your mom so she can see what "belly dancing" is all about.

Good luck with the dancing

Belly dancing has been popularized over the years as a joyful woman's art, and why not, after all it has all the essential ingredients that make it worthy to be cherished at moments of joy or woe. Now days belly dancing is not only practiced by female dancers, even male dancers all over have taken a deep interest in this form of art. This dance form was made popular by the Arabs, who called it raqs sharqi ("oriental dance"). With the passage of time, Belly dance has witnessed several alterations in its form, style, and costume and the same goes for its music.

When it comes to Belly dance music, it's those grooving beats with their upbeat motions that imparts this dance form its true beauty. The graceful movement of each part of the body with a flickering pulsation of the hips and the hypnotic music forms the awe-inspiring sight to behold.

Belly dance music is always associated with Middle Eastern Music. Improvisation of this genre has taken place with the introduction of various instruments, each of which has their own specialty. Nonetheless, Belly dance music has to be such that it creates an electrifying and stimulating atmosphere and helps to ignite the fire both within the dancers and the audiences. The traditional Middle Eastern music instruments like tabl beledi, nakara, and a wide assortment of Eastern frame drums multiplies the real flavor of Belly dance.

Along with different "fusions" of belly dance, the music has also fused with different forms and styles of music. The contemporary form of belly dancing has been popularized by Shakira, the Latin America rock star. She brings forth a beautiful blend of Belly dancing along with Latino as well as other modern dance forms. Suhaila Salimpour, (world renowned dancer, performer, and choreographer) has also stepped up in revolutionizing belly dance music with her online belly dance mp3 store that features very modern and very classic styles of bellydance music. All for download.

Music stores all across the globe houses Belly dance CDs and DVDs, which can be enjoyed at leisure moments. Suhailadigitalstore.com offers a wide collection of Belly dance albums and is updated frequently. The variety at this store is sure to enthrall your senses by all means. Before making a purchase you can also listen to a sample playlist absolutely free of cost.

Belly Dancing Costumes & Exercises : Belly Dance Costume Patterns

Marvash's Turkish-Arab Vest Pattern (Belly Dance) $10.25 Marhvashs Turkish-Arab Vest. Another form-fitting vest with keyhole neckline. No separate tab trim at front as in Turkish-Macedonian vest. Nineteenth century engravings show this vest predominantly in stripes but any velvet, satin or brocaded fabric could be used. This vest is also completely lined and may be worn over blouses or bras. May be made sleeveless or with either of the two sleeve variat...

Elenas Beledi Dress Pattern (Belly Dance) $11.25 Elenas Beledi Dress. The versatile beledi dress is a wonderful costume for those dancers who prefer to cover up. In Egypt, as well as here, the beledi dress may be made from Asyut, the metal embroidered net shawls so hard to find. Make yours in metallic knit, sequined fabric, or any fabric of your choice. We show two styles, three neckline and three sleeve variations. Separate cutting lines for sm...

Tahia's Alibeck's Belly Dance Belts Pattern $10.25 Another necessity in the wardrobe of a belly dancer is her belt. 5 belt variations with directions to decorate them in a variety of ways to coordinate with the bra-tops...

Aztec Gold Belly Dance Pure Silk Veil for Belly Dancers $32.95 This "Aztec Gold" veil is bright as newly minted gold. Looking for a gold veil to match your costume? This is it. There is a luminescence to the veil when the light hits it that is just beautiful. - All veils are made of Pure 100% A grade Habutai Silk, the best silk available, with a thread count of 6MM. The edges are professionally finished with an ultra light hem for durability and ultimate mov...

Harem Costume $19.99 ...

Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Metal Coin Belt in Antiqued Silver Tone - Size XL Extra Large $25.99 ...

Harem Costume Our Harem Costume for kids features a beautiful detailed top, matching pants and headpiece....

Arabian Princess Belly Dancer Costume $22.99 Our Arabian Princess Costume features a headband with veil, tube top, vest and pantaloons with attached veils. The Arabian Princess belly dancer costume is sultry and sexy and casts a hypnotizing spell over the prince as he watches your every move. Accessories not included....

Egyptian Dancer Costume Our Egyptian Dancer costume features a beautiful crushed velvet with gold trim halter top, poly pants, crushed velvet belt with sheer drape and headpiece. Shoes and jewelry not included....

Bellydance: A Guide to Middle Eastern Dance, Its Music, Its Culture and Costume $9.64 For those wanting to shake and shimmy their way to a firmer body, this comprehensive guide to belly dancing offers instructions on how to make the most of the hot belly-dancing-as-fitness trend. In addition to guiding the dancer to a trimmer waist, this how-to book helps put women in touch with their sensuality through the alluring moves of this ancient dance. Specific guidelines for pregnant wome...

French and Oriental Love in a Harem $3.99 Illustrated by Paul Avril...

KUCHI BANJARA TRIBAL BEAD TEXTILE TRIM BELLYDANCE BELT $49.99 Rare Tribal Authentic Vintage Wide hand-embroidered Sheesha / Shisha (Mirror) Belt in shades of Magenta, deep Sea Blue and Pink with Rows of Mirrors and Metal Beads from the nomadic group known as Banjaras from India. SKU# NW5195 Rare, authentic vintage multicolored hand-embroidered belt with mirrors and embellished chain of metal beads from India. This unique piece is made of cotton, and has...

HUGE BANJARA TRIBAL TEXTILE RARE TRIM BELLY DANCE BELT $56.99 HUGE, Rare Tribal Authentic Vintage hand-embroidered Belt with Rows of vintage Mirrors from the nomadic group known as Banjaras from India, 33"L x 6"W SKU# NW5212 This auction is for a rare, authentic vintage hand-embroidered belt with mirrors from India. This unique piece is made of cotton, and has a row of mirrors with embroidery work. This belt must be about 20-30 years old but is in goo...

Multi-Row Coin Bellydance Wrap Dancers seeking that perfect look and sound have found it in our Multi-Row Coin Wrap. Carefully crafted in Egypt, these belts are as unique as the belly dancers who wear them. With maximum style at a minimum price, you too can bring your dance to a higher level with this beautiful, professional look....