Belly Dancing Clothes
Designing your own belly dancing clothes for stage and everyday is very worthwhile. You save money and the environment while you create a one-of-a-kind dance outfit!

photo courtesy of Dey
Motivation to 'eco-sew' is the first step on the road to having an original bellydance ensemble, but before you start buying fabric and jewels, take some time in the 'Design' Phase. You'll save money, time and lots of heart-ache!Then get out your sewing machine, scissors and elastic! Cut and sew your way to a new outfit!
photo courtesy of Kellypuffs
Practical Tips and Considerations
Sometimes, the best belly dance clothing is found at thrift stores and you'll have very little work to do! Try to answer these questions and collect ideas. You'll soon have a full bellydanc wardrobe in no time!1. What fabrics do you love to wear? 2. What colors look good on you? 3. What styles feel comfortable and danceable? 4. How much sewing would you enjoy doing? 5. How much money do you want to spend?
photo courtesy of Mike Fischer
Gather Some Inspiration!

photo courtesy of YOnderbOy
History! Fantasy! Current Trends! Nature!
Dream big! Check out lots of pictures in books See lots of shows Do some window shopping (in stores and online) to see what's available Draw your ideas on paper
Copy what you love! Do what's never been done!
History
What did dancers' wear in centuries long ago? What traditions do we have to draw upon?
Check out the public library where you live. Check out the resource material at your local bellydance community (if there isn't one - check out an association on-line).
photo courtesy of spicorder
For Saskatchewan's dance associaton, click here.
Fantasy
In this category, think Princesses, Gypsies, Fairies, Goddesses and Mermaids. The best place to find inspiring ideas about these characters is the children's book and puzzle section.
Perhaps you have a collection of children's books at home. Otherwise take a trip to the library or bookstore. You may find yourself building a collection of great stories as well!Belly dancing clothes can be themed according to any fantasy!
photo courtesy of meg82skylark
Current Trends
Your best bet here, is the DVD/video library of your local dance association or (generous) bellydance instructor.

photo courtesy of Woodrow
A good start for a fashion search can be found with Dolphina, Delilah and Bellydance Superstars series. Each of these productions have many diverse costumes to consider. With a DVD/video, you can see how the fabric moves and the design wears as the dancer weaves her magic.
Nature
Every element of nature offers a stimulating array of tones and textures for your belly dancing clothes
In fire, we find reds and oranges, flame designs and flashes of light. In water, there is a glimmer and shimmer in waves and liquidy textures.
In air, sheer fabrics catch the wind and carry feathers in spiral patterns. In earth, discover flowers and leaves, golds and greens, coppers and browns.
photo courtesy of Stitch
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