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Everyone has seen the beautiful and exotic costumes that belly dancers wear. This is the image that Hollywood and other forms of entertainment have given us as authentic belly dancing costumes. But do the costumes we typically see vary from the traditional costume worn by belly dancers?

The costumes that we see today are not authentic versions of traditional belly dancing costumes. These costumes were copied by the Egyptian dancers based on what they saw in the Hollywood images of the 30’s and 40’s. These costumes have become so ingrained in society as authentic that we don’t really know what a traditional costume looks like anymore.

Egyptian Dance

The costumes that Egyptian dancers wear is usually a mermaid style skirt with a bra top. The skirt is typically full length. Beads or coins are usually added to the top for an added dramatic touch. This is the costume that is typically thought of when one thinks of belly dancers. Of course, it is a long way from the traditional costume.

The traditional costume was worn to cover the entire body. Showing flesh was not made popular until more recent times. A belt or scarf was used to accentuate the hips of the dancer. The talent required to perform the movements in a costume like this was great.

The dancer in a fully beaded dress performs dances called baladi. These are usually only found in folk dances and not the usual belly dance routines of today. You will find that western dancers will use these costumes for when they perform traditional folk dances but will also wear them for more current dances as well.

Turkish Dress

The belly dancing costumes worn in Turkey are considerably more revealing than those that are worn in Egypt. The skirts worn by Turkish women will usually have a very high slit that exposes the entire leg of the dancer. Belts are used to accentuate the body and movements of the dancer. This costume is very appealing to people watching the performance. Veils are not usually worn with these costumes. The use of a veil is a completely western addition.

Mix It Up

With all the many varieties of belly dancing costume you can sample from each of the different styles to find a look you like. It is a performance and the costume plays an integral role in that performance. Use what you think will give you the best effect in your dance.

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Tags: Arts & Entertainment //