Dear Costume Goddess,

How about advice for short, apple-shaped dancers? I have a large bust, but my waist and hips are almost the same diameter! Thanks.

--Apple Annie

Dear Costume Goddess,

What are the most flattering costume options for a plus sized apple shape?

--No Waistline In San Francisco

Dear Apple Annie and No Waistline,

First, I'll repeat the advice I gave to "Tummy Troubled" in a previous column: don't feel any obligation to bare your midsection. You want a glamorous cabaret costume, yes, but you have some lovely options that don't require you to reveal vast expanses of flesh that might make you self-conscious and distract the audience's attention from your dance moves and pleasing stage personality.

Luckily for those of us who dance Middle Eastern, we have an unusual wealth of costuming options that include the artful use of veils, scarves, jewelry, ornamentation and cosmetic adornment. Of course, these are useful as beauty enhancements and tricks. But they also fool the eye of the viewers and get them to notice what we want them to notice and overlook what we don't want them to notice. You have already analyzed your figure type and decided that you are of larger than ideal proportions through the midsection. Baring this section, as shown in the "Don't" illustration, necessarily calls attention to it. Other mistakes that give the illusion of even greater girth are halter straps, horizontal design details such as fringe and trim, a tight skirt, a saggy bra, and small hair. The "Do" illustration shows a dancer using layers of sheer veiling to disquise her exact body shape while still keeping the look of little covering. The belt is a curvy shape, and has a strong center medallion and fringe, drawing the eye away from the width of the body. (Don't worry--there will still be plenty of hip action!) The sparkles on the veils, and the layers of sheer skirt and pants further blur the body shape. Of course all these veils would be in harmonizing colors that enhance your complexion.

Details that catch the eye and distract it from the midsection are sparkly wristbands with tassels, hair ornaments and pretty hair, earrings, perfect manicure/pedicure, and dramatic but tasteful make-up. Another excellent costume option illustrated here is a baladi dress in an eye-catching fabric such as a sparkly stretch lace, which reveals and covers the skin at the same time. (Again with the sparkly, Dina? --Yes! I'm insisting that you sparkle!) The dress is not loose enough to appear baggy, nor tight enough to reveal rolls of flesh. You can go completely glamorous with this: pretty shoes, jewelry, cleavage, glittery makeup--yes, glittery--etc. If possible, make this dress or have it made for you. However, if you buy ready-made, choose a larger rather than tighter fit. It can always be altered if necessary. My theme is: if you must be an apple, think of yourself as a Golden Delicious!

Hope I've inspired you to play your own version of dress-up!

--The Costume Goddess

Other articles on this web site that you may find helpful include:

Ask The Costume Goddess: A Baladi Dress. Here's a little more information about using a baladi dress in a costume. Ask The Costume Goddess: Tummy Trouble. Costume suggestions for a dancer with a protruding tummy. Ask The Costume Goddess: Short Dancer. Ideas on how to create the illusion of height. Ask The Costume Goddess: Baladi Dress With Veil. Choosing a baladi dress that looks good with veil work.

Dear Shira: Am I Too Fat To Dance? Shira responds to a reader who asked whether large women can belly dance. Dear Shira: What About My Scars? Shira responds to a reader who asked what to do about scars when making costume decisions. These comments may also fit some full-figured dancers. Belly Dance Costume Patterns. Identifies sources of belly dance costume patterns, including assorted outfits that look good on full-figured dancers.

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