Dear Costume Goddess,

Okay, you have mentioned hiding the tummy... What is a baladi dress? I am a very excited beginner, but I have very very bad stretch marks. I want to show skin but "it is bad". I can't find any pictures or patterns to help. Any suggestions?

I appreciate anything you can do to help!

--Stomach Stripes

Dear Stripes,

I've pictured a typical "beladi" dress. It's a long sheath style that's worn with a beaded hip scarf or fringed belt, and usually has sleeves. It's an alternative to belt and bra cabaret style that is glamorous in sparkly stretch lace, sheer knit, or velvet, or more folky in an ethnic pattern or assuit (hammered metal strips in the fabric). If you are an accomplished seamstress, a basic fitted sheath can be used as a pattern--cut the neckline as low as you like, in front and back, but keep a small strap across back neck to avoid shoulder slippage while dancing. Zipper could be at back or on the side. The "Arabic" cut-out sleeve (see fitted sleeve column) and semicircular sleeve ruffle are modifications.

If you have a nice figure but need to cover stretch marks or scars, the dress could be form-fitting. If you need to camouflage a protruding tummy, the dress could have a roomier fit.

--The Costume Goddess

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

Ask The Costume Goddess: Large Tummy. This was the Costume Goddess article that triggered the question on this page. 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. Belly Dance Costume Patterns. Identifies sources of belly dance costume patterns, including some who offer patterns for baladi dresses.

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