Ask The Costume Goddess:

Baladi Dress With Veil

By Dina

Dear Costume Goddess,

I am a full figured woman who wears a size 16, and I have decided to either make or purchase a balady dress for performing Raks Sharki. I no longer want to battle the "marshmallow stuffed into a teacup" look which is how I feel inside when wearing the bra/belt set. However, I like to dance with a veil - I enjoy using the veil in both the traditional Egyptian entrance style, and in the North Americal Veil Dance style. Is it appropriate to dance with a veil while wearing a Baladi dress? Would a highly sparkly dress be better than a plainer one? Is a Baladi dress REALLY an acceptable replacement for bedlah? Thank you!

--Full-Figured Faux-Pas

Dear Faux Pas,

Yes, a beladi dress really is an acceptable substitute for a cabaret costume. But it must be a dressy style and fabric; something with a sheen or sparkle or ornamented border, not a folksy-looking cotton. It can be form-fitting or loose, whatever is most flattering. If loose, the fullness usually is pulled in at the hip with a suitable ornamented hip scarf or small belt, and this can match the dress fabric for a more slenderizing look.

Don't wear a big, chunky cabaret belt in a contrasting color on top of the dress; this will make you look wider. If the dress is semi-sheer, a simple matching bra (no hardware showing!) and harem pants be worn underneath.

A compromise is the Ghawazee-style dress, which is cut out in front so you can wear a glamorous cabaret bra with it. If you like to use veil a lot, the dress is fine, but you may want to go sleeveless so the veil can drape over your shoulders and arms nicely. The photo to the left shows a Ghawazee dress and bra of mine.

--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: Apple-Shaped Figure. Costume suggestions for an apple-shaped dancer.
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.

About The Costume Goddess

For more great advice from the Costume Goddess, access to a photo gallery featuring her wearing some of her own costumes, and to learn about her background, please visit the main menu for Ask The Costume Goddess.

Ask The Costume Goddess:

Baladi Dress With Veil

By Dina

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