Ask The Costume Goddess:

Large Tummy

By Dina

Dear Costume Goddess,

I am a raw beginner at belly dancing, and I am feeling self concious about my tummy. It sticks out quite a bit, and I don't know how to make it look good in a belly dancing costume. I am really excited to learn because it seems like a kick-butt workout, (plus it just sounds hip to say that I am learning to belly dance!) but for now, I have no clue on what to wear to look sexy and not silly!

Please help!!!

--Tummy Troubled

Dear Troubled,

Don't feel it necessary to expose your tummy if it makes you self-conscious. That would tend to inhibit you in class and performance.

As a beginner you can wear a pretty leotard to class--sleeveless would be coolest--and wear a skirt and fringed hip scarf or coin belt over this to get the suitable shimmy and flip effect. If even a leotard makes you self-conscious, try draping a chiffon veil over one shoulder and tucking the ends in your belt.

Do's And Don'ts For A Protruding Tummy
Later you can wear a lovely baladi dress with an easy fit through the middle, perhaps in a sheer lace or mesh that shows some skin without feeling bare, and a more ornate hip scarf or belt.

If your tummy is not marked and protrudes only slightly, a low-cut belt is actually more flattering than one that cuts the abdomen across middle, as shown to the right.

Do and Don't For A Slight Tummy

More possibilities: A bra and belt set can be worn with a tummy cover to conceal the problem area. Pictured are a beaded or sequined scarf sewn to bra, a decorated chiffon veil draped over middle as shown, or a strip of net in flesh color or costume color. Tummy Covers

As you look around among your comrades-in-zills and see dancers' tummies of all sizes revealed, you may decide to do the same with your own, especially if you notice it becoming more shapely and rolling like the wave that rocked the Titanic!

--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: Baladi Dress With Veil. Choosing a baladi dress that looks good with veil work.
Ask The Costume Goddess: Apple-Shaped Figure. Costume suggestions for a dancer with an apple-shaped figure.
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:

Large Tummy

By Dina

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About The Costume Goddess