Costume Corner

Keep an eye on this page--costuming is the single most requested topic by people who have completed my web site's survey, so I'll be continuing to add more information here! On this menu you'll find articles that describe the basic components of a belly dancing costume and offer designs showing how to put them together, instructions on how to make various costume items, historical research, and sewing tricks.

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Costume Designs

This section will introduce you to the basic components of a belly dancing costume, and show how to combine them together for a finished look.

Shira Wearing An Assuit Dress

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Costuming Book Reviews

Books By Dawn Devine Brown

From the Hip Turban to Toe Ring Style File Embellished Bras

Books By Dina Lydia

Flattering Costume Easy Costume Bra and Belt Arm Costume Tribal Toppings Thrifty Chic Headpieces

Books By Other Authors



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Ask The Costume Goddess

In this feature, Dina, The Costume Goddess, answers your questions about belly dance costuming. Browse the questions other people have asked, and if you like, submit one of your own. It just might get answered in a future installment! The Costume Goddess has answered so many questions, that we needed to give her a menu of her very own!

One Of Dina's Drawings

Go to the main menu for Ask The Costume Goddess.

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Pick the category below that interests you most:


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General Notes On Costuming, Make-Up, Appearance


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Books: Middle Eastern Culture

Photo Galleries

These photo galleries feature a variety of costumes. Maybe you'll get some new ideas by seeing what other dancers have worn!

Photos Of Shira

Photo of Shira


M'shisha al-Fo'awi

Fabulous Full Figures

Full-figured dancers model their favorite costumes from their collections, proving that there are many beautiful belly dance costume options available to plus-sized dancers.

  • M'shisha al-Fo'awi. M'shisha al-Fo'awi of Santa Clara, California pulls together her costumes by making some pieces and purchasing inexpensive components for the rest.
  • Asifa el-Bah'r, Part 1. Asifa el-Bah'r of Sunnyvale, California uses her artistic flair to pull together costumes with an eclectic flavor.
  • Asifa el-Bah'r, Part 2. Asifa el-Bah'r models a second group of costumes from her collection, several of which she made herself.
  • Leyla Lanty, Part 1. Leyla specializes in Egyptian-style dance, and shows how to achieve the Egyptian look without baring a lot of skin.
  • Leyla Lanty, Part 2. More made-in-Egypt costumes from Leyla's collection.

Photos Of Dina, The Costume Goddess

Dina, The Costume Goddess


Dancer at Orient House in Istanbul, July 11, 2000

 Scenes From Turkey: Oriental Dancers

  • Orient House. Pictures of the three dancers who performed at the Orient House in Istanbul on July 11, 2000.
  • Gar Gazinosu. Pictures of the four dancers who performed at Gar Gazinosu in Istanbul on July 12, 2000.
  • Kervansaray. Pictures of the three dancers who performed at Kervansaray in Istanbul on July 13, 2000.
  • Kusadasi. Pictures of the five dancers who performed at the Kervansaray Hotel in Kusadasi on July 18, 2000.
  • Other Performances. Pictures of three additional dancers I saw while I was in Turkey in July, 2000.

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Historical Clothing In The Middle East

  • What To Wear For Debke. This article from Ask The Costume Goddess offers costume recommendations for dancing the debke, which is a traditional Lebanese line dance.
  • From Turban to Toe Ring. By Dawn Devine Brown. Review of a book that provides an introduction to the tribal style of belly dance costuming, but also has great advice for historical re-enactment dancers.

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How To Make Your Own Costume Items

Rectangular Scarf
Pharaonic Costume
Earring

Baggy Pants


  • Quick Salwar (Pantaloons). Make your own pattern - easily! By Arabella.
  • Narrow Salwar (Pantaloons). Use only 1 1/3 yard of fabric. By Arabella.
  • Ask The Costume Goddess. If you haven't already explored Ask The Costume Goddess, now is a good time. Explore the tips on making a Ghawazee vest or jacket, making your own belt pattern, or making an 8-point skirt. Dina also offers her own explanation of how to make a veil.

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Your Online Sewing Class

In high school, Shira used to make all her own clothes. Here, she shares her secrets on how to conquer your sewing machine so you can save money making your own dance costume. Are you a total novice when it comes to sewing? These instructions are aimed at your level of skill!

  • Ask The Costume Goddess. If you haven't already explored the Ask The Costume Goddess menu, take a look--it has a section on costume sewing and alterations.

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Costuming Links

Stop! Before you explore the belly dance costuming advice on these other web sites, be sure to bookmark this page in your browser! That way, you'll be able to return here easily after you've enjoyed the other sites! Here's how: In Netscape, pick the menu choice at the very top for "Communicator", then pick "Bookmarks," then "Add Bookmark". In Internet Explorer and AOL, pick "Favorites", then "Add To Favorites".

  • Belly Dance Costuming Links. Take a look at the Costuming Help section of my Links page to explore the other sites I've discovered on the Internet that offer costuming advice.

Shira Dancing With A Sword

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Recent Changes To This Menu

  • On December 29, 2003, added How to Make Pharaonic Collar, Headband, Wristbands, and Dress by Arabella.
  • On December 20, 2003, added Narrow Salwar (Pantaloons) by Arabella.
  • On December 19, 2003, added Quick Salwar (Pantaloons) by Arabella.
  • On December 13, 2003, added a review of Dawn Devine Brown's book Embellished Bras: Basic Techniques.

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