How to Avoid Basic Belly Dance Costuming Mistakes

No matter how beautiful your dancing may be, these mistakes can steal the spotlight. Taking basic precautions will reduce the chances of having an onstage wardrobe meltdown!

Improperly Fitted Costumes
Tops that are too small may enhance your cleavage, but they leave the audience watching for an overflow accident instead of appreciating your dancing. You can enhance your bust with makeup, padding, or both without risking an updated version of Janet Jackson's Superbowl debacle. Overly tight bra style tops can also cause the unflattering effect of redistributing your breasts from the desired position to the sides, near your armpits.

Costumes that are too big are not only move in a distracting manner, but they can be dangerous. Many dancers have shimmied out of their skirts or belt on stage. In addition to causing embarrassment, this can cause a tripping hazard. If being on stage in your bottom layer of clothes isn't bad enough, imagine falling down, too. Someone will catch it on tape and you may shoot to fame overnight on YouTube.

Underpinning
This should go without saying, but sadly, I've seen proof that it doesn't. Wear the appropriate undergarments. Take a cue from the near universal mockery of Britney Spears and don't show off too much of yourself. You will forever be remembered in the dance community as the flasher, as well as offending your entire audience. There are many shops offering full coverage dance pants, of the type worn by cheerleaders and ballroom dancers. Bikini bottoms are a low cost way to cover your assets. Make sure your inner layer matches your outer layer. Light colored underclothes can glow like neon through a darker costume on stage. Again, it will be caught on camera. This brings me to the next suggestion: