Belly dance tips

"Thank Heavens that you are able to dance...Remember there are those who cannot even walk."  -author unknown Music "The girl's got rhythm"  Are you unsure of what you like? Try a compilation to find several artists or there are even free downloads out there such as myspace/mazika & below. When dancing at a new venue bring a portable stereo, the sound system may not work or be compatable with your music. Its always worthwhile to create back-up cd's, or Playlist...you never know you never know...  Stage worthy As dancers and performers we spend hours on costuming, rehearsal don't forget that your stage make-up/Persona is also an important part of your presentation. Gum Arabic of the acacia tree & Frankincense(crystallized tree sap) both found in the Arabian peninsula were the worlds first chewing gums...cleaning & refreshing the breath... but PLEASE do not chew it in class or on stage...dancers should focus on relaxing the face & lifting...not choking Its good practice to keep a sealed h20 bottle in your dance bag...hydration good...thirsty bad. When applying your make-up for stage think of black and white photography. Then stand at least 10 feet back to check the effect of your final presentation. Bindi's and Tikka's have been used for centuries in India to decorate the forehead. This method also was used to denote caste or societal position. For a sultry full lip do apply make-up base, powder, lip liner and a nice red or plum color. Follow with light powder. finish with a touch silver or white gloss in the center for the bee stung pout. Natural Kohl is a plant derivative(sometimes made from charred Frankincense) this bold Eye make-up was used as an anti-microbial and reduces glare from the sun. Bold eye contour, shadow(blush), Dark lip tint and of course Cleopatra's secret black eyeliner(minimizes glare from the desert sun{stage lights}). All of these components work together to create the art of stage beauty. False Lashes can enhance your stage presence. Start at the center of the eye and carefully apply until the outer edge is reached.Great for a large stage dynamic. Available in many styles, use lash glue to apply. Apply glitter to focused areas (not all over) avoiding the disco ball effect. You can use gel for adhesive. You only have one Body, Take care of it by using good warm-up & cool-down stretches. Never hyper-extend the spine(tuck it). As a Belly dancer and performer in this genre you represent a diverse and complicated culture. It is important that you show respect at all times to the Middle Eastern people and ideas with positive, educated materials. Children Kids love Belly Dance! They love to be included in class and performances...do let them know what is accepted per venue and instructor...do let them know when they are allowed to dance. It also may be best not to dress them in adult fashions until they are ready... Beledi dresses, Gawazii coats, Caftans and Harem pants keep them a bit more covered up and can be fun/flashy too. Kids get a beautiful rose blush when they are performing, they may not need any more make-up than a little touch of glitter shadow, natural(not red) and finish with lip gloss. Remember no gum when dancing!
Belly Dancers Make-up kit??? Don't fret, a basic kit can be acquired for a reasonable cost. Even in a Vegan lifestyle. *Foundation:The base should be matte or oil control in your color. *Powder:Should be matte or oil control in neutral or your color. *Liner:Dark or light brown eyebrow and lip liner may be the same. *Eye-liner:Dark brown or Black. I recommend liquid waterproof eyeliner. Some prefer cake, creme or Kohl powder. *Blush:Use a nice dark brown or peach. Or try a Bronzer powder or cream. *Lipstick:Color is up to you. Dark and rich reds are your best bet. There is all kinds of colorstay several hour lip shine out there now. *Eyeshadow color:This is up to you. Cream, Powder or Liner...Color and contour as you wish. Perhaps multi color and glitter too. *Mascara:Choose Blackest black or very Dark Brown and waterproof is your best bet.
Costumes If you have a hard time with the off the rack costume options chances are you like to sew....Artemis Imports has compiled a top notch pattern collection. How do you take care of those expensive costumes??? Just be careful!!! I polish my coins and rinse the basics in cold water with a touch of downy... dry flat. store wrapped in towels to absorb humidity... with a dryer sheet for freshness... Rhinestones... if they are painted or mirrored on the back even water will cause it to flake off... if they are Swarovski they can handle washing, I have a jewelry pal who would use clear class cleaner on them... spraying a dust free cleaning cloth then wiping it over the crystals...when I buy new stones I like to brush on clear nail polish and wipe it off smoothly to help set the prongs & prevent dust build up in the spaces... Sequins do not like any chemicals... depending on the sequin, delicate soap is risky... some times you can repair them with a spray opalescent or metallic paint, glitter, even lite nail polish... test it out first to see what results you get Protect your investment add a half sole to those expensive dancer sandals. Create no sew harem pants by stringing elastic through the hem of casual or yoga wear pants. Will you be performing outdoors? Be sure to bring a veil that is Heavier Weight than the average silk veil. If you can see through your costume in light, So can the audience. Wear a cover-up between your performances and off-stage, keep the surprise under wraps and protect your costume. Eyeglasses are stylish not to mention helpful...for a polished appearance on stage it is best to go without, if possible. They reflect stage lights away from the eyes & crop the face in unflattering ways. If contact lenses are not an option do practice in low light with directional marks...do envision your audience around you even if they are a bit blurry. Protect coins by wrapping in towels. You can protect knees with sport pads. It's a good habit to bring Back-up Zills, Sandals, Pins and a Veil. Someday they will be needed. PLEASE never touch the edge of your sword even when dulled for stage.(you lose the magic entirely) Head scarves were used for modesty,beauty and protection from sand/dust Currently. They are not only decorative but also absorb excess sweat and allow you a great place to add your extra adornments.