Appropriate clothes include:
- stretch pants
- yoga pants
- leggings
- shorts
- leotards and tights
- fitted t-shirts
- tank tops
- athletic tops
- crop tops
Because many belly dance moves originate from the legs, it's important to see how your knees and hip joints are moving and how your legs are aligned. You'll be okay in a short skirt or one worn wrapped and tucked up, flamenco-style, but with these options remember to layer leggings or shorts underneath.
If you forget your dance bag, just come in whatever you have on and do your best, but otherwise please avoid street clothes. They can constrain your movements and may rip.
Hip Wraps
A hip wrap creates a visual line across your body that will help you to see and analyze your movements. A wrap is not required for class, but you may find it to be a useful and fun accessory, and may also appreciate the touch of modesty it adds to exercise clothing. Choose a soft durable scarf or shawl. Fabric fringe is okay, but beading is not a good choice for class.
Shoes
My choreography includes turns and gliding travel steps; it's possible to do these movements barefoot, but most students find them easier in a soft-soled dance shoe. For beginners, I recommend a low-cost ballet slipper, such as the Bloch Dansoft (available from the manufacturer, online retailers, or dance shops.) If you're looking for a vegan option, check out the shoes made by Cynthia King. Jazz shoes, half-soles, and other shoes made for lyrical dance are fine too.
My technique is intended for dance in bare feet or flat shoes, but if you prefer to take class in heels, you may do so only if it's permitted by the studio where class is taking place. Please check and follow studio rules. To protect specialized flooring, some studios do not allow heels at all; others allow only high heeled shoes made specifically for dance.
Performance Costumes, Beads, Coins, Bells, and Jingles
While dressing up is an important (and fun!) element of belly dance performance, I strongly encourage students to dress down for class, and save performance costuming for performances. Ornamental coins, beads, and bells are of special concern: these objects often shake loose and create a safety hazard underfoot. Sharp metal objects and broken glass beads can even cut dancers' feet. Jingly scarves and jewelry make your movements audible--this noise can be a great source of feedback when you are practicing on your own and can enhance your performance once you have perfected your movements, but in class the amplification of your learning process can be a distraction to others.
If you're a beginner, consider waiting to buy your first fancy hip scarf until you've passed a training milestone (like your first performance, moving into an upper level class, or studying for six months or a year). If you treat your costume items like they are special or earned with hard work, each piece can turn into a keepsake with great memories and wearing them can become a source of pride.
