Belly Dance and Burlesque Fusion

What should I wear?

Do you feel confident? Do you feel comfortable?

Wear breathable, stretchy clothing like yoga pants, leggings, or circle skirts that allow for free movement. Showing your belly is completely optional.

If you have one, a coin belt or hip scarf can enhance your movements. Avoid long necklaces and accessories that might get in the way.

Wear comfortable indoor footwear. Soft, elastic shoes, running shoes, or dancing barefoot are all good options.

What type of veil should I buy?

Veils come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and fabrics with different purposes and advantages to consider. My personal preference for a beginner is a rectangular chiffon veil approximately 3 yards in length.

Length

3 yards is a standard veil length, but your height and arm span will further indicate the best size for you. A visual way to check for appropriate length is to hold your arms out in front (like a zombie) and drape the veil over your elbows. Both ends of the veil should fall about as low as your knees. When holding the veil with your arms stretched wide (your body making a “T” shape), there should still be extra fabric beyond your finger tips.

Shape

Veils can be rectangular or semi-circular. Rectangular can be easier to start with as there is no “right way up.” Semi-circles have a beautiful shape, and feel lighter while still providing the needed length. If sewing your own veil, a rectangle will be much easier to hem.

Fabric

Common fabrics for prop veils include silk, chiffon, organza, and satin. Note that not all veils are designed to float through the air. Some are heavily decorated with trim and beads, and their purpose can be to decorate the costume, rather than be used as a prop.

Chiffon has a wonderful texture, and I find it cooperates better than silk while still flowing lightly through the air.

Silk veils are very popular and are available in gorgeous dyed colours, but they can be flimsy, and you may experience static cling with lighter weights. Silk is measured in momme (mm) and Habotai silk is the type of silk used to make veils. The typical weights you will see for sale are 5mm (very light), 6mm (light), 8mm (medium), and 10mm (heavy). 6mm or 8mm would be my recommendation to start. I have purchased both the 5mm and 8mm silk veils from Dharma Trading Co. I am in no way offiliated or sponsored by them, but I did like that the veils are available pre-hemmed and white (ready to be dyed a custom colour).

Colour

There are no limits! You can purchase solid colours, tye die, elaborate Shibori patterns, ombre gradients, rainbow stripes, etc. I suggest choosing a colour that matches the majority of your dance wear. You can ask yourself if you are more likely to select warm colours (red, yellow, orange) or cool colours (purple, green, blue) on the regular, and go from there.

DIY

If you are feeling crafty, you can buy a few yards of lightweight fabric from the fabric store and hem the raw edges. The wider the hem, the heavier the result, so I recommend a rolled hem stitch. I dyed my 5mm Habotai silk veil from Dharma Trading Co. using Dylon Fabric Dye for Hand Use, with good results.

Little Gems Children’s Classes

What to wear and bring?

Children should wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. Indoor shoes are required for the dance studio floors.

Bringing a water bottle for your child is recommended.

For infant classes, bring a yoga mat and/or blanket to lay your baby on.