Quick links for student costuming!

• Moondance Belly Dance has a LOT of affordable options for students, especially when it comes to tops, which are the hardest to find. Some tie in the back, but they have quite a few styles that can be worn over a bra as well. I haven't personally ordered from them yet, but I can vouch for the fact that they've been around for quite a while and certainly appear "legit."
• Aliah's Closet also carries affordable student items. I have at least one student who has shopped with them and been very happy with the results.
• Belly Dance Shoppe is one of my favorite places to buy music, videos and classwear. They don't have many costume items for beginners, but do look under "Unitards and Basics" for their unique leotards, with mesh middles that hold you in.
• Mode Mystique offers lovely affordable skirts and a few tops. We wear their beledi dresses for our student Assaya dance and get lots of compliments!

Ideas for making your own costume

• Here are some dancers in decorated tops and full skirts with coin hip scarves I think this is a great student look, and can also work with a black top/skirt and a brightly colored hip scarf.
• And a variation on the same idea Note that the dancers' attitudes make them look like pros!
• Some student costuming suggestions from Shira's brilliant website.
• And specific sewing tips & how to's from The Costume Goddess, also on Shira's site.
• 'Dancer Designs' from costumer Dahlal (St. Louis based).

For those who want a little more coverage!

• This is a very traditional beledi dress which you can see is simply a straight dress with a hip scarf tied around. Maybe you already have something in your closet?
• This is a variation of the above by Eman Zaki, one of the most famous belly dance costume designers in the world. Note the matching covered bra peeking out -- ooh la la!
• Look through Dahlal's 'Dancer Designs' for simple beledi dresses made from two scarves or veils.

Be sure to check my links page for more costuming sites!