Chani

Thanks for the compliments. They really love them and wear them every day whether they are dancing or not.

As a busy Mum there are practical things I like about these outfits. The bottoms are all-in-one (the skirts are attached to the harem pants) so easy to put on. They have worked out that if they tuck up the skirt part they can still play/climb/jump and generally hoon around at the festivals where we watch belly dancing. Also, they can be thrown in the washing machine with the rest of the laundry whic is handy since they eat at these festivals too and it's often greasy, messy food. So while they look fab they don't have to be precious about their outfits.

Gilana, I agree that there is a risk of little girls dancing ahead of their years both in moves and in costuming.

What I like about my 7yo belly dancing is that she does the classes with me and she/we get to choose what she wears. At her other dance school where she does Hip Hop and Jazz Ballet they have very grown up outfits (the tops are either a bra or a singlet style top with corset lace up backs) and the pants are super tight hipster shorts. They have to wear these as they are the compulsory uniform.

The hip hop and jazz are also very structured classes with a certain amount of yelling and pushing. Our belly dance instructor keeps the classes fun for everybody and while we work hard there is no pressure and we get plenty of opportunities to improvise. The two 7 year olds who attend can sit out and just watch any time and that is fine (this would get my daughter into trouble at the other classes). I think they do still pick up stuff when observing only and they usually play the zills to the music so they are still practising that. There is a very warm and supportive vibe in the belly dancing classes between all the students but in particular towards the two children. In my daughters other classes there are no parents present and things between the girls can get...well to be honest...bitchy and snobby (we live in an affluent area).

I agree that young girls unless taught otherwise or poorly guided won't bring anything inappropriate to a dance. I'd say my daughter does seem quite a bit older than her 7 years when she dances but not because she is in any way being sexy but because she does it with such poise. She seems very regal when she dances belly dance in particular.

Now, i just need to get cracking on my own outfit which has been neglected while I outfitted the girls.


Thanks Salome, It's been a wonderful experience for her so far. She loves dressing up so of course the costumes are a bonus. She made an instant friend of the other girl in her class. Her new friend is a Turkish Muslim girl and our instructor is a Lebanese woman so she has learned loads about religion and culture different to our own. The dancing, music and zills have been so interesting and fun to learn and we especially love dancing together. Dad (who is a Western drummer) has taken up Arabic drumming so it's a family affair now. Plus, she is talented and it's been great for her health and confidence - she was invited after only one class to perform this Christmas and instead of watching tv in the afternoons she's belly dancing.

And, yes, you sure did turn out fine. I know your Mum must be super proud of you and can see she made a good call allowing you to explore Oriental Dance.

Chani