The essentials

T R ! B A L · 07-05-2008, 07:00 AM

Alright, I'm relitavly new to belly dancing, but not to dancing in general.
I've been belly dancing for a month or two, and lately I've been thinking about what thinks I really should have. I know I need a coin belt, but I don't feel like overing overboard on costumes and things just yet. For now, I'm happy in my 'gypsy' skirt and tshirt.
But, as a geniune question, what things should I really get as a beginner, as in things you would stress your own student to bring to class? I already have coin belt on the list, considering I'd like to see how well the movement in each hip can be isolated when I'm dancing. I can judge by looking, but the movement of the coins would give me a better idea of what I need to work on, hip and pelvic movement wise.

Well, I'd rather not start a rant...But yeah, just need a little guidence on the essentials.

Knitting Jo · 07-05-2008, 07:30 AM

As you are quite new to dancing, I would recommend searching thrift stores for sheer scarves you can put around your waist and a short/crop top to wear so you can see your middle.Dance what you are comfortable in is the most important thing, also don't spend too much money at the start!
I would wait 'till your first performance to get a costume of some sort, your teacher will advise you what you need and what would look good. Take time to add to your costumes as I made lots and lots of outfits at the beginning that were just awful ( you can read the confession on the Ugly BD Costumes thread in costuming)
and it took me about 3 years to discover my style.
If you see something you love like a skirt that you can afford then go for it, but don't rush to get a full wardrobe of outfits!

Reen.Blom · 07-05-2008, 07:53 AM

I would say invest ins a decent instructional DVD for home practice! (we have a DVD thread somethere here...)

Kashmir · 07-07-2008, 01:12 AM

I'd also say leave the coin belt for a while. In fact you might never need it - depending on the style you end up doing. I prefer my students in leggings and a fabric hipscarf in class - that way I can see what their legs are doing and they don't clatter and shed everywhere

More important would be music so you can get your ear in for the sound of Middle Eastern music - ask your teacher for recommendations as there is lots of mush out there being sold as bd music, a veil and zills.

If you have only been going for a couple of months, instructional DVDs will be of limited use, but you can gain lots watching good dancers performing. Again - ask your teacher for guidance.

Jane · 07-07-2008, 05:09 AM

[quote=Kashmir;78643]
More important would be music so you can get your ear in for the sound of Middle Eastern music - ask your teacher for recommendations as there is lots of mush out there being sold as bd music, a veil and zills. QUOTE]

Kashmir, I second that.

My beginners list:
-some classic belly dance music
-yoga pants or leggings
-form fitting shirt (not necessarily a crop top)
-hip wrap (I prefer the quiet fringed kind)
-zills (Saroyan or Turquoise brand)
-Performance videos of famous and classic belly dancers.

Add veil, cane and other props as needed. First costumes are usually assigned by the teacher for a student recital. It's better to have one good costume than a bunch of individual cheaper pieces. Save up for a good one!

jenc · 07-07-2008, 06:52 AM

If you still hanker after the coin belt of belt with coins, remember that the sound they make comes after the movement of your hips, and then not necessarily in time with them as the jingle is a controlled sound.

although, if you want to practise shoulder shimmies, chest moves, you will know if you are not isolating by the noise of your hips!!!

da Sage · 07-07-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T R ! B A L

Alright, I'm relitavly new to belly dancing, but not to dancing in general.
I've been belly dancing for a month or two, and lately I've been thinking about what thinks I really should have. I know I need a coin belt, but I don't feel like overing overboard on costumes and things just yet. For now, I'm happy in my 'gypsy' skirt and tshirt.
But, as a geniune question, what things should I really get as a beginner, as in things you would stress your own student to bring to class? I already have coin belt on the list, considering I'd like to see how well the movement in each hip can be isolated when I'm dancing. I can judge by looking, but the movement of the coins would give me a better idea of what I need to work on, hip and pelvic movement wise.

Well, I'd rather not start a rant...But yeah, just need a little guidence on the essentials.

You don't necessarily have to buy new things, some of these might already be in your home closet. You need:

(for now)
Form-fitting or cropped tops.
Close-fitting (down to the knee) yoga pants. Or leggings, if you're not afraid of the eighties.
Since you are tribal (?), get a fringe-only or just a plain giant square or triangular scarf in addition to the coin scarf. Coins are great for performances; some tribal teachers don't like them in class. Also, if you go to a workshop, always bring a jingle-free scarf - I hate it when I can't hear the teacher for the jingling!

(for later)
Look for stuff to wear on your head in performance- a nice scarf, headband, hairclips, Indian jewelry...
With the assumption that you are studying tribal, start saving for a big 10-yard skirt and harem pants.
Also, if you find "danceable" sandals, buy them!

T R ! B A L · 07-11-2008, 09:02 PM

I'd respond induvidualy to each of your posts, since they all have very helpful advice, but I'm afraid I'm strapped for time. Thank you all though! I'll take the advice to heart, but I hope you don't mind if I modify it in accordance to personal preferences. I won't be going out and buying a costume anytime soon, since I only dance in front of close friends for the time being, and just as a side note, I'm self taught from DVDS, videos, and the beat of music.

Oh, and to answer Sage's question...Nope! I'm not a tribal dancer, but there is an explanation for why my name is set as that. I'm an artist, and my dad is a tattoo artist. For a while, I helped him with tattoo designs by adding tribal sort of patterns into his designs, and I became hooked with drawing tribal designs to the point where I make and sell tribal posters that incorprate different animals and symbols. Although, I do like the tribal dance style a lot. Hope that explained everything well enough!

Thank you everyone for your advice!

da Sage · 07-11-2008, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T R ! B A L

Oh, and to answer Sage's question...Nope! I'm not a tribal dancer, but there is an explanation for why my name is set as that. I'm an artist, and my dad is a tattoo artist. For a while, I helped him with tattoo designs by adding tribal sort of patterns into his designs, and I became hooked with drawing tribal designs to the point where I make and sell tribal posters that incorprate different animals and symbols. Although, I do like the tribal dance style a lot. Hope that explained everything well enough!

Ha ha! You are going to confuse everybody if you keep that user name. Just saying....

T R ! B A L · 07-12-2008, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by da Sage

Ha ha! You are going to confuse everybody if you keep that user name. Just saying....

Yeah! I had that same thought when I joined but I was just like alright, what the hell I'll be tribal anyways.

07-05-2008, 07:00 AM	#1 (permalink)
T R ! B A L Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: A place love and life cannot comprehend, and death cannot touch... Posts: 7	The essentials Alright, I'm relitavly new to belly dancing, but not to dancing in general. I've been belly dancing for a month or two, and lately I've been thinking about what thinks I really should have. I know I need a coin belt, but I don't feel like overing overboard on costumes and things just yet. For now, I'm happy in my 'gypsy' skirt and tshirt. But, as a geniune question, what things should I really get as a beginner, as in things you would stress your own student to bring to class? I already have coin belt on the list, considering I'd like to see how well the movement in each hip can be isolated when I'm dancing. I can judge by looking, but the movement of the coins would give me a better idea of what I need to work on, hip and pelvic movement wise. Well, I'd rather not start a rant...But yeah, just need a little guidence on the essentials. __________________ Leave behind your eyes, trust your heart & no other.

07-05-2008, 07:53 AM	#3 (permalink)
Reen.Blom V.I.P. Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Between Heaven and Earth Posts: 2,263	I would say invest ins a decent instructional DVD for home practice! (we have a DVD thread somethere here...) __________________ Join WORLD BELLY DANCE DAY! www.worldbellydanceday.com

07-11-2008, 09:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
T R ! B A L Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: A place love and life cannot comprehend, and death cannot touch... Posts: 7	I'd respond induvidualy to each of your posts, since they all have very helpful advice, but I'm afraid I'm strapped for time. Thank you all though! I'll take the advice to heart, but I hope you don't mind if I modify it in accordance to personal preferences. I won't be going out and buying a costume anytime soon, since I only dance in front of close friends for the time being, and just as a side note, I'm self taught from DVDS, videos, and the beat of music. Oh, and to answer Sage's question...Nope! I'm not a tribal dancer, but there is an explanation for why my name is set as that. I'm an artist, and my dad is a tattoo artist. For a while, I helped him with tattoo designs by adding tribal sort of patterns into his designs, and I became hooked with drawing tribal designs to the point where I make and sell tribal posters that incorprate different animals and symbols. Although, I do like the tribal dance style a lot. Hope that explained everything well enough! Thank you everyone for your advice! __________________ Leave behind your eyes, trust your heart & no other.

07-05-2008, 07:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
Knitting Jo Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Canberra Posts: 22	As you are quite new to dancing, I would recommend searching thrift stores for sheer scarves you can put around your waist and a short/crop top to wear so you can see your middle.Dance what you are comfortable in is the most important thing, also don't spend too much money at the start! I would wait 'till your first performance to get a costume of some sort, your teacher will advise you what you need and what would look good. Take time to add to your costumes as I made lots and lots of outfits at the beginning that were just awful ( you can read the confession on the Ugly BD Costumes thread in costuming) and it took me about 3 years to discover my style. If you see something you love like a skirt that you can afford then go for it, but don't rush to get a full wardrobe of outfits!

07-07-2008, 01:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
Kashmir Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Posts: 251	I'd also say leave the coin belt for a while. In fact you might never need it - depending on the style you end up doing. I prefer my students in leggings and a fabric hipscarf in class - that way I can see what their legs are doing and they don't clatter and shed everywhere More important would be music so you can get your ear in for the sound of Middle Eastern music - ask your teacher for recommendations as there is lots of mush out there being sold as bd music, a veil and zills. If you have only been going for a couple of months, instructional DVDs will be of limited use, but you can gain lots watching good dancers performing. Again - ask your teacher for guidance.

07-07-2008, 05:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
Jane Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: In the mountains Posts: 432	[quote=Kashmir;78643] More important would be music so you can get your ear in for the sound of Middle Eastern music - ask your teacher for recommendations as there is lots of mush out there being sold as bd music, a veil and zills. QUOTE] Kashmir, I second that. My beginners list: -some classic belly dance music -yoga pants or leggings -form fitting shirt (not necessarily a crop top) -hip wrap (I prefer the quiet fringed kind) -zills (Saroyan or Turquoise brand) -Performance videos of famous and classic belly dancers. Add veil, cane and other props as needed. First costumes are usually assigned by the teacher for a student recital. It's better to have one good costume than a bunch of individual cheaper pieces. Save up for a good one!

07-07-2008, 06:52 AM	#6 (permalink)
jenc V.I.P. Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Colchester UK Posts: 1,042	If you still hanker after the coin belt of belt with coins, remember that the sound they make comes after the movement of your hips, and then not necessarily in time with them as the jingle is a controlled sound. although, if you want to practise shoulder shimmies, chest moves, you will know if you are not isolating by the noise of your hips!!!