DIY Belly Dance Costumes: For Tribal, Gothic or Cabaret Belly Dance

The saying goes, "When you start belly dancing, you start making costumes." Because costumes are so expensive, no matter your style of dance, it becomes almost impossible not to make your own costumes for belly dance. The three main styles of belly dance are Tribal, Gothic, and Cabaret. Each has certain costume pieces that are very easy to make rather than purchase.

Tribal belly dance costumes are often characterized by coin bras, 25 yard skirts, and colorful headbands. The most fun piece of this costume to make is the headband. Faux flowers, and pieces of tribal textile inspired ribbon are all possibilities for materials to use. Get a regular plastic headband that you would like to cover, and a hot glue gun. Glue the ribbon over the headband to cover it all, using two lengths or more as desired. Next, glue the flowers about one inch up from the end of the headband. Use several flowers and leaves for a full effect.

Gothic belly dance costumes are often characterized by dark colors-black primarily, plus possibly red, navy, grey, etc. There are also usually metallic elements to the costume, and flare pants are often worn with coin bras. To make flare pants, take a pair of black knit boot cut pants, and cut the outside seam to the knee. Cut a piece of fabric that is ¼ of a circle, with the straight sides being the same length as that seam. Pin the fabric into the slash in the leg, and sew it in place with the point facing the knee. Voila! Fancy custom made flare pants, costing much less than the brand of choice, Melodias.

Cabaret belly dance costumes are often characterized by a sequined and beaded bra and belt with a skirt, harem pants, or both. An easy beginner performance costume can be made with 2" wide stretch sequin trim. Cut a length long enough to slip over your hips, plus one inch, and sew the ends together securely for the belt. Cut a length of chainette or beaded fringe the measurement of your hips plus one inch, and sew this to the stretched sequin trim to finish off the belt. For your bra, choose a brightly colored, well fitting bra from the store. Cut the straps and sides off, and replace them with sequin trim. Sew chainette or bead fringe along the bottom of the cups for a belly drape.

Belly dance costuming does not have to be expensive, or time consuming to make. Just pick the simplest pieces to make and go for it, even if you have little DIY experience. Its just like belly dance, it may feel awkward at first, but soon the results are beautiful!