For centuries tribal dancing has been used as means of celebration; a way of storytelling or a medium for putting across an important message and every type of tribal dance has its own characteristic type of dancewear costume reflecting its history.  For example, the traditional dancewear clothes worn by Irish Dancers are based on the clothing by the peasants a hundred or so years earlier.

The oldest and most widely recognised form of tribal dancing today is the belly dance of which there are two specific types, the “Raqs Sharqi” and “Raqs Baladi”. The former version being the most well known, dynamic and popular in Western society and the later more of a folkloric dance.

When it was first introduced into western culture it was frowned upon by much of society as being immoral.  However belly dancing has more recently been found to be extremely therapeutic for both mind and body.  In fact dance therapy has even become recognised as being beneficial in the treatment of such conditions as Attention deficit disorder.

American Influence on Belly Dance Attire

Belly dancing has now been influenced by so many diverse cultures that the styles of clothing worn by the dancers have evolved enormously giving rise to a huge range of different clothes and accessories.

In America typical belly dance apparel as worn by women became known as a “bedlah” which is Arabic for suit and over the years been heavily influenced by Hollywood which is more reliant on the use of props to enhance the viewers enjoyment of the shows.

The dancers were usually singers, actors and musicians who would incorporate the use of  belly dancing accessories as isis wings, feather fans, canes and in some instances, even swords.  The more professional dancers would even create their own musical sounds through the use of finger cymbals.

Eastern Belly Dancing Clothes

In Egypt it is illegal to expose your navel in public so the belly dancers wear a body stocking to cover up the midriff. The skirts come in many shapes and sizes and the bras and belts are adorned with beading, rhinestones or sequins.  Belly dance belt hip scarves, belly dance veils, headbands, fringing and jewellery such as bangles, bracelets, ear studs, necklaces, chokers and anklets are all essential components in any authentic belly dance oufit.

Dance costumes Modern

With so many Films, shows, festivals, even dance holidays, etc, never mind the health benefits, it is not hard to see why tribal dancing is so popular and how they have inspired people to take dancing to a more professional level.   Yet probably the most attractive part of belly dancing is the wide diverse range of sexy, seductive costumes available today which provide an element of mystery and fantasy.

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