Costumes for Sinuous Bellydancers

Bedlah is the cabaret costume, with beaded bra top, bare midriff, beaded hip belt and long skirt. The word bedlah is Arabic for "suit" and refers to an entire set such as those items named plus the jewelry, headband, veil, and harem pants. These are coordinated in color and decoration. This is probably the most popular belly dance costume, and the one popularized in movies and nightclub performances.


Costumer Details

The Bra and Belt can be the most expensive, depending on the workmanship. Usually the two match each other and contrast somewhat with the skirt and veil.

I found some representative costume pieces, well put together and not flimsy.



Today, it is very popular to go with softer belts or coin decorations sewn directly on the skirt. The professional performers still seem to prefer the heftier versions of beaded and fringed belts.

Many dancers use veils, and there are types of dances which are created with a long introduction utilizing the veil to create mystery and intrigue. When you add such props as Isis wings, entire dances can be choreographed ( or improvised) with the swirling of the fabric adding a dimension and movement to the dance. It is quite an art to do this well, but simple veil movements almost always look graceful and add to the performance.

You can buy veils, but truthfully they are so very simple to make that it is much easier to go to your favorite fabric store, preferably one that sells silks, and buy about three yards. Then follow these directions:
"A basic rectangular veil should be twice the length of your arm. Hold your arms straight out to the sides. With a tape measure, note the length from the fingertips on your left hand to the fingertips on your right hand. To this number, add 2 feet. This will be the length of your veil." Then simply make a rolled hem at the edges. That is it.

I was taught, and I think it is true that a dancer should have zills or a tambourine when dancing, more often than not. It can be a learning curve to play rhythm instruments like these well, but the biggest secret is to practice consistently, - just get out the zils and play along with music that you listen and practice to. Indian dancers use ankle bells and bracelets for additional musical emphasis.

Headbands and headwear often provide a balance to everything that is going on with the costume and can keep hair,( and sweat) out of the way. Fingerless gloves and sleeve-like poufs or beading is also very graceful. You can't use everything at once,but it shows the variety of looks that can be dreamed up to make your costume unique and best for your look.



A necklace might be more wanted, or long earrings, practice with them to see how comfortable they are with your moves and other parts of the costume.

These are both full body dresses that are made for dancing and sometimes they have a hip scarf or belt for accent. Obviously they are a more modest choice for those who like to dance, but don't wish to show so much of their skin.


Khaleeji means 'of the Gulf', and refers to a dance style typical of the Arabic peninsula and the Persian gulf including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Arab Emirates, Qatar, Yemen, Kuwait and parts of Iraq. It can also refer to the makeup and the dresses that women of this region wear when they dress for formal events like weddings. The dancers in this style wear a caftan called a thobe nashal. Khaleeji music has a unique rhythm.

You will notice the variants in spelling of belly dance terms like "beledi" and "khaleegi" when transliterated in English. It's all acceptable.