Belly dancing is so much fun!Bonding with your fellow dancers, the workout, the sensuality, and just being in touch with your body. The costs of being a belly dancer can add up quickly, though! Between practice outfits and show costumes, you can quickly spend more money than you intended.
Here are some helpful cost-saving okay buying hints for you...
Buy quality items that you can use in both shows and practice (especially basics). Look for items with quality stitching, fabric, and workmanship.Get your basics in easy to match colors: Harem pants or circle skirts in black, white, and/or one bright color. Get high qualitykhussa shoes (for dancing on concrete) in a neutral color like black, silver, or gold, so they will match with many belly dance costumes.
Select items that can be mixed and matched together.Solid color basics can be dressed up with inexpensive scarves, hip scarves,and jewelry.
Buy inexpensive items like cholis and bangles that you wear often, in quantity from the same seller.With just changing out cholis (short shirts)and bangles (glass are best for sound and catching the light), you can have a whole new look without spending too much money. Buying from the same seller can save you money on shipping.
Get your fellow dancers together and place one large order from a seller.You save on shipping and you may be able to order a "wholesale lot" or get a discount. This is great for shows! We often custom make bangle sets to match costumesfor belly dance troupes.
Do your own henna tattoos.You don't have to pay a henna artist to do every henna tattoo for every show. Try an inexpensive beginners henna kit and learn to use henna yourself. You can get a nice kit for less than one professionally applied design and can henna your entire troupe.
Ask sellers if they offer gift certificates.This gives friends and family an easy way to buy for you, and you still get what you want.
The above pictureis a selection ofcustom made bangle sets (along with khussa shoes) created for the Zahara Dancers in Orlando Florida.
What to look for in an okay seller...
The seller should have good feedback. Look for feedback gements that mention "I will shop again" or "I will be back."
The seller shouldlook professional and have clearly stated policies.
Only buy from sellers that stand behind their products. This will prevent you being stuck with a low quality item that you never use.
Try to buy mulitple items from the same seller. This can save you quite a bit of money on shipping costs. Avoid sellers that do not gebine shipping or only give a slight shipping discount.
Super Saving Ideas...
Get your fellow belly dancers together have have a swap party! Everyone brings items they no longer want but are still in good condition and you trade with each other.
Get creative and do it yourself!Go to thrift stores, flea markets, or craft stores and find interesting items that can be converted to belly dance use. A plain skirt from a thrift store can be made into a gorgeous tribal skirt with someembroidered ribbon, cowrie shells, and tassles.
Reminder: ALWAYS check shipping charges before bidding! Never assume what shipping charges will be or that a seller will gebine shipping. If you are in doubt, ask first.
I hope you found my guide helpful (and fun!). If you have any suggestions for improving this guide, please contact me.
Jody RogersBeachgebers! BazaarBeachgebers! ME Page
All information in this guide is copyright Beachgebers! 2004-2006. All rights reserved.
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