In our belly dance world, we celebrate femininity 🙂 In classes, we talk about loving our curves and jiggly shimmies. …and many of us learn to appreciate our bodies as they are through belly dancing. Yet before shows and haflas, we almost always struggle to find bras that fit our bra sizes or skirts that don’t create a muffin top… Read more →
This dress project was born inside of my head about a year ago. On Sparkly Belly’s Facebook group, one image of a belly dance dress was shared, and many people were liking it. When I see a popular style, I have to re-create it! 😀 So here’s what happened: Learn how to make this… Read more →
I love versatile patterns that allow me to create many different styles of garments. Would you be surprised if I told you these skirts were all made out of the same set of patterns? This is how I created each one 🙂 1. The Goddess Skirt I show how to make this golden mermaid skirt called Goddess Skirt in my… Read more →
Welcome to the last post of Business of Belly Dance Series Part 2! In my last post, I shared my tips on video making for dancers and focused on the technical aspect of video making like camera, lighting and your on-camera personality. In today’s post, I want to talk about protecting your copyright and choreography online. A quick disclaimer –… Read more →
I have to admit, I’ve been putting off making a 25-yard skirt for a long time even though I love the skirt and many people requested this tutorial. That’s because this skirt has too many hurdles: Lots of sewing Lots of fabric = expensive Too much calculating and planning (how many tiers? how long for each tier?) You need a… Read more →
As a belly dancer, you can’t have enough hip scarves. They are great for practice and of course for easy costuming! So today I want to go back to basics and create this cute and simple fringe hip scarf. Let’s get started! 😀 Click here to sign up for my FREE email course Belly Dance Costume Making 101! 😀 To… Read more →
In my last post, we made a beautiful and classy DIY lace belly drape for your belly dance bra. And in this post, we’ll create this matching colour block mermaid skirt skirt by hacking my favourite mermaid skirt pattern! Let’s get started! Learn how to make your own Goddess Skirt pattern here and try this lace panel mermaid skirt! And/Or… Read more →
Earlier this year, I shared my Plus Size Belly Dance Costuming Guide which became a very popular post on Sparkly Belly. 🙂 One of the tips I included there was what I call the “Belly Drape” – It’s a design created with fabric that drapes from the bra and provides light coverage over the top of your torso. It’s really easy… Read more →
As a belly dancer, it’s important to wear a cover-up before and after performance so you make a great impact when you’re in your magical costume on stage. 🙂 I did a Caftan inspired cover-up tutorial a while ago, but I wanted to make one that opens in the front. It makes more sense especially when you are wearing a… Read more →
Have you seen gathered fabrics used to decorate dance costumes or formal dresses? That might be pleating or ruching. Both of them add colours, textures and such elegance to costumes and dresses, and it can be an easy way to decorate your costumes. But it can be tricky to create the look, especially when you’re working with… Read more →