In the last decade, the way I learn dancing and sewing (and everything else in life) changed dramatically. When I was interested in learning something, I used to look for a local teacher that teaches that subject. Today I look for an online course. I DON’T think online courses replace in-person learning. But they definitely compliment and/or enhance in-person learning.… Read more →
Welcome back to the Business of Belly Dance series Part 2! Last week Georgia shared with us a really comprehensive guide to hosting events with celebrity dancers. If you missed it, check it out here. In the guide, she mentioned you should have a photographer/videographer record your events. This is really important for many reasons: Share the great memories with… Read more →
At Sparkly Belly, I like to talk about the Business of Belly Dance from time to time to share exciting things that will inspire new ideas for your belly dance business! To kick off this year’s series, Business of Belly Dance Part 2, I have an exciting guest post đ You know, a learning opportunity with a celebrity artist is… Read more →
Can I brag for a moment? đ One of my absolute favourite moments of running Sparkly Belly is when I see costumes that everyone created based on my tutorials and courses. When people share their photos with me via email or in Sparkly Belly’s FB group, they totally make my day! After running this website for almost 3 years, these… Read more →
I have to admit, Iâve been putting off making a 25-yard skirt for a long time even though I love the skirt and many people requested this tutorial. Thatâs 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 canât 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. Letâs get started! đ Click here to sign up for my FREE email course Belly Dance Costume Making 101! đ 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, weâll create this matching colour block mermaid skirt skirt by hacking my favourite mermaid skirt pattern! Letâs 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. đ One of the tips I included there was what I call the âBelly Drapeâ – Itâs a design created with fabric that drapes from the bra and provides light coverage over the top of your torso. Itâs really easy… Read more →
As a belly dancer, itâs important to wear a cover-up before and after performance so you make a great impact when youâre in your magical costume on stage. đ 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 →
A few months ago I did a review on Swarovskiâs shimmer effect rhinestone series, which was initially introduced to me by Alisa at Har-Man Importing. And last month, she sent me another new line of rhinestones, called Star Bright. Thanks, Alisa! Sign up for the free course & start making costumes! Star Bright is an Austrian Crystal collection, and Har-Man… Read more →