Wondering how to make troupe costumes for different body types?
Limited resources and limited budget… but you want your troupe members to look and feel awesome on stage!
Don’t worry, it’s such a common challenge for belly dance troupes, and today I’m really excited to share with you troupe costuming ideas by Robin!
Robin is a Sparkly Belly reader and the troupe leader of Raqs Bahdi’a at Amira Dance Productions in Wichita, Kansas. She has been outfitting her troupe members beautifully using Sparkly Belly recourses.
Robin has generously shared her work and stories with me so we can all learn from her!
Keep reading, and get inspired!
Troupe Costumes Created by Robin and Raqs Bahdi’a
Costumer: Robin Koch “Rehenah”
Troupe leader for Raqs Bahdi’a at Amira Dance Productions in Wichita, Kansas
Facebook.com/amiradanceproductions
Used bra workshop technique with inspiration from your one-hour bra for the neck straps. 3 panel skirt pattern and the quick ruched overskirt in place of a belt.
Everything about this costume looked sleek and put-together. The overskirt accentuated curves on our very different body shapes, the skirt moved beautifully when we turned, the bra was so secure we didn’t have any worries with our intense double veil work.
Quick 10 minute no-sew skirt. We did but a real seam in and this skirts were so no hassel and didn’t need a belt. Bra was a d-ring tie back.
The blue and green costumes were from a professional costume maker. We had to make the purple ones match and I think we did great. 10 minute no -sew skirt (we sewed a seam) and the swag on the bra. Bra from costume workshop.
Nude panel cut out aurora skirt and vine appliques.
Perky ruffles on panel skirt. First time sewing with fishing line…but came out exactly as hoped!
5 panel skirt…look at it spin!
Costume workshop belt and bra! One of my early complete costume projects!
How The Troupe Approaches Costume Making
Each year, I make an inspiration board of designs for costumes and then turn to what patterns I have available from you to make the design happen.
I pick out some fabric options (we are working on about a $75-$100 budget per costume max) and decoration options. This year, we turned to bridal stores on Etsy for appliqués, but we have a dancer that has made your appliqué design for us, and we’ve tried the vine applique process.
I usually buy brooches for a focal point when they are 50% discounted as well as gemstones with o rings that are supposed to be used as wall decor in the bridal aisle of the craft store. They are plastic, but on stage look beautiful and have lots of movement! We decorate the skirt this way to avoid needing to make a belt.
I have the dancers come to my house and we work together to cut all the skirt pieces and bra straps. I do all the machine stitching for the skirts and straps, but I’ve taught each girl the method for covering the bra cups, sewing the straps on, and adding embellishments. We’ve been doing this for years!
I was never taught how to properly sew, so when I became a dancer I really had to learn on the fly. I appreciate your tutorials taking us step-by-step through drafting patterns to the finishing touches. We’ve been able to costume so many body types and look cohesive, performance after performance. ❤
Tip On Costuming For Different Body Types
I have each girl pick her own bra and strap style, as well as the place she would like to make the focal point through ruching the bra fabric or adding an embellishment.
This is how we make sure each bra fits well and draws the eye to the place where every dancer feels the most confident.
We keep cohesiveness by sharing the same fabric color and print and picking a skirt style that is universally flattering.
Thank you for sharing all your beautiful work and tips, Robin!
Hope you enjoyed Robin and her troupe’s gorgeous outfits and got some new ideas to try!
I personally love that Robin has taught her troupe members how to make their bras and sew decoration. It’s empowering for all dancers, and they can make sure their bras fit well and they love the designs!
Now do you have troupe costuming tips you’d love to share? Please email me at mao@sparklybelly.com and I’d love to feature you and your troupe in my future post!
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P.S. Pin this image for inspiration!
Like what you read? Want to make more costuming bits yourself?
Learn more and sign up for my free email course, Belly Dance Costume Making 101 here!