Bikinis and Bras to Belly Dance Top

This is one of those tips for those that like to get creative and make things themselves; in this case-practice bras for dance class.

If you are new to Belly Dancing, it's possible that you have started acting like a magpie- every shiny object catches your attention. If you like to create or like to sew, you have no doubt begun to develop ideas in your mind about costuming. Here is what you can do with a simple bra or last years bikini top. All you need is your imagination; some beads or trim; sequins and coins... the possibilities are endless. With just your imagination alone, you can create beautiful bras for dressing the part and getting in the mood for class; and baring the belly to really see how you are doing with the moves in front of those mirrors.

So, don't retire that Bikini from last year just because it's time to get a new one- Reuse. Recycle. Reinvent... dress it up and take it to Belly Dance Class! And as for bras- watch for your favorite bras on sale, buy extra and buy the colors you love. (preferrably underwired and padded to support extra weight of the decorating) There is no limit to how many ways you can decorate a bra for Belly Dancing.

The Belly Dance Practice Bras shown above were all created using Underwired Bras or Bikini Tops. Material used were sequinned trims, premade ribbon trims, coins, beads, scrap fabric, and even plastic jewels. Most of the trims with beads and coins were actually created from scratch. (in a future post, we will show you how to make beaded trims)

From the author: When I first took up Belly Dancing, I became obsessed with the wardrobe and the costuming. I started buying fabric and beads and trims and every type of bauble I found. Nothing in mind really... just started buying and creating. I was doing internet searches and looking into "how to do things" from other dancers and began making bras and skirts. I was buying hip scarves like crazy and was always getting very dressed up for Belly Dance Class. (overkill in fact) But this is what I wanted to do and no one stopped me. It got me "totally" in the mood and it was fun for me. I got some really great ideas about Belly Dance Bra decorating and (even bra construction) from Dawn Devine Browns Book- "Embellished Bras". Need to jump start your creativity? This may be the only resource you'll ever need.