Author Archive

» How to choose a domain name for your belly dance school

Most dance teachers use the name of their school as their domain name.    Bad idea!  Yes, I know you think I’m crazy, but let me give you an example. Cara Johns runs a belly dancing school in Townsville.  When I first created her profile on my bellydance directory, she was sharing a website with a Read More… »

» How to afford a designer belly dance costume

There comes a time in a belly dancer’s career when hip scarves are no longer good enough!  If you’re at the point where you’re starting to perform occasionally, you need a “proper” costume – and they are expensive!    It’s not surprising they’re so costly, given the number of hours it takes to bead a skirt Read More… »

» Tribal Belly Dance

Tribal belly dance isn’t, as many think, a traditional Middle Eastern folk dance.  In fact, it’s an American invention!  Tribal belly dance costumes draw inspiration from many sources including Middle Eastern and American Indian textiles. Well known tribal belly dancers include Sharon Kihara and Rachel Brice.  In Australia, Devi Mamak and Hilary Cinis are the Read More… »

» Where to Buy Flamenco Shoes?

Flamenco shoes are very unlike other dance shoes. So if you can’t afford real flamenco shoes at first, be aware it will affect your ability to dance.   As soon as you’ve decided flamenco is for you,  buy a proper pair.   Unless you live in a big city, you might wonder where to find flamenco shoes.  eBay is a Read More… »

» Belly Dance Body Stockings

Unless you have a perfect figure, you’re probably anxious about the idea of baring your midriff in a bedleh (belly dance belt and bra set).    Fortunately there’s a simple solution – a body stocking!  The best body stockings are strong enough to last (and to hold you in), but sheer enough to look attractive.   It’s Read More… »

» Origins of Belly Dance

I’ve read so much rubbish about the origin of belly dancing.  In particular, people are always referring to the book “The Dancer of Shamahka” as if it was a genuine historical document. It’s not.  It’s a romanticized memoir written by an Armenian belly dancer in 1918.

» Should I buy pointe shoes online?

Some ballet teachers will tell you not to buy  pointe shoes online, but I don’t agree.  After all, dancers have been buying toe shoes by mail order for years.   Ballet dancers who live in small towns and rural areas don’t have much choice – not everyone can afford to travel to the big cities to find a Read More… »