Maybe you're feeling the economical pinch of the times, and a new designer costume isn't in the cards right now. While you're on a tight budget, you can give the costumes you already own a little TLC. With our suggestions, you'll have them in tip-top shape in no time!

Snagged Lycra

You can't fix a snag per se, but you can push it through to the other side where it won't be seen. Thread a needle with heavy thread, but don't knot the end. Stick the needle right into the middle of the snag and push it through; use your fingers to pull it all the way through on the other side. If your costume is embellished with heat set or glued rhinestones, you can set a rhinestone on top of the snag and further camouflage it.

Crushed/Worn Beads or Sequins

Sitting in your costume makes the fabric crease repeatedly at one point, damaging the beads and sequins. Salt from your skin can also cause the metallic coating to wear off. Preserve your beads and sequins by not "lounging around" in your costume -- when the show's over, take it off, hang it up to air out, and slip into a cover-up.

Worn Fringe

You can easily freshen up an older, tired looking costume by replacing the fringe. Dahlal offers Egyptian hand beaded fringe in 4" and 8" lengths by the meter. Many colors are available and you may be tempted to even change it up a bit!

Stained Lycra

It's best to treat spots or stains as soon as they occur to prevent them from setting in. Oil or food stains can be removed with simple bar soap. (Note: Liquid soap does not work as well.) Wet the area and rub lightly. Then run the area under water to remove the soap residue and use a towel to gently rub and pat it dry to prevent a water ring. Ink and marker stains can be removed using Eliminink.  Follow their directions and then run the area under water to remove the chemical. Glue stains can be removed with Goo Gone. Using a cloth, rub Goo Gone on the stain until it disappears or for tougher stains, leave the chemical on the stain and come back later, adding more if needed. After the glue has been removed, rinse the area with soap and water and lightly rub and pat it dry.

Soiled Bra and Belt Lining

Simply replace it! Use the old lining as a pattern, trace it and sew in your new lining.  The lining can usually be spot cleaned with simple bar soap and water as needed.

Three Tips for Ongoing Maintenance

1) Bring a sewing kit complete with extra sequins and beads to every performance, so you can address any issues on the spot as they arise.  Or at least try and tie off the thread to prevent any more loss. This way, one loose bead won't become 100 lost beads!

2) Once home, hang up your costume to air out after every wearing to let the sweat dissipate.

3) Although it's tempting to store your beloved costume in plastic, it's better to use something breathable, like a cotton pillowcase. You can even roll costumes in a bath towel.

When it comes time find an outlet for your rhythm and soul, it may be challenging to find the right style to match your unique personality. Finding a unique belly dancing style is intense, requiring different disciplines and movements to work in tandem with unique belly dancing outfits, add-ons, and accessories to create a dynamic display of movement and color. Dahlal Internationale is proud to be your source for quality belly dance costumes, providing durable and unique products to create or perfect your dancing wardrobe. From tribal belly dancing skirts to finger cymbals, we have everything in stock to help you take your routine to the next level.

For those who are new to the dance, it can be intimidating trying to find the perfect style and belly dancing outfit to create a fun, vibrant routine. Today, we’ll discuss a few of these entertaining styles to try and help you find an enjoyable school of dance. If you decide to move into other genres, be sure to shop Dahlal Internationale for the best belly dance skirts, tops, scarves, and more!

Cabaret Belly Dancing

Also known as Raqs Sharqi, Cabaret dancing was formed on classical Eastern dance and the West’s perception of what belly dancing is. Based on the classical routines and stylings from Middle Eastern songs of old, this modern form combines the old-school format with bigger, brighter feats. Cabaret dancing is based on entertainment value, featuring flashy belly dance costumes decorated with ornate coins, stones, and more. An ornate belly dancing outfit can be perfect for this style, focusing on stunning curves and class to create a sultry performance that wows audiences.

How you choose to represent your Cabaret routine is up to you. Classically, dancers have utilized skirts with jingling hip belts, creating a dynamic duo that captures each and every movement. Our lycra dresses are also perfect for capturing the essence of this hybrid style.

Taksim Belly Dancing

Also known as “Taqsim,” this style is often summarized as a free-flowing expression of the dancer’s inner feelings. It is important to note that this dance is not choreographed, nor is it common to rely on multiple instrumentals for rhythm. Typically, dancers rely on one instrument to provide background noise while the other leads the dance. This melodic improvisation was commonly used as a performance before a classical performance. Dancers rely on feeling and emotion to drive their routine, creating the need for belly dance clothing that is flowing and comfortable.

Baladi Belly Dancing

This phrase translates to “of the village,” explaining what the dance’s purpose is. Originating in Egypt, this proud dance routine focuses on communal entertainment, featuring little aesthetic flashiness. Dancers typically perform their routines in bare feet, opting for belly dance costumes that are more modest and less shiny. Unlike most belly dance styles, Baladi does not encourage bare bellies for the routine. While less aesthetically pleasing, Balada dancing does provide a rich and humbling visual experience for audiences.

Finding the right style to express your moves can be a challenge. It can be even more challenging to find the perfect belly dancing outfits for your unique routines! Next time, we’ll look at a few more dance styles that are commonly practiced across the globe. Anyone in need of quality belly dancing attire can benefit from shopping with Dahlal Internationale. Our affordable, durable belly dance attire is perfect for performers of all types and skill levels. Shop our online store now to get started!

It has come to our attention recently, that a costume designer has publicly stated that we have posted costumes on our site, listing their name as the designer, that are not actually theirs.  We have always been assured that every costume we have purchased from either a designer directly or through a second party were authentic to each designer before posting.  We respect our designers too much to even think of doing something like this and we would certainly never put our reputation as a business at risk. As a company who designs and develops products ourselves, we are aware of the challenges designers face and we would never intentionally put a designer's name on a product we knew wasn't their original work.

We have contacted the designer directly and asked about working together to sell and promote their costumes on our site. In good faith we have removed their name from the costumes in question.

How we size:

When we receive belly dance costumes from our overseas designers, they don't include any sizing information. We size each one individually and post the following measurements online: Bra Size, Ribcage, Upper Hip, Lower Hip, and Skirt or Dress Length. Most of these measurements, apart from the bra size, are fairly straightforward and allow you to know generally whether the costume may fit you. When checking these measurements, be aware that your ribcage measurement is not the same as your bra band size. To describe a bra's cup size, we take vertical and horizontal measurements of the inside of the bra cups and then assign a size that corresponds with the below chart.

If the bra size is larger than those listed on the chart, we assign a more specific size (44DD). If the bra is padded or is able to fit a range of sizes (like the Dina bras), we list the size to indicate this (B-C or C-D). When the bra is padded, we always note this in the costume's sizing information so you can imagine how it might fit you with or without padding.

How to measure your size:

Although measuring yourself can give you a ballpark idea of your bra size, we recommend a professional sizing in order to make sure you get the best fit possible. To do this, ask a seamstress or professional bra fitter (at a department store or bra shop) to size you. Alternatively, you can call us, and we can help you determine your fit. Of course, if you have any questions about the right size for you or if you don't see your size on our bra chart, please contact us at dahlal@dahlal.com for individualized assistance.

How to make a bra fit:

We realize that sometimes despite your best efforts to choose the right bra size, when you finally put the costume on it doesn't quite fit to your liking. Or you may fall in love with a costume that's almost the right fit and resolve to make it work. Fortunately, there are many tricks to making a stubborn or almost-fitting bra work for you.

First, consider adding bust pads to any bra that is one to two cups too big. Also, the ribcage measurement can be adjusted by moving the bar closures for the hooks in back. These are both simple steps that we often recommend, and we can make these alterations to your costume for a small fee.

Sometimes, particularly on Dina style bras, the straps have been set so wide that they can cause a gap between your bust and the bra cup.This can easily be fixed by moving the straps in which will pull the cups closer to your bust and eliminate any gapping.

If the bra cups are one size too small, assess the accessories that came with your belly dance costume. Can any of the sleeves, headbands, or cuffs be repurposed to add more coverage on the bra? Next, check the costume for appliques or extra fabric in the skirt that could be removed and reattached to the bra. Remember that we can always suggest alterations that will help ensure a better fit, or we can work with you to come up with a creative solution. This is when the price is tempting but the fit is imperfect; just don't be afraid to do a little adjusting! With a little bit of time and work, you can have the costume of your dreams, even if it didn't look that way in the beginning.

I chose three composers who have changed the face of Arabic music with significant contributions towards it's evolution around the world.

Founding Father -- Considered one of the most important composers of 20th century Arab music, Mohammed Abdel Wahab is well known throughout the Middle East. Influenced by European symphonies, American popular songs and Spanish and Latin dance music, his unusual mixture of styles has drawn many fans and affected almost every Arab composer who followed him. Mr. Wahab virtually transformed the face of Arab music. Under his direction 40-50 piece orchestras became a norm, experimentation with western instruments lead to the use of the clarinet, saxophone, accordion, cello, string bass, slide guitar and electronic instruments and long instrumental introductions and interludes became a part of traditional song forms as a result of his compositions.

In his lifetime Mr. Wahab wrote more than 250 songs and some 50 instrumental pieces. Examples of two of his well known instrumentals are "Aziza" and "Bint al-Balad". Many of the songs written for Umm Kulthoum and Abdel Halim Hafez were composed by him.

Selections of his work:

VOS 10020  Belly Dance with Om Kalssoum    

VOS 10023  Belly Dance with Aziza

Prolific Protege -- Baligh Hamdi was destined to become one of the youngest Egyptian composers to soar to stardom. After studying music for several years, one of his teachers wanted him to become a singer but Mr. Hamdi was interested in composing more than anything else. In an effort to get the great singers of the day to take notice, he began setting poems to music. Soon after Mr. Hamdi's composition style began to unfold when he took a serious interest in Egyptian folk music. In 1959, when he was only 27 years old, Umm Kulthoum recognized his talent and used one of his first songs, "Elhob Eih", launching his career as a composer.

A humble man, Mr. Hamdi always looked for inspiration for his works in local tradition and from his national heritage, as did his wife and muse of 10 years...the Algerian chanteuse, Warda Al-Jazairia. Some of his famous compositions include "Sawah", "Gana El Hawa", "Zay El Hawa" and "Mawud" for Abdel Halim Hafez, "Alf Leila", "Ya Wahishri", "Sirt El Hob" and "El Hud Kullu" for Umm Kulthoum and "Eluyun Essud", "Khalik Hena" and Esmauni" for Warda.

Arrangements of his work:

HMC 1240      Belly Dance Around Egypt

HMC 1252      A Tribute to Abdel Halim Hafiz

MMMICD001  Said Mrad Plays Baligh Hamdi

Passion and Principle -- Farid El Atrache was born in Syria in the early 1900's but later moved to Egypt as a child where he eventually became a naturalized citizen. Highly regarded as a composer, singer and musician by the Arab world, his musical career spanned four decades.

Conservatory trained and apprenticed to renowned composer, Riyad as-Sunbaty, Mr. El Atrache had the skill to blend western musical influence while always staying true to the principles of Arab music. A tempestuous relationship with Samia Gamal, famed beauty and oriental dancer, may have tempted him, but he chose music over marriage...fearing it would kill his art form.

Some of his most famous songs include "Gamil Gamal", "Ya Gamil Ya Gamil", "Ya Habaybi Ya Ghaybeen", "Eish Anta" and "Wayak".

Examples of his work:

VOS 10027  Belly Dance with Farid el Atrache Vol. 1

HMC 1189    Tribute to Farid Al Atrash

HMC 1197    Tribute to the Great Farid El Atrash

This recording includes pieces by all three composers:

VOS 10068  Belly Dance Compilation

All of these CDs can be found on dahlal.com for purchase.

OUD Like the piano in American music, the oud is the primary instrument used when composing Middle Eastern music. Characteristically, it produces a deep, mellow, plucked sound that offers a great deal of versatility. Listen for the oud's musical phrasing and mimic it in a traditional manner by executing small shimmies.

Good examples of the oud can be found by viewing or listening to:

CD: Belly Dance with Aziza (VOS10023)

DVD: Fifi Abdo, "The Egyptian Star" (FAPV1)

VIOLIN The violin is a "stretchy", soulful instrument. Generally, violin taxims are structured specifically for dancers. Think of internal movements such as undulations and figure eights when interpreting its melody. Any recordings by Abboud Abdel Aal, Georges Lammam or Rafic Hobeika (who used to play for Nadia Gamal) present prime examples.

CDs: Belly Dance with Farouk Salame and Abboud Abdel-Aal (VOS10007)

        Belly Dance for Arabian Nights (AACD1)

        Fyom Weleleh by Georges Lammam

KANOUN A plucked instrument that is difficult for musicians to master, the kanoun possesses the capability of sounding like more than one instrument. Since the kanoun's melodies are often vibratory in nature, keep your movements low in the hips, standing in place while following the kanoun's phrasing.

Good examples to reference:

CDs: Samasem presents Music for Oriental Dance, Vol. 2 (SCD01)

        Spectacular Rhythms from the Middle East (VDLCD505)

        Stars of the Casino Opera (PIR 1361)

DVD: Lucy and Dina (HMCPV02)

NAY The nay produces an airy, earthy sound. The nay player often "carries on a little conversation" with himself while playing. Your movements should follow the phrasing of the breath by listening carefully for it; rest briefly during a pause, then pick up the melody once it begins again.

Examples to study:

CDs: Suleyman the Magnificent (13023-2) or any recordings by Faruk Tekbilek

        Egyptian Bellydance by Bashir Abdel 'Aal (MCE-EUCD2178)

ACCORDION Since it uses air to generate its sound, the accordion can have a breathy, yet vocal quality. Listen for its phrasing as it moves "in and out" of its tonality. Because of the accordion's unique character, a wide range of movements can be executed from slow undulating to more staccato hip responses.

Perfect examples to listen to:

CDs: Spectacular Rhythms from the Middle East (VDLCD505)

        Belly Dance for Arabian Nights (AACD1)

Albums such as "Al-Hawanem", "Stars of the Casino Opera" and "Journey of the Gipsy Dancer" are great study guides that feature all of these traditional instruments. All of these CDs and DVDs are available on dahlal.com.

Sometimes a few changes to an existing product can transform it into a unique customized performance piece. In creating Dancer's Designs at Dahlal Internationale, we looked at how we could make one of our scarves into more than just a hip wrap. In doing so we came up with innovative top, skirt and accessory ideas and passed them along to our customers. Tatiana of El KhmAseen in Canada shows us a prime example of how a few changes to our "Streamers & Confetti" Printed Aziza Dress, turns it into a customized belly dance troupe ensemble. By altering the neckline and adding narrow metallic velvet trim to match their color coordinating custom hip scarves and headbands, she's created an elegant, professional look for stage for very little money and only a few hours of her troupe's time. Congratulations, El KhmAseen, for a job well done!

Sekhmet Body Stockings by DAHLAL