BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Belly Dancing Hip scarve or Coin skirt??

I'm very new to belly dance, and im about to order delilahs absolute begienner DVD so i can learn^^. anyways i was wondering, whats better? a hip scarve or a coin skirt?? i mean to practice w/.

Thanks,
Tif <img src="/images/graemlins/easter.gif" alt="" />

Hip scarves offer a lot less distraction than coin skirts. I would start with the scarf. Even better, for a true beginner, start with loose fitting shorts... you won't be as self conscious while you learn new moves... especially the all time great "shimmy"! Then when you are relaxed with your body, move on to traditional clothing. Good luck with your new endeavor <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thank you so much <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> iv decided to order a beginners bellydance video and a hip scarf to get me started!!!

hi bellygirl,i am exited for you,let us know how you get on!


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This is wonderful!! You are going to love every moment of your new journey.

As MeSheWolf said, a scarf would be perfect for you. Select one that is not so heavy with coins. There are some like that and those type may weigh you down.

You can find a hip scarf for about $17. or so.

If you have thighs that rub, like I do : ) then go with yoga pants.

Please keep us informed of how things are going for you.

Blessings,
Ronnette "Rhani" Ramirez, Belly dance Editor

I'm a beginner as well, could you let me know if delilahs absolute begienner DVD is any good.

For trying to learn good form, I found that it was better to be able to see my hip bones (well, honestly, I'm not thin enough to see the hip bones, but let's pretend) Yoga pants sound like a good idea, I might try that. For the fun of costuming - whatever you like best and can afford.

I miss having beginning Belly Dance classes at the park down the street from my house!

Julie

I like to wear yoga pants with a hip scarf for practice at home. I've gotten a few good skirts at the thrift store too. A $5 practice skirt is totally worth it.

I encourage my new students to wear a coin hip scarf...why? Becuase you can 'hear' what your hips are doing!
Hearing the 'affirmation' of the coins jingling is not only fun and good for the soul, but being able to hear that you're making the coins jingle...and in rhythm is key!
Go ahead and add a coin scarf to your wardrobe!
Gia

get veena and ninas bellydancing videos...they are awesome. and they danced at brad pitt and jennifer anistons wedding...so funnn

I think I would like a jingle skrit or a coin skirt! but they dont make then in the 3XL size....

Actually, Moon Dance Belly Dance has an excellent selection of Belly Dance clothing including coin pieces up to size 3x. Here's the link:BellaOnline ALERT: Raw URLs are not allowed in these forums for security reasons. Please use UBB code. If you don't know how to do UBB code just post here for help - we will help out!

Salome's actually has the coins (50 for $15) that you can purchase and sew on your own outfit. Here's the link for that one:
BellaOnline ALERT: Raw URLs are not allowed in these forums for security reasons. Please use UBB code. If you don't know how to do UBB code just post here for help - we will help out!

My belly dance teacher asks that we don't wear coin scarves to class as it gets too noisy with a whole class wearing them and she winds up shouting to be heard over the music and all that jingling. So while I might wear one at home sometimes when I practice, I tone it down for class unless we are having a special fancy dress night.

[quote=M o e]Actually, Moon Dance Belly Dance has an excellent selection of Belly Dance clothing including coin pieces up to size 3x. Here's the link:BellaOnline ALERT: Raw URLs are not allowed in these forums for security reasons. Please use UBB code. If you don't know how to do UBB code just post here for help - we will help out!

Yes, Moon Dance Belly Dance is a wonderful site!! Our troupe purchased stuff from them. They come in quick!

When I took a belly dance class I used a scarf, but if I did it again I would go with the coin skirt. I think the noise of the coins helps you to get the moves correct. Have fun!!

To follow up on Rae's comment about coin scarves, one of my belly dance teachers (in Russia, a professional who has danced all over the Middle East) advised us that coin belts can be interpreted as asking for money, and that it's better to have other kinds of sequins and beads sewn on to your costume, which stll show the shimmy (but aren't so noisy!). I still have and like my coin garb, but thought people might be interested in this perspective.

I've got a page up on making your own belly dance costumes, and it's got links to how to do Shisha, which is the name for traditional mirror embroidery, plus pics of my belt-in-progress. I really wanted to embroider on velvet, but I don't recommend it for beginners...LOL I've still got one panel to finish and then I get to move on to lining it.

A hip scarf is less distracting. I find that you can easily make them or a sarong can be used.ASDA/WALMART) often have these in the autumn going for about $4.00! I enjoy coin belts and my tutor encourages us to use them also. I have a black and a purple one.I bought mine in a shop so, I dont know anywhere online that is reputable. perhaps one linked from a forum would be a good idea?

Thank you all for your input. I purchased a cute burgundy chiffon hip wrap with some sequins and coins from jaggedthorns.com.