What to wear?

Arabic dance conjures up images of the cabaret dancer with sequinned bra and belt and a few flimsy veils. In certain contexts, for certain dancers, this is pretty accurate - but such a look is not compulsory and is certainly not for every one.

The basics - skirts and tops

A gorgeous costume is not appropriate for normal class or workshop wear. Not only is there the problem of sweat and grime - and most sequinned costumes are not easy-clean - but strings of glass beads can be very dangerous to you or your fellow dancers if the break (which they often do).

In the UK generally dancers adopt a classic look with a long, full skirt (often circular) worn at hip level with a body hugging top of some sort (leotard, crop-top, 'body' or similar). The skirt gives you freedom of movement, looks good and allows you to waft about and get a feel for the movements. Some teachers prefer their students to wear leggings rather than skirts so that they can see what their student's legs are doing. If you are not sure your should check with the teacher or organiser of the workshop so you know what to expect. If the class or workshop is on Baladi style you may be asked to use a tighter skirt as this style of dance is generally performed in 'cocktail-type' dresses which have narrow skirts with side slits.

Hip-belts

Most dancers like to have some sort of belt or shawl around their hips while dancing. The belt helps the dancer be aware of their hips and the movements they are making. A coin belt gives instant feedback on how well you are doing any of the percussive movements and shivers and so are invaluable for a beginner. I have known many students feel that they are 'not doing anything' until they borrow a coin belt and can hear the movement they are achieving.

Although it is possible to make a coin or fringe belt this can be a difficult job and the materials are often costly. There are now any number of web-sites available to help you buy a belt and there is a huge range of types and prices. This is one item that I would really recommend people to buy early on in their studies. If you get a chance to handle a belt before buying look out for one that is well made and LOUD.

Shoes

Dancers generally work bare-foot, but in some class situations you may need to wear shoes, for instance if the room is carpeted or has a cold floor. Ideally if you wear shoes that should be flat, snug fitting and have a soft sole that will allow you to twist and turn but not be too slippery. Ballet shoes (with soft toes) are ideal and there are other similar shoes sold for martial arts work that can be useful. You should always check with your teacher that your shoes are acceptable as some studio floors can be damaged by using incorrect footwear.

Most people can get used to working bare-foot or in flat shoes, but some of us, especially after a lifetime in high-heels find the flat foot position uncomfortable. This can be a problem as using any sort of heeled shoe will alter the way in which you stand so it is generally better to try to do without. If you simply must have a shoe with a heel then you need to get a good quality dance shoe that will provide suitable support.

Veils

At some stage you will probably be involved in veil work. A simple veil can be made from a piece of chiffon or similar material, or you may find a ready made veil from an Asian dress-shop. The key feature of the material is that it should be soft and not crease, it should be light enough to float on the air if tossed up.

You will need a length a little over 2 meters long - it should be long enough to drape over your shoulders and extend a little beyond your outstretched hands. The width of the material is also important. You should be able to waft the veil around without the edges trailing on the ground. Unless you are very tall the standard 45inch width of many types of material will probably be a little too wide so you will need to trim and hem to get a satisfactory veil.

You can buy veils with beaded edges from various outlets. These are very satisfying to work with as the edging adds a little weight and makes the veil move more dramatically - however these are expensive for a beginner. One way of achieving a similar effect is to sew a few beads or coins on each corner of a plain veil.

Malaya-lef

A Malaya-lef is a huge, usually black, veil made of dense and slightly stretchy material. In its authentic setting it is simply a plain cloth used as a modest cover-up when women go out into the streets. As a dance accessory a mayala is often edged and trimmed with sequins, but these are expensive items especially as dancing with the malaya is only one aspect of Arabic Dance so it's not an item you will use every session.

A good practice malaya can be made from a piece of jersey fabric - either cotton or synthetic. You need to find a cloth that is heavy, dense and stretchy - black and undecorated for preference. You will need a length that is sufficient to go around your back, cross over across your chest and then have long enough ends to dangle over your shoulders to about your waist level. For most of us this is going to be in the region of 3 meters. This sort of fabric generally comes in 60 inch wide lengths - you will need to cut it to size. The width of your malaya should be measured so that you can put one edge across the top of your chest (covering your bust) and have the other end just clearing the floor. You can add edgings, but the whole thing rapidly gets very heavy so don't plan on anything too much!

For performances dancers often use a specific style of dress to go with the malaya - this is something like a flamenco dress with lots of frills at the shoulder and along the hem. There is also a head-dress decked out with flowers or pompoms and slip-on high-heeled shoes. If you are going to be involved in learning about this style you should check how much of this kit you are expected to have.