10 Items for Performing in a Belly Dance Show
Last Updated on February 1, 2024
If you are performing for the first time or are relatively new to doing live shows, there are several items you might want to include on your list for things you could find very useful for the show. Below a look at 10 items to remember packing.
1. Make up and make up brushes
Makeup and make-up brushes – It is always useful to have these items with you when performing, even if you applied your make-up before leaving your house, just in case you need to refresh your make-up.
Do not forget things such as blush, eyeliner, mascara, foundation, lipstick, and glitter.
2. Costume and props
This may seem obvious, but make sure you do not forget your costume (including belt and bra set, skirt, Baladi dress or whichever outfit you will be wearing) and props.
If you are dancing with belly dance props, such as Sagat, cane, veil, sword, etc. it could be easy to forget them at home.
3. Items for the hair
These include hair spray, hairbrush, and comb, any bands or hairpins. Anything you may need to revamp your hair before going on stage.
4. Accessories
Including shoes, especially if you are dancing in a restaurant where you may need to protect your feet as the floor may be dirty; headpiece, if you have one; jewelry (rings, anklet, bracelets, etc.).
Last but not least, a cloak or a caftan or alabeya could be useful to hide your costume, if the place where you are dancing does not have a reserved area just for dancers behind the stage.
5. Music CD and a spare copy
In some venues, such as restaurants, you may need to take your own music CD and it is also a good idea to take with you more than 1 copy, just in case one got scratched and did not play well.
Even when you can send your music to the venue beforehand, I still like to take with me a couple of CDs with my music just in case.
I also take my iPod, in case it can be used for music.
6. A Bottle of Water
To drink before and soon after your performance. Some people think that this art form is not very active but you will find in fact that you can get as much or as little exercise as you want as hydrating as with any form or exercise, is important.
Also, fruit juices can be a good idea. Usually, I find that I cannot really eat before performing or even a few hours before.
Fruit juices are a good thing to drink to keep you hydrated, while also providing some sugar to keep your energy levels up.
7. Printed Directions to the Venue
A lot of shows take place in a wide variety of locations and venues and this can mean having to navigate to some interesting, unusual, distant, and new places including church halls, dance centers, and music halls.
Do not forget to pre-print a copy of the venue address, the telephone number of the organizer, and if possible a Google or similar map of the local area.
8. Items for emergency adjustments to the costume
It can be useful to take with you some safety pins, to keep bits and pieces in place.
Also, a travel sewing kit could be handy, just in case you need to make some emergency repair to your belly dance outfit.
9. Clean Change of Clothing
Also, if you are performing in a theatre with proper changing rooms and showers, you may want to take with you a towel, shampoo, and soap to freshen up after performing (especially if you are performing to energetic music, such as a tabla solo).
10. More Various Items
Other things you may need are a spare pair of contact lenses, spectacles, and a case to put them away; tissues; a couple of biscuits or nuts to nibble on (I find these particularly useful, as I do not like to eat much before the performance, but I do not like to perform when I am starving either ).
Finally, you will, of course, need money, your mobile, your house, and car keys, and all the things that you take with you when going out anyway.
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Dr Valeria Lo Iacono is a belly dancer and a dance researcher with a PhD in dance and heritage. Valeria also teaches and performs as a belly dance but also enjoys learning ballet, jazz dance and other dance genres.
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