The Birth of Belly Dancing Jewelry
The thought of a belly dancer for most people conjures up the image of a beautiful woman adorned with expensive looking jewelry and hardly any clothing. This is an appealing image for most people and describes many belly dancers out there. Interestingly, the jewelry commonly pictures is a recent addition to the tradition belly dancing outfit.
It is easy to extract from the symbolism is of expensive belly dancing jewelry that belly dancing is associated with fame and wealth or perhaps the activity of the extremely rich. This is very far from the truth. This view of belly dancing is largely a wester invention and holds little resemblance to the traditional belly dancing of the middle east.
The popular belly dancing jewelry we are familiar with- the jewel in the belly button- was in fact a creation of Hollywood. It was merely a way to get around touchy censorship laws that required the navel to be covered. The use of jewelry provided an attractive way around this and still allowed hollywood to reveal much of the midriff.
Although the jewelry we commonly see today is largely a result of Hollywood’s affect on belly dancing, many believe this is traditional attire. The truth is that belly dancing jewelry is quite rare in most places around the world. Many times no jewelry is worn at all and most of the body is kept hidden underneath modest clothing.
Belly Dancing Clothing
Instead of expensive belly dancing jewelry, most traditional belly dancers relied on simple yet beautiful fabric to use while dancing. Fabric was often used as a prop while dancing to compliment the rhythmic movement of the dancer’s body. Clothing and jewelry should not detract from the dance.
The clothing for belly dancing should not be restrictive at all. It should allow the body to move throughout its motions unhindered. This is why a full length gown was often used. Many places do utilize a shorter skirt and some places do expose the midsection but it depends where you are in the world.
Whether or not you decide to wear traditional clothing or more modern clothing is completely up to you. Although most belly dancing jewelry we see is not traditional, many people still enjoy its aesthetic enhancement. Ultimately you will have to decide on the outfit and adornments that fit your personal style and taste.