One of the oldest types of dance originating from India is the belly dance which is mainly performed when a woman is being prepared for marriage. It is mainly danced barefooted by both men and women. Children are also not left out. This occasion is usually very colorful. Costumes of different colors accompanied by other accessories such as swords, snakes, huge flaming candles and belts made from coins are worn. In the past such a belt was mainly worn to symbolize wealth.
However, its history and origin is controversial because the dancing consists of a mixture of cultures from Lebanon, Arabic Gulf, Turkey, North Africa and Egypt. Belly dancing gained popularity in America in the seventeenth century and in the nineteenth century it gained global popularity.
The gypsy belly dance costume is commonly referred to as “bedlah” a term originating from the Middle East. “Bedlah” is a suit comprising of fringed fitting top made from beads or coins, a fringed belt also made from coins or beads and a straight or round skirt. A veil is also worn to make the movement of the hands while dancing more conspicuous. However, in India a full beaded dance which is designed in accordance to the dancing is used. This type of dress is also common in the American and European folk dance setting. A gypsy belly dance costume can also be in the form of a skirt, bra, hip belt, neck bands, face veils, and shoes which is an optional accessory.
Today, the same concept is being used to design the gypsy 05 line which composes of organic maxi dresses and other leisure clothing items such as sweats, hoods and sweat pants among others. This concept is also being used to design pirate, wizard, race driver and Halloween costumes for both adults and children.
Tags: bra, face veils, gypsy belly dance costume, hip belt, hoods, India, neck bands, organic maxi dresses, shoes, skirt, snakes, sweat pants, sweats, swords
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