Put Together a Belly Dance Performance Bag by Susan Caplan

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

When a belly dancer begins performing she'll find it useful to fill a bag with the items she might need in an emergency.

 

The new belly dance performer will be most concerned with bringing all the components of her costuming with her to a show. However, with each performance, she may find herself wishing that she had things like extra bobby pins or aspirin with her. Instead of imposing on others time and again, it is simple enough to pull together a bag of supplies that will come along with the dancer to each performance.

If an individual helps to coordinate a lot of dance shows, she may want to compile a basket of necessities to leave in the dancer’s dressing room.

Belly Dancing Necessities

Unless a dancer is remaining hidden backstage, a cover up is a must. By covering belly dancing costumes, dancers prevent revealing their costume before they perform and they also avoid distracting audience members from the dancer on stage. It can divert the audience’s attention if a dancer is roaming through the audience in costume because people expect individuals in costume to do something. Cabaret, tribal, Goth, etc. – wear a cover-up.

A dancer may also find it useful to keep a pair of zills (finger cymbals) in her bag along with a neutral color veil (useful as an emergency cover-up or to include in a performance.)

Another necessity is a water bottle. Have a drinking straw handy for a quick sip without messing up makeup. A belly dancer may also want to bring along a couple of snacks, both light and hearty, in case the show is delayed or any food provided to the audience gets gobbled up.

Belly Dancer Health and Beauty Aids

Travel size health and beauty aids can allow a dancer to bring along a lot of items without taking up a lot of space. Some of these items have a shelf-life or expiration date that should get checked every so often. A dancer should plan on straightening through supplies a couple of times a year – to resupply, toss expired items, or inventory what she’s carrying around.

 

• Antacids
• Pain reliever of choice
• Tissues
• Tampons or sanitary napkins
• Spare contact lenses and solution
• Travel toothbrush and toothpaste or mouthwash or breath mints or gum
• Eye drops and/or spare contact lenses and solution
• Brush or comb and hair spray
• Barrettes, bobby pins, ponytail holders
• Body glitter
• Baby wipes (good for wiping off sweat before getting dressed in street clothes and cleaning the soles of the feet, particularly for the dancer who doesn’t wear shoes)
• Nail file, clear nail polish or nail glue (if the dancer has artificial nails)
• Small mirror in case the dancer can’t get near the mirror the show coordinator provided
• Makeup (although in most cases, it is best to put on stage makeup before going to a show – bring some things for touch ups
• Clear bandages (you never know)
• Disposable razor (in case the dancer realizes that she forgot to shave her underarms)

Avoid Disasters with Belly Dancing Outfits

Although a dancer should check the condition of her costuming before she leaves her house for a performance, mishaps can happen.

• Safety pins in a variety of sizes
• Gold and/or silver tone earrings, bracelets, hair jewels, necklaces, etc. just in case the dancer forgot to pack her jewelry
• Stain removing pen (handy for restaurant performances)
• Double-sided tape for quick fixes
• Static-cling spray (particularly with veils and dry air)
• Travel sewing kit with assorted color threads and a mini scissors
• Jewelry pliers (good for fixes on coin jewelry, bras, and belts)

Although this list may seem long, these items can fit into a large purse, or small zippered tote. Get in the habit of taking this bag to each performance. It might not be called for each time, but when the need arises, a dancer will appreciate having this bag of necessities with her.