PHOTO CREDIT: Above photo by John Rickman Photography, San Jose, California.

• On Costuming
• On Hair Styles

• On Skin & Makeup
• On Other Aspects of Appearance

By Shira

• Tips & Tricks Related To Costuming. Quick tips on costuming and make-up. Large number of new tips added July 25, 2009.
• Keep It Smelling Fresh! Avoid odor build-up in costumes and remove odors already there. Placed online May 5, 2009.
• What Makes It Professional? Costume upgrades needed when moving from student to pro. Placed online May 16, 2009.
• What To Wear On Your Feet! Explores pros and cons of different options. Placed online July 21, 2009.
• Dear Shira: I Want to Dance Barefoot! A reader asks why her audience complained about her bare feet.

• Dear Shira: A Jewel In The Navel? What's the deal with wearing a jewel in the navel, anyway?
• Dear Shira: What About Stretch Marks Or Surgical Scars? What options are available for covering them?
• The Undercover Story: What About Underwear? Advice on making appropriate choices for what to wear under your costume. Placed online July 6, 2009.

By Dina Lydia, the Costume Goddess

• Using A Chain Or Coin Bra/Belt Set. How to attach a bra cover to a bra, how to wear the matching belt.
• Buying Coins For A Costume. How to choose coins for matching costume items you already have.

• Tying A Hip Scarf. How to keep a beaded/coin hip scarf from sliding down over the hips.
• Gluing Rhinestones. How to glue rhinestones (and other items) directly to the skin.

By Shira

• How to Make a Rectangular Head Scarf. Includes ideas on how to wear it after making it.

• Hair Styles and Accessories for Belly Dancers. Ideas to make your hair as interesting as the rest of you! Added June 20, 2009.

By Dina Lydia, the Costume Goddess

• Hair Styles For Long Hair. Ideas for fixing your hair to look great on stage.

• Hair Styles For Short Hair. Stage-worthy styles for short-haired dancers.

• Basic Makeup for Dancers of Color. By Christine Millan. Added June 3, 2009.
• Dear Shira: What About Stretch Marks Or Surgical Scars? What options are available for covering them?
• Face It: Makeup Techniques for the Belly Dancer, by Meleah. A video review by Shira.
• Tribal Basics, Volume 2: Makeup & Costume, by Carolena Nericcio. A video review by Shira.
• Basic Makeup for Performance and Photography, by Azhia. A video opinion poll. Added June 13, 2009.

Photo to the right by Kaylyn Hoskins, Solon, Iowa.

• The Great Armpit Debate. Armpit hair - let it grow or make it go?
• Belly Dance and Weight Loss. Will belly dance help you lose weight?

• Too Heavy to Belly Dance? Can larger-sized dancers belly dance?