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The List: Tribal Costuming Essentials
There are an infinite number of options, variations and combinations
of garments that will work for the tribal style dancer. More
than any other style of Middle Eastern costuming, tribal costuming
is about developing a wardrobe of mix and match pieces. Many
dancers start out with a core of pieces that they build from
to create different looks. One tribal belt and bra combination
can be coordinated with a selection of garments, accessories
and jewelry.
The tribal look is one of studied abundance. Dancers are covered
with layers of pattern and textures created by the interplay
of textiles and jewelry that swirl around their bodies. Everywhere
that jewelry can be pinned is fair game for the tribal dancer.
Here is a list of what is considered by many to be the most
essential tribal costuming pieces:
- Turban Cloth multiple clothes can be twisted
together to get even more voluptuous looks.
- Head Cloth or Turban Base This helps the turban
stick to your hair. Nubby linen or silk fabrics with lots of
texture make excellent turban bases, but a plain bandana sized
square of plain cotton fabric will work just fine.
- Choli There are two main varieties of choli,
the stretch choli and the traditional choli. In India, tribal
Ribari and Banjara women will skillfully cover their woven cotton
cholis with shi-sha (mirror embroidery,) applique and embroidery.
Stretch choli are usually made from cotton or silk blended with
lycra. Stretch velvet is quite popular currently.
- Tassel Belt The tassel belt is made from yarn
and frequently is mounted on a base covered with traditional
Indian textiles, jewelry pieces, coins and cowry shells. These
belts can come in both a fitted variety or, more commonly, that
ties close at center front.
- Hip Wrap The hip wrap is worn under the tassel
belt and is way to integrate different colors and patterns into
the ensemble. Hip wraps can be as simple as a length of 18"
fringe, or as complex as an embroidered textile with a row of
small tassels. Sometimes these can be worn alone, or under a
coin-style belt to protect the skirt.
- Skirt A very full, tiered or panel skirt is
an essential piece that helps to create the distinctive tribal
silhouette. Skirts can be extremely wide at the hem, and are
made out of cotton, rayon or silk. Their fullness allows them
to fly up when the dancer spins.
- Pants Because the skirts are full and fly up
during dramatic spins, pants known as pantaloons or salwar
are worn for modesty sake below the skirt.
- Shoes There are many options for shoes, but
no matter the style, they must be smooth soled to allow for controlled
spins.
Jewelry is essential for finishing off the tribal look. Most
dancers wear jewelry on their turbans, at their throat, wrist,
and some wear pieces as stomach drapes or on their feet. Dancers
slowly acquire their dowry pieces as they progress in the world
of dance, building up an ensemble. For more information on Jewelry
read the Building a Dowry
article.
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