Your first belly dance costume

You can be a belly dancer without investing in all the trimmings, but there's no denying that a striking outfit adds considerably to a dancer's allure. Here's how to put together the perfect first costume.

1. Do your research: Before you hit the shops, spend a little time doing some research into your likes and dislikes. Read books about belly dancing, look at website and watch DVDs, taking notes on the costumes that really jump out at you. Remember that what looks good on somebody else won't necessarily be flattering on you, so take into account your body shape and your colouring as well as your personal preferences.

2. Raid your wardrobe: If you're looking for a practice costume, then it could be unnecessary to splash out on something sparkling and specialist. Instead, look at the clothes you already have, thinking about how pieces might be altered to fit your requirements. It's possible to knock up a perfectly acceptable practice outfit from an old swimsuit, an elasticised skirt or yoga pants, and an array of budget costume jewelry.

3. Strategic investment: If you do decide to splash out, then concentrate your search in budget stores and pick just one or two items to form the basis of your costume. Low-price high street stores such as New Look offer plenty of women's dresses and skirts which can be altered for belly dancing. You could also consider purchasing belly dancing accessories from a specialist online store in order to supplement a makeshift costume.

4. Performance costumes: Of course, if you're facing the prospect of your first performance then the situation is rather different. At this point, you will almost certainly need to invest in a specialist belly dancing costume - although there's no need to buy brand new if you're operating on a budget. Look at online marketplaces such as eBay, and ask around among your belly dancing friends to see if they have any old costumes that you could take off their hands for a small sum. If well cared for, second hand outfits can be just as striking as brand new ones.

5. Do It Yourself: Finally, if you're handy with a needle and thread then you could consider making your own performance costume from scratch. There are plenty of costume patterns available for free or for a small sum online, and many produce fantastic results. Just remember that it can take some time to put together a perfect costume by yourself, so make sure you start sewing well in advance of your first performance.