Insider tips for a perfect belly dance look

No belly dancer feels complete without a glamorous costume to perform in - but it can be tricky to strike the balance between alluring and overpowering. If you're new to the belly dancing scene and on the search for your first costume then here's how to get it right.

Wear an inner belt: The most important parts of a belly dancer's costume are the ones that nobody gets to see. An elasticised inner belt might not be an item that you would normally associate with the glamour of belly dancing, but it's a must-have accessory when it comes to performance. You can make a belt yourself from a three-inch wide elastic strip, and it should help keep your skirt and underwear in place as well as providing a secure holder for tips.

Stock up on safety pins: If you take just one item with you to a belly dancing performance then make it a box of safety pins. Aside from being an invaluable aid in all costume emergencies, safety pins can also replace eye hooks, tailor a poorly fitting costume to the individual dancer and repair rips and tears in last-minute situations.

Your dancing shoes: Many belly dancers prefer to perform barefoot wherever possible, but sometimes it's more practical to wear shoes. You can invest in a pair of dancing shoes if you wish - but if you're keen to put together a costume on the cheap then high street stores such as New Look often have some fantastically glamorous shoes on their bargain racks. Match the colour with your costume, and choose shoes with bendable soles to aid your dancing. Cover up: Finally, spare some thought for what you're going to wear in between dances. Many belly dancers choose to cover up with a caftan when they have finished performing in order to interact with clients comfortably and professionally.