I am going to distract my male readers with this picture while I ask the women a question. Kidding! How shallow would that be.....All men are eligible to weigh-in as well. Just didn't want you to be bored out of your minds...My belly dance instructor has scheduled a performance at the end of August. All classes are eligible to participate, including the beginner class that I am taking.
photo credit Alaskan Dude
I was very excited about performing (even considering my mediocre skillz) until I realized yesterday that we would need to have an "official" custom that will cost upwards of $225. The costumes look similar to these (not the sparkly one pictured above):
photo credit Reggie BibbsKnowing my history of hopping from hobby to hobby, I am hesitant to shell out the money for the performance, in that I may never use it again if I end up quitting the class at some point. It is not a requirement to perform. What do you think? Splurge and participate or wait this one out?
I've been scouring ebay for two days looking for inexpensive costumes, but we are not permitted to wear the cheap shiny, sparkly ones, which are in abundance on ebay. Another alternative is to make part of the costume myself. Me and sewing? bwwwwaaaaahhhaaaaa....would make for one lopsided costume!
Have you ever "invested" in a hobby only to quit it a few months later and felt like kicking yourself in the butt?
If you are planning a witty remark for the comment section, please refrain from insulting belly dancers, as I have henceforth added them to the "protected PC list." LOL
26 comments:
I say buy the costume. Even if you end up ditching the hobby, you'll have a Halloween costume for years to come...
Trust your gut on this one...no pun intended! I think that's a lot to pay even if you performed every day, but I'm a penny pincher!:-) On the other hand, it could be an awesome "once in a lifetime" experience...
I like the halloween costume idea. I know it's a lot of money, but maybe that'll keep you doing it.
If all else fails, by a cheerleading uniform! Most of those show off your stomach nowadays! Maybe that can be your new hobby ;)
I am all for getting the costume... But I used to be a dancer (not belly) so I am a little biased! I like the idea of the Halloween costume! It would be kick a**! Maybe one of your "more crafty" blog readers will help you out! Just throwing it out there! :)
I would see if the instructor might know someone who would let you borrow or rent one. If not, then buy the costume...your man might appreciate it! lol!
Gosh, I'm probably not a good person to ask, seeing how my husband claims I have a tendency to drop money on anything but I have always had this philosphy "You only live once and you can't take it with you" Probably why I will die broke but I guarantee you I will have had fun!!!
I say buy it. It would make a great Halloween costume. And like Alicia said your man will appreciate the costume too.
That seems like an awful lot of money to fork over for something that you are not sure that you're passionate about.
I think you've got great comments so far....
If you have the money to splurge, go for it!
If money is tight...like it is for so many at this time, sit it out or like someone else said...borrow.
It really does seem like a fun hobby though Carma...pretty cool!
There's always bartering! For my first (and thus far, only) bellydance performance, I traded artwork for a handmade costume that fit perfectly.
Surely someone has something you can borrow, or maybe you can buy just the more "intimate" bits and borrow the extras?
Fusion begs fusion, baby.
And stay away from the cheap stuff on Ebay. Blech.
I was going to say what other were too - that you can always use it again for Halloween, a little spicing up things (hmmm) - or you could even sell it on ebay - if there is not alot of them, someone may snag up on it if you are the lone "True" belly dancing outfit on there!
Maybe this will really encourage you to do it more - maybe you'll put on that costume & you'll be wanting to perform all the time!!!
Cant wait to see what you do!!!
Heres an idea. If you buy it and then drop belly dancing you can sell it on ebay, thus ensuring that if someone else is looking for one they can find it! See theres an idea :P
Come over and collect your bling!
I think if you are really loving the belly-dancing classes then go for it! Buy the costume! Life is too short to always worry about what things cost (like I should talk...i so need to take my own advice!!!). Just have fun!!!
Carma, sure you can make your own costume.
Ever heard of the Bedazzler?
I'm all for bartering and trading...because I couldn't (not just because I don't have it...but also because I'm so stingy) buy something that pricey for myself when I'm not sure I'll stick with it.
but then again, I have a hard time spending $60 for a good pair of running shoes...so you may not want to take my advice ;)
Spending money on random hobbies is pretty much my hobby. I'd go for it, though. Maybe you'll be motivated to continue if you've spent some hard-earned cash.
"Have you ever "invested" in a hobby only to quit it a few months later and felt like kicking yourself in the butt?"
Uh, do you mean that hobbies are supposed to last longer then a few months and not cost an arm and a leg?
Hum.
I personally jump HEADFIRST (that whole feet first thing is for pansies. And my MIL. But I digress)into hobbies and convince everyone around me that I MUST purchase all accessories involed in said hobby or I will fail miserably and my time will be for naught.
I wanted to make sugar cookies one time so I went out and spend upwards of $50 on supplies.
For sugar cookies.
I am not lying.
But I am fat.
So, I guess all I am trying to say is that I am the wrong person to ask even though you didn't technically ask me personally.
GO FOR IT!!
We're in a recession dangit! Obama wants you to heal the economy!!
Spend some money.
Its for your country.
Blessings!
Amanda
A close friend of mine was a member of a belly dance troop before being diagnosed w/MS and I can tell you those costumes are expensive. She said she could easily spend more on here BD wardrobe then she did on her daily clothing
why not....I say go ahead....and I have an award for you over at my place...come by when you can...
I have bits and pieces of lost and 'I'm not so good at that as I thought...', hobbies all over the house, Carma!
Could you not just invest in the belt thingie that they wear, and wear a tee shirt over a long flowing skirt, that you might have someplace in the back of your wardrobe, or be able to get via goodwill, or borrowing, as you say - It seems unfair to ask new students to fork out for the whole shebang, although it is very beautiful, and it may actually make you feel like a million dollars - So it may be worth it after all, Carma! x
oh my gosh, yes! I signed up for a cake decorating class and spent over $300 on decorating things. The class was 5 nights and I haven't decorated a cake since.
Hmmm...that is quite a bit of money, but it might be worth it. You deserve to do something for you and if you are enjoying this then I say go for it!
It sounds like such a fun thing to do, but that is a lot of money. On the sewing front, would anyone notice if your skirt was lop-sided with all the moving you'll be doing? Just a thought.
When I was in 5th grade, I decided to play trombone in the school band. Not long after, my mom caught me stomping on it at the end of the driveway waiting on the bus. I hated that stupid thing the first time I had to take it on the bus. It wouldn't fit in the seat and kept tripping people. They wouldn't let me quit until 2 years later.
hehehe...belly dancing is so cool and fun...I'm too shy to try it but they always make for great entertainment. I've seen belly dancers of all sizes and it really doesnt matter.
Thanks for stopping by my blog, looking forward to reading more of yours! ~Mika.
Can you buy from someone who went the year before? Or Google on a "used belly dancing costume" website? LOL
Good luck. I'm sure you will figure something out ;)
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