Showgirls are Showgirls… Belly Dancers, Burlesque, Broadway, Vegas.. we all have one thing in common – we all LOVE to wear a hot and spicy embellished bra!
This season on Dancing With the Stars, we’ve been treated to a host of incredibly sexy, complex and lovely dance bras. Here are just a few of my favorites.
This first bra worn by Melissa Rycroft is cute-cute-cute. The bra has been worked into a cute little cropped top with a ruffled edge around the neckline and adorable cap sleeves. This style of top would look fantastic with a Mediterranean fusion costume. And isn’t that jeans-style belt treatment adorable?
Another fantastic ensemble is this light and fluffy two-piece ensemble worn by Edyta. Her bra is covered with rows of pleated fabric applied as a surface embellishment. This technique, used for centuries is known as ruching and is very popular in formal and ready-to-wear as well as dance costuming.
This costume is so fantastic, had such great flow, I couldn’t help but imagine an entire troupe in this simple, yet elegant ensemble. The sleeve treatment is fantastic, and though Edyta doesn’t need them, they would cover a multitude of problems.
The silk has such dramatic flow, fluffy and light. This patterned effect can be achieved with a spray-bottle of dye or fabric paint. Just be sure to use a light hand as you spritz your fabric and follow the directions of the product you choose to use.
(Check Dharma Trading, they have a large selection and tons of information on dye, fabric and dying techniques.)
One inexpensive and easy to make style of bra is simply a “shimmy bra” covered with rows of rayon chainette fringe. This lovely ensemble features a parti-colored two-toned color scheme made with four rows of 2″ fringe. Here Jullianne wears one, beautifully exicuted, proving that simple can look fantastic!
For dancers with petite bustlines, this style will add fullness when still and tons of movement as you dance. A simple row of sparkling trim can be achieved with rows of sequins, glass beads or a rich combination of beads and sequins together. To make a completely matching bra and belt, echo the same number of rows of fringe. Or, if you are feeling particularly flirty, you could make a straight skirt with a long slit, and apply rows of chainette all the way to the ankle.
Alternately, a chainette belt will look fantastic with a classic chiffon skirt or over a slinky mermaid skirt. You can find chainette fringe on the web. I buy mine from Lace & Trim online, but chainette is available from most retail fabric stores.
So if you are looking for inspiration visit the ABC website to view photos and full-length episodes of the latest season.
