Khaleegy Thobes

For those who are wondering what Khaleegy thobes are, they are bright oversized, overdresses that are worn without hip belts. These are worn when dancing Khaleegy, which is a style of dance and music from the Persian Gulf or Arabian Gulf region.  Traditionally, women would dance this in pairs or groups for their own entertainment at special events, such as weddings.  The Khaleegy thobe is also used as a prop in the dance by holding it in front like an apron and swinging it from side to side to catch the wind, or the sleeves would be used like a veil or a hood to frame the face. Common movements in the dance would be limping, gliding footwork, hair tosses, shoulder rolls, arm movements, hand shimmies and lots of spinning.

Serena Shimmywear has brought in a new shipment of Khaleey thobes, in many different colours! One size fits all though, and there may be cases where the thobe is much too long if you are a petite dancer. The thobe is longer at the back than the front and it is meant to trail behind you, but if you feel it is too long and you keep tripping over yourself, tuck the back mid-section of the thobe into a belt which you can wear underneath (or into the waistband of your skirt /pants during practise).  Just make sure there is allowance for you to hold the sleeve overhead and the back is not so short that your feet can be seen; you have to look like you are gliding in the dance.  Please try not to alter the thobe as it will mean removing the beautiful embroidery along the hem!

If you have more tips about Khaleegy costuming, please feel free to advise!

For individual close-up shots and details, please view Serena Shimmywear's Facebook page here.

Update: Some colours have sold out! Colours available: Black, maroon, sapphire (purple), red and jewel blue.