Ugly? Gaudy, maybe. I'm not sure I'd trust the judgement of someone who will diss a costume just for being sexually suggestive (the "target" costumes). What are you supposed to dance in, a business suit? "If you wouldn't wear it to the staff meeting, don't wear it on the dance stage!"

Let me tell you, LOTS of dancers out there go for the outrageous and eye catching. MANY wear costumes that are ILL fitting either in the bust area or they are just too large in general for that style of costume.

The latest fashion RAGE in Egypt was the biker shorts look and the mini skirt. To the AMERICAN audience they want that ultra seductive, old style costume.

"Let me tell you, LOTS of dancers out there go for the outrageous and eye catching."

I happen to like "outrageous" and "eye catching." Heck, I thought belly dancing itself is supposed to be eye catching. If nobody notices you doing it, what's the point?

I guess it's a guy thing, though. Oink oink oink...

And why do you think we are all wearing BLINDING LIME GREEN and MAGENTA!! Cause its gaudy and FUN! HEE!!!!

Ellen - where do you hide the batteries for that costume?