Next to yoga, belly dancing is quickly becoming a highly regarded physical activity amongst plus size women. Like yoga it was once relegated to slim women with nothing around the middle. With the increased interest in belly dancing grew the desire to have the appropriate clothing; although it isn't required it completes the feeling.
Imagine trying to find belly dance clothing in plus sizes over the last ten years. It has been slower to come than every day wear but thanks to people like Glenna, a lover and participant of belly dancing, women in sizes X to 4X can have the active wear their slimmer counterparts have worn for decades (sometimes even nicer) to make their dancing a serious hobby or profession.
Glenna calls Shimmy Sista a "labor of love". She formed Shimmy Sista, "a site specializing in clothing and accessories for the Plus Size Belly Dancer", in June 2008 after realizing the options for belly dancing attire were limited to non-existent for her.
Glenna started out peddling her wares at belly dance festivals. There was such an interest she took the logical next step and developed the Shimmy Sista website where she does most of her business. She ships throughout the United States and Canada (shipping information is not quite clear on website so be sure to email for specifics if you are uncertain -- she's quick to reply). She also offers private appointments in the Baltimore, Washington area.
You can expect to see new products on Shimmy Sista very soon as Glenna is working closely with a few manufacturers to design a new coin belt, tops and pants. She's also working to have all products presented with plus size models.
Finding lovely clothes that complete the belly dance look and still feel comfortable has always been a challenge but shops like Shimmy Sista are making it easier. They currently offer dance wear like unitards, tops, coin belts, scarves, and pants in sizes 1x to 4x. Reasonably priced too.
If you have taken the plunge into belly dancing be sure to check out Shimmy Sista and don't forget to sign up for their mailing list to get "members only coupons" and advance notice of new arrivals.
Visit Shimmy Sista for plus size belly dancing clothing.
