Laziwayz Travel - Belly Dancing

Hello travellers, performers, suppliers, hobbyists, and all other enthusiasts.
And so we start our adventurous journey of understanding the different rules and regulations when travelling with your performance equipment. We kick off our tour with one of my favourites – Belly Dancing.

The most common and basic of Belly Dancing equipment is the Coin Scarf. This item itself is considered clothing and will not be a hassle when travelling, although I would suggest that this be packaged with your main check-in luggage and not with your carry-on. Airport procedures ensure that carry-on luggage is x-rayed and items may be confiscated when seen as a threat. “What threat could a Coin Scarf possibly be?” you ask. Well I know as well as you do that there is no threat. However, if nail clippers are seen as a threat, you can be sure one may come across a security guard who feels the same about the scarf.

Over zealous security guards aside, I need to discuss the issues when it comes to Crystal Embroidered outfits. These pose no threat, but may cause unnecessary delays at your destination. Airport x-ray machines are not only designed to pick up metals, but crystals as well. You may be called aside and your bag searched. This is only a preventative measure to catch diamond smugglers. Please follow the below steps should this ever happen to you:

• Remain calm and polite
• Do not lose your temper as you will be seen as guilty
• Answer all the questions regardless of how insignificant they may sound
• The Costume may be confiscated for a couple of days to get an expert opinion (worst case scenario for those people who do not follow the above advice)

The above will also apply when you have outfits that have a high metal content.

I am sure many of you are aware that men always have to be different… Oi! Some dance routines may require a male Belly Dancer to dance with swords. As exciting and hot as this may be, this poses many hassles when travelling by air. After 9-11, security has really tightened up regarding travelling with weapons, and airlines have different rules and regulations in place to prevent a repeat. Many airlines are happy when the swords are in a locked aluminium gun case and are checked in, however there are airlines that do not allow these at all and the swords may have to be shipped prior to your travelling. Please note that when you decide to check them into the aluminium gun case make sure you carry your invitation / performance details with you at all times. It is also highly recommended that you discuss your trip details with a reputable travel agent so that they may confirm the entire trip with the relevant parties before you head off.

Good Luck out there Belly Dancers and remember - It is not the movements that make a dance beautiful, it is the emotions that inspired the movements that make it beautiful.

Yours in Travel,

Ivan Marx
Fire and Light’s Travel advisor

Laziwayz Travel