Marie silva-alexander bellydancing on Columbo episode

[jpeavler1975]

They actually teach stuff like that?

[DimaRakesah]

I was surprised to hear her say "now make it sensual, but dignified. It's not a strip tease!" which is very true! The beautiful costumes are typical of "vintage" American bellydance style, although as someone else pointed out we rarely wear costumes in class except for a dress rehearsal. Costumes are expensive and delicate! Damaging one playing dress up in class would not be good! And we certainly would not appreciate a man walking into our class smoking!

[Hecatean]

@DimaRakesah Yeah fair enough he had reason to be there, the police can't investigate murder by appointment, but he could have put the cigar out. Mind you in the 70's I suppose smoking in public places wasn't frowned on as much.

[heatherqamar]

OMG - classic old school costuming. Right from the old LP covers!

[shimyshake]

Columbo shouldn't smoke in the classroom haha!!

[buikdans]

This is one very rare example of a realistic bellydance scene in a tv-show. Only the costumes are a bit off. For dance practise dancers usually do not wear stage costumes and veils. Good job! Very nice to see this on YouTube

[cornflakesbaby]

@buikdans Yeah I have a friend who bellydances and she was telling me of the different costumes they wear and how they vary according to the performance, etc. I always wondered if Marie's really low-slung on the hips costume was authentic or not? :O

[lovpeppard]

@cornflakesbaby

Yeah, I was friends with Marie back when, and her outfit seen here is what she usually wore for shows. Wonderful lady. Miss losing touch with her.  Rita Dyan -Farah

[scepticreader]

Love, LOVE belly dancers! I appreciate this clip as I take it as a celebration of zaftig women....