FAQ

Shimmy Atelier Brand Story

A Collaboration of Craft, Vision, and Community

Some partnerships are planned. Others are rediscovered at exactly the right moment.

Shimmy Atelier began with a connection between RJ and Paula that first formed decades ago when RJ worked for Paula through her successful business, Paula’s Place.

Twenty years later, their paths crossed again.

Recognizing that their skills and experiences complemented one another, they created Shimmy Atelier — bringing together Paula’s decades of craftsmanship and material expertise with RJ’s understanding of the belly dance community and the creative vision needed to bring each dancer’s ideas to life.

Together, they share a simple philosophy:

The Right Garment for Every Person

Every dancer has a unique body, movement style, personality, and story.

A costume should not simply be worn — it should feel like it belongs to the person wearing it.

Shimmy Atelier is dedicated to creating pieces that are:

One of a kind

Thoughtfully designed

Made with quality materials

Inspired by the dancer’s individuality

Created with movement in mind

About us

Shimmy Atelier was created from a genuine appreciation for the dancers who bring this art form to life.

With an understanding of the many styles, traditions, and performance needs within the belly dance community, Shimmy Atelier approaches each design with respect for the individual dancer and their unique expression.

From traditional influences to modern fusion interpretations, every costume is designed to do more than look beautiful — it is created to support movement, reflect personality, and help each dancer feel confident in their performance.The Shimmy Atelier Experience

At Shimmy Atelier, every costume begins as a vision.

From the first conversation to the final fitting, each piece is thoughtfully designed to reflect the dancer’s personality, movement style, and performance goals.

Our extensive collection of fabrics, embellishments, crystals, trims, and specialty materials allows each creation to be tailored — from elegant performance essentials to extraordinary couture showpieces.

Whether you are stepping onto the stage for the first time or creating your next signature look, your costume should feel as unique as your artistry.

Costume Investment Collections

COLLECTION I

Atelier Essentials

Starting Investment:

$175–$300

Designed for: 

Students

New performers

Studio showcases

Budget-conscious custom commissions

Includes:
Custom design consultation
Basic pattern/design development
Quality performance fabrics
Simple embellishment options
Personalized color and style selection

Typical pieces:

Custom top

Belt/hip piece

Skirt

Simple accessories

COLLECTION II

Performance Collection

Starting Investment:

$300–$650

Designed for:

Stage performances

Professional dancers

Regular performers

Includes:

Custom fit and design

Performance-grade materialsEnhanced embellishment
Fringe, trims, and decorative details
Stone/crystal selection

Typical additions:

Glass stones

Rhinestones

Layered embellishment

Custom accessories

COLLECTION III

Signature Collection

Starting Investment:

$650–$1,000+

Designed for:

Competition pieces

Featured performances

Professional showcases

Signature costumes

Includes:
Extensive design development
Premium fabrics
Custom embellishment patterns
Luxury trims
Advanced construction techniques

May include:

Swarovski crystals

Specialty textiles

Intricate handwork

Custom accessories

COLLECTION IV

Couture Collection

Investment:

Custom Quote

For creations that are truly one of a kind.

Examples:

Competition costumes

Stage productions

Fantasy-inspired designs

Museum-quality pieces

Luxury crystal work

Specialty material applications

MATERIAL MENU 

Select Your Materials

FABRIC OPTIONS

Studio Collection
Affordable, versatile performance fabrics

Performance Collection
Enhanced stretch, texture, movement, and durability

Premium Collection
Designer textiles, specialty fabrics, luxury finishes

Signature Collection
Rare, specialty, vintage, or high-value materials

EMBELLISHMENT MENU

Choose Your Level of Detail

Classic Sparkle

Sequins

Basic stones

Decorative trims

Stage Brilliance

Rhinestones

Glass stones

Fringe

Layered embellishment

Crystal Luxe

Premium crystals

Swarovski accents

Detailed stone placement

Couture Artistry

Extensive handwork

Custom patterns

One-of-a-kind embellishment

CUSTOM PROCESS 

Your Costume Journey

1. Consultation

We discuss:

Dance style

Performance goals

Inspiration

Budget

Measurements

2. Design Development

Together we select:

Silhouette

Fabric

Colors

Embellishments

Finishing details

3. Commission Approval

You receive:

Design summary

Material selections

Investment quote

Production timeline

4. Creation

Your costume moves through:

Construction

Embellishment

Fittings

Final detailing

5. Final Reveal

Your finished piece is prepared with:

Final inspection

Care instructions

Delivery/pickup    arrangements

PAYMENT POLICY

Reserving Your Commission

A 30% non-refundable commission deposit secures your production placement.

Minimum deposit:
$75

Remaining balance is divided according to project size and complexity.

Luxury commissions may require:

Materials payment

Additional milestone payments

Multiple fittings

ADDITIONAL SERVICES TABLE

Create Something Unforgettable

Your costume is more than clothing.

It is movement.
It is expression.
It is the first impression before the first step.

Paula

Co-Owner & Couture Costume Specialist

Paula brings decades of experience in costume craftsmanship, garment construction, and creative entrepreneurship.

As the founder of the highly successful Paula’s Place, Paula has developed a lifetime of expertise in quality materials, design details, construction techniques, and the creation of exceptional garments.

Her extensive collection of fabrics, embellishments, crystals, trims, and specialty materials represents decades of dedication to her craft and provides Shimmy Atelier with an extraordinary creative resource.

Paula’s knowledge, craftsmanship, and material expertise form a foundation for creating unique, high-quality costume designs.

RJ

Co-Owner & Creative Designer

RJ brings design vision, creative direction, and a deep connection to the belly dance community.

With a history that began decades ago when RJ worked for Paula through her successful business, Paula’s Place, their paths crossed again twenty years later.

Recognizing how naturally their talents complemented one another, RJ and Paula created Shimmy Atelier.