Please talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Classes
Refer to your local Parks & Recreation Department or Continuing Education programs for Belly Dance class information.
Your regional yellow pages may contain instructor or training center information in the "Dance" category.  Look up restaurants that serve middle-eastern cuisine; if they feature belly dancing, you may be able to visit and speak with their dancers for local program information.
     Eastern Pennsylvania/Central New Jersey Classes

Costuming
Your performance costume should allow you to move freely and reflect your personality.  Professional dancers will have several costumes and bring a few to each performance.
Much of the work on a Belly Dance costume is specialized or hand sewn.  Be prepared to spend $300-$1000 on a single costume purchased retail.  Custom costumes can cost more.
Your practice costume should simply be form-fitting comfortable clothing; leotards and tights work very well, along with a scarf or material tied around the hips.  Using a hip scarf with "coins" is excellent since it'll help you determine proper technique, visually and audibly.
     Costume Alterations
     Costuming Links