In this photo my friend Cathie is second from the right in the blue top with shoulder cut outs and beads. It's kinda caby, and probably strong enough to withstand a couple more lightweight sequin appliques as is, and a lot more if a bra is sewn inside. I don't know where she got it, but if this is what you're looking for I'll ask her
picasaweb.google.com/Discove...50258178

Fariha's right, heavy beading, like on cab bras, will pull most fabrics out of shape, esp knits.

This top came from Scarlets Lounge people.tribe.net/8661b372-...fa9a069af9 There's a bra sewn to the inside, the bra helps the soft knit velvet maintain shape and molds the top to my body. With a bra sewn inside, this top could support sequins and light fringe or pailettes. But not with out the bra.

I understand that you are looking for a top rather than a bra. But if you want lotsa lotsa on the top, I think the old standby of decorated bra and keyhole top is the best solution. Yes, they are two separate pieces, but if the bra is covered from the same fabric that the top is made of, and the top is shaped to dovetail exactly with the shape of the bra cups, and the decoration is arranged over both pieces as if they were one, it will look like one. I think maybe that last point is why you are shying away from this solution? Usually even when the top and bra match, the decorations, like fringe, are arranged very separately on the bra and top.

In first photo above I am in green and yellow on the far right. The green top has lots of beads sewn right onto it. I thought because I was edging with brocade ribbon and the fabric was woven, that it might support the weight of the beads. It does not. I really should have sewn a bra inside it, instead, the top is snapped to a bra at the shoulder seams, side seams, and center front.

I personally do not feel comfortable dancing in a bra only and always wear some sort of little vest or top. But that's just me :)

Did you talk to Gail about this? She could make you a top with reinforced cup inside and if you wanted to save money - you could do the beadwork on it yourself. I know you are handy with that ;-)

She IS the miracle worker, after all...

Mahin

Will do.

The style I saw had what I would guess were sequin appliques sewn here and there, on what might be a gorgette or crepe type fabric (not a lycra, as in the photo). I would imagine that it would still be pretty light.

Also...

www.dahlal.com/default.aspx (search for Item # AU04-02 if it takes you to a generic page)
www.dahlal.com/default.aspx (Item # OO0521)
www.dahlal.com/default.aspx (Item # M03-18)