Today, I’ve got some skill drills for you… with zills! We’ll be using two different patterns, then combining them. We’ll layer them over some footwork, then some arms, then put it all together! If zills have been a challenge for you, take it one step at a time. You can do it – I believe in you!! I’ve even created something special just for new (or frustrated) zillers, in case you want to check it out 🙂 […]
Your veil can make a lovely entrance even more beautiful and exciting! It can also be a main feature of your bellydance performance. In either case, turns and spins really showcase the beauty of the fabric and create variety and dimension. Today let’s look at ways to anchor your veil while turning or spinning to create different shapes and effects. What I call “anchors” come in 2 varieties – the kind your hold down with […]
This week’s combo is to a well-known and well-loved classic, “Tamr Henna”. This song is from the 1957 Egyptian movie, also called “Tamr Henna”. Naima Akef dances to this song in this famous scene. One thing I love about this scene…. she’s playing finger cymbals! So when you hear someone say “Egyptians dancers don’t play zills”… there you go! But I digress…. our combo this week has lots of footwork and direction changes and accents […]
This week’s bellydance combo is to the Arabic pop song “Shayef Nasak” by Mohamed Fouad. This is a beginner level combo, using some of the most common steps and movements beginners learn: Basic Egyptians Drop kicks Sways Hip drops Shoulder accents Although this a beginner level combo, the second half of the combo may be a little challenging if you are a brand new student – but keep at it and you’ll get it! What’s […]
This week’s Sunday -in-the-Studio combo is to the Syrian song “Fauq n Nahkl” (also spelled Foug El Nakhel or Foug Ilna Khill). The song’s title means “Above the Palm Trees”…. or “You’ve Got A Friend Up There” – depending on how you read the title in Arabic. At least that’s what I’ve been told by Arabic speakers – which I’m not. But here’s an article that can tell you more about that peculiarity. The version […]