Multi-level classes have a lot of advantages for students, and present a few challenges for instructors, but personally, I love teaching this way! For the student at any level, it allows them to move forward with new material on the skills they have mastered and take their time to improve those they are still working on. As we move from one movement or combo to the next, there are always options – provided the instructor […]
A few weeks ago I got an email from a dancer who used to enjoy playing zills but no longer could due to carpal tunnel issues. Following surgery she has limited hand mobility to play finger cymbals. She was looking for ideas on how she might still be able to use her zills in her dance given these new limitations. I thought this was an interesting question and one that certainly other dancers have had […]
Let’s do another zill playalong. We’ll play along with the main melody line from “Lylet Hob”. The underlying rhythm is Maqsoum, but by using a “bridge” and a variation at the end of the musical phrase we can make our playing much more musical. Take these concepts – the bridging and phrase-ending variation – and try them out with the melodies of your favorite songs! Lylet Hob Playalong
A student asked me this recently… Q. Do I have to play my zills for the whole song? And if I don’t, can I just stop and start wherever I want? A. No, you don’t have to play your zills for any whole song – in fact, you may be overpowering the softer parts of your music if you do. This is especially important if you are playing with band and/or a singer. The music […]
Hey there dancers! I was putting together today’s Daily Bellydance Quickie and thought I’d try something new. Here’s a “Zill Play-Along” for you to have fun with during your practice. You will hear me play a pattern, then repeat after me. There’s a metronome going in the background to help you keep a steady pace. Mahin’s Zill Play-along #1 Depending on your skill and experience level in playing zills, you can use this track in […]