Belly Dance is always a fantastic and fun low impact all-over body workout, but when you start to play with props things really get shaking!
The most famous of all belly dance props are the Zills, or finger cymbals. Worn two on each hand, this instrument is played rhythmically while the dancer performs her shimmies and undulations. A fantastic challenge for even the more seasoned dancer, learning to play the finger cymbals wakes up your inner musician and help strengthen your brain! A 3-yard silk veil is a floaty and fun prop used in Belly Dance. While this prop was originally introduced to the dance by the Western world, you can see dancers in the Middle East using this gorgeous addition for their entrance pieces today! One of the more folkloric props found in Belly Dance is the cane or assaya. This prop originated in a faux fighting dance done by men in the Said region in upper Egypt. Dancers today coquettishly wield the prop in an earthy and feminine dance said to mimic the movement of a dancing horse. Many other exciting props have been introduced to Belly Dance in the Western world including large golden wings that fan out gracefully from the dancer as she spins, fan veils that are fluttered while the dancer performance, swords deafly balanced on the head, and even snakes wrapped around the shoulders! Come check out Sahira's belly dance classes at Niamoves on Wednesday nights starting at 6:30… You never know what sort of prop you may find! (No snakes are used in class... So don't be afraid!!) |
AuthorYvonne Myles Archives
December 2017
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