PROPS OF BELLY DANCE

The Veil

The classic opening for a show!
Although not a traditional part of Middle Eastern Dance, veil work has been adopted as a common feature in many Belly dance performances because the veil highlights the grace and elegance of the dance and makes an impressive visual entrance. Made from chiffon or silk, a veil floats behind the dancer as they walk or spin. It can also be used to alternately hide and reveal the dancer. The use of two veils (double veil work) adds an extra layer of colour and vibrance.

Shamadan

The Shamadan is a candelabra which is dramatically balanced on the head during this dance. The candles' light is a symbol for lighting up a new path, so this dance is often performed at weddings. It is also appropriate for farewells, or any event at which a guest is embarking on a new pathway in life.

Cane

Also called an Asaya. Originally it was used to imitate or mock the men, and now often is twirled and used to frame the body in various ways in Baladi and folk dances. A woman dancing with a cane can be masculine or feminine in her use of it.

Sagat

Particularly popular in Turkey and in Ghawazee music. Dancers tend to play "the gallop"-1,2,3 pause, or one of the Arabic rhythms. Sagat can play along with the melody, and be used to accentuate movements. There are different ways of hitting the sagat to make different sounds. They are called Zills or Zilen in Turkey.

Sword

This prop is used mainly by professional dancers who have the technique and experience necessary to execute hip drops and shimmies whilst balancing the sword on their head. Often a scarf is worn, or the balance point of the sword roughened up to help it stay on. If it slipped, she could lose a toe, or worse. In Egypt it is not considered traditional although there are paintings of Ghawazee women dancing with swords.

Other Props

Dancers many props, from baskets, urns (Tunisian dance), trays (Morocco), snakes, wooden clappers (calpara-Turkish dance), scarves (eg North African and Persian), candles, fans, Isis Wings and capes. Often props used by belly dancers are not traditional, but they can add some culture, theatrics and spice to a dance.