You know when you hear a song and you just HAVE to dance to it?
That’s how I felt when I heard this one.
(And I’m pretty picky when it comes to performance music.)
This fabulous song, Al Amoura, is such a wonderful mix of sounds, textures and folklore, and so much fun to dance to!
Enjoy this performace of Al Amoura and Hipalicious Drum Solo from a showcase in Houston, Texas.
There is nothing quite as powerful as dancing to the beat of your own drum… or in this case, your own finger cymbal creation! Belly dancers who play finger cymbals to create music for their dance are total super heroes in my opinion. So get heroic right here. In this video I’m teaching you a sweet little combination to dance with the “Flip Riff” finger cymbal pattern you can find on my channel here.
So be sure to learn the zill part first, and then dive into the dance to put it all together with me! Rock on, zillstar!
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If you enjoyed this video I invite you to continue your finger cymbal journey with my FREE finger cymbal jumpstart designed to give you the solid foundation that you need for total raq star zilling! You can find it at sahirabellydances.com/zillstar
Hey, there zill star!
The finger cymbals are an ancient instrument with a time-honored connection to Bellydance. While they have been used by dancers to accompany their dance with music for many years, did you know they can also be used without music as well?
Playing the zills acapella is awesomely empowering and allows you to literally create the music that you dance to!
In this tutorial, I will take you through some acapella finger cymbal basics and help you build an fabulous combination – The Flip Riff.
Watch out for the second video in this series where I will teach you the dance movements to beautifully accompany this fantastic pattern! 
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If you enjoyed this video I invite you to continue your finger cybmal journey with my FREE finger cymbal jumpstart designed to give you the solid foundation that you need for total raq star zilling! You can find it at sahirabellydances.com/zillstar
One of my favorite belly dance events is Fusion Evolution in Illinois.
I’ve been attending this amazing conference since the very beginning. It’s in the area where I grew up (just near Chicago) and always the perfect opportunity to mix teaching with family.
This performance video from the 2022 event showcases a bit of two dance ideas I’m totally in love with.
A good beladi.
And some acapella finger cymbals.
Enjoy!
Do you sometimes find it a challenge to keep the arms strong, mindful and elegant when you’re working to create all the other movements and isolations in the dance?
Arms and hands are often glossed over or even overlooked in belly dance classes, yet they are the frame for our dance and one of our longest, most expressive limbs!
Want stronger, prettier and more fluid arm work? You are in the right place!
Today, I will teach you three simple concepts that are easy to implement and guaranteed to quickly improve your arm and hand movements no matter what style of dance you practice or level you are currently at.
Ready to level up your arms and hands and your dance? Then dive in and let’s dance!
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Ready to find confidence, grace and health through the beautiful art of belly dance?
Join me here for a FREE 7-Day Belly Dance Jumpstarts and begin your journey today! SahiraBellyDances.com/Jumpstart
There is nothing quite like the freedom of dancing to the beat of your very own drum, especially when you provide the beat!
In this video I’m going to share with you a fabulous combination in my signature acapella zill style. We will use several zill sounds – the Basic, the Ring and Clack to build a cool acapella zill riff.
&a1e&a2 &a3e&4 & 5 & 6 &a7ea&8
I’m going to take you through the riff section by section and teach you to count and play it like the musician you are. So grab your zills and let’s make some music!
Take it nice and slow, and practice each section on its own to get the hang of it. And use the “if you can say it, you can play it philosophy!” Even if you say it on random syllables in rhythm it will help you be able to play it on your cymbals.
Once you’ve had a moment to try it, take a candid video of your practice and tag me so I can cheer you on!
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If you enjoy this kind of organized step-by-step instruction to help you zill creatively and with more confidence then you need to join me inside The Finger Cymbal Revolution, my signature online membership that combines the best of one demand and live interactive instruction plus an incredible community to give you the momentum you need to reach your zillstar goals.
Registration is open now and will close on June 1st 2023.
Whether you feel you’ve been spinning in circles with your finger cymbal practice, or are ready to take it up a notch to a higher level, there are five crucial elements your zill practice needs to succeed.
Join me for this FREE masterclass and discover what’s been missing in your practice and how to immediately incorporate these essential elements in order to achieve finger cymbal success.
And bring your cymbals, because we’ll be putting these ideas to work during the class to get you moving and making music right away.
Sign up now for this limited time masterclass and supercharge your finger cymbal practice today.
Are you ready to level up your zill skills and find confidence, creativity and connection in your finger cymbal practice?
Welcome to The Zill Challenge – an annual event that brings togethers hundreds of belly dancers ready to take their cymbal skills to the next level with a fun and engaging 10-day learning party.
During this unique challenge experience you will:
✓play new and interesting zill sounds
✓gain a deeper understanding of musical rhythm and timing
✓learn some really cool zill riffs
✓dance a short choreography while playing your finger cymbals
…all while being part of an amazing international community of dancers who LOVE to learn and grow with their zills!
You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with others, share your progress, receive support and encouragement along the way and WIN PRIZES!
Whether you’re a seasoned ziller or just starting out, this challenge will totally inspire and invigorate your practice.
So what are you waiting for?
Join The 2023 Zill Challenge today and become the zill star you are meant to be.
Doors close on May 15th at noon central.