Journal

Belly dancers are taught the most common zill pattern WRONG all the time! (It kinda drives me nuts! 🥜)

Join me for a geeky finger cymbal Q&A and DRILL SESSION where you will learn why most dancers understand the most basic finger cymbal pattern incorrectly, and why this can make dancing with zills super confusing.

💜 JUMP TO 9:50 to get right to the zillin’ and drillin’! 💜

✨💃🎶 🎁 Snag your FREE finger cymbal jumpstart course! http://SahiraBellyDances.com/ZillStar

We’ll start with a brainy Q&A based on YOUR questions, and then move on to the CLASS so you can unlock better zilling AND better shimmies once you understand the difference between a true triplet and a three-quarter pattern (in both your hips and your fingers)!

And then dance a fun little drill with me that will test your coordination and your counting, and make you a stronger dancer at the same time!

🌟 Meet Your Instructor: Sahira is an international belly dance performer and instructor with over 25 years of experience helping women around the world embrace their confidence, creativity, and health through dance. She’s taught at festivals in over a dozen countries and has been featured in major media worldwide! Learn more at SahiraBellyDances.com

💃 Let’s dance! Hit play and start dancing now!

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DANCE WITH ME

**********

🎁 Snag your FREE 7-day beginner belly dance jumpstart course: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Jumpstart 🚀 Improve Your Shimmy: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/ShimmyTips

⭐️ Become a Zill Star: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Zillstar

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BELLY DANCE GEAR

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✨ Get a hip scarf and start dancing now: https://amzn.to/4jLNscv

💃🏻 Stunning and affordable belly dance costumes: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Costumes

🌺 My favorite practice tops and leggings: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/YogaDemocracy

🔥 Keep Calm and Zill On and Zillin Like a Villain Merch: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Spring

💖 The best finger cymbals on the planet: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/SaroyanCymbals

*****

Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I’ll receive a small commission. **********

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL

**********

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SahiraBellyDances/

🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SahiraBellyDances

🔺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@SahiraBellyDances

Get ready to master the most exciting and popular shimmy in belly dance — the Egyptian Shimmy — in this step-by-step beginner tutorial!

✨ Shimmy your way to more confidence, strength, and joy! Discover your most delicious and confident shimmy! 💃🎶 🎁 http://SahiraBellyDances.com/ShimmyTips

Whether you’re brand new to belly dance or want to finally feel confident in your shimmy, this class will show you how to:

✔️ Build the movement safely (protecting your knees and back)

✔️ Create a shimmy that looks big, luscious, and professional

✔️ Develop control and ease so your shimmy feels as good as it looks

You’ll learn all the foundational technique you need to get started, along with clear tips to help you dance with more freedom, fluidity, and fun.

🎥 Press play and start building your signature shimmy today!

👇 Like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering belly dance tutorials made just for beginners!

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TIME STAMPS

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0:00 : Introduction

0:40 : Perfect posture is key

1:53 : Build the foundational leg movement

4:01 : How to movement feels

4:56 : Pro tip #1 – Go SLOW

5:45 : Pro tip #2 – Try to RELAX

6:30 : Pro tip #3 – Try shifting your WEIGHT

9:00 : Drill with music

🌟 Meet Your Instructor:

Sahira is an international belly dance performer and instructor with over 25 years of experience helping women around the world embrace their confidence, creativity, and health through dance. She’s taught at festivals in over a dozen countries and has been featured in major media worldwide! Learn more at SahiraBellyDances.com

💃 Let’s dance! Hit play and start dancing now!

The music played in this video is by the fabulous Miss Thea. Find her music at https://missthea.bandcamp.com/track/jupiter

**********

DANCE WITH ME

**********

🎁 Snag your FREE 7-day beginner belly dance jumpstart course: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Jumpstart

🚀 Improve Your Shimmy: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/ShimmyTips

⭐️ Become a Zill Star: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Zillstar

**********

BELLY DANCE GEAR

**********

✨ Get a hip scarf and start dancing now: https://amzn.to/4jLNscv

💃🏻 Stunning and affordable belly dance costumes: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Costumes

🌺 My favorite practice tops and leggings: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/YogaDemocracy

🔥 Keep Calm and Zill On and Zillin Like a Villain Merch: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Spring

💖 The best finger cymbals on the planet: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/SaroyanCymbals

*****

Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I’ll receive a small commission.

**********

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL

**********

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SahiraBellyDances/

🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SahiraBellyDances

🔺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@SahiraBellyDances

🚀 Get bigger, better, more effortless shimmies with this FREE masterclass: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/ShimmyTips

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to:

✔️ Break down each component so the movement feels doable

✔️ Engineer the combo in a way that works for your body

✔️ Approach complex layers with excitement and curiosity

✔️ Build confidence by learning how to dissect any layering challenge

Whether you’re feeling frustrated trying to layer belly dance movements or simply ready to stretch your dance brain, this class will help you tackle tough combos with more ease and joy.

🎥 Hit play and give this layering challenge a try!

💛 Like, comment, and subscribe for more fun and empowering belly dance tutorials.

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TIME STAMPS

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0:00 : Introduction

0:57 : Attempt #1 – Creating the Layer

2:00 : Engineer the Layer – Breaking it down in sections

3:45 : Drill the layer in sections

4:10 : Pro Tip #1 for breaking down layers

5:10 : Drill the layer downbeat left

6:07 : Smooth it out

6:40 : Pro Tip #2 for creating effortless layers

8:05 : Adding Challenge with the arms

🌟 Meet Your Instructor:

Sahira is an international belly dance performer and instructor with over 25 years of experience helping women around the world embrace their confidence, creativity, and health through dance. She’s taught at festivals in over a dozen countries and has been featured in major media worldwide! Learn more at SahiraBellyDances.com

💃 Let’s dance!

Hit play and start dancing now!

The music played in this video is by the fabulous Miss Thea. Find her music at https://missthea.bandcamp.com/track/4d-recollection

**********

DANCE WITH ME

**********

🎁 Snag your FREE 7-day beginner belly dance jumpstart course: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Jumpstart

🚀 Improve Your Shimmy: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/ShimmyTips

⭐️ Become a Zill Star: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Zillstar

**********

BELLY DANCE GEAR

**********

✨ Get a hip scarf and start dancing now: https://amzn.to/4jLNscv

💃🏻 Stunning and affordable belly dance costumes: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Costumes

🌺 My favorite practice tops and leggings: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/YogaDemocracy

🔥 Keep Calm and Zill On and Zillin Like a Villain Merch: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Spring

💖 The best finger cymbals on the planet: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/SaroyanCymbals

*****

Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I’ll receive a small commission. **********

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL

**********

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SahiraBellyDances/

🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SahiraBellyDances

🔺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@SahiraBellyDances

Whether you’re brand new to belly dance or ready to elevate your skills, this tutorial will help you dance with more confidence, grace, and expression.

🎥 Press play and let’s drop it like it’s hot (with control, of course 😉)

👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more belly dance magic every week!

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TIME STAMPS

**********

0:00 : Introduction

0:31 : Posture

1:09 : Tips for Knee and Leg Position

1:33 : Variation 1 – The Basic

1:50 : Pro Tip 1 – Do’s and Don’ts

3:16 : Variation 2 – The Hip Drop/Release

4:48 : Pro Tip 2 – Do’s and Don’ts

5:13 : Variation 3 – The Hip Drop/Knee

7:08 : Pro Tip 3 – Do’s and Don’ts

8:14 : Dance Drill with Music

The music played in this video is by the fabulous Miss Thea. You can find it here!

🌟 Meet Your Instructor:

Sahira is an international belly dance performer and instructor with over 25 years of experience helping women around the world embrace their confidence, creativity, and health through dance. She’s taught at festivals in over a dozen countries and has been featured in major media worldwide! Learn more at SahiraBellyDances.com 💃 Let’s dance!

Hit play and start dancing now!

**********

DANCE WITH ME

**********

🎁 Snag your FREE 7-day beginner belly dance jumpstart course: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Jumpstart 🚀 Improve Your Shimmy: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/ShimmyTips

⭐️ Become a Zill Star: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Zillstar

**********

BELLY DANCE GEAR

**********

✨ Get a hip scarf and start dancing now: https://amzn.to/4jLNscv

💃🏻 Stunning and affordable belly dance costumes: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Costumes

🌺 My favorite practice tops and leggings: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/YogaDemocracy

🔥 Keep Calm and Zill On and Zillin Like a Villain Merch: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Spring

💖 The best finger cymbals on the planet: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/SaroyanCymbals

*****

Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I’ll receive a small commission. **********

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL

**********

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SahiraBellyDances/

🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SahiraBellyDances

🔺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@SahiraBellyDances

✨ Shimmy your way to more confidence, strength, and joy! Learn to belly dance step-by-step! 💃🎶 🎁 7-days of FREE belly dance classes for you! http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Jumpstart

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There’s something about Baladi style that speaks straight to my heart — the grounded movements, the soulful instrumentation, the deep connection to the music. It’s one of my absolute favorite styles to dance, and Armen Kusikian’s “Baladi in Crescendo” brought it all to life in the most powerful way.

This performance was a true joy to create and share — and it just might not be the last you see of it. 😉 I’m considering teaching this full choreography in a special intensive later this year!

🌟 Would you like to learn it with me? Let me know in the comments!

🎵 Music: Baladi in Crescendo by Armen Kusikian

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if this performance inspired you.

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🌟 Meet Sahira:
Sahira is an international belly dance performer and instructor with over 25 years of experience helping women around the world embrace their confidence, creativity, and health through dance. She’s taught at festivals in over a dozen countries and has been featured in major media worldwide! Learn more at SahiraBellyDances.com

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DANCE WITH ME

🎁 Snag your FREE 7-day beginner belly dance jumpstart course: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Jumpstart
🚀 Improve Your Shimmy: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/ShimmyTips
⭐️ Become a Zill Star: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Zillstar

---

BELLY DANCE GEAR

✨ Get a hip scarf and start dancing now: https://amzn.to/4jLNscv
💃🏻 Stunning and affordable belly dance costumes: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Costumes
🌺 My favorite practice tops and leggings: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/YogaDemocracy
🔥 Keep Calm and Zill On and Zillin Like a Villain Merch: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Spring
💖 The best finger cymbals on the planet: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/SaroyanCymbals

Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I’ll receive a small commission.

---

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SahiraBellyDances/
🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SahiraBellyDances
🔺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@SahiraBellyDances

✨ Find stronger, more confident shimmies TODAY! 💃🎶 🎁 Get your FREE masterclass at http://SahiraBellyDances.com/ShimmyTips

Get ready to unleash one of the hottest belly dance moves—the Egyptian shimmy—with ease and confidence! 💃✨

In this short and sweet tutorial, you’ll:

✔️ Drill the iconic Egyptian shimmy

✔️ Play with transitioning smoothly between shimmies

✔️ Start layering your shimmies like a pro!

Whether you’re new to shimmies or want to polish your technique, this tutorial will help you move with more freedom, flow, and fun.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or clunky with your shimmies, or just want to refine and refresh your skills, this is the perfect playful drill session to get your hips moving and your energy flowing.

Ready to make your hips sizzle? Let’s dance!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering belly dance tutorials every week!

💬 Drop a comment below and tell me – which shimmy is your fav? I’d love to hear from you! ⬇️

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TIME STAMPS

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0:00 : Introduction

0:23 : Warmup

2:10 : Both shimmies tempo drill

3:32 : Transitioning between shimmies

4:15 : Shimmy layers

4:54 : Traveling shimmies

5:30 : Choochoo shimmy

🌟 Meet Your Instructor:

Sahira is an international belly dance performer and instructor with over 25 years of experience helping women around the world embrace their confidence, creativity, and health through dance. She’s taught at festivals in over a dozen countries and has been featured in major media worldwide! Learn more at SahiraBellyDances.com

💃 Let’s dance! Hit play and start dancing now!

**********

DANCE WITH ME

**********

🎁 Snag your FREE 7-day beginner belly dance jumpstart course: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Jumpstart

🚀 Improve Your Shimmy: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/ShimmyTips

⭐️ Become a Zill Star: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Zillstar

**********

BELLY DANCE GEAR

**********

✨ Get a hip scarf and start dancing now: https://amzn.to/4jLNscv

💃🏻 Stunning and affordable belly dance costumes: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Costumes

🌺 My favorite practice tops and leggings: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/YogaDemocracy

🔥 Keep Calm and Zill On and Zillin Like a Villain Merch: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Spring

💖 The best finger cymbals on the planet: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/SaroyanCymbals

*****

Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I’ll receive a small commission.

**********

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL

**********

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SahiraBellyDances/

🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SahiraBellyDances

🔺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@SahiraBellyDances

**********

Music by the fabulous Miss Thea – https://missthea.bandcamp.com/track/minor-hold-up

✨ Shimmy your way to more confidence, strength, and joy! Learn to belly dance step-by-step! 💃🎶 🎁 7-days of FREE belly dance classes for you! http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Jumpstart

Hey there fabulous dancer!

In this video you’ll learn a power movement that is perfect for several styles of belly dance – The Egyptian Basic. I’ll break it down for you step-by-step and drill the movement, add beautiful arm variation and then dance it to music!

Be sure to stay to the end for juicy pro tip to take this move from basic to beautiful!

*****

Belly dance isn’t just a workout—it’s a celebration of movement, expression, and feeling AMAZING in your own skin! Whether you’re here to boost your fitness, find your flow, or just have a blast dancing, you’re in the right place. Belly dance is for every BODY. 🎉

🔥 Why You’ll Love Belly Dance:

✔️ Fun & Low-Impact – Easy on the joints, gentle on your body! 🌸

✔️ Builds Strength & Flexibility – Your core, arms & legs will thank you! 💪

✔️ Improves Posture & Balance – Move with more confidence! ✨

✔️ Confidence Booster – Because YOU deserve to shine! 💖

✔️ For EveryBODY – No experience needed, all ages welcome! 🙌

💬 Drop a comment below and tell me – what do you love most about belly dance? I’d love to hear from you! ⬇️

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TIME STAMPS

**********

0:00 : Introduction

0:20 : Footwork

0:27 : Hips

1:45 : Drill feet and hips

2:05 : Arm variation 1

4:01 : Arm variation 2

5:47 : Pro tip for maximum movement

7:20 : Drill with music

9:08 : What to work on next

🌟 Meet Your Instructor:

Sahira is an international belly dance performer and instructor with over 25 years of experience helping women around the world embrace their confidence, creativity, and health through dance. She’s taught at festivals in over a dozen countries and has been featured in major media worldwide! Learn more at SahiraBellyDances.com

💃 Let’s dance! Hit play and start dancing now!

**********

DANCE WITH ME

**********

🎁 Snag your FREE 7-day beginner belly dance jumpstart course: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Jumpstart

🚀 Improve Your Shimmy: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/ShimmyTips

⭐️ Become a Zill Star: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Zillstar

**********

BELLY DANCE GEAR

**********

✨ Get a hip scarf and start dancing now: https://amzn.to/4jLNscv

💃🏻 Stunning and affordable belly dance costumes: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Costumes

🌺 My favorite practice tops and leggings: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/YogaDemocracy

🔥 Keep Calm and Zill On and Zillin Like a Villain Merch: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Spring

💖 The best finger cymbals on the planet: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/SaroyanCymbals

*****

Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I’ll receive a small commission.

**********

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL

**********

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SahiraBellyDances/

🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SahiraBellyDances

🔺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@SahiraBellyDances

********** The music featured in this video is by the fabulous Miss Thea. You can find her music online at https://missthea.bandcamp.com/track/bellygroove-one

✨ Shimmy your way to more confidence, strength, and joy! Learn an awesome belly dance combination step-by-step! 💃🎶 🎁 7-days of FREE belly dance classes for you! http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Jumpstart

Belly dance isn’t just a workout—it’s a celebration of movement, expression, and feeling AMAZING in your own skin! Whether you’re here to boost your fitness, find your flow, or just have a blast dancing, you’re in the right place. Belly dance is for every BODY. 🎉

🔥 Why You’ll Love Belly Dance:

✔️ Fun & Low-Impact – Easy on the joints, gentle on your body! 🌸

✔️ Builds Strength & Flexibility – Your core, arms & legs will thank you! 💪

✔️ Improves Posture & Balance – Move with more confidence! ✨

✔️ Confidence Booster – Because YOU deserve to shine! 💖

✔️ For EveryBODY – No experience needed, all ages welcome! 🙌

💬 Drop a comment below and tell me – what do you love most about belly dance? I’d love to hear from you! ⬇️

**********

TIME STAMPS

**********

0:00 : Introduction

0:17 : Warmup

3:06 : Basic Isolations Review

4:01 : Arabic Explanation and Drill

6:04 : Triplet Shimmy Explanation

10:08 : Triplet Shimmy Drill

14:02 : Triplet Shimmy Tips

14:51 : Combination Part 1 Build

15:45 : Drop Release Texture Variation

19:52 : Full Combination Build

23:39 : Full Combination Dance with Music

25:10 : Cool Down

🌟 Meet Your Instructor:

Sahira is an international belly dance performer and instructor with over 25 years of experience helping women around the world embrace their confidence, creativity, and health through dance. She’s taught at festivals in over a dozen countries and has been featured in major media worldwide! Learn more at SahiraBellyDances.com

💃 Let’s dance! Hit play and start dancing now!

**********

DANCE WITH ME

**********

🎁 Snag your FREE 7-day beginner belly dance jumpstart course: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Jumpstart

🚀 Improve Your Shimmy: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/ShimmyTips

⭐️ Become a Zill Star: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Zillstar

**********

BELLY DANCE GEAR

**********

✨ Get a hip scarf and start dancing now: https://amzn.to/4jLNscv

💃🏻 Stunning and affordable belly dance costumes: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Costumes

🌺 My favorite practice tops and leggings: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/YogaDemocracy

🔥 Keep Calm and Zill On and Zillin Like a Villain Merch: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/Spring

💖 The best finger cymbals on the planet: http://SahiraBellyDances.com/SaroyanCymbals

*****

Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I’ll receive a small commission.

**********

LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL

**********

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SahiraBellyDances/

🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SahiraBellyDances

🔺 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@SahiraBellyDances

Find new confidence, creativity and authenticity in your playing with the 2025 Zill Challenge, an annual event that brings together hundreds of belly dancers for an unforgettable 10-day learning party.

TheZillChallenge.com

🤓 Gain a deeper understanding of finger cymbal technique, rhythm and timing

🚀 Discover new and exciting ways to play your zills

🌸 Banish confusion and skyrocket your zill creativity

…all while being part of an amazing international community of passionate dancers.

No prior music experience required!

After just 10 days you will dance a fabulous combination while playing some seriously cool new riffs on your finger cymbals. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with others, get personal support and WIN PRIZES!

Find your ultimate zill grove and learn to #RakYourZills.

Registration open now at TheZillChallenge.com

The party begins on May 23.