Bellydance Holiday Gift Guide 2013

The Gift of Dance
Bellydance classes are fun and rewarding, allowing you to gain a new skill set, develop an appreciation of Middle Eastern dance, music, and culture, and meet new friends. Class registrations with optional hip scarf and zill bag gift sets can be purchased here. Gift certificates are available if you are registering someone as a gift. General gift certificates are available as well and allow the student to choose their own combination of classes, private lessons, or workshops and use it anytime throughout the year.

For Practice or Performance

Zills- A good pair of zills is an essential item. The most loved zills are made by Saroyan Mastercrafts since they are excellent quality instruments and have a beautiful sound.

Hipscarves-  Pretty much everything is better with jingles, unless of course, you prefer sequin or fringe shawls.  Either way, hip adornment is a must have.

Jewelry- Weyakin Designs makes beatiful things, and everything is handmade by talented local dancer Victoria.

Makeup- Everyone needs a little more glitter, am I right?  Pure Fusion makes my favorite glittery eye shadows for dance- they are all natural, and all vegan. No matter which makeup you buy I recommend getting one that is cruelty free so if you shop in stores look for the Leaping Bunny logo. 

Books- Snake Hips is one of my favorites and Lauren's journal is a great way for students to keep track of what they are studying.

Class Attire – L Rose Designs is the best place to get custom made cholis and workout pants.

Music- A dancer can never have too much music and there is such a rich variety to choose from.  Here are some of my favorite albums from a range of styles. 

DVDs- DVD's can help guide at home practice and teach new techniques.

Feeling Crafty or Shopping for a Dancer Who Likes to Sew?

Crocheted Zill Mufflers- Zill mufflers help to keep down the volume of zills so dancers can practice without disturbing the neighbors.  Instructions to crochet them are available for free here.

Veils- Veils are easy to make if you have a serger.  Just buy a 3 yard length of light weight polyester chiffon (as floaty and light as you can find), serge a 3 yard by 45" rectangle, and you're done! 

Canes- Easy to make and affordable, just follow this handy instructional.

Headdresses- A lovely way to accessorize any costume.  You can find easy to follow instructions and a materials shopping list here.

Costume Patterns- There are many patterns available for various dance costume pieces from belts to harem pants to gauntlets.