Bellydance Holiday Gift Guide 2012

Looking for the perfect gift for a belly dancer? Here are my recommendations for music, DVDs, and more!

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.

Items for Class

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.

Class Attire – L Rose Designs is the best place to get custom made cholis and workout pants. They have even offered to wave all rush charges until December 19.

Notebook- Lauren Zehara recently released a workbook for bellydance students to keep track of what they are learning in class and thoughts and progress on their practice sessions.

For at home practice

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 Know 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.

Veil- Veils are easy to make it 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! 

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

Other Fun Things

Books- There are several great books for dancers. Snake Hips is one of my favorites.  The Belly Dance Reader is a new release that I haven't read yet, but has been receiving good reviews.

Headdresses- Jericha Senyak makes gorgeous headdresses for performers. Check out her shop here. She does custom work too.

Props- Dancers looking for a fun new addition to their dance or new style to explore may want to try canes or isis wings.