A dancer can chose to use an array of props during a performance. The props add interest to both the audience and dancer. Group performances using props add theatrics and make for a stunning visual display. Props can also be used to help tell a story through the dance.
The use of a prop also shows the dancer has advanced skills. Not only is the dancer performing dance movements, but they also have to control and manipulate the prop in a dance-like manner. Learning to use new props improves the dancer’s skills and keeps their dance performances fresh.
Dancers can use DVDs that teach the use of props to learn, practice and incorporate props into the choreographies. Find reviews of DVDs that use a specific prop by using the buttons below.
In this article
Candelabra/Tray
Candelabras and trays with candles are belly dance props mainly to show how much dance movement control a dancer has. Here are some ways that candelabras and trays can be incorporated into a belly dance routine:
- Balancing: The dancer balances the candelabra or tray of candles on their head, shoulder, or other parts of their body while dancing.
- Holding: The dancer can hold the candelabra or tray in one or both hands, using it to accentuate movements or create visual interest.
- Lighting effects: The candles on the candelabra con tray create lighting effects, adding to the overall touch of glamour and sophistication.
It’s important to note that safety should always be a top priority when using candles or open flames as part of a performance, and proper precautions should be taken to prevent accidents or injuries. The use of LED candles can create the same lighting effects without the danger of fire from lit, real candles.
Cane
Canes are a belly dance prop used mainly in traditional belly dance. Canes can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Balancing: The dancer balances the cane on their head, shoulder, or other parts of their body.
- Twirling: The dancer twirls the cane around their body, incorporating it into their choreography.
- Striking: The dancer strikes the floor with the can to create percussive sounds in sync with the music.
- Gesturing: The dancer uses the cane to gesture or accentuate movements, such as pointing, waving, or tracing shapes in the air.
- Partner work: The dancer uses the cane to interact with a partner, passing it back and forth or using it to lead or follow.
Fans
Fans are a belly dance props that add drama, mystery, and flair to a performance. Fan dancing is a long-standing tradition in many cultures, and has been incorporated into belly dance in various ways.
Belly dance fans consist of two fans that are attached to sticks or handles. The fans can be made of a variety of materials, including silk, feathers, or paper, and can be decorated with sequins, beads, or other embellishments. Fans can be small hand fans or large feather fans. The feather fans have an origin in Burlesque.
In performance, the dancer holds the fans and moves them in fluid, sweeping movements that follow the dance movements. The fans can be opened and closed, twirled, and moved in a variety of ways to create different effects.
Isis Wings
Isis wings are a belly dance prop that consist of two large, lightweight wings that are attached to sticks or rods. Isis wings are typically pleated from of silk, chiffon, or other lightweight materials. Isis wings resemble the wings of the ancient Egyptian goddess, Isis.
Isis wings are used in a variety of belly dance styles, including Egyptian, cabaret, and tribal fusion. Isis wings can be manipulated in a variety of ways using the dancer’s arms to create different effects, which are easily visible to the audience.
The moves the wings in fluid, sweeping movements that emphasize the beauty and grace of the dance. The wings can be opened and closed, twirled, and moved up and down, creating a range of different effects. Isis wings require a high level of skill and control to use effectively, as they can be difficult to manipulate and can easily become tangled or twisted.
Poi/Voi
Poi and Voi are belly dance props that add visual interest and texture to a performance.
Poi is a performance art that originated with the Maori people of New Zealand. It involves swinging two weighted balls on cords in circular patterns around the body. In belly dance, poi can be used to emphasize certain movements and to create a hypnotic and visually striking effect. Poi can be made with a variety of materials, including fabric, leather, or glow-in-the-dark materials. Fire poi uses poi that are on fire. Fire poi is popular at night at outdoor festivals.
Voi is a long piece of fabric (veil) that is manipulated around the body. It is similar to poi, but instead of balls on cords, the fabric is manipulated in a variety of ways to create different effects. In belly dance, voi can be used to create flowing and fluid movements, and can be incorporated into choreography to create a dramatic and visually interesting effect. The V in voi replaces the P in poi. The V stands for veil.
Snakes
Snakes are a belly dance prop that adds a dangerous and exotic atmosphere. Snakes cane be used during a performance in a variety of ways, including:
- Coiling: The dancer wraps the snake around their body, arms, or neck, creating an intriguing visual effect. The snake can be held in place or allowed to move freely as the dancer performs.
- Gesturing: The dancer uses the snake to gesture or emphasize movements, such as pointing or spinning.
- Balancing: The dancer balances the snake on their head, shoulder, or other parts of their body while performing fluid movements.
Using live snakes in belly dance performances can be controversial and potentially dangerous. Not all snakes are suitable for handling, and there is a risk of injury to both the performer and the snake. Some dancers opt to use fake snakes or other prop alternatives instead. If a live snake is used, it’s important to ensure that it is handled safely and with respect for its welfare.
Sword
Using a sword as a dance prop makes for a dramatic and visually striking performance that requires a high level of skill, balance, and precision. A dancer balances a sword on various parts of their body, such as their head, shoulders, and hips, while performing intricate and fluid movements with the rest of their body. The sword emphasizes sharp and precise movements, such as spins, turns, and isolations.
The origin of belly dance sword work is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the Middle East and North Africa, where swords have been used as ceremonial and symbolic objects for centuries.
It is often performed as a solo act, but can also be incorporated into group performances. Group performances require all dancers to have mastered the technique and choreography. A balance mistake by a solo dancer is easier to improvise that it was intentional. When one dancer in a group has balancing error, it really is obvious to the audience.
Veil
Veils are belly dance props that bring mystery and grace to a performance. Veils can be made of a variety of materials, including silk, chiffon, or other lightweight fabrics. Veils can be used to frame the body and accentuate specific movements, such as turns or spins. A dancer can use either one or two veils. The use of two veils is called double-veil work. The veil length is usually about equal to the dancer’s arm span, so that the dancer can more easily control the veil. However, 4-yard veils are just that, 4 yards long. 4-yard veil work looks fantastic, but requires that the dancer have practiced a lot to keep the veil lofted in the air. Veils can be difficult to manipulate and can easily become tangled or twisted, especially when using two veils or a 4-yard veil.
Zills/Finger Cymbals
Zills, or finger cymbals, are a traditional belly dance used to accentuate the rhythm and melody of the music. Zills used during a group performance also highlight the group’s precise synchronization.
Here are some ways that zills can be incorporated into a belly dance routine:
- Playing rhythms: The dancer plays the zills in time with the music, accentuating the beats and creating intricate rhythms.
- Adding flair: The sound of the zills creates excitement and energy.
- Creating contrast: The dancer uses the finger cymbals to create contrast between different sections of the music, such as switching between slow and fast rhythms.
- Interacting with the music: The dancer uses the zills to interact with the music, emphasizing certain melodies or instruments.
Overall, the use of finger cymbals adds an extra layer of complexity and artistry to the performance, while also highlighting the dancer’s musicality and technical skill. It’s important for dancers to practice playing the zills regularly to develop their technique and master the various rhythms and pattern