Class supplies

It's easy to spend a small fortune on pretty velvet tops and other classwear targeted to belly dance students. I try to save my pennies for things like costumes and workshops. Here are where I and many of my students get our gear.

• Midriff tops: Krishna.com. Type "pullover choli" into their search engine to find them.
• Turkish tank tops:I designed some which you can see here. You can buy online or ask me about them in class.
• Pants for class: Don't laugh - currently my favorite are yoga pants from Victoria's Secret. If you want something a little fancier check out the options from Sharifwear.
• Hipscarves: workshops and belly dance events are a good place to pick these up. You can also get some online from Dahlal.(Please remember I don't allow scarves with coins in my classes.)
• Finger cymbals: My favorite are Saroyan zills, but as their online store is currently closed I'm looking for a good source. If you're looking for finger cymbals to buy, ask me for info on where to get them.
• Veils: Silkdancer, Fairy Cove Silks. (Make sure you get 5mm silk, rectangular, approximately 3 yards x 45 inches)
• If you feel like your feet need a little protection, I recommend Dance Paws. You can read my review here.

Music

There's a LOT out there to choose from. I went through my class playlist and have listed below the albums that I use music from.

• Bellydancing for Fortune & Fame by the Mogador Band - not available for download, but one of the best you can get in terms of learning the songs a live band will most likely play for you.
• Gypsies of Turkey by Ahmet Kusgoz - real Turkish Romany music.
• Sandstorm by Farzad Farhangi. My favorite composer.
• Exile by Farzad Farhangi
• Sabla Tolo - Journeys Into Pure Egyptian Percussion by Hossam Ramzy. We use his piece "West Naima" quite a bit in class.
• Kara Nomadica - several of my students have asked specifically about their music.
• Sulukule, Rom Music Of Istanbul by Kemani Cemal. Another album of genuine Turkish Romany ("gypsy") music.
• Turkish Dances - some fun, bouncy stuff from the Turkish countryside.

I also keep a more frequently updated list of my latest discoveries on Spotify.

Mailing lists and communities online:

• Bhuz - articles, an international directory, and lively discussion forums
• The NE Belly Dance Calendar mailing list allows dancers in New England to post their events.
• If you're registered for classes you should already be added to my class announcement email list. If you think you aren't on the list, or if you unsubscribed and need to resubscribe, click here to add yourself.

Good informational sites:

• The home page of my mentor Artemis Mourat - fantastic resource for information on Turkish style.
• Shira - huge site, with articles and information helpful to dancers at any level
• Morocco - scholar and dancer; her articles are not to be missed

Information about ME dance events in New England:

• Middle Eastern Dance in New England - local directory and the New England show and workshop calendar

*All media on this site copyright Aslahan.