1. Veils Add Mystery
Belly dancing is an exotic and seductive type of dance. It's traditionally considered an Egyptian or Turkish influenced dance. Belly dancing veils are the most common prop used by American belly dancers. They're large sheer flowing pieces of fabric the dancer uses to add mystery to her dance. The colors can be soft and delicate, shimmery metallics or beautiful bold colors layered over the dancer to flow and peel away as she chooses.
2. Belly Dancer Rings
A belly dancer's coin belt creates sound and action. It's more than an article of clothing with its rows of tiny gold coins that ching and clang as the dancer moves her belly and hips. The belly dancing zills or finger cymbals also add sound and action to the dance. These fit over the thumb and middle finger and the dancer uses skill and rhythm to entrance the audience as she swirls and shakes. The wooden dance spoons do much the same thing.
3. Fans Create Drama Within
Belly dancing hand held fans add a little flirty mischief or hide the face. These decorative fans can help change the theme of the routine to a Spanish, Greek, Asian or other. On the larger scale, the "Isis wings" are dramatic. These are giant fans or wings attached to the back and neck of the dancer. They have rods or sticks that run down the arm to hold. Made of silk, organza or lamas, spread full, these wings can be over 4 feet each.
4. Shake it, But Don't Drop it
Belly dancers use dance skills that show off their coordinated balance techniques. For these the candelabras or the shemedan are the props used. Some use the dance tray as well. The candle can be single or an elaborate candelabra with many candles that balances on top of the head with a shaped dome. Other balanced items include varieties of baskets, hats and even water pots. It takes a great deal of skill to move those hips and balance items on the head at the same time, so there's no wonder that these props really hold the interest of the audience.
5. Swords and Snakes
When the normal exotic props just aren't enough, some belly dancers move on to props to make the audience sit up and take notice with twirling and balancing swords. These swords have a Turkish, Moroccan or Egyptian influence in design. Even more extreme is belly dancing with a live snake wrapped around the neck and held down the arms by the dancer. Some belly dancers oppose the use of the live snakes, so this prop may not be for everyone.
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