Just started? Here are the basics of what you'll want to know:

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.

(Disclaimer: I'm an Amazon affiliate. I buy most of my music and many other supplies from Amazon. Some of the links below are affiliate links.)

• Midriff tops: Krishna.com. Type "pullover choli" into their search engine to find them.
• Pants for class: Don't laugh - currently my favorite are yoga pants from Victoria's Secret.
• Hipscarves: workshops and belly dance events for the triangular ones, Utso Tibetan goods near Porter Square for rectangular ones.
• Finger cymbals: Saroyan Student zills
• Veils: Silkdancer, Fairy Cove Silks. (Make sure you get 5mm silk, rectangular, approximately 3 yards x 45 inches)
• For winter: I've picked up this shrug and some slippers for when it's a little chilly in the studio.

Looking for more? You might find it 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.

• You can download Turkish Hits Vol 1 for FREE from Amazon.
• 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.
• Music From the Goddess Workout Intro to Bellydance by Dolphina - this is mostly very simple music, but has some nice steady rhythms for practicing zills or moves.
• 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.
• Fire Dance by Omar Faruk Tekbilek
• Crescent Moon by Omar Faruk Tekbilek
• One Truth by Omar Faruk Tekbilek

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.
• Some of my students requested a discussion list, where we post questions, resources, and occasionally organize field trips. New students should receive an invitation via email to join; if you need yours re-sent let me know.

Good informational sites:

• 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
• I am a member of the NBDA

Specific class notes:

• Shisheler choreography notes for the Intermediate class.

Calendar of my events and events I recommend:

*All media on this site copyright Tashkin Rhythms.