Classic Songs for Belly Dancers to Learn!

In this sweet choreography, Henna shares a zil composition and movements that highlight the classic belly dance tune, "Zaina". Working with different zil sounds, patterns, and accents, you'll pair your cymbals with undulations, hipwork, traveling patterns, and arm frames to get you comfortable dancing with your musical instrument. Grab your zils and get ready to dance!

A traditional American Cabaret Floorwork Choreography to John Bilezikjian's "Jemilleh", this choreography showcases some of American Cabaret's most popular floorwork movements, such as the layered side layout, seated turn, and knee sit, as well as standing movements and classic Belly Dance poses and postures.

This is an original Raqs Sharqi choreography from Heather Louise that is heavily inspired by the Golden Era of Egyptian belly dance. With movements inspired by Naima Akef, Tahiyya Carioca, and Samia Gamal, this choreography includes juicy hipwork, fun floor patterns, and the charisma of the Golden Era stars. Heather includes historical context and a music listening exercise, so you can truly become familiar with the classic belly dance song, Tamra Henna.

Let's do a deep dive into a classic song you'll find in Raqs Sharqi, "Alf Leyla wa Leyla" (One Thousand and One Nights). Originally composed by Baligh Hamdi, with lyrics by Morsi Gamil Aziz, and sung by Oum Kalthoum, the version we will be listening and dancing to is by the Cairo Orchestra.

Amel shares information on Um Kulthum and her background, how Enta Omri came about as a collaboration with Mohammed Abdel Wahab with influence from then Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser, and takes you through the lyrics of the song.

"Lamma Bada Yatathanna" is a song from the Arabic Muwashshah poetry and musical genre, most likely dating back to the 14th century. The poetry of the lyrics are some of the most famous of their time. This piece is a 10/8 time signature and is in the maqam Nahawand.

Amel discusses the life and career of Abdel Halim Hafez, the history of Zay Al Hawa, and goes through lyrics translations from Arabic to English.

In this lecture, Amel discusses Al 'Ayn Mulayiteem and Shaskin, going through the history of the music, the musicians who have recorded, played, and sung the songs, and breaks down the lyrics.