Helpful tidbits.......
Links tested on April 18, 2019
On this page you'll find items that I have purchased, use for myself and recommend to others. Some of the links here are "affiliate" links, which means I receive a small commission if you purchase through the link....usually only a few cents. If you prefer that I did not receive a commission, the products are easily searched via the web. I only recommend items that I like and currently use or have tried/used in the past with success.
Occasionally, if I see something really cool that I think you might be interested in, I'll post it, but I'll let you know if I haven't tried it just yet.
On this page you'll find items that I have purchased, use for myself and recommend to others. Some of the links here are "affiliate" links, which means I receive a small commission if you purchase through the link....usually only a few cents. If you prefer that I did not receive a commission, the products are easily searched via the web. I only recommend items that I like and currently use or have tried/used in the past with success.
Occasionally, if I see something really cool that I think you might be interested in, I'll post it, but I'll let you know if I haven't tried it just yet.
NEW! Hip Scarf Extravaganza!
Every girl needs a coin or bead hip scarf....or two, or three! I've got regular ones and fancy Egyptian styles available in class at $10 and $25 per scarf (depending upon style). However, there are TONS of great stuff to be had. Enjoy!
AND....if you still need/want dance shoes to protect your feet, you can find some good recommendations below the hip scarves.
If you have questions, just let me know : )
AND....if you still need/want dance shoes to protect your feet, you can find some good recommendations below the hip scarves.
If you have questions, just let me know : )
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Lots of colors!
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more style, more colors!
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Not a hip scarf, but a great find! These are the three layer chiffon skirts that so many of the ladies used in the past three Showcases. They move beautifully and are a great price and come in several different colors. Click on the skirt to see the colors available-------------->>>
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Lots of colors and a GREAT value. I have a few of these myself :)
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Dance Shoes....
A note about sizing....It's tricky. Very often, dance shoes are sized differently than street shoes. You may even find conflicting recommendations on reviews and from dance supply website to website. My recommendation when choosing the correct size is to go to the manufacturers website for their size charts. In general, ballet slippers are sized 2 sizes smaller than street shoe. Jazz and dance sneakers are usually 1 size larger than street (ex. I wear a 9 street shoe and order a 10 in some dance sneakers). If in doubt...ask me. I'm happy to help.
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These soft, "Salsette 1" shoes by Sansha are a favorite of mine. They aren't too bulky like many dance sneakers are. They have great arch support and a small heel. They're very light weight and they are super comfortable. I got them from Amazon and they arrived in two days with my Prime shipping option. The do have a suede sole. So they should only be worn indoors/in the studio.
I have them in purple and black. They also come in red/black, solid black and white/black. They run true to street shoe size in their conversion, (ie., I wear a street size 9 and Sansha's conversion to that is size 10 and they fit me perfectly). You'll see the conversion in the size drop down menu at the link ---------------> |
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These are the rubber sole (low profile) version of the "Salsette 1". They're the "Very Fine" dance shoe brand, but probably made by Sansha (but I'm not sure). I got these for the rubber soles (instead of suede) so I could wear them to and from the studio without ruining the suede soles.
Good arch support in a shoe that is not heavy or bulky. "Very Fine" uses street shoe sizing. You can also find these online at Discount Dance Supply by Sansha called "Blitz 3". Those are Sansha sizes which are generally one size UP from street shoe. Just check the sizing guide before you purchase. Discount Dance has a lower price, but you'll pay shipping and they sometimes have backorders for sizes (like mine :) |
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My FAVORITE teaching shoes. They have a small heel which helps keep my feet from getting so tired after hours of dancing. The leather is soft and they look and feel great on my feet. SIZING: The Block website recommends a full size UP from your street size. Suede soles (in studio wear only) and long lasting. You may be able to find a better price at Discount Dance Supply. But you'll pay shipping costs and may have size availability limitations. |
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Capezio Pedini Femme Shoe..... The lowest price found on this specific shoe was at Discount Dance Supply here on April 19, 2019. But check inventory for your size availability. They're soft leather with a neoprene inset. Again, a small heel, which helps keep you from getting so fatigued. I ordered my street shoe size, but when I order another pair, I will order a 1/2 size larger so I have a little more toe room. These shoes are very flattering on the foot and are great for performances too. I got them in caramel color and they blend very nicely with skin tone. Theyre a bit spendy, but well made and substantial. |
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I have these and use them occasionally when I want a minimalist look. They're super flexible and comfortable to wear while protecting your feet and can also be used for performance as well as class.---> |
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I ordered these shoes and loved them, but they run small. I returned them. They're really nice, VERY soft and comfortable. I haven't ordered them again, but if I do, I will order a size larger than what Capezio's size chart called for. Like ballet shoes. So not really an arch support, but protects the feet in turns, etc. <----------- |
Music....
iTunes and Amazon pretty much rock for acquiring music by the song or album. They've got tons of Oriental music too. Here are a few things to get you started.....
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The link below is to "The Belly Dance Superstars, Vol. IV". This album has 13 tracks of modern pop Oriental music from various artists (including "Enta Omri" from the Fall, 2012 BDB choreography, plus 2 drum solos! Download singles or the whole thing.
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This is the album, "The Bellydance Superstars, Vol. II" contains "Raks Bedeya" for the Drills & Skills winter choreography. It's got 13 tracks, plus 2 drum solos and stuff we use in class for drilling. Click the photo to add it or single songs to your collection.
 
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This album is "The Bellydance Superstars, Vol. III" and has 15 tracks, including an Egyptian beledi progression and two slinky tribal fusion (not ITS : ) numbers. Click the photo to visit the website where you'll find this beauty.
 
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Instructional and Workout DVDs......
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I know this girl who has a pretty nifty beginner belly dance DVD geared especially for busy women just like you! The best place to get it (and all the extra goodies that go with it) is by clicking THIS LINK.
And if you're enrolled in my studio class, you get a special "in class" deal. Ask me. 
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Aziza's drills are what we've been using (summer class) in the Drills & Skills classes. These are some super isolation and endurance drills that will put a real sweat on you........
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This DVD starts at the beginner level and progresses to an advanced beginner/intermediate level by putting the basic movements into combinations.
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Michelle's "Drills, Drills, Drills" dvd is chaptered to include isolation drills and strengthening drills. Your butt and quads (among other body parts) will get a great work out here........
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More WORKOUT ~
Here's a great workout dvd to help improve your stamina and shimmies. It's made by a dancer named Sarah Skinner and it will definitely challenge you. |
Sadie is one of my favorite dancers/instructors. She is a master at the drum solo and her oriental technique is impeccable. This DVD focuses on basic techniques and movement.
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If you're interested in beginner drum solo technique, Sonia of the Belly Dance Superstars has a great instructional DVD with a choreography included and comes with a bonus music CD
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For LATER....a real challenging DRUM SOLO DVD. This one is not beginner and will be a challenge. So don't get discouraged if you get ambitious with this one. Practice, practice, practice....
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Other stuff that has worked for me.....
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Weebly powers both of my sites and I don't pay ANY hosting fees. They are simple to use (if I can do it....) and you can even get your domain from them or use the one/s you already own. Check 'em out at my link below......
More to come....
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As I find new goodies, I'll post them here. I'll usually send out an email letting you know that there are new things to explore, but you may want to bookmark this page so you can check back from time to time to see what's new.
