Film Overview

Finger cymbals are an excellent way to add excitement and professionalism to your performance. Unfortunately, many dancers get stuck in just one cymbal pattern and feel uncomfortable going beyond the basics. In this DVD we will learn how to effectively take command of the cymbals by switching rapidly between several patterns. The unique structure lets you work at your own level and advance when you feel ready.

PART 1 – THE BASICS AND THE RHYTHMS
We will start off with the very basics like how to hold the cymbals and how to get different sounds in different situations. Then 16 different rhythmic patterns will be slowly broken down. Because finger coordination takes practice, we begin by tapping out the patterns against our bellies to build confidence and rhythmic ability.

PART 2 – CYMBAL DRILLS
Once you know the patterns by heart you will graduate to practicing them with the cymbals. For enhanced learning, you will be able to mirror the close up of Michelle’s hands as the patterns are drilled. You will also be able to view the written pattern and finger assignment. This extended 20-minute drilling session will help you increase stamina, coordination and agility.

PART 3 – DANCE COMBINATIONS WITH CYMBALS
Once you have mastered the patterns it is time to start dancing. After dance combinations are carefully broken down we add finger cymbal patterns. Each combination increases in difficulty and by the end of the DVD you will be switching between complex cymbal patterns while doing various turns, isolations, arm movements, and direction changes.

This DVD covers basic through advanced belly dance finger cymbal technique.