How to Make Indian Dance Bell Anklets

Many dancers wear bells around their ankles and arms while dancing.

Wearing bells around the ankle is a dancing practice in several cultures including India, Africa and the Middle East. The bells are part of the elaborate dancing system designed to evoke provocative feelings or drive away evil spirits. In modern times, the bells are used to enhance the dance only, and most people use the anklets for fun, rather than religious purposes. Making a bell anklet is not difficult, and will add authenticity to any Indian-style dancing, such as belly dancing.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Jewelry chain
• Lobster clasp
• Jewelry pliers
• Jump rings
• Small bells

Instructions

1. Measure the circumference of your ankle where you want to attach the anklet.

2. Cut a length of chain to match this measurement. Attach a lobster clasp to either end of the chain.

3. Attach a jump ring to each link of chain using jewelry pliers. Do not close the jump rings.

4. Slide the open end of the jump rings through the top of each bell. Close the jump rings using jewelry pliers.

5. Add a second row of jump rings and bells to the anklet to make the anklet produce more sounds. Use various bell sizes to add mixed tones when the anklet is worn.

6. Wrap the anklet around your ankle and close the clasp. Shake your leg to ring the bells and create a tinkling, ringing sound, ideal for dancing.

References

• How to Make Jewelry: How to Make Anklets
• Joy of Belly Dancing: Belly Dance Costuming