How to Bellydance With a Shamadan

Bellydancing with the ornate Shamadan headpiece is a challenging skill to acquire. The languid movements of the bellydancer enthrall the audience, and the balancing of the Shamadan on the woman's head as she dances--sometimes decorated with lit candles--makes the dance even more mesmerizing. Getting the Shamadan to stay still on top of the head is the first step. Read below for some more helpful tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Practice balancing a book on your head when sitting still.

2. Practice walking around the house with a book on your head. Try bending at the waist, leaning side to side, arms up over your head, all the moves you would be making while bellydancing.

3. Get a fairly heavy Shamadan. The weightier the Shamadan, the easier it will be to balance on your head. The Shamadan should fit snugly. The band around your head will help hold the Shamadan in place, so get a fairly wide and sturdy band as a beginner.

4. Add weight to your Shamadan while you practice Steps 1 and 2 wearing your Shamadan. You want it to feel heavy. Keep your head straight and forward, and your eyes at the horizon, but your shoulders and body loose when moving about.

5. As you get used to the feeling of the Shamadan, remove the weight. The Shamadan will feel light and easy to balance!