Dancing with your Shamadan (candelabra)
By Angela Anzilotti “Love, light and prosperity”

Shamadans come in 9, 11 and 13 candle pieces. Shamadans are normally either in bras or silver. Headpiece is oval in shape with adjustable sides for easy fitting.

1. Purchasing a Shamadan:

Please don’t just purchase the first Shamadan you see, take your time, do some research. The last thing you would want is a flimsy, bendy, unsafe shamadan.
Remember that a humans head is oval-ish in shape, and not perfectly round. When purchasing a Shamadan, bear this in mind.

2. How do I dance with my new Shamadan?

Ok – after you have adjusted the Shamadan to fit you, you will need to get the inside of your Shamadan covered in foam. This will assist with the balance of the Shamadan on your head.
Once all the above has been completed, you will need to learn to walk with it.
Keep your head and neck as straight as possible, chin up, shoulders relaxed.
Start by slowly walking around.

Once you are able to walk around with the Shamadan on your head – without it wobbling, try the following moves:
Start by lifting your shoulders … oops ..don’t let the shamadan move

• Try some shoulder pulses and snake arms… have you got it?
• Try some chest or rib movements … Got it?
• Try some hip movements
• Vary your height – Maya down and up

Continue, until you are able to walk around and perform your movements.

3. KNOW your Shamadan

Remember that we cannot see what is above us whist performing with a Shamadan on our head.
Before you perform with a Shamadan, take a look at the venue. Is there draping – if so, where? Are there arches, draping, ceiling fans.
Be aware of your surroundings, you don’t want to be a hazard whilst performing. Take precautions, you are dancing with flames.

Tips:

• Keep your knees slightly bent at all times
• Use smokeless, non drip candles
• Make sure you have checked your surroundings
• Always bring matches
• Bring extra ready cut candles

4. How do I clean my Shamadan?

The best way to clean the excess wax off your Shamadan is to dip each part into boiling hot water. The excess wax will melt off, leaving your Shamadan looking like new.

Don’t forget to polish your Shamadan with either Braso or Silvo.
Happy Dancing with your Shamadan

Regards
Angela Anzilotti
Belly Dance Babes