Slowly, slowly you place your sword on your head – the audience eagerly anticipating your every move…
In my opinion, the Sword is a MUST HAVE as a professional dancer and performer and it is becoming a popular prop in the dance community.
The sword is not a prop that is traditionally used by woman in the Middle East, however it was used by men to depict strength, war and masculinity.
It must be noted that when one uses a sword as a prop, you need to take extra caution not only for yourself as a dancer – but those around you, the audience. This is for the skilled and experienced. DO NOT go out and dance with a sword if you are not experienced to do so.

1. What kind of sword do I get?
You should get a blunt edged dancing sword that is easy to balance. Make sure the quality is of high standard and that you are comfortable whilst holding the sword. Your sword should make you feel good!

2. How do I balance my sword?
First thing is to find the centre point by balancing it on one’s brim of your hand or finger. One can mark the centre point with nail polish.

3. How do I get my sword to stay balanced on my head?
Perfecting the art of poise and balance can take a long time – but it is necessary.

You may want to use the following to assist you on this one if you have not perfected the art of balance:

• Head rest (the sword is placed in between this)
• A small piece of thin sand paper on the edge of your sword will keep the sword in place (may break your hair)
• Hairspray is said to keep your hair thicker and assist with the balancing of the sword
• Glue and a little bit of sand on the edge of your sword will keep the sword in place
• Silicone on the edge of your sword

4. Where do I start and what can I do with my sword:
Perfecting the art of poise and balance can take a long time – perfecting anything one must keep trying and push through all obstacles to strive for perfection.
You can balance your sword on your:

• Chest
• Head
• Hip
• Hand / finger
• Knee
• Stomach
• Shoulder
• Thigh
• Wrist

Start by placing your sword on your hand – balance it and walk around the room. Got it – now try a hip drop, hip circle and figure 8.
Next – place the sword on your shoulder – balance it and walk around the room. Got it – now try a hip drop, hip circle, figure 8 and a shimmy.
Next – place the sword on your hip – balance it and try turn around in a circle. Got it – now try a hip drop
Next – place the sword on your head – balance it and try walk around the room. Got it – now try some shoulder pulses, snake arms, hip drops, figure 8’s and some shimmies.
Try different combination of movements with your sword.

5. Let’s take it down to the floor:
With your sword firm in your hand – kneel on the floor –
Balance your sword on your knee – try some movements like shoulder pulses, snake arms ect
With the sword balanced on your head, try various levels - go up and down in a smooth, graceful motion – maintain your balance and most of all, maintain the sword balanced on your head.
Try lying down and doing some stomach flutters or undulations with your sword balanced on your head or stomach.
This is a hard one to perfect - it takes skill, poise and balance:
Lie on the floor on your side, with your sword balanced on your head, roll over onto your back, then onto your side, then back to your front – slowly get up. In all this – your sword must stay balanced on your head. Please note: When doing this you must make sure you wear a suitable costume – you don’t want anyone looking at anything else but the sword, your poise, balance and skill.

6. Taking care of your sword:
Your sword needs to be kept clean. Avoid leaving your sword or any props in the sun, as it may warp or damage the item.
If possible, get a little carry bag to carry your sword in.
Keep your sword shiny by polishing is with Braso or Silvo

Have fun playing with your sword

Regards
Angela Anzilotti
Belly Dance Babes