Ayub is mesmerizing and trance-like, a rhythm like no other: D k D T.

In this 14-minute video, you will get an introduction to Ayub as a rhythm, learn hip movements, and try on some stylization (soft, pop, lock). We'll end with an intro to playing finger cymbals in this rhythm. No cymbals, no problem -- you can just use your fingers.

You’ve got this!

Don't you love it when the rhythm changes and suddenly the audience is on their feet, cheering and clapping to the beat? In my experience, the rhythm that most consistently gets this big reaction is Baladi.

In this 12-minute video, we will 1) review Ayub, 2) get an intro to Baladi as a rhythm, 3) dance some Chest moves, and 4) try finger cymbals with the rhythm (just Ring on the Doums because it's our first attempt).

Let’s have some fun!

Almost no one has done more for the broad popularity of belly dancing than Shakira. She was absolutely amazing to see in concert: she sang, danced and connected with the audience for 2 hours straight. I feel very lucky that I was able to experience her unique stage charisma, and I wanted to share some of it with you in this video montage of clips I filmed at the concert.

Bonus points if you can tell me where you hear the Baladi!

Don't you love it when you learn something and can apply it right away? Maqsum is one of the most common rhythms in Arabic (pop) music, so it is definitely something you'll come across as a belly dancer.

In this 24-minute video, you will: 1) do a quick review of rhythms learned so far, 2) get an intro to Maqsum, 3) dance Diamond sequences, and 4) try an improv exercise.

You'll get so much packed into a lesson that can be slotted into a lunch break!

I LOVE Saidi. It always makes me want to dance! Something about the syncopation and the timing of the Doums gets my heart pumping every time.

In this action-packed 39-minute video, you will 1) see a demo of cane, 2) get an intro to Saidi, 3) discuss hip/chest tilts and stylization, 4) peek into an improv exercise, and 5) try Saidi on finger cymbals.

No finger cymbals? No problem -- just pretend, and bring your thumb and middle (longest) finger together.

Let’s jump right in!

Snakey, curvy, mysterious, enchanting: Chifteteli is all these things, and more!

In this far-reaching 30-minute video, you will 1) do a quick review of rhythms, 2) get an intro to Chifteteli, 3) dance by learning Infinities, 4) try Chifteteli on finger cymbals, 5) see a demo of sword, 6) learn about an improv exercise.

No finger cymbals? No problem -- just pretend, and bring your thumb and middle (longest) finger together.

Let’s slide right in!

1e&a, 2e&a! What on earth does that mean? Khaliji is a syncopated rhythm that looks simple on paper, but needs precision to get right.

In this dynamic 21-minute video, you will 1) do a quick review of our rhythms, 2) get an intro to Khaliji, 3) play Khaliji on finger cymbals, 4) dance movements specific to Khaliji, 5) sample a "buffet" of commonly seen shimmies (done to different rhythms), and 6) learn an improv exercise that my class will demo.

Let’s shimmy on over!

Big entrances and exits almost always include Malfuf. The pulsating Doum Tek Tek is such a great intro or finale!

We’ll 1) review all 7 rhythms we've learned, 2) get an intro to Malfuf, 3) play finger cymbals, 4) break down technique for 3/4 & Triplet hip shimmies, 5) peek into an improv exercise, and 6) hear Stephanie's pep talk on finding a dance genre that's a good fit for you. No finger cymbals? No problem -- just bring your thumb and middle (longest) finger together.

You’re almost done!

This video is our grand finale! I will review all our rhythms with both my frame drum and finger cymbals. After a quick review with the drum, we will practice these rhythms on our finger cymbals (Doum = Ring, Tek = Clack, ka = rim tic). No finger cymbals, no problem -- just use your fingers.

That’s it! You did it!

Let me take you on a colorful journey with some of my favorite instruments. All of the footage here is firsthand, either taken by me or of me.

We'll cover Mizmar (my wedding in Egypt), Doumbek (my improv to live music), Rababa (my child's toy version we bought in Egypt as well as a real one in a Saidi band I enjoyed in Aswan), and more!