I love to use props in my shows, using different things helps to get and keep an audiences attention (particularly when the audience understands very little of the dance and just wants to see a show). However it is very important not to just rely on them and also to learn to use your props so that they add to your dancing not to detract from it. Remember with some of the props on this page you are verging into show tricks they are not all traditional

On this page prop suggestions, where to buy, helpful hints and good DVDs to help you master it.

One of the most useful props ever. Often the only prop I use in a restaurant show. Great for a second entrance or to attract attention or to have fun with an audience (though never play them near anybodies ears!) I have quite a collection of finger cymbals but the ones I use the most are Saroyan make Arabesque. Lovely tone and not too intrusive. Available from the Saroyan website in the US or in the UK from www.aladdinscave.com

There are various DVDs around to teach you to play but there is no substitute for a good teacher to get you started and then lots of practise- true of any prop.

Obviously Turkish not Egyptian. I use mine in the Turkish restaurants I dance in. Although in Turkey it is a specific folkloric group dance to certain areas, they can be used to play along with the music instead of finger cymbals. There are two types- ones with shorter handles (as in the photo)which are easier to learn with and ones that look more like the traditional wooden spoon with long handles. You can buy both types in either plastic or wood. Plastic is more durable and louder.

Buy your spoons from www.hilarysbazaar.com she stocks all types

One of my most favourite props but very problematic-they need to be danced with not just flapped about and finding a place to practise with them is difficult You need to practise in front of a mirror so you know how to get the precise effect you are after or it can all look like random flapping. The choice of music is also important as the wings need time to move for the best effect

Wings come in a choice of fabric depending what effects you are after- lame, organza and chiffon I use them all but I prefer the lame. My absolute favourite wings are the double sided wings-gold on one side and patterned on the other.They are heavy and make a beautiful effect.

The best DVD I've come across for wings is Isis Wings with Phoenix

buy from www.phoenix-dancing.com

It is very clear and gives you enough information to be able to get off to a good start, and also gives some good ideas for more seasoned wing dancers. My only criticism is that whereas it is excellent for showing wing techniques it doesn't really show you how to bring your dancing into it nor does it use any Middle eastern music. However it is excellent as far as it goes and I highly recomend it.

A combination of a veil and a poi. I first saw Aziza do this in London last year and it was fabulous. I've since seen other people do it less successfully. I think the difference was in Aziza's case it was like a magic veil that had a life of its own that flew round her while she danced, when I've seen it since it has been about the voi twirling not about the dancing. You can buy a kit from www.cheekygirlsproductions.com  and can also buy a DVD from the same place.

The DVD I recommend is from the originator of this prop idea. One of the reasons I like this so much is she gives great instruction for using just the one voi-which I prefer. I like the idea of one large magic veil. VOI and VOI 2 Fireless Spinning created by Dana Beaufait

It is available from www.amazon.com

It takes a lot of upper body strength to twirl one large silk veil effectively and then to dance at the same time.

Silk veils available from www.aladdinscave.co.uk

This has become a bit of a tricky one. It is now near impossible to buy a sword-even though most of the bellydance swords are clearly props. like many props it is more American in influence than Middle Eastern. There are Orientalist paintings of dancers and swords but we can't know the dances they did with them.

One solution to the law and the health and safety factor are these swords. They are definately props, they are made of wood and especially weighted so you can balence them on your head. They are lighter than the real thing so maybe not to be used outdoors on a windy day!! I got mine to dance in the restaurant. They look good and are available in silver,gold and copper. email amaxwell2@sky.com or phil@merlinpolyurethanes.co.uk for more details.

DVD for Sword. Princess Farhana has made a couple of sword DVDs. I have only seen the first one she made the art of balancing Sword and Shamadan which has a lot of great tips for sword (not good for shamadan though-hardly mentioned)

See shamadan page where everything to do with shamadan is gone into thoroughly. This is my favourite prop of all time.

People love a balencing act. They might not understand the dance but put something on your head and you have a winner. For situations when a shamadan is not suitable, fire regulations or ceiling height, a tray is great. Its also easier to put on and take off which you can make part of your dance.

You can buy a tray from lots of places, keep a look out in charity shops not only for trays but for coffee pots and stuff to put on them.

Another great thing about a tray is, it is far easier to diguise the fact you are using battery tealights because you can put them in little holders either plastic or glass.

Blutac is great for sticking everything in place which is recomended.

I love my balancing tray which came complete from here Everything is fixed to the tray so it can be seen and the middle of the tray is raised so the coffee pot in the centre can be seen and your head can fit in it. You can chance stuff round and buy extra accessories to go on it as the things are screwed on to the tray. There is also a small hole at the front of the tray rim so you know which round to put it on your head for optimum balance It is a lot more expensive than a charity shop purchase but I love mine. Comes in gold or silver.