Jewellery and accessories such as coin belts and hip scarves play an important part of a belly dancers appearance.

Dancers in the Middle East traditionally wore quite a lot of jewellery- particularly the Ghawazee gypsies. In order to carry their money safely, they wore it in the form of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and belts, or sewed onto their clothing.

Dancers who favour a traditionally folkloric look still wear coin decorations, or heavy silver or gold ethnic jewellery. Although cabaret costumes are now usually complemented with diamante and gold and silver costume jewellery, some dancers wear more delicate versions of the coin jewellery, or accessories and jewellery made from beads and sequins that have movement to echo dance steps and moves.

Jangly bangles, anklets, earrings and belts all emphasise a dancers moves, as well as adding a bit of sparkle and glitter.

Cabaret costumes will often have matching belts, armbands, sleeves, gloves, headdresses, ankle decorations and veils all included as a matching set. Some belly dancers, particularly those following the style of Suraya Hilal, favour a more elegant look, with very little or delicate jewellery.

The usual jewellery that can be worn by belly dancers include: earrings, necklaces, bangles and bracelets, bellychains, anklets and coin belts or hip scarves. Sometimes dancers wear brooches, particularly on turbans.

A coin necklace or chain can also be used to wear in the hair, across the forehead or draped over a turban. So, look out that costume jewellery you never thought you'd never wear- it might be just what you need!

Props

Zils- Also known as 'sagat'. Finger cymbals worn on each hand to emphasise movement and rhythm.

Sticks- Lightweight bamboo walking canes with a curved end, usually decorated, used for performing traditional stick dances.

Swords- Curved scimitars, which are used for performing a traditional sword dance.

Shemadan- Candlestick or pedestal style candelabra, worn tied to the head, with all candles lit (!) for a traditional dance.