Belly Dance with Zils, by Elsa Leandros - open level - master instructor belly dance course
If you purchase the Instant Video version of this program: 🎬 Instant Lifetime Access — No Subscriptions, No Expiration. As soon as your order is complete, you’ll receive a permanent access link to this video program in your email. ✅ Watch instantly on any device ✅ Pause, rewind, and revisit anytime ✅ No account needed. Want to see how instant video delivery works? → Try our free sample (no payment required)
Master the Art of Finger Cymbals with Rhythm, Precision, and Flow
Belly Dance with Zils is a comprehensive, open-level program created by Elsa Leandros, a New York City choreographer and master educator, in collaboration with world-class doumbek percussion artist Raquy Danziger. Designed for dancers at any level, this program demystifies finger cymbals—not as an add-on, but as an essential voice in belly dance’s musical conversation.
What makes this program perfect for both beginners and advanced belly dance artists?
✅ 7 core rhythms taught in depth: Baladi, Saidi, Maksoum, Masmoudi, Ciftetelli (slow & fast), Karsilama (9/8), and Gypsy-style—played live by Raquy Danziger on doumbek and Elsa on zils for clear rhythmic comparison
✅ Revolutionary hand technique: Elsa’s alternating-hand method (vs. traditional lead/support) builds speed, symmetry, and coordination—ideal for modern Arabic pop and fast drum solos
✅ Dance + zils integrated: Learn matching steps and combinations for every rhythm, then practice them together with counting and music
✅ Drill zil patterns and steps independently with curated tracks
✅ Performance insights: Two full performances—including a live drum solo with Raquy Danziger & Brian Carter—and a music-only version for your own improvisation practice
Program Journey:
🔹 Zil Foundations: Hand positioning, tone control, and Elsa’s alternating-hand technique for fluid, balanced playing
🔹 Rhythm Breakdowns: Each of the 7 rhythms taught on zils with exercises to build speed, clarity, and musical phrasing
🔹 Dance Integration: Belly dance steps and combinations tailored to each rhythm—so your body and hands move as one
🔹 Practice Sessions: Counted drills → musical application → freestyle rehearsal
🔹 Performance Lab: Watch Elsa embody zil artistry in a modern Arabic pop piece and a live drum solo—then try it yourself
Ideal for: Dancers who want to move beyond background zils to become true rhythmic partners in performance. Whether you’re new to finger cymbals or refining your fluency, this program gives you the tools to play with confidence, musicality, and joy.
In belly dance, the zils don’t just accompany the music—they complete it. And with Elsa’s method, your hands finally get to speak.
Instant streaming or premium DVD. Filmed in New York City with live percussion by Raquy Danziger.
Why learn from World Dance New York?
For over 25 years, World Dance New York has been the trusted authority in women’s solo dance education—pioneering accessible, body-positive, and artistically rich instruction that has shaped generations of dancers worldwide. We collaborate only with master instructors who teach not just steps, but the full musical soul of dance. Every program is a complete learning system—designed to turn learners into expressive, rhythmically fluent artists.
Build on what you’re learning with these programs:
Belly Dance with Zils, by Elsa Leandros - open level - master instructor belly dance course
If you purchase the Instant Video version of this program: 🎬 Instant Lifetime Access — No Subscriptions, No Expiration. As soon as your order is complete, you’ll receive a permanent access link to this video program in your email. ✅ Watch instantly on any device ✅ Pause, rewind, and revisit anytime ✅ No account needed. Want to see how instant video delivery works? → Try our free sample (no payment required)
Master the Art of Finger Cymbals with Rhythm, Precision, and Flow
Belly Dance with Zils is a comprehensive, open-level program created by Elsa Leandros, a New York City choreographer and master educator, in collaboration with world-class doumbek percussion artist Raquy Danziger. Designed for dancers at any level, this program demystifies finger cymbals—not as an add-on, but as an essential voice in belly dance’s musical conversation.
What makes this program perfect for both beginners and advanced belly dance artists?
✅ 7 core rhythms taught in depth: Baladi, Saidi, Maksoum, Masmoudi, Ciftetelli (slow & fast), Karsilama (9/8), and Gypsy-style—played live by Raquy Danziger on doumbek and Elsa on zils for clear rhythmic comparison
✅ Revolutionary hand technique: Elsa’s alternating-hand method (vs. traditional lead/support) builds speed, symmetry, and coordination—ideal for modern Arabic pop and fast drum solos
✅ Dance + zils integrated: Learn matching steps and combinations for every rhythm, then practice them together with counting and music
✅ Drill zil patterns and steps independently with curated tracks
✅ Performance insights: Two full performances—including a live drum solo with Raquy Danziger & Brian Carter—and a music-only version for your own improvisation practice
Program Journey:
🔹 Zil Foundations: Hand positioning, tone control, and Elsa’s alternating-hand technique for fluid, balanced playing
🔹 Rhythm Breakdowns: Each of the 7 rhythms taught on zils with exercises to build speed, clarity, and musical phrasing
🔹 Dance Integration: Belly dance steps and combinations tailored to each rhythm—so your body and hands move as one
🔹 Practice Sessions: Counted drills → musical application → freestyle rehearsal
🔹 Performance Lab: Watch Elsa embody zil artistry in a modern Arabic pop piece and a live drum solo—then try it yourself
Ideal for: Dancers who want to move beyond background zils to become true rhythmic partners in performance. Whether you’re new to finger cymbals or refining your fluency, this program gives you the tools to play with confidence, musicality, and joy.
In belly dance, the zils don’t just accompany the music—they complete it. And with Elsa’s method, your hands finally get to speak.
Instant streaming or premium DVD. Filmed in New York City with live percussion by Raquy Danziger.
Why learn from World Dance New York?
For over 25 years, World Dance New York has been the trusted authority in women’s solo dance education—pioneering accessible, body-positive, and artistically rich instruction that has shaped generations of dancers worldwide. We collaborate only with master instructors who teach not just steps, but the full musical soul of dance. Every program is a complete learning system—designed to turn learners into expressive, rhythmically fluent artists.