Zills!Playing finger cymbals can draw an audience in or drive them away! Like any musical instrument, they take practice to master and aren’t that difficult to learn. Most of us will never reach a virtuoso level of zilling like Tulay Karaca http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_bEuJdC-54 , but we can at least become proficient at finger cymbal playing enough to compliment our dancing.I wish I had enough time to film how I teach and play finger cymbals, but at this point in my life, we would be waiting 5+ years for that to happen. So in the meantime, check out these instructional videos to practice your zilling. Singles, doubles and rolls Triples 2-2-5 3-3-7 chifti-telli Please bring finger cymbals to class as we are using them in the new choreography. If you don’t have finger cymbals, you can “air-zill” or buy a pair for $20 at Amazon or Shimmy Shimmy. Check out by blog article for more information on zilling: 5 Ways to Improve your Finger Cymbal Playing Fatima’s Birthday Bash Want to learn from master instructors, but can’t afford a trip to Washington, Los Gatos or LA? You’re in luck because on November 18th and 19th, they are coming to Sacramento to teach workshops on finger cymbals, shimmy layering, improv combos, and double veil. There will also be two shows to see the belly dance masters in action! Check out the flyer for information on the workshops and shows. If you sign up for a workshop, you get a dance spot in one of the shows :) Fatima’s Birthday Belly Dance Bash Middle Eastern Recipe of the Month Mucver (Zucchini Fritters) by Saad Fayad Try this delicious Turkish treat with a yogurt garlic sauce as a dip. Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 5 minutes Total time: 15 mintues Ingredients:2 zucchini, grated (about 4 cups) 2 carrots, grated (about 1/2 cup) 2 tablespoons dill weed, finely chopped 3 tablespoons grated yellow onion 1/2 cup feta cheese 1 cup flour 3 eggs 1 teaspoon salt olive oil for frying Preparation: Grate zucchini and place in a cheese cloth or absorbent paper towel. Squeeze out excess water. Place zucchini in a large bowl and add carrots and onions and toss gently. Add dill weed, feta, flour and eggs. Mix well. The mixture will become a thick batter. Heat 1/2 olive oil in frying pan. Pour 2 tablespoons of batter for each fritter. Fry on each side until golden brown. Drain fritter on paper towel and serve immediately. See you all soon! Nyla Crystal | Nyla Crystal’s November Performances Nov. 4th – Marrakech Moroccan Restaurant. Dine in a beautifully decorated Moroccan tent. Belly dance shows start at 7:30 Nov. 5th – Marrakech Moroccan Restaurant. Dine in a beautifully decorated Moroccan tent. Belly dance shows start at 7:30 Nov. 9th – Kasbah Lounge
Hookah, mezzes and belly dancing!
Shows start at 9pm Nov. 10th – Lavish and Fabulous Couture Bridal Show in Sacramento. Belly dance show with Flowers of the Nile at the Arden Country Club. Tickets $15. Must be 21+
http://www.lavishandfabulous.com/ Nov. 16th – Kasbah Lounge
Hookah, mezzes and belly dancing!
Shows start at 9pm Nov. 17th – Kasbah Lounge
Live music by Flowers of the Nile. Don’t miss this popular belly dance show night in Midtown. Belly dance shows at 9pm, 10pm, and 11pm. Nov. 18th and 19th – Fatima’s birthday bash with workshops by Saqra, MaShuqa, Jamilla. Show on the 18th and 19th! Nov. 21st – Kasbah Lounge
Hookah, mezzes and belly dancing!
Shows start at 9pm. Nov. 27th – Kasbah Lounge
Hookah, mezzes and belly dancing!
Shows start at 9pm. | 
