| A sword can be a dramatic addition to your belly | | | | past your shoulder, and will constantly get in the |
| dancing repertoire - it's a great way to grab | | | | way of your arm on that side. So make sure the |
| audience attention on your entrance, even if you | | | | sword you're about to buy is a "belly dance |
| don't use it for your entire dance. | | | | sword" or a "balancing sword" before you hand |
| Swords are expensive, so it's very important to | | | | over your cash. |
| choose the right one from the start. Unless you | | | | If your sword arrives with a sharp blade, please |
| have some experience with sword and can try it | | | | blunt it before dancing with it. Even a blunt sword |
| out before you buy, never buy a sword that isn't | | | | can be dangerous - let's not even think about |
| specifically designed for belly dancing. | | | | dropping a sharp one! Some decorative swords |
| The reason is the balance point. A sword that's | | | | have never been sharp - they have a thicker |
| been designed for dancing will have its balance | | | | rounded edge instead, which is safer. However if |
| point towards the centre of the sword, so the hilt | | | | you're going to be dancing close to your audience, |
| and the point hang fairly evenly on either side of | | | | bear in mind that these swords don't look at all |
| your head That leaves as much clear space as | | | | dangerous, which detracts from the "thrill factor" |
| possible under the sword for arm movements, | | | | of your performance. |
| without the risk of knocking the sword off your | | | | If you're buying a sword that doesn't have its |
| head! | | | | own case or scabbard, make sure to buy or |
| Swords designed as collectables or for swordplay | | | | make one to keep your sword in the best |
| often have a balance point up near the hilt (the | | | | possible condition. A good sword will serve you |
| handle). That means the handle will sit very close | | | | well for a long time - and if you need to upgrade, |
| to your head, while the blade will project a long | | | | a well-cared-for blade will fetch a good resale |
| way out to one side - if it's a very curved blade | | | | price from some other up-and-coming belly |
| like a scimitar, the sharp point can hang down | | | | dancer! |