Middle Eastern Dance

Scimitars (Swords)

Below you will find several pages about scimitars with information ranging from history and context to balancing  and special moves done with a scimitar or other sayif (sword).

About Scimitars

The history and cultural context of Scimitars / Sayif (Swords) as dance props in Middle Eastern dances

Basics Of Scimitars

Buying a Scimitar

Taking Care Of Your Scimitar

Basics Of Balancing

Determining the center of weight in your sword

Learning to balance your sword on your head

Balancing your sword on other parts of your body

Tips and Tricks of keeping a scimitar in place

Scimitar Moves

Isolations while balancing

Special moves for floor work

Spinning, Twirling, and Turning

Other

An Almeh Performing The Sword Dance by Jean Leon Gerome.