Once a day, I heard the very sweet and rhythmic sound of metallic cymbals playing in unison, it comes from the back yard, the site of Maria’s studio.

Maria is a very committed Belly Dancer, another of her evolutions and mutations I would not have imagined just a few years ago. For two people who love change, this is the sweetest of sounds.

That is the sound of zills you can hear in the video. The sound of the Belly Dancer.

Zills are finger cymbals, they add to the very particular musically and distinctiveness of Belly Dancing. Last year,  I ordered some zills for Maria, who is allergic to buying retail even when she has no other choice.

I went out into the yard and recorded the sound, which signifies that Maria is practicing. I didn’t try to photograph her practicing her dances, that would have been an unwelcome violation, I’ve only actually seen her dance twice.

Contrary to myth, serious belly dancing is not about entertaining or arousing men, it is about pride and empowerment for women. Maria loves her classes and dances.

Come along and listen to the sound of the Zills, the whispers of the Belly Dancer.