Transformation and Healing:

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In this remarkable presentation, Shamsi (Charlie Pettus), guides you through a complete practical course of instruction in the use of the zils, or finger cymbals, which are widely used in Middle Eastern dance.

"Coordinating the rhythmic movements of the hips with the fluid and graceful arms while also communicating with the face and eyes requires discipline and concentration," she says.  "When properly used, the finger cymbals are the element which binds these movements together and gives them grace and power."

"I have watched women of every age blossom with confidence as they found strength in the postures and freedom in the rhythms of Middle Eastern dance," she reports.

With Shamsi's simple and powerful instructional DVD, "Rhythms of the Soul" you too can now explore those rhythms and discover that freedom.

Born and raised in Lafayette, La., nationally acclaimed teacher, trainer and performer Shamsi (Charlie Pettus) has pursued a lifelong passion for rhythm and dance.  Her career path has led her through schools of Raqs al Sharqi, Flamenco, Bharatanatym and Dance Meditation in search of mind-body wholeness and integration.  Her dancing has been labeled "inspiring," "uplifting," and "mesmerizing."

Order the CD here or download from CDBaby

This project started as a question to several Gulf South bellydance teachers and performers. “What do you need for a teaching/practicing album?”
The answer is the 11 songs on "Gulf Coast Bellydance."

Perhaps one of the most thoughtful Halloween albums ever produced; suitable for every scary occasion.

Ambient, rhythmic and sometimes metal this album has been tested and proven to scare people enough to turn it off while driving through the dark alone.

 Purchase here, soon to be available via download.

Order the CD here or download from CDBaby.

An eclectic album for the adventurous soul; an exploration into synthesis of sound. Ethnically diverse instruments and rhythms create a contemporary sound with southern rock-n-roll, progressive metal, and Arabic rhythms.

1. Zils for Everyone (2-3 hours)
2. Zils for Almost Everyone (2-3 hours)
3. Zils from the Body (2-4 hours)
4. The Dynamic Dancer (2-3 hours)
5. Synergy & Collaboration; Communication with Musicians (3-5 hours)
6. The Veil is My Friend (2-3 hours)
7. The Dancer Musician (2-4 hours)
8. Subtle gestures of meaning; conveying emotion through hands, face & eyes (2-4 hours)
9. Turkish Improvisation Technique (2-4 hours)
10. Dancemeditation (2 hours - 2, 5 hour days)
11. Dynamic Spins & Turns(2-4 hours)