This movement-oriented class focuses on how to transition from playing finger cymbals to dancing with your finger cymbals. Many dancers are intimidated by the multi-tasking required to DANCE while playing. In this class, we will work on forging the neural pathways needed to move and play at the same time, including some hints to make playing while dancing easier.

This class will include:

• Basic patterns - using the numerical system of 1, 3, 5, 7, and rolls, we’ll practice some basic patterns you can use with most music.

• Layering of footwork with patterns

• We’ll confuse our brains with some basic steps done with different patterns. This block gets tricky, but it’s a really great brain teaser! 

• “Cheats” - movement and zill pattern combos that are easy and eye/ear catching. Get the audience’s attention without working too hard! 

• Music discussion - when to play and when NOT to play in the music.

• When to be simple and when to be fancy with your pattern selections.

• The much-maligned 3s - why it’s perfectly OK to play 3s! How to make your simplest patterns sound fire!

• How to vary the sound of your cymbals to add musical dynamics to simple playing.

The goal of this class is to de-mystify and de-stress finger cymbal playing. Any time a dancer starts playing their cymbals, it brings another layer to the performance and draws attention! By the end of this class, students will feel inspired and freed to explore finger cymbal playing in their own performances.