The Bendir is a frame drum commonly used in traditional Moroccan music. It is used to play the rhythms and the distinguishing feature of this drum is the snare strings which give the drum it's unique buzzing sound.

I am a belly dancer and darabuka player. I have recently been learning to play the Bendir, and although challenging to begin with, I love everything about this drum. I love how it feels, plays and sounds!

I've been learning the upright style of playing this drum, which is holding it in your left hand, thumb in the hole. You play with both left and right fingers. Initially I found it difficult holding the drum and playing at the same time, however with practice over the last 6 months, I discovered the right balance and playing got easier and sounded better!

I'm very excited to have just recieved my Belly dancing Fan Veils. I am happy with their quality and am putting together a routine using these colorful fans for an upcoming show.

I bought 2 sets of fans, one for practice the other for performance. I have found that over time the pins holding the fans together have becoming loose.

To make it more secure I have removed the original pin and replaced it with a stronger bolt and flat nut. The bolt is the exact length so it doesn't stick into my hand and I have secured the nut with super glue. In the picture below the right fan has the new bolt, the left the original.

I have made the fans tighter than when they arrived and I find this makes them easier to use. I have also labelled the fans right & left for easy use. If your fans were not right and left when you bought them, you can remove the bolt and swap the wooden ribs over.   

More recently I performed a fan veil dance at the Prepare to be Charmed concert, 10 December 2010 in Melbourne: