Whether you just started your first belly dance class, you've been dancing for years and finally want to tackle finger cymbals, or you're shopping for a gift for someone who's obsessed with the art form — you've landed in exactly the right place. This guide is going to walk you through everything you need to know about belly dance zills: what they are, why they matter, how to pick the right ones, and which brands are worth every single penny.
Spoiler alert: Saroyan zills are basically the gold standard of the finger cymbal world, and by the end of this guide, you'll know exactly which ones to buy.
What Are Zills, Exactly? (And Why Do Belly Dancers Use Them?)
Zills — also written as zils, and sometimes called sagat (Arabic) or finger cymbals — are small, disc-shaped metal percussion instruments worn on the thumb and middle finger of each hand. A full set includes four cymbals, one for each thumb and one for each middle finger. When you strike them together, they produce a bright, ringing, percussive sound that adds a whole new musical dimension to belly dance.
Zills have roots going back to ancient Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean cultures, where finger cymbals were used in folk dances and ceremonial music to add rhythmic complexity. In belly dance, they evolved into a fundamental percussion instrument integral to both solo and group performances.
They're not just an accessory or a flashy prop. Belly dance zills are a real instrument, and learning to play them while also dancing is genuinely one of the most rewarding (and yes, challenging) skills in the entire dance form. If you want to learn more about where this beautiful art form comes from and how deeply rhythm is woven into its history, check out our Belly Dance History article.
Why Zills Matter More Than You Think
Here's a perspective shift that might change how you look at finger cymbals: you're not just adding a sound effect to your dancing. You're becoming the music.
A belly dancer can create and participate in the musicality of her performance by playing finger cymbals. When you play your own zills, you're no longer just responding to a song — you're contributing to it. That's a big deal.
There's also a practical side: playing zills forces you to deeply internalize rhythm in a way that pure movement practice never quite achieves. Students who learn zills often report that their footwork, layering, and musical timing all improve dramatically.
Whether you're into American Tribal Style (ATS), cabaret, Egyptian, or fusion — zills have a place in nearly every belly dance context.
How to Choose Belly Dance Zills: What Actually Matters
Size: Does It Matter?
Yes — and probably more than you'd expect. Zills are designated by diameter (size), gauge (weight), design (curved, flatter, etc.), and production. A different tone is produced by each type.
The most common sizes for belly dance zills are:
- 2 1/16" – 2 1/4" — Smaller, lighter "student" or starter sizes. Gentle on the ears, great for small spaces, and very beginner-friendly. Usually $12–20.
- 2 1/2" – 2 3/4" — Mid-range size. More resonance and projection. Great for intermediate dancers.
- 3" and above — Performance-grade, loud, and powerful. Think stage shows and ATS troupes. Not ideal for practicing in a small living room.
For beginners, a smaller, lighter set is a great starting point, though starting with larger cymbals is fine too. Don't go ultra-tiny thinking they'll be easier — too small and too light can actually make producing a clean sound harder.
Tone: Mellow vs. Bright and Ringing
This is where personal preference really kicks in. If you're sensitive to sharp, shrill sounds — especially when you'll be practicing them constantly at home — a mellower, lower-pitched zill is going to be your best friend. For performing in large venues or outdoor spaces, you want that bright, clear ring.
- Mellow/lower tone → lighter gauge cymbals, smaller diameter, great for practice
- Bright/ringing tone → heavier gauge, larger diameter, ideal for stage
- Sustained ring → cupped or curved shapes tend to sustain longer
- Short, crisp click → flatter designs, great for sharp rhythmic accents
1 Hole vs. 2 Slots: Don't Skip This Part
Most experienced dancers strongly recommend two-slot zills for anyone learning to play, because the elastic can be attached in a way that keeps the cymbal stable and positioned correctly on your finger. With a single-hole cymbal, the disc can spin or shift while you're dancing. Unless you have a specific reason to use single-hole cymbals, get two-slot zills.
Gauge (Weight): Light vs. Heavy
Light gauge cymbals have a lower tone and are easier on your hands during long practice sessions. Heavy gauge cymbals have more projection and that bright, cutting sound for stage performances. For most beginners, light gauge is the smart starting point.
Saroyan Zills: Why They're the Gold Standard
Now let's talk about the brand that dominates the belly dance zill world: Saroyan Mastercrafts. Saroyan Cymbals is in its fifth decade of providing the world's finest finger cymbals and Middle Eastern dance accessories. The Saroyan line enjoys worldwide endorsements by many well-known professionals in the music and dance industries.
Here's what makes Saroyan zills stand out:
- Every model is made from solid brass with careful quality control
- They offer sound samples on their website, so you can hear a zill before you buy it
- The range is huge: from featherlight beginner options to heavy professional performance cymbals
- Their elastics are heavy-duty and included with purchase
- The designs are beautiful — these look as good as they sound
The Saroyan Prelude — Best for Absolute Beginners
The Prelude by Saroyan is made especially for beginning students. Thin and featherlight, weighing only 1.7 ounces for a set of four, it's perfect for studios, teachers providing cymbals to new students, or individuals just starting out. This is your entry point — it's forgiving, comfortable, and still Saroyan quality.
Shop the Saroyan Prelude on Amazon →
The Saroyan Pro Brass — Best All-Around Beginner/Intermediate Zill
This is probably the most popular Saroyan model on Amazon, and for good reason. For the price, you will not be able to beat these zills. Their size and weight makes them easy to use even for dancers with small hands. They resonate beautifully and can produce a wide range of sound possibilities. If you want one pair that will carry you from your first class through years of intermediate-level dancing, this is the one.
Shop the Saroyan Pro Brass on Amazon →
The Saroyan Afghani Brass — Best for Tribal/Fusion Dancers
At 2-3/4" diameter and approximately 175 grams for a set of four, these are recommended for intermediate and professional tribal-style dancers. Reviewers describe them as producing a rich, bold, resonating sound — not too loud or shrill. If you're dancing ATS or Tribal Fusion, the Afghani is a community favorite.
Shop the Saroyan Afghani on Saroyan's Website →
The Datura Dervish Signature Zil — Best for Advanced/Performance
A collaborative project between Rachel Brice and Saroyan Mastercrafts. At 3.0" diameter and approximately 265 grams for a set of four, these are recommended for troupe performances and advanced dancers. A splurge, but absolutely worth it once you're ready to perform.
Shop the Datura Dervish Signature Zil at Saroyan →
Turquoise International Zills: The Other Top Recommendation
Turquoise International is the other brand that belly dance teachers universally recommend, especially for beginners. Turquoise brand zills are a bit heavier weight for the size than comparable Saroyans, so they are easier to get a good sound out of — and the tone is pleasing without an overly sustained ring.
Turquoise zills are available directly from Turquoise International's website and on Amazon. If your belly dance teacher uses Turquoise or recommends the brand, go with that.
What to Avoid: The Cheap Zills Trap
Cheap "tourist" zills usually sound horrible — thin, tinny, and untuned. Don't bother with those. Real belly dance zills are not expensive. You can get a legitimately great beginner set from Saroyan for well under $30. Warning signs to look for:
- Only one elastic hole (not two slots)
- No brand name or "unbranded" listing
- Under $10 for a full set of four
- Listed as "decorative" or "toy"
- No sound sample available
Getting Started: Tips for Your First Week with Belly Dance Zills
Setting Up Your Elastics Correctly
Most quality brands like Saroyan include elastic with purchase. Look for sturdy elastic braid about three-quarters of an inch wide for the type with two slots. Cut four lengths of elastic about three inches long, thread the elastic through the underside of the cymbals, measure to fit your finger snugly, and hand-sew the elastic pieces together. Many beginners make the elastic too loose, which causes the cymbal to spin.
Practice Rhythms to Start With
Basic rhythms called "Alternating" (tek-ka; just alternate each hand) and "Threes" (tek-ka-doum; 1-2-1) are the foundational starting points. Start with just the alternating pattern while sitting still. Don't try to dance at the same time yet. Once alternating feels automatic, then start walking. Then add hip movements. The layers come gradually.
When Should You Start Learning Zills?
Most teachers start people on finger cymbals after six months or even a year of class — then the body can go on "automatic" while the cymbals get more focus. That said, there's no hard rule. Some students find that working with zills from the beginning actually speeds up their rhythm development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Belly Dance Zills
Do I need to spend a lot of money on zills as a beginner?
Not at all! At $12–20, quality beginner zills are the cheapest item on any belly dancer's wish list — and they practically last forever. The important thing is buying a real brand, not a costume-shop knockoff.
Can kids use belly dance finger cymbals?
Absolutely! The Saroyan Prelude is specifically lightweight enough for kids and smaller hands. Just supervise younger children, since the elastics can be a minor choking hazard for very young ones.
How many sets of zills do I actually need?
One good set is totally fine to start. Many intermediate and advanced dancers own multiple sets — one lighter pair for practice and a louder pair for stage work. But start with one.
Do all belly dance styles use zills?
Not all, but most have a place for them! ATS uses them heavily — check out our belly dance styles guide for a deeper look. Egyptian cabaret, Turkish style, and many fusion genres all incorporate zill playing.
The Bottom Line: Just Buy the Zills Already
A lot of people put off buying zills because they feel intimidating. But you don't have to play them perfectly to start. You just have to start. No matter what size you choose, your zills will always seem awkward at first. That's completely normal, and it goes away faster than you'd think.
Go with Saroyan. Start with the Pro Brass if you're not sure, or the Prelude if you want the lightest possible entry point. Browse the full Saroyan lineup on Amazon and read the reviews.
Your fingers are going to start doing something amazing. Let's hear it.
Looking for a belly dance class near you? Search our directory to find local instructors who can help you put those new zills to work. Want to learn more about the deep history behind this art form? Read our complete guide to belly dance history.
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