Hi:
Props are probably the only thing that gets my goat in this dance.
I'm a die-hard Egyptian style dancer, and the only props I ever see in Egyptian dance are the veil, stick, cane, finger cymbals, and the sword--sometimes. Oh, yes, the candelabra and water jugs. (Can't think of any other but I'm sure someone with let me know.
)
Snakes have never been used, and the sword has been used only held by the grip and never balanced on any part of the body. So, balanced sword balancing is really not part of Egyptian dance.
Oh, yes...the knife, or dagger, has also been used, at least in the movie "Lemby" starring Mohamed Sa'ad and Abla Kamel. Abla Kamel is the one who danced with the kitchen knife. Funny movie. Mohamed Sa'ad does one heck of a dance in this movie!!!
-Sausan