What's good, and What's Bad?
Smooth as Silk - Veil with Katia
I love Katia. This is an IAMED production. Some of the techniques work best with silk, but she has alot of ideas in this video that I had not seen in other videos or performances. It is truley the making of a fantastic, entertaining performance. This video is great for those who are bored with the usual whirl & swirl, and want to learn something a little different. I think it's great for students in Beginner to Advanced levels.
Tribal Fusion Bellydance With Sharon Kihara
I like this video alot. I use it before workouts and practices. I don't recommend this video for beginners. There is a need for some knowledge of bellydance. It is not an extensive teaching on Tribal Fusion Style. The first half of this video is a long yoga warm up. These excercises are great! Then there is a short choreography that isn't too difficult, and ofcourse a performance of the choreography at the end. She breaks the steps down well, though moves quickly through it. Like I need to analyze Sharon Kihara! She's Awsome.
Hot Combinations with Ansuya
This is a great video. I loved it. These combinations can be used in any style of Bellydance provided that you add your own attitude to the moves. She's a wonderful instructor, and the video is shot with her back to the camera so that the steps are easy to follow. this is great for intermediate studants who want some new flavor in their dance.
Beginner Floorwork with Veda Sereem
I bought this video since my teacher hardley mentioned this subject. This video was horrible! Though I had no lessons on floorwork, there are some things that are just common sense. All I found in this video was common sense stuff that anyone could figure out. I saw about 3 moves that I had never seen in performance, and the bad part is, I paid $50 for three new moves. Despite my utter disappointement, her instructions are clear, and her technique is good. This video is for Real Beginners who lack any knowledge of doing moves on the knees. But $50 is way too much considering the fact that it was shot on a handheld camer in her livingroom, and burnt on her computer on a blank sony disk. Come on woman. I've made videos, and it doesn't cost that much! Veda has many videos out, and the only reason I would ever consider buying another one is the fact that she puts out videos on subjects that no one else has. Glass Dancing (dancing on glasses), Tambourine Dancing, Basket Dancing, Candle Dancing, Tunisian Bellydance, to name a few. These are issues I haven't found other videos for.
Spins & Turns with Margurite
This video is good for a total beginner who wants to learn more ways to move around. If you've danced for a while and your looking for something new, you'll be disappointed. This studio shot video was easy to follow, and her instructions were good. I learn one new floor trun from this video. The good thing about this one is that she addresses an issue that I've not heard about on any other video......... What kind of shoes to wear on what surface? Shoes are a No in tribal style, but cabaret and other styles do wear them sometimes, and it's good to know the information that she has to share on the subject.
Oriental Arms with Katia
Another IAMED video. Her style is great, and she's a joy to watch. This is for Cabaret dancers who want a differnt take on how to use your arms. Though there aren't many of them, she shos that simple poses aren't all you can use the arms for. She teaches percussive arm movement, attitude amped arms, and how to make them a part of the dance rather than simple framing and flowing along. I love this woman, and her performances are amazing.
Bellydance Underworld (Tribal Fusion, Experimental, & Goth Performances)
A Hollywood Music Center Production. I loved this performance video. Although there were 2 or 3 boaring performances, This Video is Spicey Hot! So Many different styles, and some really great Costumes. I advise anyone who is interested in Tribal Fusion to get their hands on this Video.
Modern Tribal Bellydance with Ashara
A World Dance New York Vid perfect for learning a new Technique to your Fusion Routine. Not sure I'd recommend this for beginners, but it's worth a shot anyway. Her Instruction is clear and easy to follow. She teaches the dancer to take basic bellydance moves, and break them down into ticking, and mechanical motions. This video is great for practice and Drilling even if you're not into Fusions! It is a wonderful workout to strengthen your muscles. Whatever the reason you get it, just get it!
