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Nadiyah'sPresenting Belly Dance, Dance Oriental, Danse de Ventre, Raks el Shargi, Raks el Sharki, Middle Eastern Dance, etc. |
Nadiyah's Video Reviews
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We currently provide the following reviews: (More video reviews are to come.
Check back often
for updates.)
 The Egyptian Academy of Oriental Dance presents The 6th Annual Oriental Dance Gala featuring Zaza Hassan of Egypt DVD Produced by the Egyptian Academy DVD Reviewed by Nadiyah © 2004 "What is a good performance video?" I am often
asked,
This DVD provides 2 hours of great performances. The
DVD offers
good visual and audio quality and is chapterized, making it easy
to jump to your favorite performance artist. What makes this
production
even more helpful is that the dancer's name and origin is provided
before
each number. Here are the performers in order of appearance:
The ladies all performed Oriental / Belly Dance, some utilizing the veil and Sumako pulling out her Cane as well. Most of these ladies are truly dynamic performers. There were men, too. Said performed Derwish and, along with Yasser, also performed Tahtib and an Arabian Horse skit. Zaza Hassan wrapped up the show with a Tahtib number as well. What I enjoyed the most was the assortment of personalities. This made the whole presentation even more interesting. Great job Nourhan! I look forward to reveiwing the rest of your producttions. To purchase The 6th Annual Oriental Dance Gala, visit http://www.EgyptianAcademy.com .  The American Dancer Middle Eastern Series Volume 1: Dahlena; Dance Stylings for an Opening Number Produced by Turquoise International ©1999 Reviewed by Nadiyah © 2004 Dahlena is a wonderful dancer and her arm movements are exquisite. She is truly skilled at utilizing her arms and hands to frame her movements without making them appear too busy. She also performs wonderfully tight hand and arms undulations. The video is taped inside a dance studio. Two assistants follow along Dahlena during the instructional segments. Although the sound echoes, you can clearly hear what Dahlena is saying. Here is the outline:
At first, Dahlena provides a full costume performance to Tamra Henna. Her fun choreography is filled with a variety of layered moves, such as employing a hip shimmy with a backward figure eight while swirling the veil. In the second section, Dahlena explains posture, hip techniques, how to transition, and mistakes to prevent. She illustrates the front and side view to ensure that the viewer understands the techniques. In the third section, Dahlena explains the importance of mastering the hip area and also provides more transition instruction. She explains the combination of movements and then performs them at tempo with a dumbek playing in the background. The fourth section covers the positioning of the arms and hands for various moves. In the fifth section, Dahlena illustrates the veil techniques included in the choreography. It is a great placement for this section, for the veil movements go along with the combinations covered in previous segments. In the final section, Dahlena pulls the movements together with the walk through of the entire choreography. This is a great video to study. Since a good knowledge of shimmies, undulations, and other belly dance basics are required, this video is more suited for the intermediate to advanced dancer. To purchase The American Dancer,
visit
http://www.Dahlena.com.  The
American Tribal Style Belly Dance (Volume 1) with Kajira Djoumahna
Video Produced by Suzy Evans © Video Reviewed by Nadiyah © 2004 This video is designed for the absolute beginner or for those familiar with other belly dance styles. Before the instruction starts, the viewer is shown a glimpse of an American Tribal Style (ATS) performance. Kajira leads the viewer through the lesson plan in a relaxed and thorough manner. First, she explains ATS, the purpose of directional cues, and terms needed to understand. Then, she expresses the need for crunches. As she describes how to crunch to strengthen the upper and lower abdomen and the obliques, Seana performs the crunches. Next, Kajira focuses on the posture and how its correct execution benefits the body, the dance, and the troupe performance. Afterwards, she illustrates the movements incorporated in American Tribal Style. Behind her, Seana and Najla, follow along illustrating the moves as the responses to Kajira’s directional cues. During the performances, each lady takes a turn being the leader while the other two follow along. Here is the outline:
The video’s pace is relaxed, allowing the viewer ample time to practice before progressing onto the next move. As with all of the other IAMED videos, the picture and audio quality is excellent, and the overall format is focused. Additionally, the set design is simple, permitting the viewer to focus on the instructional material being presented. Although the video would benefit the experienced dancer considering ATS, the video would be most prized by the absolute beginner. Good job Kajira, Suzy, Seana, and Najla! To purchase The American Tribal Style Belly Dance (Volume 1), visit http://www.BlackSheepBellydance.com.
Volumes One & Two is very informative covering Beledy, Bolero, Chiftitelli, and Drum Solo movements. The sound and lighting is good and the movements are easy to see. (Ms. King’s attire is such that one can easily see the movements.) The studio setting and picture quality is reflective of the year it was produced. Throughout the video, Ms. King explains each movement, provides different angles of the movements, allows practice time for each movement, and then combines each movement with cymbals and music. Ms. King provided a good balance of instruction and practice, enabling the viewer to understand each movement while progressing quickly to keep the viewer’s full attention. Running time is 60 minutes. Here is the basic outline:
To purchase the video, visit http://www.AlexandraKing.com .
This video would prove to be a great resource for your dance video library. Alexandra King has done a superb job in breaking down the movements for the Persian, Armenian, and Turkish/Greek dances. Although the breakdowns are good enough for the beginning level dancer, the video progresses quickly enough to please the advanced-level dancer. With each dance style, Alexandra performs in a costume pertaining to that style. Then, the scene changes to the studio where she illustrates the moves both in the mirror and also, directly into the camera. The distance between her and the camera is such that one can view the entire body and still clearly see her face. The combination of movements are shown in slow motion and then, in real time with music. The sound is clear, the lighting is good, and the backdrop is complimentary. Running time is 120 minutes. Here is the video’s basic outline:
To purchase The Ancient Art of Belly
Dance,
Belly Dance for Fitness & Health
Level 1 DVD Gypsy Spirit Productions © 2005 Review by Nadiyah Vahdahty © 2005 The DVD opens with upbeat music and moves into the Disc Menu offering three options:
First, with a voice over, Kelli Marie provides a brief introduction to belly dance and its possible origins. Next, facing the camera, Kelli Marie introduces herself and supplies the video’s outline. Then, she teaches a variety of moves and variations of the moves. Her students, Marianne Fredrickson and Cecily Ryan, illustrate the moves along with her. The instructional portion is divided into three sections. After a section of instruction is given, the moves are combined and performed to upbeat music.
The “Bonus Chapters” portion is comprised of ‘Extended Stretches’ and ‘Health Exercises.’ Here, Kelli Marie presents additional stretches, then floor exercises appropriate for those with physical limitations. During ‘Health Exercises,’ a small window illustrates the corresponding belly dance moves. During the instructional portion, Kelli Marie adorns a purple velvet top and fringed scarf with black leggings. Marianne and Cecily wear similar attire in turquoise. Their moves are easy to see. The background music is subtle and slow, as to create the mood without causing distraction. Even though it sounds more Celtic than Middle Eastern at times, it effectively matches the ladies’ smooth or accented movements. The backdrop is charming. It is Middle Eastern themed with columns, curtains, plants, chest of jewelry, pillows, and more. During the performance section, Marianne and Cecily add a skirt to their attire while Kelli Marie adds a Turkish vest and skirt to her velvet top. Her solo is performed in a sequined and beaded bra and belt set with a chiffon 3-layered skirt. This DVD’s production quality is superb. Clarity is found through the visual and audio, and the lighting is perfect. Additionally, the transitions between sections and scenes are beautiful and smooth. Sometimes, the camera will zoom into a burning candle while other times, Kelli Marie dances with the veil. The music is lovelyThe camera shots were helpful, zooming in for the breakdown of moves, zooming out for the overall effect. Overhead shots were also presented – something many other instructional videos do not provide. This is a good video for beginning bellydancers, yet progressive enough for those a little further along in their dance studies. You can purchase this DVD by visiting www.kellimariebellyd.com . Hosted by Paulina, this production first provides an overview of four major California Belly Dance events: • The Festival of Colors
Paulina interviews those managing the events, some of the participants, vendors, and even some spectators. You see clips of those numerous performers in the shows including Autumn Ward, Aziza, Bahaia, Jim Boz, Rachel Brice, Meera, Midnight Mirage, Rania, Shoshanna, Susu Pampanin, Urban Tribal Dance, and Zahra Zuhair. Next, you go behind the scenes with Amara in her preparation of An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance. If you wondered what this controversial event entails, you need not wonder any more. For those pondering what is involved in producing a show, you’ll see all that is required: practices, rehearsals, costuming, props, flexibility, communication, and so on. After you see clips of the show, then you are taken to the cast party. Then, you are introduced to the Rising Stars -- Urban Tribal Dance Company. Heather, the company's director, provides you with a glimpse into this new style of tribal style belly dance – the costuming, the troupe members, the music, dance styles incorporated, and the performances. After that, Anaheed provides you with Hip Tips. She shows you how to pack your bedlah set after a performance and shares tips for dealing with odors, moisture, and bacteria. Finally, there is the Spotlight on Ansuya. It starts off with Alexandra King talked about Ansuya growing up. You see Ansuya’s family pictures, video clips of her dancing at a young age and as an adult, and of clips of her mother, Jenaeni Rathor. Ansuya gives an overview of her life; shares her experiences of her acting, modeling, and dancing assignments, such as with the Belly Dance Superstars Tours; and reveals her perspectives on Belly Dance as a whole. Overall, I thought this was a great DVD. It definitely was a magazine in a DVD format. The audio and visual was of professionally quality, and Paulina did an awesome job of interviewing the various stars. For someone who is unable to travel much, I appreciated the chance to observe some California events and see the stars in action. To purchase Belly Dance Television Volume 1, visit http://www.bd-tv.com. Belly Dancing the Sacred Shapes™ With Goddess Dancing™ DVD Produced by Mystic River Films, LLC © 2003 DVD Review by Nadiyah © 2004 Are you experimenting with Belly Dance for the first time? Has belly dancing become so mechanical that you have lost the previously experienced joy? Do your belly dance classes need a new angle, flow, or direction? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, then this DVD/video may benefit you. Belly Dancing the Sacred Shapes provides a fun introduction to Belly Dance from a more spiritual perspective than found in other instructional dance videos. Designed for “the health and celebration of women,” Goddesses, Sacred Shapes, directional planes, visualizations, and stories are incorporated into the overall format. This is a very well thought-out video with a focused structure. In addition, the audio, picture, lighting, framing, camera, and editing are of a professional quality. Everything about this production is clean, clear, and concise. Moreover, the set design and colors utilized in the framing were pleasant to the eyes. Here is the video’s outline:
The three ladies involved in The Goddess Dancing, Anita-Cristina Calcaterra, Cathy Moore, and Karen Uminski, take their turn as leader. As one lady verbally introduces the shape or topic, another lady illustrates the topic with her body. Likewise, while a voiceover verbally explains each move, the dancers illustrate the movement with their bodies. The Goddess Dancing appears to be a fun group; the members’ smiles and sincerity reflected towards each other perfectly illustrate the “sisterhood” often found in Belly Dance. With each chapter, the group presents a different theme of costuming whether through practice attire, performance attire, or “clubbing” attire. What a creative, yet complete introductory video! I give a big round of applause to The Goddess Dancing. To purchase Belly Dancing the Sacred Shapes™, visit http://www.thegoddessdancing.com, write to The Goddess Dancing™, P.O. Box 1093, Arlington, MA 02474, or call 781-641-1396. Bellydance Live with Keti Sharif -- Video Produced by Figure of 8 Productions If you have been practicing belly dance for some time and are now considering the possibility of performing, then this may be a good video for you. In Part 4 – Modern Bellydance, Keti Sharif presents a survey of the different aspects involved in modern bellydance. Here is the outline:
The video is filmed in During the different performance sections, Keti is in full costume. Keti’s Bitwannis Beek performance is presented with a band behind her, whereas her Efred and Min Habibi Ana performances involve recorded Egyptian Pop music and simple backdrops of fabric. In the third performance, Keti illustrates fusion dance with the assistance of musicians Gebali and Ibrahim Tawfik. The next performance is done on stage. Through all of the performances, Keti illustrates the emotional aspects of Egyptian dance. In the Min Habibi Ana, her final performance, the camera zooms in on her emotional gesturing, so the viewer can really absorb the emotional aspect. Although techniques are presented, I’d consider this to be an informational video (versus instructional video). Keti demonstrates the various techniques and their variations from the stage as the percussionists perform behind her. Each movement’s breakdown is very brief – if at all. Keti speaks from the stage, so increasing the volume may be needed for this section. Since the focus of this video appears to be a survey of ‘Modern Bellydance,’ I think Keti’s “Techniques of Modern 8” section is presented in the appropriate manner. During the “Audiences and Venues” section, Keti explains the qualities and characteristics of particular venues through a voice-over. Some performances are of Keti on stage or on the floor, while others are clips of Egyptian dancers, like Lucy, performing. Although the “Lyrics and Costume” section covered different styles of costumes, the attention was mostly on the importance of knowing the song’s lyrics. Through a voice over, Keti explains the need for knowing the words one is dancing to and to illustrate the importance, shows clips of her Min Habibi Ana performance with the lyrics (offered in English and Arabic) at the bottom of the screen. Overall, I enjoyed this video. It is easy to spend much time learning the techniques of bellydance, only to be unaware of the overall aspects of bellydance. In this video, Keti provides the backdrop and the additional information needed for a better understanding of the dance. To learn more about Keti Sherif and/or to buy her products, visit http://www.ketisherif.com .Egyptian, Nubian, & Sudanese Folkloric Dance Produced by Middle Eastern Television, Inc. © 1984 Video Reviewed by Nadiyah © 2004 If you considered expanding your repertoire to include folk dancing or if you would like to know more about authentic and theatrical dances, then I suggest you include this video in your reference library. Morocco narrates the video explaining the different dances as they appear and providing helpful information on origins, costuming, and/or the purposes of each dance form. With each section, she also provides information on where and when each performance took place. The sound is clear and the visual is in soft focus through out the video. Although the lighting varies depending on the venue and the event, you are still able to view the diverse moves that the dancers perform. Here is the outline:
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