We currently provide the following reviews:

(More video reviews are to come.  Check back often for updates.)

The Egyptian Academy of Oriental Dance presents 

"What is a good performance video?"  I am often asked, 
I am happy to respond, "Here is one."

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: 
 

1.  Said - Egypt  2.  Lucie - Canada 3.  Sumako - New York  4.  Lenita - Sweden 5.  Britt - Sweden

6.  Yasser & Said - Egypt  7.  Nichole - Paris/New York 8.  Sonziry - New York 9.  Mireille - Canada

10.  Hanadi - New York  11.  Virginia - Miami 12.  Yasser & Siad - Egypt  13.  Henda - Paris

14.  Isis - Las Vegas 15.  Chantal - Canada  16.  Fahtiem - California 17.  Zaza Hassan - Egypt

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 .

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:

1. Choreography 2. Technique

3. Hip Technique and Combinations 4. Arm Technique

5. Veil Techniques and Combinations 6. Choreography Walk Through

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.

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:

1. Introduction   2. Crunches   3. Posture

4. Technique:  Slow Movements a. Vertical Figure Eights b.  Rib Cage Circles  c.  Cross Point  d.  Pestle e.  Follow Along:  Slow Movements

5. Technique:  Fast Movements a. ¾ Shimmy  b. Egyptian c. Vines and Hip Bump d. Mo Rockin’ Hip Hop  e. Follow Along:  Fast Movements 6. Performance

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.

The Ancient Art of Oriental Belly Dance Volumes One & Two
Produced byAlexandra King Productions © 1986
Music by Eddie Kochak and Hakki Obadia
Reviewed by Nadiyah © 2004

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:

Performance of five songs involving cymbals, veil work, floorwork, and a drum solo. Introduction Posture Check Warm Up Exercises  Rib Cage Waist Hips Ankles Fingers and Hands Stomach Floor Back	Bolero (Veil Required) Slide Step Turn Step Veil (How to put it on and take it off) Cross Over with Arms Matador Half Butterfly  Butterfly Combine all movements with music	4/4 Rhythm – Drum Solo Basic Step Rounded Off Basic Step Ghawazee Step Hip Shimmy  Shoulder Shimmy  Snap Hip Twist  Pelvic Drop  Pelvic Thrust Freeze Shimmy  Combine all movements with music
Beledy Rhythm Basic Walk  Hip Rock Walk Camel Hip Drop Pelvic Circle 1-2-3 Turn	Chiftitelli Neck Slide Chest Circle Snake Arms Wrist Circles Finger Ripples Hip Circles Figure 8’s	Circle Walk Descent to Floor Body Circle Figure 8’s on the Side Back Arch Combine all movements with music Performance in Chiftitelli and Drum Solo

This is a great video for those brand new to the dance, those seeking to expand their dance vocabulary, and for those looking for a refresher.

To purchase the video, visit http://www.AlexandraKing.com .

The Ancient Art of Oriental Belly Dance Volumes Three & Four
Produced by Alexandra King Productions © 1999
Review by Nadiyah © 2004

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:

Persian Dance 1. Performance with Live Musicians 2. Explanation of Instruments and 6/8 rhythms 3. Breakdown of Movements a. Footwork b. Arm & Hand Movements  4. Combination of Movements	Armenian Dance 1. Performance with Finger Cymbals  & Live Musicians  2. Breakdown of Movements a. Footwork b. Arm & Hand Movements  3.   Combination of Movements
Moroccan  1. Performance with Live Musicians  2. Breakdown of Movements a. Footwork b. Arm & Hand Movements  3. Combination of Movements	Kashlima  1. Two Performances in Two Costumes 2. Explanation of 9/8 Rhythm 3. Breakdown of Movements a. Footwork  b. Hip & Torso  c. Arms d. Turns 4. Anwar Choreography a. Walk Through Movements in Sections b. Perform with Music & Finger Cymbals

This video is highly recommended, especially for those who live in an area where the dance instructors' styles are limited.

To purchase The Ancient Art of Belly Dance, 
visit http://www.AlexandraKing.com .

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:

1. Begin Lesson
2. Lesson Chapters
3. Bonus Chapters

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 .

Belly Dance Television; Video News Magazine Volume 1
DVD Produced by Offworld Entertainment © 2004
DVD Reviewed by Nadiyah © 2004 Not able to get out and mingle with the California belly dance community?  Would you like to keep abreast on the latest events?  Have you wondered who particular dancers are and what their dances look like?  Have you pondered on what is required to produce a dance show?  Well, then, this may be the DVD for you.

Hosted by Paulina, this production first provides an overview of four major California Belly Dance events:

•    The Festival of Colors
•    Festival Fantasia
•    MECDA’s 26th Anniversary Party
•    IAMED’s 6th Awards of Belly Dance

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.

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:

1.    Introduction 2.    Basic Stance and Goddess Stretches a.    Isis b.    Kali c.    Péle d.    Diana e.    Koko Woman 3.    Circle a.    Horizontal Hip Circle b.    Horizontal Heart Circle c.    Vertical Heart Circle d.    Sagittal Heart Circle e.    Horizontal Head Circle 4.    Crescent a.    Horizontal Hip Crescent b.    Horizontal Heart Crescent c.    Vertical Heart Crescent d.    Horizontal Head Crescent

5.    Figure Eights a.    Horizontal Hip Figure Eights b.    Vertical Heart Figure Eights c.    Vertical Head Figure Eights 6.    Shimmy a.    Earthquake Shimmy b.    Twisting Shimmy c.    Heart Shimmy d.    Ecstasy Shimmy 7.    Undulation a.    The Wave b.    The Snake 8.    The Creation Dance

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  --

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 Cairo, Egypt.  In the beginning and at the end, scenes of Egypt are creatively blended with dancing.  Some of the dancing is performed by Egyptian dancers and some is performed by Keti Sherif. 

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. 

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:
 

The Caravan Tent in Cairo, Egypt -- January, 1983 1. Dervish (Twirling) 2. Raks al Shamodan (Candelabra) 3. Dervish 4. Sudanese	Winter Palace Casino, Luxor, Egypt -- February, 1983 5. Nubian Sheik Ali’s Garden, West Bank, Luxor, Egypt -- 1982 6. Tahtiyb (Men’s Cane Dance)
Luxor, Egypt – January, 1979 7. Banat Maazin Ghawazi	Concorde Hotel, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt, 1982 8. Mahmoud Reda’s Troupe

While the credits run, Morocco illustrates Egyptian Orientale.  This video is #6 in her series of videos.  Like the others, I have found this video to be quite helpful when attempting to understand (and portray) the dances of Egypt and Sudan.  Some of us are unable to travel, so these documentaries may be our only exposure to authentic and theatrical performances produced in the Middle East.

Thank you, Morocco, for producing these films.

To purchase Folk Dances of Egypt and the Sudan, visit http://www.Nadiyahs.com/performance.html or  http://www.cashbahdance.org.

This is not the typical beginner instructional video.  It is fast paced and, as such, a beginner would need to rewind often.   In fact, this video would be more appropriate for an intermediate level. Also, proper warm ups are needed prior to working with this video. 

After a brief introduction, Hadia presents the moves in each part.  Here is the outline:

Part One: Shoulder Rolls Cross-Step Lateral Undulations Egyptian Figure Eights Profile Figure Eights Traveling Chest Lift Undulations Pelvic Undulations

Camel Undulations Hip Circles - Half Circles Sitting Hip Circles with Undulations & Hip Drops Turning Hip Circles  Traveling Step Twist

Part Two:  Cane Dance / Raks Assaya

Part One:
After Hadia breaks down the moves, she adds variations to the move or combines the moves with other moves.   After each runs through each of the different moves, she combines them for a full dance routine to an Arabic chiftetilli song.  Hadia wears a form fitting exercise top and leggings along with a beaded belt permitting her moves to be viewed easily.

Part Two: 
Hadia adorns a beledi dress and a scarf around her head.  The dress has long slits on both sides, allowing the viewer to see the leg movements clearly.  First, Hadia illustrates how to hold the cane and use the fingers to twirl it.  Then, she illustrates the moves used in a cane dance.  The music plays the entire time.  With each combination of moves, she breaks them down and then performs them at tempo.  After the instructional portion is complete, she performs the dance to the music without the talk.

This video provides a great workout.  Hadia speaks clearly in a voice-over throughout the video.  The setting is a white room with no decorations.  The visual quality is that of the early 80s, having a soft focus.  The sound is good.

To purchase Hadia's VHS Volume 2, visit http://www.hadia.com.

Would you like to learn more about the different rhythms incorporated in Oriental Dance?  Would you like to see how finger cymbals are played to certain rhythms?  Are you looking to further define your dance repertoire?  Or do you simply need more moves and combinations to enhance your dance?  If so, Hadia has provided another great video to suit your needs.

Rhythms are often overlooked as a subject to be discussed in dance class, so I am glad to see that Hadia has provided this learning tool for us.  Here are the rhythms she presents:
 

1.  Masmoudi 2.  Maksoum 3.  Chift Telli

4.  Khaleegy 5.  Beledi  6.  Saiidi

7.  Felahy 8.  Karsilama 9.  Malfouf

With each rhythm, she explains the counts, the accents, and where the rhythm is typically found in the dance routine.  Then, the drummer plays the rhythm for the viewer.  Next, Hadia illustrates how the finger cymbals are played, providing the basic structure as well as variations.
Finally, she walks you through the different moves and combinations.  Moves incorporated include the hip lifts, twisting hip drops, pony step, zig-zag walk, figure eights, Egyptian diagonal walk, shoulder accents, pelvic undulations, head toss, knee shimmy, small and large hip circles, hand ripples, and much more.  After the instructional portion is complete, Hadia presents a full dance routine in costume with the aid of the drummer. 

The video is in soft focus.  Hadia speaks English in a voice over.  She wears a form fitting crop top, leggings, leg warmers, and a cabaret belt.  The room is white with no mirrors or decorations. 

This video is best suited for the intermediate to advanced student.

To purchase Hadia's VHS Volume 3, visit http://www.hadia.com.

Once again, Hadia presents a unique, thorough, and challenging video.  This time, however, she has partnered with Selma Ferchichi, a dance instructor from Tunis, Tunisian.  Selma speaks in French and Hadia speaks in English.  Together, they cover the background and cultural significance of the Tunisian dances, present a fun full-costumed performance, illustrate the rhythms and moves corresponding to the rhythms, and show the process of building the Tunisian dance apparel, the “Melia.”  Here is the video’s outline:

1.      Introduction

2.      Performance

3.      Instruction

4.      Costuming

5.      Closing

During the instructional portion of the video, these ladies illustrate the dance movements and rhythms of Hallah, Il Khatwa, Bounawara, E’Sharia, Feyzani, and Souka.  First, a brief background on the particular movements is given, such as the geographic origins.  Then, Hadia illustrates the movements for the particular rhythm while Selma drums.  Next, Hadia breaks down the steps and their variations.  Following the breakdown, the movements are performed once again at full tempo with the drumming. 

The DVD set offers three languages, English, French, and Spanish and each disk is chapterized.  The sound and picture quality is excellent and the backdrop is simple, but polished and elegant.  Hadia speaks clearly througout the video.  Wearing a purple yoga outfit and a sequined crochet hip scarf, she illustrates the movements well, turning to the appropriate angle as needed.  This is an excellent instructional set.  The techniques are broken down carefully for the beginner, but in a progressive manner that holds the viewer's attention.  I highly suggest this set for all levels, especially disk 1 and 4 for the teachers. 

Disk 1
What do you do when you feel under the weather and you know you need some exercise?  Do you stay in bed, watch TV or veg on the couch, or do you force yourself to exercise as if you were in the best of health?  Well, normally when I have a headache or am feeling not up-to-par, I spend an hour doing yoga, tai chi, or stretches normally found within traditional athletic programs.  Now, thanks to Hadia, I have another alternative: Hadia's Ultimate Bellydance DVD set, DVD 1. 

During the introduction, clips from her performance DVD are shown.  As the viewer see illustrations of the different dances, Hadia provides her personal dance history, including the different Middle Eastern Dance masters she learned from and her performance tours including those in the Middle East, Europe, North and South America.  The instructional part is comprised mostly of warm-up techniques.  She starts with breathing, moves onto sitting exercises for the whole body, then transitions into standing exercises.  Next, she focuses on the hips with pelvic rotations, 3/4 shimmies, and thigh shimmies.  The hips section is followed by an arms section, (such as shoulder rolls and shimmies), a 10-point alignment check, and modified warm ups done in a chair.  I must point out that she is not simply teaching these basic belly dance movements, but the warm ups that easily transition into the movements. 

Disk 2
First, Hadia provides a full "Shabiyya" dance demonstration facing the camera.  Next, the instructional portion begins.  She breaks down each movement, then combines a series of movements into one sequence for a total of seven sequences.  Finally, Hadia offers a backview of the choreographed dance.

Disk3 
This choreography, also an Egyptian Pop number,  is geared more towards the intermediate level dancer. (Review to come.)

Disk 4
Hadia begins this disk by showing quick full-body warm-up exercises.  Then, she breaks down cool down exercises, most helpful for the particular muscle groups and spinal regions belly dancers utilize. 

To purchase Hadia's Ultimate Bellydance DVD Set, visit http://www.hadia.com .

To submit your video for review, send a DVD or VHS tape to  
Nadiyah's, P.O. Box 18393,  Spokane, WA  99228-0393.

Please include a self-addressed, padded envelope with sufficient postage attached for the tape's safe return.