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

This is a fun instructional video.  Ansuya illustrates sheer enjoyment while performing her dance.  Her instruction is clear, precise, and she illustrates each combination in a front, side and back views.  Movements include camels, figure eights, freeze shimmies, hand undulations, hip locks, pelvic locks, snake arms, shoulder locks, sways, and much more.  Within each instructional section, Ansuya illustrates the combination, explains each move within the combination, put the moves together, and then performs the entire combination with music.

The video’s production is excellent:  the sound, lighting and picture quality are superb.  The video would be most appropriate for the beginner to advanced beginner level dancers for Ansuya breaks down each move within each combination and provides plenty of time for the viewer to practice each move.  Even so, intermediate-level dancers could also benefit from Ansuya’s creative combinations.  The combinations are lively and could refresh anyone’s routine.

Here is the video’s outline:

1. Clip of Ansuya’s Performance in Full  Costume & with Music 2. Introduction – Explanation of the Video’s Layout

3.  Instruction Posture  Funky Temple Egyptian Ripple Camel Pull  Freezing Cobra

Grapevine Snake Infinity Sway Bump & Wave Tick Tock Ripple Lock 4.  Combinations Drill

5. Ansuya Performs Entire Choreography in Full Costume with Music and Finger Cymbals 6. Ansuya Performs Combinations with Different Music 7. Bloopers

Two thumbs up to Ansuya and IAMED!

To purchase the Hot Combinations with Ansuya, please visit http://www.bellydance.org.

Nourhan Sharif has done a fabulous job breaking down the basic movements found within Raks Sharki.  This video is designed for beginners, and for the intermediate and advanced dancers desiring to clean up their techniques.  The instruction’s pace is progressive enough to keep the attention of the advanced dancers while providing enough thoroughness in her explanation to accommodate the beginner dancers.  I  would suggest this video is most beneficial for the advanced beginner to intermediate level dancer; the video is geared towards the serious student of Raks Sharki.

Here is the video’s outline:

Warm Ups Basic Positions Upper Body Isolations Head slides Head Circles Shoulder Lifts Shoulder Punches Shoulder Shimmies Drawing Circles Side Arm Lifts Snake Arms Rib Slides Horizontal Rib Circles Rib Lifts Vertical Rib Circles Wrist Circles Hand Presses Figure Eights Finger Ripples Regular Undulation Reverse Undulation

Hip Work Hip Thrusts Hip Drops Half Hip Circles Full Hip Circles Pelvic Drops Hamstring Pushes Hip Lifts ¾ Shimmy Hip Twists Vertical Hips Horizontal Hip Figure Eights Vertical Figure Eights Egyptian Hips

Traveling Speeds 1-4, 2-4, 3-4, 4-4 Basic Travel Steps Vertical Traveling Hips Traveling Shimmy Traveling Hip Twists Traveling Hip Drops Grapevine Step Chasse’ Chasse’ with Hip Spotting Exercise Reda Hips Straight Turns Yousry Sharif’s Exercise 1 Yousry Sharif’s Exercise 2 Yousry Sharif’s Exercise 3 Yousry Sharif’s Exercise 4

Throughout the video, Mrs. Sharif illustrated the moves at tempo and at half speed, providing time for the viewer to practice each move being presented.  Also, she stressed the importance of breathing and working both sides of the body, and pointed out what moves were more folkloric and which muscles are being utilized for the particular moves.  The Warm Up exercises seemed to be a combination of ballet, yoga, and jazz techniques.  They were quite useful and different than what has been seen on other belly dance tapes.  The Basic Positions involved the positions of the arms and the feet.  The Hip Work included a focus on the feet and how the feet helped one to execute the hip movements correctly.  The Basic Travel Steps included methods to transition.  The Yousry Sharif Exercises were combinations of movements progressing in difficulty.  The exercises provide an easy method of reinforcing the learned moves, understanding transitioning, and building dance sentences (a sequence of moves).  By practicing the exercises, a viewer can become more capable of experimenting with his/her own arrangement of moves.

The production quality was excellent.  The audio and picture were clear.  For most of the video, Mrs. Sharif explained the techniques through a voice over.  The set design was simple:  a floor, a wall, and colored lighting.  Although her pants blended into the scene at one brief moment, her attire was pleasing to the eyes and complimented the overall set design.  Her shiny hip belt helped me to see the movements better.

Since the video did not include a full costumed performance, I suggest this video be purchased in conjunction with one of Nourhan Sharif’s choreography videos.  This way, the viewer (especially if new to the dance), can see where the dance is headed.  She can view the performance found in the beginning of the choreography video.  Next, work with the beginning video to learn and understand the techniques.  Try out the choreography video to see how the moves flow together.  Then, revert back to the beginning video to clean up the techniques and further understand the moves and combination of movements contained in the choreography.

To purchase An Introduction to Bellydance Technique, visit www.EgyptianAcademy.com .

This video, designed for beginners in mind, provides a great, upbeat way to learn basic belly dance movements.  Alexandra, an accomplished dancer, leads the viewer through warm-ups, belly dance movements, combinations of movements and then through a cool-down.  The running time is approximately fifty minutes.

The video begins with Alexandra dancing at three different locations in three different costumes; the scenes rotate as the same melody plays.  This is helpful for the beginner to view what will be taught and how the end result can be presented once one is ready to perform publicly.  Here is the outline:

1.  Introduction       2.  Stretching       3.  Posture Check

4.  Isolations Posture Check Hip Circles Hip Slides Hip Lifts Rib Cage Circles Shoulder Shimmy Snakey Arms Hands

5.  Basic Moves -- Hip Lifts   Hip Lifts   Hip Drops   Egyptian Walk 6.  Basic Moves – Basic Hip   Basic Hip   Basic Hip Rock Step   Basic Hip Threes

7.  Combinations   2 Sets of Combinations 8.  Cool-Down   Stretches

Proper posture techniques for the body and arms are discussed in detail and the viewer is reminded periodically to check her/his posture.  The reminders are most helpful, for proper posture and placement of the arms can be easily forgotten.  Although the sound echoes slightly during the introduction and again before the cool-down, the sound is clear through the rest of the video.  Alexandra provides clear explanations of each of the stretching and belly dance movements while standing in front of a mirror.  (The mirror enables the viewer to see both sides of her body while she demonstrates each move.)   Alexandra’s scarves permit the viewer to observe the hip movements better, and a top with the same color and/or coins could have assisted similarly with the rib cage circles.  The “Combinations” section utilizes moves covered earlier in the video while enabling the viewer to practice smooth transitions.  The “Cool-Down” section is essential for any exercise routine, yet many dancing instructors and instructional videos fail to address this important component of exercising.  Overall, this video would benefit those in the beginning stage of belly dance development by providing a fun tool to practice basic moves at a steady, upbeat pace.

To purchase Learn to Belly Dance with Alexandra, visit http://www.Iteachbellydance.com.

Oriental Arms
Produced by Katia © 1998
Reviewed by Nadiyah © 2004

Do your arms feel left out of the dance?  In what ways could you frame your dance movements?  How can you accent the music’s rhythms with your arms?  How can you demonstrate the music’s melody with your hands?  How can you spice up your dance routine?  If you are looking to answer these questions, then here is your solution:  Oriental Arms by Katia.

Here is the video’s outline:

1.  Warm Ups   Posture Tips   Arm Warm Ups   Hand Warm Ups

2.  Instruction   Snake Arms   Percussive Arms   Combinations   Creative Concepts for Arms

3.  Choreography   Slow Motion   Real Time 4.  Performance

The video begins with Katia displaying a hand ripple while in full costume; the music plays in the background.  Her costume is beautiful and Katia exemplifies grace.  The warm ups, instruction, and choreography are easy to follow.  The sound and lighting are well done, and the backdrop is pleasing on the eyes.  The music is Middle Eastern and the music credits are provided at the end of the video.  The choreographed moves match the music’s rhythms and melodies.  Katia’s performance begins with the veil and then, expands into belly dance moves with great hand and arms accents.  She does a fabulous job integrating the arms and hands into her dance performance, illustrating how her techniques can truly enhance the overall presentation.

Even if you prefer to perform a strictly Middle Eastern dance style, this video can be a useful tool.  By following along, you can tone and increase strength in your arms and hands while gaining new movements that add texture and dimension to your dance.

Are you an intermediate dancer needing to add more movements to your repertoire?  Or are you an advanced level needing to refine your skills?  Either way, this video may be the perfect tape for you.

Suzanna Del Vecchio has assembled a great fast-paced video, filled with numerous movements.  First, she illustrates the movements and how they may be layered with other movements.  Then, she leads the viewer through the different movements at tempo with music from the following rhythms:  Masmoudi, 9/8, Beledi, 4/4, and Chiftitelli.  After the workout, Ms. Del Vecchio guides the viewer through cool down exercises involving even more belly dance moves.  The diverse movements covered include the following:
 

Footwork 3 and 5 Step Turns Basic Egyptian Series Flat-Ball Ball Ball Front-Middle Back-Middle Slow Motion Walk Rond de Jamb	Pelvic Movements Isolated Pelvic Circle Forward Pelvic Crescent Pelvic Roll Pelvic Scoop Post Pelvic Circle	Head Slide Body Wave Chest Lock Shoulder Articulation and Shimmies
Hip Movements ¾ Ups, Downs Hip Locks and Variations Hip Pushes Hip Pivots and Variations Hip Slides Seated Hip Rolls Unweighted Hip Movements	Figure Eights Horizontal Figure Eights Vertical Figure Eights Standing Side Figure Eights	Stomach Flutters Stomach Roll  Torso Undulation  Tush Push  Vertical Rib Circle

Ms. Del Vecchio’s voice can be clearly heard throughout the video.  Her attire during the breakdown of the movements is a blue leotard with black leggings.  With the plain, white background, this combination of attire and background ensures one can easily to see (and focus) on the movements without any distractions.  To purchase the video, visit http://www.h2net.net/p/dancersuz .

This video should actually be called Oriental Shimmy Techniques, for the bulk of the instruction is layering knee shimmies over various moves.  Due to the layering and limited breakdown of movements, this video is more appropriate for intermediate to advanced level dancers. 

Here is the videos's outline:

1. Credits 2. Introduction by Soniya 3. Dance Demonstration by Ragia  4. Introduction by Ragia

5. Instruction of Movements 6. Dance Demonstration by Ragia  7. Instruction of Movements 8. Dance Demonstration

9.   Instruction of Movements 10. Ragia & Students Dance 11. Ragia & Jenna Perform 2 Choreographies

As Ragia states in this video, strong knees are essential to perform her moves and combinations.   After Ragia provides a brief dance demonstration, she and students, Hassan of Egypt, Jenna of Russia, and Soniya of America, illustrate the techniques.  Ragia first teaches the base move, such as a pelvic roll or figure 8, then adds the shimmy to it.  She divided the instructional portion into three sections:  first demonstrating the dance, then breaking it down, and finally, practicing the moves at tempo to the drum's beat.

The video was filmed in a plain, white studio.  The sound is fair.  Ragia's attire is lycra/ spandex leggings, leg warmers, and a t-shirt.  Her movements are easy to detect.  Although she discusses how the movements are executed, they are not broken down enough to accomodate "beginner students."  The choreographies involved the taught movements and combinations in addition to other moves. The routines are fun and upbeat.  The production editing tricks done during the choreography section are annoying.  Two recordings are infused together, so the scenes bounce back and forth. 

To purchase Ragia Hassan's Oriental Techniques, visit http://www.Nadiyahs.com/Mona.html.

Rakset Assaya:  Introduction to Egyptian Saidi Technique with Nourhan Sharif

Video produced by Sharif Productions ©

Video review by Nadiyah Vahdahty © 2005

Here is the menu selection:

This DVD is a must for any Egyptian dance reference library.  Nourhan covers a tremendous amount of material in a short time.  She illustrates the technique and provides layering examples incorporating the various cane techniques.  Nourhan performs the moves to the different directions, permitting the viewer to fully visualize the techniques.  Here two improvs to the same music clip are fun.

The video and sound quality are excellent and the production is professional.  Only in the video's beginning, will any fancy editing be found.  Nourhan adorns black attire, a black and gold metal scarf, and high heels.  While Nourhan demonstrates the moves, she explains the technique a voiceover.  In addition to explaining the move, she provides helpful advice such as how to avoid sweaty hands and appropriate costuming.  The background consists of clear, blue lighting against a plain floor and wall.  The simplicity and contrast enables the viewer to completely focus on the instruction. 

In order to cover the vast amount of material, the breakdown of technique is minimal.  Therefore, this video is recommended for intermediate to advanced level dancers who are already familiar with base belly dance moves and combinations. 

You can purchase the DVD through Sharif Productions at www.egyptianacademy.com .

This video provides an array of dances and dance styles by some of the leading Middle Eastern dance professionals.  I thoroughly enjoyed this video and applaud Shareen el Safy, Angelika Nemath, Sahra Kent, and Orange Coast College Community Education for creating and producing such a great conference.  I applaud Turquoise International for producing such a wonderful performance video.

Here is the show's line-up:

1. Ali Loz -- Arrangement by Shareen el Safy 2. Fire Dance -- Suzanna Del Vecchio 3. Weadirt Tohgor -- Shareen el Safy 4. Nuit -- Arabesque Dance Company 5. Arabian Flame (Shamadan) -- Ghazal Rohani

6. Raqs Sharqi -- Katia 7. Raqs Al Assaya -- Angelika Nemeth's Repertoire                                       Dancers 8. Raqs Sharqi -- Cassandra Shore 9. Drum Solo -- Nagwa Fouad

Before each performance, credits pertaining to the dance were provided.  With some (Ali Loz, Weadirt Tohgor, Raqs Al Assaya, and Raqs Sharqi), a little historical background or definition is also shared.  During the first number, six ladies perform a fun, upbeat Awalim-style folkloric dance.  While they dance, the screen displays a video clip of Nagwa Fouad performing.  In the second number, Suzanna Del Vecchio presents a powerful Flamenco/ Belly dance fusion dance.   In the third number, Shareen el Safy illustrates moves from the "golden age" of Egyptian cinema.  The fourth number is a group interpretive number, inspired by the Egyptian Goddess Nuit.  The fifth dance, was a unique blend of veil, shamadan, and floorwork.  I would consider this a tad interpretive as well. The six dance, performed by Katia is a great raqs sharqi piece filled with diverse movements and high energy.  The dances following hers are also of high quality and emanate the spirit of Egyptian dance as well.  Nagwa Fouad, in her drum solo, illustrates the same great personality as found in her earlier films and performances.  She is such a ham and the audience responds to her with admiration and awareness.

To purchase The Second International Conference on Middle Eastern Dance 
Starring Nagwa Fouad Volume 2, visit http://www.Nadiyahs.com/performance2.html.

Souher Zaki
Produced by Hollywood Music Center  ©
Reviewed by Nadiyah © 2004

Souher Zaki performs several classical Egyptian belly dance numbers on stage with a live Egyptian orchestra.  The background is simple and plain, enabling the viewer to focus on Souher’s dancing.  Souher wears a sparkly bra and belt set, puffed sleeves, a choker with fringes, and a layered skirt with fringes.  A fringed wrap may be layered over the skirt.  Souher’s style is certainly unique and she appears to take command of the orchestra.  Her performance is filled with locks, shimmies, spins, figure 8’s, undulations, and large and small hip circles.  If you need inspiration on how to perform accents, then this video is for you.  Her articulation and texture of movements are truly impressive.  The only detriment to the video is the camera work and editing.  At times, Souher’s dancing is shown inside another frame. A few other times, images are superimposed over Souher’s performance.  Even so, this video is a must for those seeking to advance their layering and lock skills.  No wonder this video is Nadiyah's best seller.  The video is 70 minutes.

To purchase Souher Zaki, visit http://www.Nadiyahs.com/performance.html .

Stage Dynamics; Instructional Video with Katia
Video Reviewed by Nadiyah © 2004

Katia starts the video with a performance in full costume and to music.  The performance is a dynamic production with Katia employing a variety of moves with and without the veil.  She seems to enjoy herself and the choreography matches the music well.  She portrays a jazzy, American Cabaret style of Belly Dancing.  Her costume is beautiful and accentuates the moves favorably.

During the instructional section, Katia explains how to use the stage space, how to direct the audience’s eye, and how to transition between the movements.  A basic understanding of belly dance moves is needed for this video.  Katia explains how to perform hand, veil, and traveling movements, but she doesn’t explain how to perform other movements like a pelvic or freeze shimmy.  The production is excellent.  The lighting is complimentary and the sound is clear.

Here is the video’s outline:

1.  Performance with Veil   2.  Katia Speaks

3.  Learn the Performance in Sections Instruction Slow Motion With Music

4.  From the Top Dance the Complete Choreography 5.  Stage Theory 6.  Finale Performance

The video tape was a useful tool for developing choreographies on stage, so I give Katia two thumbs up.

To purchase Stage Dynamics, visit http://www.Nadiyahs.com/Mona.html.

Video Produced by Sharif Productions © 2002
Video Reviewed by Nadiyah © 2004

This is a wonderful choreography for the intermediate to advanced level dancer.  The layers of dance moves are as diverse as the melodies and rhythms in the music, Hazar Fazar, from the Wash Ya Wash Volume Two CD.  Nourhan Sharif begins by providing a full costumed performance on stage illustrating the choreography that will be taught in the video.  The image is in soft focus and the sound is clear.  Her smile is warm, her emotions are displayed, and her playful interaction with the music is superb.  Furthermore, she does an excellent job of working the stage, allowing for each section of the audience to be greeted and to observe the moves at a closer range.

Next, the choreography is broken down into eight sections.  Mrs. Sharif, wearing black and magenta exercise attire, illustrates each section of the choreography at tempo with the music.  Then, she explains through a voiceover what moves are being executed within that section as the viewer sees the moves at half time.   One section even provides variations to use with a group of dancers and/or with a thobe.  Props utilized are the veil and the tambourine.

The video ends with another full costumed performance, reinforcing what was taught without requiring the viewer to rewind.  This is an excellent video, providing a great choreography to those who perform to it and great combinations for those looking to enhance their current choreographies.  After watching this video, I have become a true Nourah Sharif fan!

You may purchase the video at http://www.EgyptianAcademy.com.