I had the honor of being able to take a workshop last year with Mohamed Shahin. Little did I know what I was in for, a total SURPRISE!

During the break, after the first workshop, of course, I had to purchase his videos so I could improve on what I learned in class.

Since that time Mohamed has created two more videos. One is entitled " Shoubeki Loubeki" and the other is " Sharqiyat." I decided I HAD to have those too. So, I ordered them.

Well, they arrived today. I was working on a costume when I popped the first DVD in my player, but I HAD TO STOP WORKING ON THE COSTUME BECAUSE THE VIDEO IS A JAW DROPPER! You CAN'T devote your time to anything else but THE video!

Mohamed and his lovely dance partner, Diana, broke down every bit of choreography in the " Sharqiyat" dance. I think there may be about eight - 10 sections. After the breakdown, they dance to the bit that was just taught and at the end, its put together with Diana doing a solo. She is as talented a dancer as Mohamed.

The second section is a saidi tahtib dance (pardon me if I used the term tahtib incorrectly). This is a really cute dance and it too is cut into sections, five I believe, and performed in sections and again Diana dances a solo to the choreography in full costume at the end.

"Shoubeki Loubeki" is a beautifully choreographed dance with a lot of ballet movements to flow with the lovely song. My interpretation of this dance was that it was telling a story, but I don't know anything about the origin of the song. It's danced at the beginning with Mohamed in the center flanked by the lovely Diana and beautiful Aleya. It's then broken down into sections by Mohamed and Diana and then a full dance at the end with all three dancing in unison. There is even a small section of "floor work", if that isn't enticing !

These DVDs are not for the beginner belly dancer. There is no instruction on weight changes, movement breakdowns or use of props, but I guarantee that the dancer who buys and uses these videos will gain so much in their dance that they will become a much more confident and proficient performer. It's full of wonderful movements that can be incorporated into any style of Egyptian belly dance.

I highly recommend adding any Mohamed Shahin video to your belly dance library. They are a must have learning tool and they are entertaining as a show as well. I look forward to my next workshop and purchasing many Mohamed Shahin videos as they become available!

:-),

Azeeza