Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade's topics - tribe.net

Mosaic by Americanistan - CD Review

2009-11-10T17:23:51Z

Mosaic
Mosaic by Americanistan

CD Review

Recommended

Track List

1. Uskudar; 4:24
2. N’Etana; 2:14
3. Americano; 2:29
4. Da Visa; 5:015.
5. Inanna’s Veil; 4:30
6. Delilah; 3:54
7. Queen Mez; 2:45
8. Dodi Li; 3:55
9. Rania’s Seven; 3:40
10. Razia Raks; 4:15
11. Raks Siretzi; 4:15
12. Song of Saqra; 3:02
13. Zamara; 3:03
14. Moroccan Trance Fusion; 5:11
15. Naia Saeeda; 3:12
16. Elena’s Villa; 4:34
17. Delilah II; 6:13

This is a fun cd from an excellent band. The songs range from lively traditional tunes to haunting original works to exuberant drum solos. Only two songs are longer than 5 minutes, making them the ideal length for solos and troupe songs.

The rhythms are clear and most songs stick to the same rhythm throughout. The interesting arrangements for small ensembles use a variety of instrumentation. Everything is very well played.

Uskudar (Turkish), Dodi Li (Israeli), and Raks Siretzi are traditional tunes . The rest are original works or drum solos. N’Etana is mysterious with floaty flute. Americano is a drum solo, and Da Visa is a spin on “En Gadda Davida”. Innana’s Veils is a haunting chant to the Goddess. Delilah and Delilah II were written for the Seattle dancer of the same name. Queen Mez oozes with soulful violin. Rania’s Seven and Naia Saeeda are a moderate tempo with an easy to follow melody. Song of Saqra Zamara is slow and somber with more chanting. Moroccan Trance Fusion is a hypnotic Zar. Elana’s Villa is an original take on a traditional tune.

I use this cd for class and can see myself using some of these tunes for performances. I also enjoy this one for just listening.

You might like this cd if you
• Like classic Middle Eastern music
• Enjoy new music in the traditional style
• Want music that is both easy to listen to and easy to dance to
• Are looking for music suitable for beginners

You probably don’t want this cd if you
• Are looking for techno or pop or industrial
• Are looking for “rough” or “edgy” music
• Are looking for modern music, or music from outside the Middle East
• Are looking for classic Egyptian style orchestration

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 1 reply

View my DVD Collection...

2009-11-08T03:18:23Z

http://astore.amazon.com/elmundomistic-20

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Karen Barbee Drillz Intermediate 1 DVD

2009-10-26T02:53:59Z

I just got this in the mail today and tried the first section. This does have chaptering which is nice so you can work on the sections you want. Its about one hour but it is almost continuous drilling of hip moves with accents and in combo's I've not seen before. For instance you do the right forward, left center, right back and left center with a rather large hip circle on it. I"ve never seen this combo again. I also did a back half circle with an accent at the end. I watched most of it while working but did the first part and enjoyed it. I will be doing the whole DVD as soon as I can. I really enjoyed it. I also got her Belly dance Drillz and intermediate variations which looks to be like a 50 min continuous drilling of moves. I watched it and it was great. I want to do that one as soon as I get a minute.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 2 replies

Anyone tested Portia's "Bellymotions - Beginner Belly Dance" Series yet?

2009-10-18T20:54:53Z

Is it worth it? I'm desperately looking for a good review, but can't find any.
Thanks in advance!

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Combinography Review

2009-10-15T00:20:58Z

I was one of the lucky gals to receive a freebie by Michelle's recent giveaway of the newest CGP release. It arrived yesterday - to my big delight as, for completely dance-unrelated reasons, there's a lot of rather sad things going on in the family these days.

So you could say I trully needed something to lift me up.

While I wasn't quite ready to get up and dance to the dvd but rather sat watching it with litres of "honeyed" black tea oriental style (the concentrated tea with hot water). Now the caffeine, honey and Bahaia managed to cheer me up altogether

To the substance of the dvd:
It definitely is material I have never seen anywhere else. (Note. Nadira Jamal's toolkit deals with somewhat similar topics - I've been wanting to buy that one for a long time, but have not so far - there might be overlapping topics and advice.)

I do not want to give any cool exercise or surprise away because I think following along to this dvd will be all the more fun the less you know about what's going to happen!
Just some tiny appetizers:
Bahaia will explain to you very basic theory to consider when you are ready to present your dance, whether that will be a real performance in public, or for friends or family (which will rather be my thing).
What different arm gestures signal body language wise, what different lines in your body convey, how to circle your "territory" etc.
She will give you a great tip for getting rid of anxiety a second before going onstage (you hear Michelle or someone else burst into laughter when Bahaia shows you this!! )

Bahaia will talk about a dancer having certain steps she always falls back into with anxiety or tension, and how to turn this into a strength by modifying this step you fall back into into many many variations that would come naturally in such a moment - turning your weakness into a plus basically.
She will go over travelling moves and lead a few exercises that help you get variation into your favorite moves, she will demonstrate what different a feeling moves convey when you vary the speed of arm movements alone from rather fast, resistance-less to slowed down, more intense swaying of the arms, to veeeery slow moves as if you were working hard through water resistance or something similar.

The dvd is "talky" in many sections, and I think that is good. the information Bahaia shares will be just as interesting to any beginner who wants to look their best when giving in to relatives' or partner's begging of showing them "their bellydance", and I am sure many professionals can benefit a great deal from fresh perspectives of another seasoned pro.

I am thinking much of the information on avoiding tension in the face, what line to have in your body, not to get nervous when YOU perceive your dance is boring the audience (which may not go congruent with their perception, anyway) is useful for ANY type of performance in fact.
I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to perform on a stage, if as a dancer in general or maybe as an actor, or as anybody who needs to convey something with their body on stage.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 2 replies

Tribal LA or TF 2 DVD?

2009-10-13T17:26:40Z

For anyone that has both of them (Tribal Fusions 2 and Tribal LA), which one would you recommend? I would like to get both, but only have the money to get one of them right now.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 7 replies

Belly dance DVD's for sale

2009-10-10T02:50:02Z

Finger Cynbals for Belly Dance by Tobias Roberson with Rachel Brice, Mardi Love, and Faisal Zedan $35

Bellydance Underworld: Tribal Fusion, Experimental, and Gothic Performances $12

Bellydance for Body Sculpting with Tanna Valentine (coordination/flexibility, veil dance, and cane dance) $5

Free shipping within the United States

I prefer Paypal

PM me if interested

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

DVDs for sale or trade

2009-10-09T08:38:50Z

contact me at megwidmer@yahoo.com

Princess Farhana Bellydance Basic workout $10

Princess Farhana Intermediate Workout $10

Bellydance: the next level- Transitions, turns, and Layers with Jenna $10

Gothic Bellydance (performances) $5

Let me know if you are interested in any of these.
Shipping will be additional cost to buyer.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Mohamed Shahin's New DVD "1- Raqs Arabia: Khaliji and Shaabi Instructional DVD"

2009-10-08T23:24:38Z

I'm writing a review of Mohamed Shahin's lastest DVD entitled, 1- Raqs Arabia: Khaliji and Shaabi Instructional DVD

I ordered the video and three days later it arrived and I watched it the same day I opened it. I can't tell you the joy it brought to me.

Mohamed and Diana, Mohamed's dance partner/student, excecute each move exquisitely. It's filmed so you, the student can see how the same moves look on a male form and a female form.

I would say these videos are not for absoute beginners, but with time, the student will be able to incorprate the moves into their dance form as they grow and learn.

Several years ago I was lucky enough to be able to take a workshop from Mohamed Shahin and I was so impressed by his moves, his dedication to teaching and his stamina to dance for so long without getting winded. We learned some advanced choreographies and a lot of moves that required weight changes to keep the correct weight on the correct foot. One mess up and the student is lost.

All the moves are fast and the students require to have several years of previous dance experience under their belt, but once the student gets the move, it's the most wonderful feeling in the world.

I have all of Mohamed's DVDs released thus far and each of them are special. I love all of them and they really do speak to me and I've learned a lot from them, even some new moves!

I highly recommend all of them. I'm hooked.

Azeeza

Here is Mohamed's website for more information:

http://www.mohamedshahin.net/cd_dvd.html

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 1 reply

Looking for...

2009-10-08T04:24:21Z

highly recommended instructional DVDs for the following:

-Vinyasa Flow Yoga

-Bollywood

-Bhangra

I've been scouring the web as much as possible, but video selections don't often come with a "this is for bellydance" option. :P
Tomorrow I'm headed to the library to see what's there that might help, but any and all suggestions will be really appreciated!

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 11 replies

Tribal DVDs for Sale

2009-09-28T22:02:57Z

I have four tribal DVDs for sale. Hardly used:

ATS Tribal Basics with Kajira Djoumanha
ATS Beyond Basics with Kajira Djoumanha

Tribal Tech Vol 3 - Gypsy Caravan
Tribal Tech Vol 5 - Gypsy Caravan

$30 AUD each plus postage

Zahira

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Dark Fusion Belly Dance: The Acend Tribal Dance Format with Sashi (review)

2009-09-25T01:00:27Z

so... in my own pitiful way... LOL I'm not so good at this...

BUT...
I LOVE THIS DVD! not only because I love Sashi, but because it makes me feel like I'm in her classroom!!! She goes through her warmup before she does it! and her Dynamic stretching ROCKS! gets you moving and WARMED UP! her yoga sun salutations are super useful and user friendly. Her breakdowns of each body area and part are amazingly detailed, and I have already learned stuff that I never knew existed!

Her steps through her combo's are articulate, and she goes through them more than once, THEN goes on to do them with music. (great music too!) I had fun watching and playing along for sure, and will use this dvd allot! Its fun and easy to follow along with!

yay! I've been waiting for almost three years for a dvd of hers! =)

The interview at the end opened my eyes into how truly amazing this woman is!

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 4 replies

Belly Dance Le Meilleur de la Danse du Ventre - CD Review

2009-09-24T15:16:35Z

Belly Dance Le Meilleur de la Danse du Ventre
Various (Atoll Music)
CD Review
Track List
1. Hebbina Hebbina (Farid El Attrache); 3:23
2. Henne Henne Ya Honoune (Samir Yazbeck); 2:49
3. Wardah (Nicolas Dik); 7:26
4. Amale (Rafic Hobeika); 7:57
5. Karj el Hajal (Nicolas Dik); 3:16
6. Dabket El Mejwez (Samir Yazbeck); 2:44
7. Rakset el Fadaa (Nour El Allah); 5: 04
8. Ya Dalaa Dallaa (Farid El Attrache); 5:15
9. Bii El Jamal Ya Ali (Farid El Attrache); 3:48
10. Bouyout El Farah (Nicolas Dik) 5:00
I bought this cd the minute I saw it for two reasons. One, the stunning 1920s style costume on the cover. I am in love with the pink hipscarf/belt with black beads.
Two, Rakset El Fadaa. Back in the 70s when I started dancing, one of my first vinyl dance lps was Omar Korschid and His Magic Guitar, but Omar and his Wah-Wah Peddle is more accurate. One of my favorite songs off that lp was Rakset El Fadaa. Sadly, Rakset El Fadaa didn’t withstand the test of time for me. Or perhaps it’s just not the same without Omar, his Magic Guitar, and his Wah-Wah pedal.
Aside from that slight disappointment, this cd is a solid collection of Egyptian music recorded in the 1980s. Some are timeless classics, particularly the cuts from Farid El Attrache.
The music is rich with tempo and rhythm changes. Some cuts are more heavily orchestrated than others, all feature traditional Middle Eastern instruments. The music is beautifully played and recorded clearly. Western audiences will be able to appreciate this music.
The liner notes are limited to the song names, artist, length and year. The inside cover has a larger, close up shot of that gorgeous scarf/belt.
You might like this cd if you
• Like classic Middle Eastern music
• Want music in the classic Egyptian style
• Are looking for shorter songs ideal for solos
• Are looking for longer songs that can work as mini-routines
• Are looking for 1980s style music
You probably don’t want this cd if you
• Are looking for techno or pop or industrial
• Are looking for “rough” or “edgy” music
• Are looking for modern music, or music from outside the Middle East

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Belly Dance Fantasy CD Review

2009-09-23T16:01:36Z

Belly Dance Fantasy
Veena & Neena
CD Review
Recomended
Track List
1. Al Heyla; 2:47
2. Al Arasiy ya; 1:13
3. Tahtihou Dajha; 1:55
4. Limouni Allimouni; 1:14
5. Awazil Tabou Ziloop; 1:41
6. Ya Hasan Ya Khooli Gineah; 2:56
7. Tabla Plus; 2:04
8. Desert Sunrise; 4:50
9. Eshtaktillak; 5:08
10. Oud Intro; 0:55
11. Fog Wl Nakehel; 1:12
12. Al Bulbul Nakha; 1:59
13. Mariam Mariamti; 1:23
14. Sultan Yegah Longa; 3:55
15. Bedouins Passion; 2:13
16. Raksa Halabi; 4:20
17. Gondol; 1:50
18. Zeina; 4:33
19. Saidi Mizmar Dance; 5:10
20. Zay Al Asal; 3:17
21. Badawiyyas Teasing; 6:31

This is a fun cd with a lot of classic Middle Eastern music. Familiar melodies wind through the tracks. The arrangements are not too complex, yet still rich and full and very well played with a nice, finished sound. All tracks, except the last one, are short enough for a beginner, and the shorter tracks easily combine for longer dances. The back of the cd package provides a brief one line description of some songs, and groups others together into a Fantasy Belly Dance Routine and a Casbah Routine.
The individual songs in the routines are on separate tracks, but they blend together smoothly with little or no pause between them. In fact, when played individually, these particular tracks begin and end a bit abruptly, but still work fine as singles.
Tracks 1 – 5 comprise the Fantasy Belly Dance Routine, a typical 5 part routine. Songs 6 – 9 are individual tracks, but could make a nice routine if 7 & 8 were switched. Ya Hasan Ya Khooli Gineah is labeled Egyptian Accordion Beledi and features a very recognizable melody (Winds of Spring, I think). Tabla Plus is called Dynamic Drum Solo and it is! Lively, sharp and crisp, yet clear and clean enough for an intermediate dancer. At just over 2 minutes, it’s short enough to leave the audience wanting more without exhausting a non-professional dancer. The flute on Desert Sunrise, called Mystical Snake Music, is soft and haunting. Eshtaktillak is called Medium Tempo workout, featuring more traditional melodies and a clear steady beat.
Tracks 10 – 13 comprise the Casbah Routine. They are followed by Sultan Yegah Longa (Anatolian Veil Dance Slow to Fast), Bedouins Passion (Egyptian Drum), Raksa Halabi (Sword Dance from Aleppo), Gondol (Pharaonic Entrance Music), Zeina (identified here as an Egyptian Candelabra Dance), Saidi Mizmar Dance (Cane Dance from Upper Egypt), Zay Al Asal (Upbeat Egyptian) and Badawiyyas Teasing, called a Drum Solo with Belly Dance Music, but with a slow entrance and long musical segments, it actually makes a fantastic short routine song.
You might like this cd if you
• Like classic Middle Eastern music
• Want music that is both easy to listen to and easy to dance to
• Are looking for shorter songs
• Are looking for music suitable for beginners
You probably don’t want this cd if you
• Are looking for techno or pop or industrial
• Are looking for “rough” or “edgy” music
• Are looking for modern music, or music from outside the Middle East

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 1 reply

Tribal Dance, Tribal Drums

2009-09-22T20:14:24Z

Tribal Dance, Tribal Drums
Itneen, Helm and Fat Chance Belly Dance
CD Review
Recomended
Track List
1. Yalla Al-Nahr; 3:04
2. Sout with Spice; 4:02
3. Hosanni Oo; 3:38
4. Il Hawa Ghallab; 3:10
5. Raks Tabla; 2:35
6. Sema’I Truckin’; 6:04
7. Sout Unplugged; 3:03
8. Ciftetelli Unplugged; 3:03
9. Karachi Unplugged; 3:27
10. Amel; 4:00
11. Karachi Cruisin’; 6:05
12. Maleh u Filfil’; 2:42
13. Baladi Unplugged; 5:33
14. Farasha; 3:02
15. Trippin’ on Istiklal; 2:59
16. Sema’I Unplugged; 2:33
The word “Tribal” appears twice in the title of this cd and it was, in fact, created in conjunction with the original American Tribal Style dance troupe Fat Chance Belly Dance. Naturally, this cd is ideal for any Tribal performance. The renditions of folk tunes are great for any folkloric performance, and some of the dynamic drum solos could even work in a cabaret or tribaret setting.
The cd is a mix of folkloric tunes and original works. The percussion numbers are exciting and richly textured, although some of them start off kind of slow. The liner notes provide the rhythms used in each song, along with a brief history of Fat Chance and bios of the members of Helm.
I enjoy this cd, especially the lively, almost funky, percussion numbers.
You might like this cd if you
• Like Middle Eastern music
• Want music for Tribal or folkloric performances
• Are looking for shorter songs ideal for solos
• Are looking for music suitable for beginners
• Are looking for exciting percussion numbers
You probably don’t want this cd if you
• Are looking for orchestrated Egyptian style music
• Are looking for techno, pop or goth
• Are looking for modern music, or music from outside the Middle East

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 1 reply

Best Instructional Dvd's

2009-09-22T17:48:29Z

Please list your fav and best instructional dvd's.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 15 replies

Dreaming the Diaspora, CD Review

2009-09-17T12:45:14Z

Dreaming the Diaspora
Georges Lamman
CD Review
Recomended
Track List
1. Dreaming the Diaspora; 5:27
2. Sand in Flames; 4:59
3. Serenade Under a Starry Sky; 6:09
4. Arabian Gypsy; 4:15
5. A Stones Throw; 5:01
6. Letter From Home; 6:12
7. Baladi Beirut; 5:17
8. Zatar and Almonds; 5:34
9. Borne by the Mediterranean; 4:31
10. My Mothers Song; 5:17
Georges Lammans sensual, violin is just fabulous, dripping with passion. The arrangements on this cd feature his fabulous violin. This music is appealing to Western audiences.
Dreaming the Diaspora is rich and soulful. Sand in Flames starts out with a classic Baladi tune, then turns hot and Spanish spicy. Serenade Under a Starry Sky is soft and dreamy, Arabian Gypsy is light and lively. A Stones Throw and Letter from Home are rich, moderate to slow tempo pieces. A short, bright drum solo starts Baladi Beirut, a fun song with a slow section. Zatar and Almonds is a fantastic percussion piece featuring exciting riffs and multiple rhythms. Borne by the Mediterranean and My Mothers Song close the cd with more of that fantastic moderate to slow violin.
I really love this cd for listening. Zatar and Almonds is a cool drum solo piece and the moderate songs are wonderful for veil.
You might like this cd if you
• Like moderate tempo music
• Like violin music
• Like “Gypsy” music
You probably don’t want this cd if you
• Are looking for tribal or folkloric sounds
• Are looking for music suitable for ATS
• Are looking for techno or pop

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 2 replies

Art of Belly Dancing, George Abdo - CD Review

2009-09-17T12:39:26Z

Art of Belly Dancing
George Abdo
CD Review
Recomended
Track List
1. Raks Musri; 2:36
2. Meenie Yaba : 4:45
3. Raks Araby; 2:57
4. Hadouni, Hadouni; 3:50
5. Raks al-Sultan; 4:04
6. Raks al-Dounya; 2:59
7. Raks el Gezlan; 3:45
8. Raks Pharonic; 5:48
9. Gameel Gamal; 3:42
10. Raks Gamal; 4:06
11. Nassam Alyana el-Hawa; 4:48
12. Raks Siretzi; 4:17
13. Miserlou; 4:17
I first bought Art of Belly Dancing on vinyl lp back in the early 80s. It quickly became one of my favorites and still is. Only a handful of artists will withstand the test of time and George Abdo is surely one of them. His rich vocals enhance the well played musicals. All the songs are fairly short, ideal for beginners, competitions and solos, and there’s enough variety to string several together into a longer, multi-part routine.
His renditions of Meenie Yaba, Hadouni, Hadouni and Miserlou are my favorite versions of these songs. Raks Musri and Raks Araby are short, fun tunes. The beginning of Raks el Gezlan actually sounds a bit more pharonic than Raks Pharonic.
From well known and loved classics, to less familiar but equally enjoyable songs, everything on this cd is super danceable. The arrangements are easy on Western ears and ideal for students and Western audiences.
You might like this cd if you
• Like Middle Eastern music
• Want music that is both easy to listen to and easy to dance to
• Are looking for shorter songs ideal for solos
• Are looking for music suitable for beginners
You probably don’t want this cd if you
• Are looking for tribal or folkloric sounds
• Are looking for techno or pop
• Are looking for modern music, or music from outside the Middle East

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 2 replies

The Folkwear Book of Ethnic Clothing

2009-09-16T13:14:53Z

The Folkwear Book of Ethnic Clothing
Mary S Parker c 2002
Book Review
Recommended
I don’t own any Folkwear patterns, so I can’t compare the contents of the book to the contents of the patterns. Six garments, The Seminole Vest, The Polish Vest, The Moroccan Burnoose, The Syrian Dress, the Tibetan Coat and The Japanese Kimono are included.
This is a coffee table quality book, but it doesn’t just float over the surface of the subject as so many picture books do. The photographs are rich and clear, and the text includes precise line drawings and detailed steps.
The book starts out with an over view of ethnic clothing around the world, discussing the fabrics and styles. It covers embellishments of all sorts, from paint and dye to embroidery and appliqué. Examples of typical designs and motifs are provided, along with detailed instructions for Seminole patchwork, applying braided designs, simple hand embroidery, and machine embroidery.
The sewing section begins with instructions for converting the line drawings into full size patterns. General sewing terms are touched on lightly, then it’s down to the “meat and potatoes” so to speak – the Folkwear patterns. Each pattern has its own chapter. The first few pages of each chapter are devoted to history and culture. Photos of each completed garment, along with illustrations of old postcards and paintings, bring the words to life. The pattern pieces themselves are clearly and precisely drawn. The instructions are detailed and heavily illustrated.
The designs and motifs, along with the lavish photos, make this book a “must have” for anyone doing ethnic, folkloric or ATS style costuming. If you’re considering purchasing one of the patterns included in this book, you’re better off buying the book instead of the single pattern. New Folkwear patterns are not cheap, but I purchased a used copy of this book from Amazon for a very reasonable price.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Something in the Way She Moves, Book Review

2009-09-14T14:54:29Z

Something in the Way She Moves
Wendy Buonaventura 2003
Book Review
This book is nothing like Wendys previous book, “Serpent of the Nile”. “Something in the Way She Moves” reeks with a harsh, shrill tone that’s difficult to get past.
Many pages are devoted to various diatribes against various things. In some sections, she speaks harshly of bound feet, corsets, ballet and modern cabaret belly dancers; in other sections she quotes grumpy people complaining about the indecencies of various “new” dances. Conservative people will always be shocked at “new” dances, we see it today with conservative rants against the sexual movements in hip hop. We easily get the idea, but she beats it with a hammer to a pulp. That said, some of what she quotes is almost strangely humorous. The horrified description of the Tango sounded eerily similar to 1970s rants against the evils of Disco Dance.
Wedged in between the rants are biographies of early 20th century performers, discussions of Kabuki Theater and Geishas, the historical roots of various dances, mid 20th century dance halls, the idea that Diane, Princess of Wales has become the Pagan Goddess of the 21st century, and a long journey into cross dressing and homosexuality.
Pornography is the first topic of discussion, and she offers the possibility that some future culture will think modern porno mags are religious texts honoring goddesses. A few dozen pages later, she does a 180 and mocks the idea that the ancient “Venus Figures”, small headless, handless, and footless female shapes found throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East, might be a form of ancient porn. Or was her first idea actually intended to be sarcastic? If so, the sarcasm and the point are lost.
Perhaps the most shocking aspect of this book – perhaps she was aiming for shock value? – is her harsh attack on modern cabaret belly dance. She calls cabaret belly dance a parody of itself, and speaks of ever more popular female impersonator belly dancers.
In my 30 years in the belly dance world in the mid west USA, I have never in my life seen a female impersonator belly dancer. I have seen some absolutely fantastic male belly dancers, but they never pretended to be women. But that matters little, as Wendy has nothing good to say about male belly dancers in general.
She includes extensive research materials, so I’m certain that her facts are accurate (or at least as accurate as her source material) but given her harsh tone throughout the book, I’m not sure I trust all her material to be presented fairly.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

They Told Me I Couldn't, Book Review

2009-09-14T14:52:00Z

They Told Me I Couldn’t
Tamalyn Dallall c 1997
Book Review
Recommended
This is the riveting, true story of Tamalyns adventures as a belly dancer in Colombia and how it changed her life forever.
The words Belly Dance conjure up images of sequins and glitter. But Tamalyn steps outside the “safe” boundaries set for her by her hostile employer. She ventures out into the real Colombia, living, eating, working and travelling with real people as they go about their everyday lives.
Tamalyn does what few of us would ever dare to do – travel to a foreign country with little more than a duffle bag and dance skills. She dances for a living, and when she’s earned enough she moves on to the next experience.
She compares the world that tourists see with the real deal that she experiences. She rides buses through the jungle, with a chicken sitting on her lap and a cabaret costume tucked inside her duffle bag.
Her vivid descriptions of the people she meets and the places she visits come alive off the pages. She stands up to bribe seeking officials, visits a guerrilla stronghold, and defies the employer who refuses to pay her exit taxes and insists the only way she will leave Colombia is in handcuffs.
There isn’t a single word of “how to” or “history of” or “new age goddess” in this book. It’s a great story of how one woman manages to use Belly Dance to travel the world and experience a glimpse into the lives of the millions of people who live in Third World countries.
It’s also a great book for armchair travelers.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Vadalna, Solace Remixed

2009-09-14T14:50:35Z

Vadalna, Solace Remixed
Solace
CD Review
Track List
1. Khushee Mannano; 8:21
2. Desert Journey; 4:11
3. Cybele; 4:59
4. Nataraja; 4:35
5. Khatar; 6:22
6. Saptak;5:15
7. Darban Jooth Naboley; 5:36
8. Exiled; 7:11
All these songs appear on other Solace cds, but the electronic remixing sets these songs apart. Unlike typical Techno or Electronic music, these songs retain their original, rich character. Textured instrumentation, interesting rhythm changes, unique sounds and judicious use of electronic drums create music that is deep and exciting.
Kushee Mannano incorporates interesting non-musical sounds, like static. Desert Journey has a lively steady beat with mysterious overtones. Cybele cycles through slow, spooky drums, yips and zills, leaps to life with drums, fades to distant yips, and finally slips into a steady techno beat before repeating the cycle. Nataraja features human voices, without words, along with fun breaks, pauses and rhythm changes. Khatar steps right into a lively rhythm with a synthesizer, creating a fresh piece that’s reminiscent of Ramal Lamar. Saptak layers more almost eerie melodies over funky beats. Darban Jooth Naboley is lighter, faster and fun. Exiled ends the cd with haunting melody and wordless voices over steady drums.
I really enjoyed this cd. It’s the kind of music that you can listen to over and over again and still hear something new and fresh each time. These remixed versions might be more accessible to younger or western ears that are used to techno or new age music.
You might like this cd if you
• Like Electronica or Solace
• Are looking for very modern or techno music
You probably don’t want this cd if you
• Are looking for traditional songs
• Are looking for Middle Eastern music (aka Egyptian music)
• Are looking for folk musicians or traditional bands or orchestras

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Tales of the Night Winds, CD Review

2009-09-14T14:49:06Z

Tales of the Night Winds
Steve Flynn
CD Review
Track List
1. Yah Delilah, Baladi; 3:07
2. Caravanserai, 6/8; 3:08
3. The Dream Weavers, Masmoudi; 5:12
4. Orient Express, karsilama ; 5:09
5. Ruth, slow Baladi; 7:03
6. Lilith, Chefti-telli; 6:00
7. Angelita, Bolero; 5:15

Much of the music on Tales of the Night Winds is used on the soundtracks for Delilah Flynns videos, composed and recorded by her husband and collaborator Steve Flynn. Delilah was one of the first American dancers to actively explore Goddess Dance, conduct retreats with Goddess and Nature themes, and to release a comprehensive three volume instructional bellydance video.
The keys and instrumentation make this cd easy on Western ears. The melodies are fresh and distinct over soft harmonies. The rhythms are steady, clear and easy to follow. The whole cd has a kind of early New Age feeling.
Yah Deliliah is light and cheerful. Caravanserai feels almost like a jazzy jig with a British Isles influence. The Dream Weavers has (naturally) a hazy, dreamy quality. That same mysterious quality carries on into Orient Express, with a moderate karsilama. The synthesizer/organ on Ruth lacks the haziness of the previous numbers, yet feels soft and smooth, reminiscent of Desert Wind or Ramal Lamar. Lilith is a unique chifti-telli in that it starts off with pure percussion. When the single flute begins to play the song takes on a Native American feeling in spite of the steady Middle Eastern rhythm. The final cut, Angelita, is a wonderful uplifting bolero, a rhythm that isn’t heard much anymore. This cut makes a nice finale to the cd and would be a nice finale for a show.
I will be using this music in beginners classes, I think newbie students will like this.
You might like this cd if
• you like New Age music, Dolphia, Desert Wind or Ramal Lamar
• you’re looking for simple arrangements with clear melodies and distinct rhythms
• You’re looking for Western influences, or “easy” music for Western ears
You probably don’t want this cd if
• You’re looking for authentic Middle Eastern instrumentation, keys and melodies
• You’re looking for something raw and gritty, or heavily orchestrated

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Wash Ya Wash Vol 2 CD Review

2009-09-14T14:48:13Z

Wash Ya Wash Vol 2
Yousry Sharif and Raquia Hassan
CD Review
Recomended
Track List
1. Hazar Fazar; 11:42
2. Tamr Henna; 5:29
3. Ya Msafer Whadek; 4:33
4. Baiyaa Elhawa; 6:44
5. Raks Bedaya; 7:53
6. Lamone el Nass; 6:18
7. Banat Bahari; 6:47
8. Finale; 1:07
Wash Ya Wash is the second release from the Sharifs. Done in classical Egyptian style, the rich orchestration and lush sound are pure Middle Eastern.
Hazar Fazar is a lively bouncey piece with fun false stops and pauses. Tamr Henna offers rich vocals over moderate tempo music. Ya Msafer Whadek drips with Spanish flair, with stops and wild rhythm and tempo changes it offers a tango flavor. Baiyaa Elhawa features call and response between a mournful clarinet and violin. Raks Bedaya is a Mohhamed Abdul Whahab favorite, I believe the English translation of the original folk song it draws from is called Winds of Spring. Lamone el Nass starts out slow with lush violin. Although sword and veil are not traditionally Egyptian, and floor work has been banned in Egypt since 1947, the first part of this song would work well for any of these. Banat Bahari is another upbeat song, some of the bouncy parts sound almost like a jig. The finale is fully orchestrated, and would make a nice ending to a troupe performance.
The liner notes include information about Yousry Sharif, Raqia Hassan, and Mr. Ahmed Abd Elfatah. The English lyrics to Lamone El Nass (Blaming Me) and Tamr Henna (Henna Flower) are included.
I enjoy this cd for listening and class, and might use a cut or two in performance.
You might like this cd if you
• Like classic Egyptian music
• Like full, orchestrated versions
You probably don’t want this cd if you
• Are looking for tribal or folkloric sounds
• Are looking for music suitable for ATS
• Are looking for techno or pop

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Music of Upper and Lower Egypt

2009-09-14T14:46:15Z

The Music of Upper and Lower Egypt
Ryko
CD Review
Track List
1. Nugumi; 4:22
2. Allah; 5:33
3. The Bride; 4:17
4. The Groom; 5:21
5. Ya Rab Toba 13:00
6. Manami (My Dream); 12:02
This is authentic folk music recorded live. There’s nothing fancy here, the music is very repetitive and has a tribal drum circle feel. The first four tracks include only vocals and drums, giving the music a tribal, almost primitive, sound.
Nugumi is a song celebrating the removal of an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh from his original resting place, flooded by the Aswan Dam, to a new, higher and safer location. Allah is a religious song and should not be used for a public dance performance. The Bride and The Groom are wedding songs, each celebrating the virtues of the wedding couple. Musical instruments, specifically mizmar, finally appear on Ya Rab Toba. This is a traditional party song that repeats over and over. Manami, a contemporary styled song using traditional instruments, features strings and frame drums.
This is not one of my favorite cds. I can see using for class to introduce students to these sounds, and to point out the dangers of using a religious song for dance performance. I also think the Bride and Groom songs could make a wonderful tableau depicting a wedding, cumulating with Ya Rab Toba.
Note there’s two versions of the cover for this cd. The music is the same on both. One is labeled Music of Upper Egypt, with the Eye of Horus on the cover. The other is labeled The Music of Upper Egypt, with a yellow band over the Eye of Horus. The liner notes are more detailed on the second cover.
You might like this cd if you
• Like acoustic music
• Want something with a tribal sound
• Want traditional folk music
You probably don’t want this cd if you
• Are looking for rich instrumentation or orchestration
• Are looking for modern music

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Mizna, CD Review

2009-09-14T14:45:06Z

Mizna
CD Review
Track List
1. Caravan to India; 6:15
2. Colleena; 4:30
3. Hijaz Traveler; 6:11
4. Turkish Blue; 4:12
5. New Path; 3:41
6. Wazm ; 6:13
7. Riverboat Song; 2:53
8. Running in the Alleys 3:39
9. Vidya Adhipati; 7:12
10. Rif Mountains; 4:27
11. Khadija; 3:55
12. Jafilalet; 5:11
Mizna is the Arabic word for a cloud over the desert, a sign and symbol of hope. All the songs on this cd are original compositions. Mizna is affiliated with Gypsy Caravan.
The moderate tempo Caravan to India has a distinct Central Asian/Indian sound with haunting flutes. Colleena is another moderate tempo tune with mizar. Hijaz traveler is a slower, softer and almost sleepy number. Turkish Blue has a livelier tempo, mizmar, and a Saidi rhythm. New Path is more wailing mizmar, starting off with a taxim and moving to a slower, relaxed song. Wazam also starts off with a slow taxim, but along the way it builds to a moderate tempo but solid ending. The Riverboat song is short and one of the livelier tunes on this cd. Running in the Alleys manages to pick the tempo up a little bit more with a simple melody repeated over various instruments. Vidya Adhipati slows things down again with an ethereal dreamy quality. Rif Mountains starts off with more haunting flute, followed by drums, then the flute picks up again with a moderate tempo. The percussion and guitars on Khadjia have a Spanish flair. The cd ends with more guitar on Jafilalet.
The liner notes do not explain the foreign language titles (Vidya, etc). The music features some instruments and keys that are unfamiliar to most Westerners, but does so in a friendly way. The music sounds exotic but not jarring and is suitable for Western audiences
I like this cd and can see myself using it for class, troupe or solo numbers, and as background music.
You might like this cd if you
• Like World Music or Gypsy Caravan
• Are looking for Asian influences
• Want music suitable for ATS (American Tribal Style) dance
You probably don’t want this cd if you
• Are looking for traditional music
• Are looking for Middle Eastern music (aka Egyptian music)
• Are looking for modern electronic or techno

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If You Can’t Go Naked, Here are Clothes to Sew on Fast, Book Review

2009-09-14T14:43:38Z

If You Can’t Go Naked, Here are Clothes to Sew on Fast
Donna Lawson 1973
Book Review
Recommended
This is an oldie but it’s a goodie and belongs on every dancers shelf. It isn’t written as a belly dance costume book, but almost all the designs presented here work as belly dance costume or cover up pieces. Some of these designs are based on traditional Middle Eastern garments.
Everything is fast and easy to make. Some pieces are constructed simply by tying the fabric, without sewing a single stitch.
The first few chapters of this book are a crash course in hand sewing, design and fabric. She covers tools, notions, stitches, measurements, fabrics and style considerations.
The rest of the book is devoted to hand drawn illustrations and instructions for each piece. The garments are inspired by ethnic clothing, but are not authentic designs or reproductions. They are updated, simplified interpretations.
The lovely tie on tops, four versions of an Egyptian Aba or Abeya and the caftan are ideal for dance or cover up. The South American versions of Abas, including a Mexican and Oaxacan Huipils, and a Guatemalan Rectangle Dress would work as well. There’s a contemporary caftan made from three pieces, a full circle cape and a semi-circle skirt that easily be expanded to a full circle or more. Add a ruffle and it becomes a Gypsy style skirt, with seams left open it becomes the classic cabaret skirt. The unusual Agrentinean Chiripa resembles the Atira Turkish Skirt design. Pantaloons or Harem pants are not included, but there is a simple drawstring pant that becomes pantaloons with the addition of gathers at the ankle. There’s even instructions for the popular wrap pants (called a “wrap around pantskirt”) and ruffle pants (similar to Kathleen Crowley pants) . Plus, there’s dozens of other designs for skirts, pants, tops, hats, slippers and bags.
The comprehensive sewing instructions, wide diversity of styles, and easy construction make this book a must have for anyone making costumes, for belly dance or anything else. I especially recommend this book for dance troupe leaders who may have to costume a lot of bodies as quickly and inexpensively as possible.

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Eye on the World, Brothers of Baladi, CD Review

2009-09-14T14:33:42Z

Eye on the World
Brothers of Baladi
CD Review
Track List
1. Mastoom, Mastoom, Traditional Persian Folk; 4:15
2. Ah ya Zein, Traditional Arabic Folk; 3:25
3. Oud Taxim; 1:00
4. Lamma Bada, Classical Arabic; 3:50
5. Voyage, original; 4:20
6. Bouzouki Taxim; 1:45
7. Paint it Black, Rock; 3:25
8. Backbeat, drum; 2:25
9. Gole Sanglem; 4:20
10. Dere Dere, Traditional Turkish Folk; 3:05
11. Twa Corbles, Traditional Scottish; 3:30
I loved both “Presence of the Past” and “Further Journeys from the Past” cds from Brothers of Baladi and was prepared to love every second of this one, too. But, I don’t. Unlike the “Past” cds, “Eye on the World” has some hits, some close calls, and some wide misses.
Mastoom, Mastoom (I’m drunk with love) features a jazzy sax solo. Ay ya Zein (Oh beauty, Oh flower, how I’ve waited for you) is one of my favorite songs and it’s hard to sit still to this lively tempo version with a Greek-flavored instrumental segment. The dreamy oud taxim would make ideal “filler” music in between songs or sets. Lamma Bada (Muashshah, when she begins to sway) is another one of my favorite songs, but this isn’t one of my favorite versions, although it gets a lot better when the violin finally takes center stage. Liner notes describe “Voyage as Memories of a dream; A market place many miles away, many years ago.” It starts out with airy flute, then drum and distant human voices. And that’s it. The song remains a hazy, fuzzy vision in the distance. I wanted more, to me, this whole number felt like the introduction to a big production piece. The bouzouki taxim is another enjoyable cut, getting quite intense towards the end. Paint it Black, in my opinion, is best skipped altogether. Backbeat is a fun, lively drum solo. The New Age-ey Gole Sanglem (Flower of Stone) is unlike any other cut on this cd, the piano gives it a distinct Western quality similar to Desert Wind. The karsilima Dere Dere (The rains come, the rivers rise, Take me away river – to my love)is refined and lively without racing. Twa Corbles, a song from 1803 about two ravens viewing a battlefield in search of a meal and discussing life, is another miss for me.
I like several cuts off this cd. If I make my own “Best of Brothers” compilation, #s 1, 2, and 4 will be on it. But this is not my favorite Brothers cd
You might like this cd if you
• Like traditional folk tunes
You probably don’t want this cd if you
• Are looking for World Music. There are no African or Asian themes here.

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Ethnic Dress, Book Review

2009-09-14T14:32:24Z

Ethnic Dress
Francess Kennett c 1994
Book Review
This coffee table book is packed with fabulous photos of fantastic ethnic clothing from around the world. Even more tantalizing are the written descriptions of garments and outfits that do not appear in the photos.
IMHO, the only thing that would make this book better is line drawings of the main garments described. But, that information would change the focus and purpose of this book. It is not a textbook, it is a coffee table book and the main feature is the photos.
The stunning photos are an excellent source of inspiration, and a talented seamstress might be able to recreate some of these garments from the photos and descriptions.

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Belly Dancing – the Sensual Art of Energy and Spirit, Book Review

2009-09-13T17:50:58Z

Belly Dancing – the Sensual Art of Energy and Spirit
Pina Coluccia, Anette Paffrath, and Jean Putz, c 2003, translated 2005
Book Review
Recommended
Belly Dance and Spirituality seem hopelessly entwined, especially in material aimed at beginners and hobbyists. Thank goodness this book makes an effort to distinguish between fact and fantasy.
Dancers, teachers and writers sometimes present modern myths as if they were documented facts. Perhaps they think it lends the myth or experience an air of credibility, or perhaps they were misinformed and are simply passing along the same misinformation.
This book presents the ancient myths as they were recorded, and accurately describes the documented history of the Seven Veils. It also explains the origin of some modern mythology. These first 52 pages put this book on the recommended list.
This book goes on to discuss belly dance as self expression, using chakras to help identify the “energy source” for movement. Placing emphasis on the importance of good posture, the book goes on to teach warm up steps and dance moves, accompanied by black and white photos.
The instructional section is the shortest and weakest part of this book. The breakdowns are fairly clear, although some steps are broken down in more detail than others. Layered moves are mixed up with simple beginner moves. Figure 8s are classified as variations of a hip circle (instead of the normal separate category), and only horizontal 8s are discussed. Vertical fig 8s (Mayas or Waterfalls, and Scoops) are never mentioned.
Fortunately, the discussion quickly moves on music and the book redeems itself, with a brief history of finger cymbals. Discussion of costuming focuses on colors and symbolism. The section on veils describes ancient myths associated with hair in addition to the actual reasons why women began wearing veils in the Middle East.
After this, the book strays off into non-dance topics, including recipes for Middle Eastern potpourris and foods. It ends with several pages of Middle Eastern dance resources, including music suggestions and websites.
This book provides concrete factual information to help guide dancers through the maze of fact and fiction surrounding the spiritual aspects of belly dance, and for that reason it makes the Recommended list. The technique of dance steps are glossed over, and the aroma and cooking sections take up quite a bit of real estate in a book that is supposed to be about dance.

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Enchanted Egypt, CD Review

2009-09-11T18:51:10Z

Enchanted Egypt
Phil Thorton & Hossam Ramsy
CD Review
Recomended
Track List
1. Apostles of the Interface; 6:00
2. On the Desert Road to Alexandria; 3:37
3. Zaillas (maqusoum); 6:04
4. Enchanted Egypt 1 (Wahda Kabria); 5:42
5. Enchanted Egypt 2; 4:09
6. Ali Mama; 5:10
7. From Memphis to Heliopsis; 6:12
8. Nefertitis Dream; 7:33
9. At the Temple of Ramses the Great; 4:48
10. El Fanadaan; 6:53
11. On the Transit of Venus; 5:37
Third in his Egypt series with Phil Thorton, this cd is just as fantastic as the first two. The use of traditional instruments and rhythms in fresh, new music makes this cd perfect for listening and dancing. The music is delightful, even for Western ears. The extensive liner notes provides background information about each song and the instruments that are used. The music itself pulses with exciting rhythms, brief pauses and rich layers.
Apostles of the Interface starts off slow and grows to a funky beat. About ¾ of the way through it takes a sudden turn towards the folkloric with nay before returning to the modern funk. On the Desert Road to Alexandria is lively and fun with upbeat drums and some traditional folkloric accordion in the middle. Zaillas turns towards the Middle East with a more traditional, yet still distinctly Hossam, feel. Enchanted Egypt 1 is a wonderful rendition of a traditional melody (the name escapes me at the moment). Enchanted Egypt 2 continues the theme of folk songs woven into a sampler of rhythms. Ali Mama is a lively, danceable beladi in the classic Hossam style. The cd takes a turn to the dramatic for the next few numbers. From Memphis to Heliopsis starts out slow and spooky, gradually builds up to a moderate tempo, sinks back down, builds again and ends with rattles and drums. Nefertitis Dream is almost half dreamy taxim, the second half jumps to life with a quick exploration of more folk tunes. The steady ayuub rhythm combined with plenty of solos lend an otherworldy quality to At the Temple of Ramses the Great. El Fanadaan beings with another long taxim, then drums, then more mysterious, watery taxim, and finally closing with a lively beat. On the Transit of Venus is a moderate tempo piece exploring the voices of different instruments.
This is one of my favorite cds, and I recommend it. The music is wonderful for listening, performing and teaching.

You might like this cd if you
• Like the first two Egypt cds, or anything else by Hossam or Phil
• Want new, interesting music
You probably don’t want this cd if you
• Are looking for tribal or folkloric sounds
• Are looking for music suitable for ATS
• Are looking for techno or pop

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Earth Dancing Mother Nature’s Oldest Rite, Book Review

2009-09-11T17:22:11Z

Earth Dancing Mother Nature’s Oldest Rite
Daniela Gioseffi c 1980
Book Review
Recommended
And recommended for all dancers - but perhaps not for the reasons you might think. This books strongest point is the photos and stories of American Bellydance Legends from the 1960s through the 1980s. This is a rare and valuable glimpse into the era that gave birth to the new forms of ATS and Tribal Fusion.
Women who find deep joy and solace in the Goddess Dance aspect of bellydance might enjoy the spiritual Mother Earth aspects of this book. Everyone else will probably want to skim those sections, although the Temple Dance Fantasy is amusing.
Daniela considers her Earth Dance to be its own form. We’re told that she used “bellydance as a basis for Earth dance”, then “Earth dancing, [is] a concept derived from the ancient, rather than cabaret form”. An intriguing concept, unfortunately, the ancient world lacked video cameras and aside from a handful of drawings, carvings and brief written descriptions, we don’t really know what ancient dance looked like. We are fortunate that today there are dancers armed with video cameras roaming the world documenting vanishing ethnic dance forms so future dancers don’t have to guess as we do today. At any rate, Daniela also based her dance on movement rituals from Anna Halprin, and describes them as “Not meant to be an exact recreation of an authentic Middle Eastern Dance”, instead, it’s a “new American folk form”.
Her How-To-Dance instructions are as good as any written instructions can be. She starts off with belly flutters and rolls, which play a key role in her Birth Dance. Her music suggestions are good, and she includes some veil ideas. Earlier she said her dance was not based on “cabaret form”, but the costuming section teaches how to make a standard cabaret bra and belt, offering only a handful of vague suggestions for alternative costuming.
The chapter devoted to late 1900s belly dance in America is reason enough to include this book in every teachers library. If the Goddess aspect of dance appeals to you, then you might want the book for that reason, too.

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Advanced Belly Dancing Vol 1 Book 12 - Book Reveiw

2009-09-11T16:53:20Z

Advanced Belly Dancing Vol 1 Book 12
Dance Fantasy Productions c 1989 Vicki Corona
Book Review
This 27 page paper booklet does deliver what the subtitle promises – Suggestions for entrances and exits and choreography, along with a handful of performance tips.
At the time this book was written, people seeking information on belly dance were limited to live teachers, books and magazines. Books were expensive, so booklets like this were often published at lower prices. But, this is the 21st century and things have changed. The cost of publishing small booklets, like this one, has skyrocketed. Chain and internet bookstores have kept the price of larger, softbound books fairly low. Better, more complete books are readily available for the same price. Worse still, much of the information in this booklet is now available free on the internet from sites like Shira.net, joyofbellydance.com, tribe.net and bhuz.com.
So while this booklet does contain some good information, it is not worth the publishers price of nearly $15. A used copy for a few dollars might be worth the money, just to round out your library.
Page numbers reach up to 30, but the material starts on page 3, leaving just 27 pages of actual content. With this little space, it’s surprising to see the whole first page devoted to a fluffy introduction. Stage presence is touched on, then improvisation and discussion of a typical 5 part routine ending with optional audience participation.
The booklet states “”Modern” belly dance has basically rejected the use of veils, floor dance, and even finger cymbals. The modern focus tends to be on technique and pretty costumes”. I assume the definition of “Modern” is Egyptian, which never incorporated veils. Floor work was banned in Egypt in the mid 20th century, and Egyptian dancers hire finger cymbal players as a way of showing off their wealth. But, none of this is mentioned; maybe the writer does not know or maybe the editor felt space was too limited to include these facts.
The booklet offers the usual suggestions of videotaping yourself, studying other dancers, and dancing appropriate to your venue. Finally on page 10 we are given the first choreography suggestion – “Use contrast”. A brief example of choreography is presented on page 12 and Entrances and Exits enter on page 13. A list of traveling steps and a description of a wedding procession are provided. Suggestions for exits are pretty much limited to spins.
Page 17 offers suggestions for staging wind, fog and lighting. Pages 18 to 23 cover a full routine with short choreography segments or movement suggestions. Pages 24 – 26 discuss party etiquette, tipping, and pay. The book ends with a positive affirmation, encourages practicing, and offers a recipe for garbanzo soup.
This tiny booklet has a lot of fluff and filler for something so small. This kind of publication filled an important niche in the 20th century, and is a nice piece of vintage belly dance memorabilia.

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40 Days & 1001 Nights - Book Review

2009-09-11T16:44:54Z

40 Days & 1001 Nights
Tamalyn Dallall c 2007
Book Review
Tamalyn Dallal used her dance skills to travel the world and work, live and eat with people in other places. Because her dance is Belly Dance, much of her travels took place in Islamic nations, and she spent a great deal of time with Islamic peoples.
In the horrid aftermath of the 9-11 attack on the World Trade Center in New York City, Tamalyn felt the need to help ordinary Islamic people share their world views and lives with Westerners who now look on Islam with fear and anger. She wants to show that not every Muslim is a suicide terrorist.
According to an old Islamic saying, one can not understand another culture or people until one has lived among them, as one of them, for 40 days. So she spends 40 days in 4 Islamic nations, living among the people as one of them.
Or at least, as close to one of them as she can be. As a non-Muslim female, she inhabits a strange world of “third gender”. Unlike the women, some of whom are not even allowed to leave their homes without their husbands permission, she is allowed to socialize and travel with the men.
Each country she visits is unique and completely different. The only common denominator is that each is a predominately Muslim country. The climates, languages, cultures, even the religious rituals change from place to place.
Along the way she overcomes language and cultural barriers to form lasting friendships with many people she meets, and learns that others are not what they seem. She even records a CD in Zanzibar with the musicians she met there.
Tamalyn doesn’t sugar coat anything, and not everything goes according to her plans. She describes her experiences as they actually occurred, warts and all.
This is a great book for armchair travelers, for people who are interested in Islamic culture as it actually exists in different countries stretching from the Middle East to Africa to China.

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New Member Intro

2009-09-11T16:35:06Z

Hi Folks!

I've been on Tribe for awhile, but just now found this Tribe, and I'm glad I did. I'm currently working on a massive project - writing a short review of every book, cd and video in my library. I have several already written, and was trying to decide where to post them when I found this Tribe here.

So let the reviewing begin! I'm sure people will not always agree with my opinions and I'm interested in hearing what other people think

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yoga and bellydance DVD or video

2009-09-09T14:34:50Z

I recently heard from another dancer that there was a video out that was titled something like "Yoga for Belly dance" or something like that. I can't remember the name of the dancer who did the video but it is not Rachel Brice or Sharon K or anyone like that, I already have those.

According to her, the video has specific yoga conditioning or exercises for moves like the Flutter and for working up to a backbend. Shira I know you have info on your website for the backbend, which reminds me to bookmark that page.

So if anybody knows what the heck I'm talking about please let me know.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 8 replies

Combination Nation 1 - so fantastic!

2009-08-23T17:47:34Z

Hi everyone!

I finished my first look at Combination Nation 1.
It is SO much more than I had expected!

Who will be happiest with it:
Advanced dancers, who will pick up the combos in no time and have much to practice the movements with (every combination is playable with music only, a run-through of about 5 full repetitions each; quite a bit of a workout I guess!).
Many advanced dancers complain about a lack of good dvds for them to practice on a reasonable level - I think this one will be great!

Intermediate dancers: One needs to be able to execute quite many moves without further breakdown like belly pops, Omis, layered shimmies, arabesques.. After a couple of beginner dvds or a few months of classes, or for people who love to follow along what's happening on the screen and can do so easily this will be a nice alternative to drilling. great inspirations how to string moves together.

The combos themselves are very generic - the trailer says some are to fit the music perfectly, some are more generic. I think most of them are quite generic, and can be adapted to different songs. I can see myself take bits and pieces of many combos rather than the entire ones, and adapt them to a more personal style. The ones I do not see myself doing (I am not a big fan of very ballet-esque moves, arabesques with straight high leg lifts, poses with the arms over the head, and the front leg elevated high etc) will be great to step out of one's comfort zone a bit.

The format is GREAT - being able to watch the combos with music only, or the instruction, or both in a row. The bonus performances were great - I watch them first, and it made me fall for a dancer called Zafira I had not known previously.

My favorite combos are the ones by Aradia (this one is great for most styles close to Mideastern music and dance, both Egyptian and Lebanese I'd say) and Ahava, one of the nicest Egyptian style US dancers. I also REALLY adore the combo by Lotus Niraja - I had not known her, at least not very well. Has she performed on an IAMED performance video? Hers would be very nice for an entrance I think, it's travelling quite a bit, forth and back, left and right, so the dancer could introduce herself to the entire crowd. A couple of other combos like Shoshanna's, Ruby's and Summer Sahar's are also very energetic moving around a lot.
Bahaia's is called Saidi twist, but could be used for most kinds of music. I think her 2nd combo has knee lifts, which I am not quite feeling.. would love to see how it looks in a costume there, maybe she does them on a By dancers for dancers video?
Ruby is a gem, and it makes me look forward to her floorwork dvd even more.
Shoshanna's performances I had not quite felt on the By dancers for dancers Vol 2 - my attention span for veilwork is pretty short, and I am not a big fan of dancing to slow music with mostly spinning and twirling with veils. Now this combo shows quite a different side of her. YOu can see the combo to pretty fast music, I liked it a lot.
My favorite from the performance section Zafira does a lovely drum solo combo.
Farhana shows a combo that is very much in her unique style, so fans will sure want to try that one for sure.

Hope this helps people get an impression of what the dvd is - I am not a big fan of the IAMED Ultimate Combos 1 and 2, which I own. They somehow did not speak to me.
With this one, I can see myself use bits and pieces or even the entire ones by some of the dancers very readily. I actually found myself doing a part of Aradia's to my favorite version of Ya Bahaia in my living room after watching the dvd for the first time! It entered my mind immediately :)

Now as for difficulty: I am nowhere close to executing them CORRECTLY as they are intended. Intermediate dancers will have quite a bit to work up to! It is not easy, be aware of that. But I don't think the average beginner dvd buyer will look for a combinations dvd anyway, but only people with some bellydance background.
And for them, this one is EXCELLENT to build from basic mechanics and drills to real dance.
5 stars!
Hell, TEN! :)

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Combination Nation 1 - so fantastic!

2009-08-23T17:46:54Z

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

vhs & dvds for sale

2009-08-17T15:08:01Z

Shipping with in the US is $4.00 for DVD and $4.50 for VHS. If you want more than one please email me for the shipping price. If you are interested in something PM me or email me at lorrie_taylor28 at yahoo dot com.

VHS

Belly Dance Basics Taxiism & Veil - Elayna - $6
Belly Dance Reloaded - IAMED $9
Introduction to Bellydance Technique - Nourhan Sharif $8
The 5th Annual Oriental Gala - Egyptian Academy of Oriental Dance $8
Egyptian Pop Choreography - Jillina $9
The Fifth Awards of Belly Dance – IAMED $9

Belly Dance Choreography vol 1 - Yasmina Ramzy $10
The Dancers Tool Kit – Baraka w/booklet $20

DVD

Cardio Belly Dance - Denise Bruce $4
Belly Dance - Denise Bruce $4
How to Belly Dance - Doni $4
Belly Dance for Upper Body – cane and veil- Tanna $5
World Dance Workout – Elsa Leandrus $5
Belly Dance for the Beautiful Freaks – Tempest $5
Belly Dance Aerobic Workout – Rania $5
Fitness – Amira Mor $5
Cardio - -Amira Mor $5
Enlightenment – Amira Mor $5
Total Workout – Amira Mor $5
Advanced Modern Oriental – Rania $8
Drum Solo 2000 - Shamira $10
Sensuous Workout 2 - Shamira $10
Drills,Drills,Drills – Michelle Joyce $15
The Dance vol 1 - Carrie Konyha $18
The Sixth Awards of Belly Dance - IAMED $20
Belly Dance Technique 2 – Yasmiina Ramzy $25
Delilah Work Shop 1 $35
Delilah Work Shop 3 $35
Fire at the Iao / Retro Choreography - Delilah $30

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 5 replies

drumming for beginners

2009-08-16T21:23:27Z

Can anyone recommend a middle eastern drumming dvd for beginners? My husband wants to try it out.
~ Janice

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 7 replies

Ultimate Bellydance with Sadie - DVD - Isolations, Layering, Drills, Combinations

2009-08-10T21:28:25Z

Hey friends!

We are proud to announce the release of Sadie's brand-new DVD:

Ultimate Bellydance

Isolations, Layering, Drills, Combinations

For details, video clip and to purchase visit:
https://www.hollywoodmusiccenter.com/productDetails.php?productId=1424

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 6 replies

temple dance poses

2009-07-30T18:43:28Z

Hi,
anyone know of a dvd which has indian temple poses which they would recommend? I have fcbd women power workout which has the indian temple dance poses on it but it's too fast and hard to follow what's going on. Also there's very little explanation of arm and foot placement so it's really easy to get this wrong.

I'd welcome your thoughts.
Thanks

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Looking for Gypsy Caravan DVD's

2009-07-28T05:16:19Z

Anyone Selling any of the first 5 DVD's? I am very interested in buying.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Working with Love Potion

2009-07-27T04:58:21Z

Well, I finally began working with it, and I have some kind of muscular fatigue now! (I didn't realise the tutorial section is not *really* 50 minutes -- it's more like 93 minutes!)

I decided to describe my experiences in my blog (here: atisheh.blogspot.com/2009/07...nce.html ) but, I'll also post it below.

I'm always inspired by the way Mala works systematically with a DVD. I tend not to be like that. I'm more of a butterfly -- I see something interesting, I do it once, and then forget it on the shelf for a while. But I wanted to get back into dance, and I wanted to see what it might be like to do the same program, whether a workout, a choreography, or some mixture of both, repeatedly over a few days. Would I notice an improvement?

The perfect candidate for this experiment seemed to be Love Potion: The Bellydance Workout. Like other recent offerings from World Dance New York, it has an insane amount of material, a full 140 minutes of it. The DVD case advertises a 50 minute instructional section for beginners, which intersperses guidance on movements with segments of flow, a 5o minute practice flow, and the workout itself, which is 40 minutes long. I thought I'd commit to three days, and do one section on each day, progressing in difficulty as I go.

Sounds easy enough, and after watching the intro, I got ready to dance. What I didn't realise was that the 50 minute instructional section is not actually 50 minutes long. It's over an hour and a half. I suspect they mean that the instruction itself is 50 minutes long, if you put it all together, but there are enough segments from the flow section that doing the whole thing takes a long, long time. In a way, I'm glad I didn't know what I was getting into, or I might have been too lazy to start!

A couple of observations on this first day: the moves are quite basic, but putting them together in combinations, with footwork, armwork, and all at full speed, is not so basic. It kind of reminds you how much bellydance can do with just a few simple movements. The footwork is covered quickly, but it would be worth learning well. I love, as usual, Neon's gentle accent and the way she explains the principles behind movements. I also love that she gives pointers on head position and hand accents. This kind of attention to finesse has been a real focus in WDNY videos lately, and it's most welcome. Also, in her introduction to Love Potion, Neon advises experienced dancers not to skip over slow movements, and she's right: these are truly difficult to do smoothly.

Oh yeah, and I really need to work on my three-quarter shimmies.

After an hour and a half, I had to do some serious stretching. I can feel all my abdominal and back muscles (in a good way), to say nothing of my arms and shoulders. At one point during the instruction, my arms were really tired and drooping, and I felt that I must be really out of shape. I now realize this was probably after 80 minutes of keeping my arms up! Neon says in the introduction that this is not meant to be an aerobic workout, but a muscular one. This is truth in advertising -- this is probably not the best way to spend your time if your goal is to lose weight, but a great way to practice sharp or gooey movements, footwork, coordination, grace, and musicality.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Desperately Looking for Two Songs

2009-07-24T06:29:50Z

Hi!
I'm looking for the sons "Ya Hawa" by Shadi Sayegh and "Tabi Tabi" by Ibrahim Tatlıses
As far as I know, both of the original albums are unavailable now, and I can't find them online.
Any help you have would be much appreciated!
Thanks in advance,

Nefabit

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 4 replies

Name that song :-)

2009-07-22T22:46:20Z

Does anyone recognize the first song on this performance? I love the fast beat and would like to see what other songs are on the album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQKdI-E8p24

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Ballet For Belly Dancers by Brianna

2009-07-22T20:47:17Z

I'm looking forward to ordering this DVD!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3a3kRjPdNQ
Anyone already have it? Reviews?

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 9 replies

Love Potion workout DVD

2009-07-12T03:39:07Z

I just tried this! It is a nice continuous movement workout. It makes you feel like you are dancing instead of working out. I liked that it did not have yoga and pilates. I am not buying a yoga or pilates video, but a belly dance video, right? Anyway, Neon, Sarah and Blanca go over the steps in 3 sections. One for beginners, one for those more familiar with the steps, and one workout routine for those who know their stuff. I like it because the beginner can easily progress at their own pace, and those that can follow the workout routine can just feel like they are dancing instead of the "work" in workout. There is not a performance, per se, in this one, but the workout section is done in lovely costumes! I just love the gold one! If you see the ad on the side bar of Tribe of Neon in the brown and gold holding the flowers in front of her, that's the one! I enjoyed it. I hope you do, too!

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 2 replies

O/T: Portable DVD Player reconmendations

2009-07-12T03:09:05Z

So my dad decided to dismantle tv, vcr and dvd system when we had company over and has yet to put it back (he'll do it next month probably) and neither computers can handle the programing for one. Any recommendations for a good portable DVD player?

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

DVDs for Sale

2009-07-01T00:12:56Z

New and unopened:
Nadia Gamal Workshop, Dances from the Middle East-- Special Edition---$35

Barely watched and in great condition:
Instructional Bellydance with Jillina, Volumes 1-3 in one DVD Set---$35
Fifi Abdo--The Egyptian Star, $30

Shipping is $3 each, paypal and personal checks accepted

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

iso fcbd dvd #7

2009-06-26T17:24:53Z

Good Afternoon,
I am looking to replace a dvd that went missing after my last move. It is FCBD #7 Creative Steps and Combinations from their "The Complete Student" package.

If anyone has a used extra or just looking to downsize please contact me.

I would be very appreciative.

safe journeys
michele

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Improve help DVD

2009-06-22T18:35:21Z

Anybody have this one or seen it? Reviews?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NMT8FW?tag=tribenet-20&camp=211493&creative=379989&linkCode=op1&creativeASIN=B001NMT8FW&adid=040BNE4BX3F2GWJ48275&

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 3 replies

DVD'S FOR CHOREOGRAPHING

2009-06-12T06:10:09Z

Does anyone know and dvd's that actually teach you how to choreograph a routine by yourself?

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 2 replies

Mohamed Shahin! :-)

2009-06-03T19:27:46Z

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

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 2 replies

Veil with Aziza

2009-06-03T19:03:11Z

Is this a good video? I can't veil myself out of a paper bag, I need help.
Thank you!

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 2 replies

Secrets of the Stage Vol 3 Michelle Joyce review

2009-06-01T14:26:23Z

Hi everybody,

I’d received Michelle’s Secrets of the Stage volumes as gifts quite some time ago. Only now I had time to watch them.
They are all so great, and the existing amazon reviews do not tell much on their content so far IMO.

So I will start with the most recent volume, Vol 3, which impressed me the most (be aware this is a non-performer/civil dance enthusiast’s review on a performance class series).
The first segment is dancing to live music.
The trailer gives you a good look at it, some star dancers including Shoshanna and Nanna Candelaria tell you a lot on how they connect to musicians, how they learned to appreciate live music, how they respond to the music, what they do if something goes wrong.. good insights, and some hints on creativity especially by Adriana I believe.
Now what I liked best is a section not presented in the trailer:
A musician tells about the interaction with the dancer. What they appreciate in a dancer, what they don’t. How musicians and dancers can work together well to create something unique. The dancer you follow onscreen is a lovely lovely lovely LOVELY dancer I had not known so far. She looks Latina to me, but I don’t know for sure. Now here s where it gets really bad – I keep forgetting her name. SHAME on me! It s a double name Amira Ariana? I apologize.. she wears a great lilac costume and as I said dances to the section where the musician tells on dancer/musician improvisation and collaboration.
While I do not want to spoil surprises, I just want to say I held my breath through this section. Not only was the content rich and unique, it made me want to be a performer to live music (I am not a performer – I refer to myself as a „dancer in plainclothes“ sometimes, I dance a lot in Arabic clubs and restaurants, but just as an audience member, preferably to live Arab bands; maybe the reason why I adored this volume so much is I had a fantastic experience in a NYC club a couple of years ago with a Latin American drummer whom I accompanied for much of the night dancing to his music, and did things I was not aware I could do – had never taken bellydance lessons back then; so anyone who loves the energy of dancing to live music, whether professional dancer or amateur bellydancer, will LOVE LOVE LOVE this dvd).
The section on live music is probably close to one hour long. Let me know if you want the exact duration.

I could go on praising the live music section for much longer – I’ll just cut it off by saying the musician perspective was accompanied by one of the loveliest live dancing recording I have ever seen. Amira Ariana (sorry if I misspell her name or got it all wrong!) is improvising in fantastic ways to the live music. I can’t stop watching her. Then there s a dancer called Tekbilek, a Turkish American lady (related to Omar Tekbilek?) I am guessing, who danced at the Gulf. Lovely performance footage by her too, and interesting accounts of dancing to live music in Arabian regions. She stressed the importance of respecting the musicians, especially as a woman who sometimes has to take extra care of „male egos“ in that region.
Things I would not have thought about, but consider very logical ☺
I will be watching this live music section A LOT. I adore it.

Then there s a section on professional image – some hints on how to (not) pose, how to get pretty veil pictures (if you simply dance normally in front of the camera and just hope your veil shots will turn out great without adapting your movements to the setting, your pictures might not turn out flattering as professional photographer Michael Baxter explains – you’ll smile as you watch this!), many hints you can use even if you just want to make your own pictures in your studio, home or garden.
Then another favorite of mine: The make up section!!!
I am pretty timid with makeup, use little except for khol. I followed along, and painted my eyebrows for the first time (they re black anyway, so I thought initially this would not be necessary). Then I followed her eye makeup tips. I ve watched lots of tutorials on youtube recently, and Adriana presents a technique I ve never seen. Which looked STUNNING! Apart from that she suggested one could paint the „puppet“ lashes in the outer corner of your eye you might remember from your childhood toys. She said they are not for every face. I liked them on my face (which is oval I think) A LOT!!
Then the lip makeup technique was amazing. My lips looked better than I had thought (I have full ones, and always fear reddish lipstick will make me look like a clown).
I LOVED the entire look! I did not look too „painted“ as I had feared! I will use this for very festive occasions (toned down a bit, of course), or maybe find the courage to perform for family or friends sometime.
AMAZING makeup section way superior compared with even the makeup artist youtube tutorials most of us watch from time to time I guess!

Then another favorite of mine: Survival Arabic. I wished it was longer, but Leyla Lanty explains a couple of the most essential words in Arabic songs. She does so with great humour and likeability, I hope this will be a recurring feature on future dvds!

I start my Secrets of the Stage review with Vol 3 because this volume blew me away.
I love watching documentaries on bellydance, so I was looking forward to watching it. And saved it for a special occasion btw ☺, it exceeded my expectations BY FAR.
It is packed with content. Content you’d never get anywhere else. For beginners like me it opens the world of professional dance performance, a very fascinating world. For beginning or even seasoned performers interested in any of the topics it will provide interesting insight into some star performers’ and musicians’ views. I can only guess as an outsider – I am pretty sure there is much to learn even for seasoned performers. For beginners this series is absolutely essential. It is thoroughly conceptualized and incredibly rich in content. It will warn new performers about mistakes the dancers featured made or bad experience they learned from, and on a positive side it will make you want to perform.
Hell, it made ME want to be a performer!! I am about to quit my academic job and be a performing artist ☺
Once I get over my enthusiasm and craze over this volume, I will review the other 2 volumes, too. They re incredibly good, too, especially the one on restaurant dancing and its etiquette. This one on live music just got me hooked so much that I cannot even think of what was on the other volumes right now.
If there are 5 stars to give, this one is a 10 stars.

I so hope Michelle continues the series!!

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

got jillina level 1-3 choreography for sale

2009-05-16T22:44:24Z

Anyone, interested please go to my website
http://www.nakara.ecrater.com/
thanks

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Reviewing

2009-05-15T17:05:13Z

I am a reviewer on amazon.com and I notice whenever I give instructionals a bad rating, someone rates my rating unhelpful. I don't understand why no one wants an honest opinion on dvd's they are spending their hard earned money for. It only happens when I rate something low if I give something i high ratinge everyone lves the review.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 10 replies

Belly by Sandra

2009-05-14T14:42:52Z

Hi all! I've been looking at and thinking of buying Belly by Sandra, Vol 1. Has anyone here tried it? Is it any good? I've used other Cheeky Girls DVDs in the past (all Michelle Joyce) and have really liked them. Thanks!

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 4 replies

Rachel Brice - Yoga Isolations & Drills for Bellydance

2009-05-06T14:20:56Z

Hey, I just ordered Yoga Isolations & Drills for Bellydance by Rachel Brice. Does anyone own this DVD, and if so is it any good? I ordered it off Amazon because it was pretty cheap, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to try it. The reviews are generally pretty good, but I wanted to hear from a group of people that are more experienced with belly dancing!!

What are your thoughts on the DVD, if you have any?
Thanks.
Kat.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 7 replies

Spring Cleaning

2009-05-02T02:03:00Z

I'm trying (again) to make room on my video shelf for the new releases that will
be here soon.

Prices include US shipping-

Habiba Quick Start Belly Dance 2-dvd set $40
Dancer's Arms with Aruna - $12
Zaina Hart Vol 1 Charisma BAsics to Embellishments $25
BElly by Sandra Vol 1 - $18
Karen Barbee No Frillz Drillz - Technical $20
Paypal only please.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 1 reply

Advanced Bellydance dvds ...anyone ???

2009-04-30T17:36:41Z

Hi !
I was wondering if ya'll could recommend advance bellydance dvds !!
Thanks !!

Love
Matilda

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 13 replies

Lulu Sabongi/IAMED videos/Very Cairo 1 CD for sale

2009-04-27T08:56:35Z

Clearing out my bursting shelves - videos/cd's for sale - all £12/$15/11 Euros each or buy all 5 items for £50/$70/55 Euros. I made a mistake and got these again when I already had them!

Lulu Sabongi - "Art of Belly Dance - Posture"
Lulu Sabongi - "Rhythms 1"
Lulu Sabongi - "Rhythms 2"
IAMED's "Spins and Turns with Marguerite"
CD - "Very Cairo 1" - Ludmilla and Monika (brand new and sealed)

With excellent tuition and demonstrations, the videos have lots of performances from various different dancers, in stunning costumes that are very different from what we normally see. Although in Portugese, they are *very* easy to follow. Lului is Brazil's top dancer/teacher - she taiught Soraya Zaied who is now one of Cairo's top performers. She taught to rave reviews here in the UK at the recent JOY festival. All videos including the IAMED one run for about 90 minutes.

If you're in the UK, I'll throw in free postage. I do paypal.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 4 replies

Belly dance Hip Hop Fusion

2009-04-25T01:14:06Z

Any reviews on the Belly dance Hip Hop Liquid Fusion 2 DVD Set ?

Any reveiws on Bellydance\Tribal Choregraypy Workshop by Aela ?

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 5 replies

Instructional DVD do's and don'ts...

2009-04-25T01:11:02Z

Hi all,

I am starting to make instructional DVD's for Middle Eastern music and dance and I would LOVE to hear your opinions on what makes an instructional DVD good or bad.

Could be Technical, content/script, wardrobe, set, cover design/layout whatever ya got.... : )

Thanks!
David

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 12 replies

Belly Dance Hip Hop Liquid Fusion

2009-04-16T04:05:34Z

I just got this DVD! It is SO much fun! Anasma is so cute, and she breaks down the moves so that they are easy to do. She is a wonder to watch! I just love this one! If you want to try, or if you like fusion, you gotta get this one! It's just too much fun to skip!

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 5 replies

wanted

2009-04-06T08:58:45Z

hi I am in need of the following dvd: Norhan Sharif's Rakset assaya dvd, but you must be willing to post to South Africa and accept paypal. thanx Ronel

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Melaya Leff DVDs

2009-04-02T06:20:23Z

hello

I'm looking for melaya leff DVDs to purchase. Preferably pre-loved (in other words - cheaper than new).

Zahira

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

ISO Michelle Joyce DVDs

2009-03-31T07:29:48Z

Looking for "gently used" Michelle Joyce DVDs -- 1) Drills, Drills, Drills; 2) Secrets of the Stage and 3) Killer Zills. Apologies if name isn't exactly correct, working from memory. Thanks! KIm

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

looking for Dvd's

2009-03-23T00:40:25Z

I know this is going to sound silly, but I am looking for some of Neena and Veena's exercise dvd's. I am looking for the slim down, bollywood, weight loss and anything that targets some of the body zones. I had them on vhs and I don't have it hooked up to the new system so I need to switch over. Thanks

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 2 replies

Belly Dance Egyptian Style the Baladi

2009-03-22T02:59:26Z

Intermediate/advanced

This is a 2 dvd set; the first 135 minutes, the second 170 minutes

Ranya covers an explanation of the music and the rhythms of Baladi and the different styles of Baladi music, then on to the dance.
This is in a “follow along” style. You need some familiarity with moves, as there is no extensive break-down of the moves.

The posture section is very amusing! Ranya Rene’e is a hoot! I’m looking forward to the rest of the Egyptian Style series. There is a nice section on framing and a section on arm paths.

The second dvd is your Improvisation and drill dvd. This will help you work on improv and give you several drills to work with, or, if you have the stamina, a couple hours of dance practice.

available at http://www.worlddancenewyork.com/ presently. Will probably be at Amazon shortly.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 4 replies

A Few dvd's for trade or sale

2009-03-12T16:17:26Z

Neena and veena
basis dance
beyond basic dance
and mystic dance

Blanca sensual bellydance
Every shimmy in the book with Bozenka

used like new all in excellent condition
I would prefer to trade them for something else.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 5 replies

ATS Videos

2009-03-12T14:35:10Z

I love tribal fusion, but I feel like I am lacking a solid foundation in ATS, which I feel like I need to do fusion work. Does anyone know of some quality dvds that run through the basics and more? I would really appreciate it!

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 4 replies

Tribal Fusion Fundamentals quick and dirty review

2009-03-07T16:54:49Z

the instruction is great, clear concise instructions, various levels of difficulty. Moria's section is ca-RA-zee! That girl has mad skilz. (this section is definitely NOT for beginnners, though there is plenty of stuff for them on the rest of the video.) The film quality is great, nice angles, no jarring cut aways.

My only beef is that whoever edited the sound did a HORRIBLE job. Everything they do is about a second or two behind what they are saying in the voice-overs, so when it slow, it's annoying but not insurmountable, but when it gets fast it's just a big mess. I'm hoping I'm going to be able to just watch and tune out the sound for those parts. It's a pretty big drawback, but I still think the instruction is good enough to make this one worth getting.

Kami breaks down various locking moves then puts them into a few combos.

Moria does a yoga and layering conditioning section. She goes heavy on the wide legged glute sqeezing with all sorts of layering over top of them. It's heavy duty all the way around. She's amazing.

Samantha introduces zills. I skipped through this section for now, but it looks fairly well put together.

Sherri introduces floorwork. Having not done much of it, I found it very informative, though I think for someone who does a bit of it may find it's more of a review.

In spite of the glaring issue of the sound problem, it's definitely worth checking out.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 6 replies

Worst belly dance instructional DVDs?

2009-03-07T15:56:18Z

This topic came up on Bhuz and I was wondering your thoughts, suggestions. I'm trying to compile a list...
Anyone want to help?

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 51 replies

Valentines Music Recommendation?

2009-02-19T00:48:37Z

Hi ~ I don't have anything to trade or review... but I am looking for some music advice. Does anyone have any suggestions for bellydance music for a special Valentines Day performance? My dance partner, Misha, and I are totally stumped.
- Ayperi

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 1 reply

2 DVD's for sale or trade

2009-02-07T13:53:55Z

Hi there,
I have no more need of these DVD's and am looking for a good home for them.
1. Belly Dance Aerobic workout With Rania - $4.00, shipping $2.00
2. Tribal Fusions the exotic art of tribal bellydance- Bellydance superstars performance DVD- $10.00 shipping $2.00
I would be happy to combine shipping. Personal message if your interested. I accept paypal. Thanks!
~Niamh

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Videos for 'fun'

2009-02-06T22:12:36Z

I have a number of really good instructional and drills videos, but does anyone have any videos they put on when they just want to enjoy dancing and have a bit of fun? Maybe that focuses more on whole choreographies instead of small parts?

I'm trying to teach myself to improvise, but that's going a bit slowly, and it will be awhile before I can put whole improvised dances together that aren't very, very simple.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 2 replies

new year, new music!

2009-02-02T13:35:58Z

hi! i'm a bit tired of my music collection & would like to buy some new CDs to use in class. I teach so like tracks with a regular rhythm but also quite short tracks 3-4mins long for choreographies.

The type of music I have which I use alot : Hakim, Electric Oasis, BDSS albums for their variety, I also use bhangra music as we fuse this and so I love Panjabi MC 'The Album'.

Any suggestions welcome & appreciated as I'm fed up of buying a cd form Amazon only to find one track out out 10 that I like!!

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 4 replies

choosing between 2

2009-01-28T08:15:32Z

I would like to either get Aubre's "Bellydance Core Fitness" or Rania's "Belly Pilates"
Has anyone tried either?
My goal is to strengthen my back muscles by strengthening my core muscles (bad lower back injury years ago) and to try to re-awaken my lower abs (kinda flappy from being pregnant/having a c-section)
What do y'all recommend?
Thanks!

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 4 replies

Sharon Kihara?

2009-01-23T04:25:14Z

I'm looking for a good deal on a used one. Anybody want to part with theirs? PM me if you'd like me to give it a good home! Thanks!

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 1 reply

A little bit o'this...a little bit o'that...

2009-01-22T20:19:24Z

Spring is coming ! Well…..it will *g*

Have to start weeding out :)

So, here goes :

(All prices in US currency, prices do not include shipping from Canada, items used unless specified)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v172/kiddymir/7e09831d.jpg

- DVD: Sahra Saeeda, Cairo Performances vol. 3. 25$

- DVD: Rachel Brice Tribal Fusion Bellydance 9$

- CD: Tribute to the Legend Nadia Gamal (Al Ahram Orchestra) 10$

- CD: Layali Zaman (Ashraf Zakaria and Sahra Saeeda) 10$

- VHS: Suhaila Salimpour Dances for the Sultan 6$

- VHS: Soheir Zaki Sweet star of Cairo 6$

- VHS: Nadia Gamal The Legend 6$

Will accept Paypal and Canadian/International postal money orders.

PM me if interested.

Cheers and thanks for looking !

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 3 replies

Question about regions....

2009-01-19T22:13:47Z

Ok guys, I sure hope someone can help me with this!

I decided I desperately need to invest in some good dvd's! I only have about 5 now and I think we'll all agree that's just not enough :-)

So, I've been researching the internet, ebay, amazon, .... and I've seen many things I like.
Only, I'm a bit puzzled about the region 1, region 2 of DVD's....

I'm from Belgium (that's Europe, so normally region 2), but I play all my dvd's on my laptop....
Do laptops also have those region thingies going on, or can I play any dvd on it? Anybody an idea how I can find out wich dvd will play on my laptop? Or are there any region 2 bellydancers on this tribe who have successfully played a region 1 dvd on their laptop?

The thing is that I've noticed that region 2 dvd are often way more expensive - even on ebay and amazon (don't know why that is?) + there aren't so many to choose from.... (for example: about 10 region 2 dvd's on amazon.de and amazon.fr compared to hundreds of region 1 dvd's on amazon.com)

Anybody who can help me out?

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 8 replies

broke henna artist, cd's to sell or trade...

2009-01-17T16:45:36Z

HI all,

I've had a slow season as henna parties and events don't really get rolling here in the northeast till May or so and I'd like to trade or sell some cd's , I've got originals and some other versions if you're interested let me know, I'm open to best offers and or trades for either maroon or wine colored sari material or similar colored assuit for a panel skirt...I'm also interested in trading for newer ATS/fusion music..

Thank you,

Maria

Raquey and the Cavemen Jorda
Les Serpent Rouge BDSS
Niyaz Nine Heavens ( 2 CD pack)
Niyaz (Niyaz)
Azam Ali Elysium for the Brave
Solace Rhythm of the Dance
Solace The Gathering Season
Solace Shawaza
Solace Ahasas
Corvus Corax Best of Corvus Corax
Hossam Ramzy Sabla Tolo
Hossam Ramzy Egyptian Rai
Galactic Carava Intergalactic Bellydance
Passion Sources Various Artists
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Michael Brook Night Song
Belly Dance Zone, (Remixes)
Cheb I Sabbah La Kahena
Cheb I Sabbah La Ghriba La Kahena Remixed
Cheb I Sabbah Krishna Lila

other stuff I've got ( not originals )

World of Bellydance Vol 2 Massoudi Fadhel and Bnoumi Salem
Omar Faruk Tekbilek Mystical Garden
Yol Bolzin Sevara Nazarkhan
Dalia Carella Shuvani
Raquey and the Cavemen Dust
Dancing Drums Susu and the Cairo Cats
Omar Faruk Tebilek Suleyman the Magnificent
Morocco Music from the High Mountains
Moroccan Spirit Various
Lisa Gerrard, Duality, The Silver Tree, Mirrorpool
Raquey and the Cavemen Naked
Maduro Shimmer Sustain
Light Rain Dream Suite
Abdel Hazim Tribal Bellydance Tribal Beats
LIght Rain Dark Fire
Zills on Fire
300 Soundtrack
Hatsheput and Other Dances
Strange Flesh Vol 1 Various
Omar Faruk Tekbilek Firedance

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 3 replies

Which Book should I Choose?

2009-01-04T16:13:29Z

Hi, I can't decide which one to get..mainly because I can't find any reviews of them. I hope someone here has an opinion about these 2 books.

1. Belly Dance
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Belly-Dance-Tina-Hobin/9780714530918-item.html

2. Belly Dancing: The Sensual Art of Energy and Spirit
http://books.google.com/books?id=EQ36GwAACAAJ&dq=belly+dance&lr=&ei=6BNfSc78JJqsMoLvzDc

Thanks for viewing my post.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 2 replies

Jillina's new DVDs -- not very brief thoughts :)

2008-12-26T21:00:10Z

First brief impression of Jillina's newest dvds = thumbs up!

There are 4 dvds: A fitness/workout dvd and 3 choreography and technique dvds. Let's start with the 3 volumes of choreography, and then discuss each one individually.

STRUCTURE:
These are organized much like the first 3 dvds were -- introduction, warmup, technique, combinations, choreography, cool down, performance -- and a bonus "behind the scenes" clip of Jillina being Jillina :)

with one KEY exception:

EVERYTHING IS CHAPTERED !!!!!!!!! YAYYY !!!!!!

No more rewinding through the entire list of combinations to find the one you need to work on :) In the technique and combo and choreography sections, not only is each part chaptered, but you have a chapter for the instruction, and a separate chapter for the practice of the instruction -- the drills. You ALSO have the ability to "play all" of either the instructional chapters or the practice/drill chapters together in one session.

THANK YOU!

She teaches the technique sections filmed from in front (with cuts to focus on various body parts), and the combos and choreography filmed in front of a mirror.

The filming is good. For the most part it stays in one place, and only really cuts away to show the movement from a different angle. Lighting is good. Sound is good. The stage is littered with the usual stuff -- but that doesn't bother me, and it doesn't get in the way of the instruction. She teaches in basic practice clothes.

As before, she modifies each of the combos to create a choreography out of them, but the combos can stand alone. And they're cute :)

CONTENT:

I did not watch the warmup and cooldowns on any of the dvds. Sorry! It was my turn to cook last night, and I didn't have time.

The instructional content on these dvds is a bit of the same and a bit of different stuff from her previous dvds, but there's a different approach. Each step that is taught is practiced in the "drill" section in several different ways, at different speeds and with different orientations, AND with different footwork patterns -- to show you variations on how that step can be accomplished. I like that idea.

I didn't list each move taught on each dvd -- sorry! But some things you'll recognize from previous dvds (like the umi) and some things I don't remember seeing.

One curious addition is the first step taught -- a hip drop. I was puzzled as to why she would have such a simple and primary step as the first thing taught -- but now I have a theory. We'll come back to that.

MARKETED TOWARDS DANCERS WHO ARE...

I think, for the most part, these are more advanced dvds than the previous trilogy. NONE of the choreographies are as basic as the Alf Leyla Wa Leyla choreo from her first dvd, and I'll go out on a limb and say the choreographies are pretty complicated.

I do not think a first month beginner would like these dvds. I hate to resort to labels, but I think maybe these are more intermediate level? Some may say even advanced level!

The combinations are a bit longer than the ones in her previous dvds. I watched all the combinations for DVD 1 and thought a few were pretty easy, and others pretty darn complex! So don't assume volume 1 is the "Beginner" level.

Back to teaching of the hip drop -- Why teach such a basic step on a dvd that features a really complex choreography? I think what she might have been trying to do here is create a dvd that new dancers can "work up through."

If you've had a few months of classes, you can start with volume 1, and if you take it step by step SLOWLY, you can work your way up to a very nice and complicated choreography. But it is going to take PATIENCE. There is a LOT of stuff on these dvds. You have a LOT of material to work with.

Intermediate level dancers can MAYBE skip the instruction section and just work with the practice/drill section to get new ideas for old steps. Advanced dancers might jump right to the combinations section, although the steps taught on volume 2 are different - a couple of them I hadn't seen broken down before. I really like some of the variations she does with them. So advanced dancers -- give that technique section a look-see before moving on.

THE CHOREOS:

All the choreos are original, and the music for each one is on the CD "Bellydance with Jillina."

VOLUME 1
Volume one is an Entrance Choreography -- done to "Ancient Ruins," a song that sounds very similar in style to the "Entrance of the Stars" of the BDSS show. (Same composer).

This isn't your grandmother's entrance music.

This is HIGH POWER and BIG entrance music. This is BDSS style entrance. "Wham Bam Here I Am" kind of music. That's not a criticism because I like the piece. But it is high power and fast and has that underlying western sort of beat going on. If you can't stand that kind of music, or Paul Dinletir's music in general, then you probably won't like this piece.

The choreography is fast at times, and dramatic throughout. I like it, but it's VERY Jillina-style. That's not a bad thing, but if you're looking for laid-back and relaxed Egyptian styling, you won't find it here.

Personally I think Jillina leaves enough room in her choreographies for personalization -- and of course she tells you in the intro to make the dance your own. If you perform it exactly as she teaches it, it might look a bit flat. But there are MANY MANY places where a more advanced dancer could add some personal upper body expression. Jillina gives you a skeleton, and you add the flesh to it.

VOLUME 2
This one is advertised as a Lebanese pop choreography, done to Shady Sayegh's "Ya Hawa."

Disclaimer: I am NOT an expert on Lebanese STYLE belly dance. And I may be wrong in my assessment here.

I do not think this is a Lebanese STYLE choreography. (Correct me if I'm wrong, oh wise ones out there.) I think it is simply a regular choreography done to a Lebanese song.

In the intro, Jillina explains what the song is about, and asks you think about the emotional response to the song. She does not mention anything about Lebanese "STYLE" dancing, and how it differs from Modern Egyptian or Classical Egyptian, so that's why I'm assuming she didn't create this dvd as a crash course in Lebanese STYLE dancing.

If you're looking for an introduction to Lebanese STYLE dancing, you may want to look elsewhere.

This song is soulful and more relaxed than the entrance choreography. It's very easy to get into the feel of the music, and while I think the combinations and choreography would be difficult to execute properly in performance, they're not terribly difficult to learn. Less advanced dancers MIGHT want to start with this one, since the music is a bit slower.

VOLUME 3
Drum solo time! This is a 3:31 drum solo that is practically ALL layered shimmies :) Be afraid! LOL.

Seriously, this is a VERY modern drum solo -- think lots of tick tock pops and locks and shimmies over everything. This looks NOTHING like the drum solo from her IAMED video. It's a long and technically pretty difficult piece, but I would imagine if you worked your way through this, your technique would be SO precise and tight!

I don't really have a lot to say about this piece, because this dvd was the last one I watched and I was really tired !

PERFORMANCES:
Each dvd has a couple of performances on it, one of the choreography and one of something else. The performance filming is ... well, it's typical of Arab concerts. Pan away during the little intricate stuff, focus on the audience for a while, come back and watch the dancer for a little while. Alternate cuts here and there. BLECH. But typical.

We get the Monkey-cam and quick cutting, and some rather bad lighting at times. These performances are filmed at what looks like a large auditorium, instead of the intimate coffee-shop feel of the first set of dvds.

There are some CUTE performances, including one of Jillina doing an interesting take on the goblet dance -- she's dancing on the head of a Doumbek! The filming was off-putting to me, but I'm old and I like things to stand still.

All in all, I like these dvds and can see them having quite a bit of "air time" in my dvd player. I'm pleased with quality and quantity of material on each dvd and think the price is fair for what you get.

I'll review her workout video in another post. Thanks for trudging through all this! If you have any specific questions, please post them and I'll try to be more specific for you once I've had a chance to really sit down and WATCH these without also watching the stove.

:O

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 9 replies

Wings of Ayshe DVd for $25. Free shipping.

2008-12-20T04:03:06Z

Free shipping in the US

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

AIMED DVD's for sale very cheap!

2008-12-11T21:01:18Z

I have all of these DVD’s for sale. I am selling them out very cheap, because I want to buy Christmas presents for my family, so if you are interested you can email me at ana_edith83@hotmail.com

** All the DVDs are original **

*** FREE shipping and handling. All the DVD’s are in very good conditions ***

*** I do take PayPal only ***

IAMED DVD’s

1.-Ultimate Combinations 2 $26.00

2.-Drum Solo with Jillina $26.00

3.-21 Shimmies and 1001 Variations Vol. 1 $26.00

4.-Belly Dance Live $26.00

5.-Belly Dance Revolution! $23.00

6. Belly Dance Reloaded! $23.00

7. Belly Dance Rocks! $23.00

8.-Belly Dance Espectacular $26.00

9.-Rockin’ the Casbah $26.00

10.-The 1st Award of Belly Dance $20.00

*** Other DVD’s ***

Every Shimmy in the book (Bozenka) $15.00

Belly Dance Evolution $13.00

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 1 reply

Pops Locks & Shimmies with Sadie and Kaya - Belly Dance DVD

2008-12-03T00:57:51Z

Have anyone tried Pops Locks & Shimmies with Sadie and Kaya - Belly Dance DVD
From IAMED? http://astore.amazon.com/elmundomistic-20/detail/B001JHPJZO
I have Sadies past DVDs and i find them to be very challenging.
I'm ready to give it a try but would like to read about it first.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 2 replies

Zilling video help!

2008-12-02T16:42:03Z

I'm looking into buying a video on learning how to play the zills. I'm an absolute beginner but would like something that goes through the basic patterns and has drills to practice them with. Any suggestions would be a great help!

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 4 replies

lumin and stellamara CDs for trade

2008-11-30T22:13:57Z

I'm interested in trading these for DVDs or costume stuff. I bought them, and though they are both lovely, they turned out to be not quite what I was looking for.
Both are featured in the Ariellah DVD. The Stellamara song is the second yoga song and the Lumin, I think, she uses during the chest lift drills.

Here is my dream list for DVDs, but please feel free to make me an offer. :)

Sadie (any of them)

Ansuya (any of them)

Suhaila any instruction or workout DVDs

American Bellydancer

African Dance with Wyoma

The Heartbeat of Bellydance

Tribal Revolution

Pop, Lock, and Shimmy – Drum Solo Technique with Michelle

Pops, Locks, and Shimmies with Sadie and Kaya

Voi

I Love Turkish

Latcho Drom

Veil with Aziza

FCBD (any but 4)
Gypsy Caravan (any)
Black Sheep (any)

Delilah
Bellydancing Workshop 1-4
Absolute Beginners Bellydancing

Turbo Shimmy

21 Shimmies and 1001 Variations
More Shimmies and Thousands of Variations

Oriental Arms Set - Katia

Classic Cabaret Floorwork - Anaheed

Beautiful Hands and Arms - Fahtiem

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

DVDs and Videos for sale or trade

2008-11-29T01:21:13Z

(I am also open to swapping, please see my wish list in the next post!)

DVDs:
Cheb Mami Documentary: $15
Belly Dance Technique Volume One with Yasmina Ramzy: $25
Budokon by Cameron Shayne (martial arts practice): $10

VHS Dance Videos:
Katia Oriental Arms (IAMED Award winner): $20.
Katia Stage Dynamics: $20

VHS Exercise Oriented Videos (all $5, or make an offer):
Yoga, Mind, and Body (ErichSchiffman/Ali McGraw...fabulous video, I bought the DVD)
Winsor Pilates Accelerated Body Sculpting
Winsor Pilates 20 minute Workout
(both Winsor Pilates for $8)
New York City Ballet Workout Volume One
Suhaila Buns
Suhaila Pilates
Suhaila Jazz
Suhaila Yoga (still sealed)
(All four Suhailas for $15)

Shipping add $3 per item, $5 for two, $8 for three, $10 for four or more
Paypal or money order is great, I'll ship anywhere for actual shipping costs.

Please PM me or post here if interested.
Thanks!

(x-posted to bhuz)

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 3 replies

dvds & vhs for sale

2008-11-22T14:48:46Z

I'm cleaning out my collection. Shipping with in the US is $4 for DVD and $5 for VHS. If you want more than one please email me for shipping price. If you are interested in something PM me or email me at lorrie_taylor28 at yahoo dot com.

VHS

Alexandra King vol 1 $8
How to Play Finger Cymbols - Mesmera $8
Belly Dance Basics Taxiism & Veil - Elayna - $8
Belly Dance Reloaded - IAMED $9
Belly Dance Revolution - IAMED $9
Rockin the Casbah - IAMED $9
Rakset Assaya - Nourhan Sharif $9
Introduction to Bellydance Technique - Nourhan Sharif $9
Egyptian Pop Choreography - Jillina $10
Classic Cabaret Floor Work - Anaheed new & still in shrink wrap $15
Belly Dance Chereography vol 1 - Yasmina Ramzy $15

DVD

World Dance Workout $4
Cardio Belly Dance - Denise Bruce $4
Belly Dance - Denise Bruce $4
How to Belly Dance - Doni $9
Drum Solo 2000 - Shamira $13
Sensuous Workout 2 - Shamira $14
The Legonds of Belly Dance $14
Zeina - Shamira $15
Veil & Arm Dancing - Amaya $20
The Dance vol 1 - Carrie Konyha $22
The Sixth Awards of Belly Dance - IAMED $22
Precision Motion Workout - Suzana Del Vecchio $25
Dark Fire Choreography - Aneena $25
Double Your Pleasure Double Your Veil version 2 - Aneena $35
Delilah Work Shop 1 $35
Delilah Work Shop 2 $35
Delilah Work Shop 3 $35
Fire at the Iao / Retro Choreography - Delilah $35

Thank you for looking
Lorrie

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 5 replies

Lots of CDs for sale: Nourhan Sharif, Jalilah's Raks Sharki etc.

2008-11-22T00:49:45Z

All in excellent, like new condition.
Each CD is $13, which includes shipping (from New Zealand to anywhere in the world) and PayPal fees.

Daniela

* Arabian Dance Party: Video-CD mit songs/videoclips
* Bauchtanz: Harmonie + Lebensfreude (from Germany: eBay Ã–sterreich: Bauchtanz Musik CD: Bauchtanz Harmonie und Lebensfreude (Artikel 370036783992 endet 22.11.08 12:00:16 MEZ))
* Best of Bellydance from Egypt, Lebanon, Arabia & Turkey
* Danses Orientales - Sahara
* Danses Orientales (different to: Danses Orientales - Sahara)
* Gizira Band – Ya Helawa
* Hossam Ramzy: Source of Fire
* Jalilah’s Raks Sharki 1
* Jalilah’s Raks Sharki 2
* Jalilah’s Raks Sharki 3
* Jalilah's Raks Sharki 4
* Jalilah’s Raks Sharki 5
* Jalilah’s Raks Sharki 6
* Mezdeke 1
* Mezdeke 2
* Mezdeke 3
* Mezdeke 4
* Mezdeke 5
* Mezdeke 8
* Mezdeke 9
* Nourhan Sharif – Arabic Rhythms Volume Eitneen (II)
* Nourhan Sharif – Arabic Rhythms Volume Talata (III)
* Nourhan Sharif – Arabic Rhythms Volume Wahid (I)
* Nourhan Sharif – Raqs Sharqi Vol.1
* Nourhan Sharif Wash Ya Wash 1
* Nourhan Sharif Wash Ya Wash 2
* Nourhan Sharif Wash Ya Wash 4
* Sayed Balaha – Around the World
* Sayed Balaha - Rio de JaCairo
* Susu and the Cairo Cats: Dancing Drums
* The Best Arabic Album in the World … Ever!
* Tribute to the Legend Nadia Gamal

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 0 replies

Tons of DVDs for sale - Tribal, Aziza, Jenna, Michelle Joyce, and More!

2008-11-19T02:14:20Z

All prices are without shipping:

Modern Tribal Bellydance w/ Asharah $12

Tribal Fusion Bellydance w/ Sharon Kihara $10

Tribal Fusion Bellydance w/ Rachel Brice $10

Bellydance & Yoga Conditioning w/ Ariellah $12

Aziza Ultimate Bellydance Practice Companion $28

Amira Mor $5 each
Belly Dancing Total Workout (New in package)
Belly Dancing Balance (New in package)
Belly Dancing Soulmate

Belly Dance Tribal Fusion NYC (Darshan) $10

Rachel Brice Bellydance Arms & Posture $8

Belly Dance Basics, Combinations & Strength Workout East Coast Tribal w/ Sera $10

Fluid Precision Contemporary Tribal Belly Dance w/ Kassar $10

Luscious the Belly Dance Workout for Beginners $8

I Love Turkish Belly Dance w/ Sarah Skinner $10

Belly Dance w/ Veil w/ Sarah Skinner (New in package) $12

Belly Dance for Body Shaping Floorwork w/ Tanna

Bellyance Basics & Beyond w/ Jenna $10

Bellydance The Next Level w/ Jenna $12

Belllydance The Heartbeat of Bellydance w/ Jenna $12

Body by Bellydance w/ Michelle Joyce (New in package) $15

Belly Dance Workout: Perfect Hips w/ Michelle Joyce (New in package) $15

Drills! Drills! Drills! w/ Michelle Joyce $15

Aziza's Ultimate Bellydance Practice Companion

Suhaila Fitness Fusion $5 each
Pilates
Buns
Jazz (New in package)
Yoga (New in package)

Bellydance Superstars
American Bellydancer $12
Bellydance Superstars $12
Live in Paris at the Folies Bergere $12

Yoga Booty Ballet Complete Workout System $20

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 2 replies

Killer Zills DVD mini review

2008-11-12T03:36:02Z

I just received Michelle Joyce’s How to become a Killer Ziller. DVD. This DVD is quite different from other DVD’s in that it takes a person through 3 stages to learn at least 14 different zil patterns and dance with them. She begins the DVD with part one in which she discusses how to wear the finger cymbals and how to get a variety of sounds from the zils. She also takes time to introduce the viewer to the various rhythms by having a person pat their stomach while saying the rhythm. It’s a lovely way to help begin to get the patterns into muscle memory. She offers about 14 different patterns to learn with some that are not as well known including the 4 – 4 – 7 and the 4 – 5 – 1 – 4. The second part covers the cymbal drills. When she has us drill a pattern, we see her hands only and we see them so we can follow easily. Across the top of the frame is the name of the rhythm and the type of music playing in the background. Across the bottom you see the finger pattern for the rhythm like RLR RLR for triplets. In a few patterns such as Karshlama, she offers variations on playing the rhythm. In the third part, she shows us dance combinations with suggested zil patterns. The four combinations go from fairly easy to complex. Michelle makes sure you know the combinations before she adds the zil patterns to the combinations. Furthermore, she does not use the same patterns during the whole combination but varies the patterns so you are not always using triplets or 3 – 3 – 7 throughout the whole dance. She even includes direction changes and what to do with your arms as you dance. I like that a lot.
I am not a very good finger cymbal player so I feel like I can learn a lot from this video. I like the way the patterns are written on the screen and on the inside of the cover of the DVD. The information will allow me to practice around the house without having the DVD on. This is the type of DVD, that you would need to work on each rhythm because she does not spend a lot of time on each rhythm. She spends enough time to get the hand of each rhythm, especially if you go over the individual patterns till proficient before trying the dance combinations with the zilling. I’m not sure if things might be a bit rushed for a total beginner but if you have some experience I believe you will find the information contained in the DVD to be extremely helpful in learning to play zils. For me, this is just what I’ve been looking for in a learning to play finger cymbals DVD.
Disclaimer: Michelle provided me with a free copy to review.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 5 replies

Pulse of Sphinx Drum Solo CD booklet has shipped

2008-11-11T17:27:27Z

I apologize to those of you who bought the CD without the booklet. They have finally come back from the printers now and have gone out to all who have sent me the card. If you don't receive the booklet by the end of next week, please contact me to let me know.
Again, I am very sorry it took so long - but I think you'll find it was worth the wait.
Yasmin

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 2 replies

Looking for "Killer Ziller" by Michelle Joyce (X-Post)

2008-11-10T17:03:21Z

Anybody have one for sale?

Thanks!

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 7 replies

DVD for sale: Keti, Delilah, Tribal

2008-11-05T05:42:55Z

I have the following DVDs for sale. Prices do not include shipping from Canada Thanks for looking!:

Performance:
Gothic Bellydance $10
Golden Apple - bellydance stars of New york $10
The Exotic Art of bellydance(amar gamal, tamra henna, ava fleming) $12HOLD
Shake Em Up Bellydance Drum Solos $14
Gypsy Dance Theatre Live Performance $12

Instructional:
Dancers Body with Aruna $12
Princess Farhana veil obedience school $17HOLD
Princess Farhana twin blades $17HOLD
Visual Melodies Egyptian Bellydance with Serena Ramzy $17
Pop, Lock and Shimmy $18
Amira Mor Bellydancing Balance $12
Amira Mor energy AND soulmate $10 for both
Nadia Gamal Dance Workshop - Dances from the Middle East $14
Temple of Jehan Ultimate bellydance fitness workout $12
Absolute Beginning Bellydance with Delilah -$35
Daily Quickies- 10 minute workouts (Suhaila, Rania, Jayna & MaDonna) $12
Bellydance Fitness for weightloss- Too Hip with Rania $10
Fluid Precision- Contemporary Tribal Bellydance with Kassar $15
Keti Sharif's Complete A-Z bellydance (no booklet) $40
Keti Sharif's A-Z Advanced Stage Bellydance routines (no booklet) $40
Fantasy Bellydance - DESIRE $14
Bellydance for Beautiful Freaks $10

Other
Flamenco is Hot campanilleros $15HOLD
Flamenco you can do it sevillanas $15HOLD
Dance today Flamenco $15HOLD
Romany Trail Part 2: Gypsy music into Europe $20
Carmen Electra's Aerobic Striptease 5 disc set $30
Chakra Dance Flow- Movement Meditation with Darshan and Mariyah $12

I will accept paypal but cannot accept debit/credit card payments.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 5 replies

Nadira Jamal's Improvisation Toolkit Volume 1

2008-10-29T18:11:44Z

Anybody here know anything about Nadira Jamal? This looks like an excellent reference, but I've wasted money in the past. So I figured I'd ask if anyone knows anything about her or her teaching methods?

As I understand it, the DVD is not available yet, but she does an online instructional series?

This is the link: http://www.nadirajamal.com/improvtoolkit.html

Any opinions would be appreciated. I really suck at improvisation, and anything that will help me improve will be a blessing.

posted in Bellydance CD/DVD Reviews and Trade - 9 replies