Video Reviews    

by Yasmina

Middle Eastern Percussion Instructional DVD Review - by Mick Snookes
Belly Dance for Teens - with Hannah Romanza
Dahlena’s Technique Basic & Intermediate - by Dahlena
Amira's Bellydance 101 - with Amira
New York Hafla (Arabic Wedding) - with Soraya
Belly Dancing the Sacred Shapes - with The Goddess Dancing
Learn to Belly Dance with Alexandra: vol. one basic moves and combinations - by Alexandra
Behind the Veil - by Amira Mor
Hahbi 'Ru Basics Level One - by Rita Alderucci and John Compton co-directors of Hahbi ‘Ru 
Lock, Roll & Flutter - by Suzanna Del Vecchio 
Hips! with Amaya - by Amaya 
Reach for the Stars with Jasmin Jahal: volume 1 - by Jasmin Jahal

Other Sites with Video Reviews
The Art of Middle Eastern Dance (by Shira)
Middle Eastern Dance
Setare's Video Reviews
Video / DVD Reviews - from Zahira's page

Search Amazon for Belly Dance DVD's/Videos

Middle Eastern Percussion Instructional DVD Review
by Mick Snookes
There are several DVDs on the market that provide instruction on Middle Eastern Percussion techniques with each drum master providing a guide to playing the Dumbek/Doumbek/Tabla in their own unique style. In this article I am going to offer my opinions on the many DVDs that I have encountered along my short learning experience.

All of the Drum Masters have their own unique and distinctive way of playing the Doumbek, none of which can be said to be absolutely correct. If you are learning to play and are having difficulty playing any of the notes may I suggest you review each of these players until you find a style that is comfortable for you. If you are not comfortable and relaxed you will have problems achieving nice fluent rhythms.

Title Dumbek Fever – Dumbek Instructional Kit
Drummer Raquy Danziger
Without a doubt this is probably the best place to start if you are just learning how to play the Doumbek. The kit is a complete instructional programme consisting of a DVD in which Raquy demonstrates playing techniques; a booklet that provides pictures of hand position and musical notations; and a CD with rhythms complementing the musical notations in the booklet. The CD also contains most of the basic rhythms played as a base rhythm allowing you to play along with the rhythm and, as you become more adept, to venture into some of your own solos whilst the CD assists you to
keep perfect timing.

Raquy Danziger is based in USA. Dumbek Fever – Dumbek Instructional Kit Retails for US $39.99 plus P&P and can be purchased via her website at www.raquy.com using PayPal. NB if you sign up to her mailing list you can purchase this kit through the fan store for a reduced price of US $34.99 plus P&P www.raquyandthecavemen.com/fanstore

Title Dumbek Fever II – Dumbek Instructional Kit Advanced Level
Drummer Raquy Danziger
This is a follow up to Dumbek Fever showing some more advanced techniques. This may not be to everyone’s liking. Although the advanced techniques are impressively displayed by Raquy, most of them are extremely difficult to master. Most Middle Eastern Drum compositions can be achieved adequately without any of the techniques included in this package.

Compared with the CD with Dumbek Fever the CD with Dumbek Fever II is a disappointment. Unlike Dumbek Fever, this one does not have tracks on the CD to accompany many of the items listed in the booklet. The inclusion of the warm-up sessions in the booklet is a great idea but it is disappointing that they are not on the CD. In addition, several tracks on the CD have Raquy playing other instruments with the drums fulfilling a secondary backing rhythm.

Dumbek Fever II also retails for US $39.99 plus P&P and can be purchased via her website at www.raquy.com using PayPal. NB if you sign up to her mailing list you can purchase this kit through the fan store for a reduced price of US $34.99 plus P&P www.raquyandthecavemen.com/fanstore

Title Doumbek Technique & Rhythms
Drummer Amir Naoum
Amir uses a much more relaxed form of playing the Doumbek that requires far less movement of the hands and arms than that displayed by Raquy, a style that I personally prefer. In this DVD he approaches the teaching firstly with explanation, demonstration and lots of practice for each of the notes. This is followed up at the same intensity for each of the various rhythms where he uses a great method of building up the rhythms from the base notes through to more complex manoeuvres. Anyone who is experiencing problems mastering Malfouf will be amazed at the incredibly simple build up technique that Amir uses to get this right.

Like most drumming instructional DVDs there are no notes to accompany the music but the musical notations are displayed on screen as he is playing. He also gives a verbal description of the rhythms when he explains them and throughout the practices. I wrote down my own notes so to make it easier to follow and play as I worked through the practice sessions.

His website www.doumbektechnique.com provides comprehensive detail of the contents of the DVD and a link to a video clip on You tube showing segments from the DVD, which will give you an insight of the presentation before you buy.

I have been in contact with Amir and he has advised me that he does intend to release an advanced drumming techniques DVD in the future providing more techniques and some new rhythms. He will let me know when it is due for release, so stay tuned for more information on that one. 

Amir is based in USA. You can purchase your copy of Doumbek Technique & Rhythms on line from Amazon at www.amazon.com. for US $15.99 or from Aladdin’s Cave (UK) at www.aladdinscave.com. for GBP13.95.

Title Basic Rhythms for Arabic Drum
Drummer Uncle Mafufo (Armando)
Once again in this DVD we are introduced to more variations of playing this time by the aptly named Uncle Mafufo. Not only does he show different ways of playing the various notes but he actively encourages you to adapt whatever playing style best suits you.
Uncle Mafufo uses handclaps and vocalization to explain the rhythms and taps them out on a notation board before playing them. There are no notations on screen while he is playing but they are printed on the back of the cover.

Even the more advanced drummers will benefit from this DVD because of the variations that he puts into the basic rhythms, without overcomplicating them.
Uncle Mafufo is also based in USA. You can purchase this DVD from his website using PayPal at www.unclemafufo.com/instructional for $US35 or you can buy both this DVD and his CD “Essential Rhythms for Middle Eastern Drumming” for $40 (CD normally retails for $15).

Title Riqs & Defs – A Practical Guide to Middle Eastern Frame Drums
Drummer Uncle Mafufo (Armando)
As the tile suggests, this DVD is about playing Riqs & Defs (but not the Doumbek).
Uncle Mafufo continues his presentations with segments on both of these instruments. It is extremely useful if you would like to learn either, or both, instruments. His relaxed manner is the same as reported for the Basic Rhythms for Arabic Drums and the notations are also displayed on the back of the cover.

Even if you are not interested in playing either of these instruments the DVD is worth a
look to understand how these instruments can be used in conjunction with the Doumbek. Additionally, some of the variations of rhythms played on these instruments can be played just as well on the Doumbek.

You can also purchase this DVD from his website using PayPal at www.unclemafufo.com/instructional for US$30; or you can buy both these DVDs for $60; or you can buy both DVDs and the “Essential Rhythms for Middle Eastern Drumming” CD for $70).

Title Middle Eastern Drumming for Beginners
Drummer John Sleiman
Although the title indicates that it is intended for beginners I would not recommend this for an absolute beginner. John Sleiman demonstrates his incredible skills throughout the DVD but the level that he plays at goes well beyond a level that I would consider to be beginner.

Unlike the other instructors reviewed so far, John only refers to two basic notes; the Dum and the Tak (Tek). In this case the Tak is the rim note played with either the Left hand or the Right; there is no reference to a Ka note. When he introduces a rhythm he initially refers to just the base notes ie Saidi as Dum Tak Dum Dum Tak and when he plays he will play the Tak notes with either hand.

While this shows far more versatility and allows for greater variation as more complex notes are added into the rhythms, I believe that an absolute beginner would struggle with learning the basic rhythms in this manner. While John shows the musical notes (he doesn’t use the D, T, K etc notations used by the other instructors) prior to playing each rhythm, there are no visual notes to accompany while he is playing and it does become difficult to follow what he is doing as he speeds up.

Having said that, I would sincerely recommend this for anyone who is beyond the beginners stage as John demonstrates lots of ways to fill out the rhythms well beyond the basic level and his instructions in Chapter 4 – Controlled Speed, is an excellent piece of tuition that I would recommend for anyone who would like to improve
their hand speed.

John Sleiman is based in Great Britain. This DVD is available form Aladdin’s Cave www.aladdinscave.com and retails for GBP18 ($44) plus P&P.

Title Doumbek Tricks
Drummer John Sleiman
The second of John’s DVDs has a more professional appearance. Although this DVD is labelled as being for Intermediate and Advanced drummers and dancers I found that there was lot to benefit even a novice like myself. As well as demonstrating several clever techniques he focuses strongly upon the relationship between the drummer and the dancer (the only drumming instructor that I have come across that refers to the dancers at all). There is also a segment where he explains and demonstrates how to maintain an even rhythm. He also explains and demonstrates how to play solos and how they fit into the various rhythms. This is extremely helpful for both the drummers and the dancers.

This DVD is also available form Aladdin’s Cave www.aladdinscave.com and retails for GBP18 ($44) plus P&P.

Title Drummer and Dancer Work Together
Drummer John Sleiman
The 3rd instructional DVD by John Sleiman guides both dancers and drummers through the process of constructing dance and drumming routines. Unfortunately I have not yet reviewed this DVD but will issue a separate review once I have an opportunity to view it.

Title How to Play Arabic Drum
Drummer Anne Harkin
Anne Harkin is the only Australian that I have discovered that has produced a Middle Eastern Percussion visual instruction. This is only available in video format (pre DVD, sorry). The quality of the video is quite poor with the volume and tone changing when the camera angle is changed. Also, because it is not in DVD format, you have to run right through the tape to find any components that you want to practice.

Anne plays the Dum note differently to all of the other players reviewed. Rather then using the fingers of the master hand to strike the drum off centre, she strikes the drum head in the middle with the flat hand. This appears to require a lot of unnecessary movement of the right hand and may be associated with the way that she plays the African drums. It is not a method that I prefer but, like all other techniques of
playing, if you feel comfortable with this style then it is what you should use.

Anne also refers to both of the rim notes as Tac (Tek), preferring to indicate the use of left and right hand as opposed to using the Ka reference. This is OK unless you are left handed which may cause some confusion. She also introduces a new notation Ess (E) which is used do vocalise a pause. The use of the Ess is very effective for absolute beginners to get the timing right when just playing the basic notes for each of the rhythms. However this does become confusing at times when she is talking about a full rhythm but the on-screen notes include the E.

The video can be purchased through www.indie-cds.com for $40 plus $6 P&P.

Title Saiidi – Traditional Music & Rhythms from Upper Egypt
Musicians The Shaabeya Rababa Band Strictly speaking this is not a DVD for teaching how to play the Doumbek but I thought it was worthy of a mention anyway. This is an authentic Egyptian band consisting of four musicians from Upper Egypt, which is in southern Egypt (a hard concept to comprehend until you take into account the direction that the river Nile flows), that play the Doumbek, Rababa, Dof and Req. The narration is in Arabic but the subtitles will help you understand their colourful language.

In this DVD they describe each of the instruments; demonstrate how they are played and perform as a group so you can see how the instruments complement each other, giving you a greater appreciation of the depth of sound that can be achieved with multiple instruments. There is more emphasis on how to play the Doumbek than the other instruments and many of the rhythms are demonstrated with the Doumbek alone followed by a composition performed by the entire band. There are also a couple of folk songs on the DVD which have some very interesting (and humorous) lyrics.

The DVD Retails at $45 and can be purchased from Keti Sharif at www.ketisharif.com using credit card. The Band also have a CD by same name but featuring different music. It retails for $18 and is also available from Keti Sharif.

I hope that these reviews have been of some assistance to you. Please remember that these are my own opinions, which may differ from the views of other readers. If any readers do have a different opinion or know of any other publication that they would like to recommend, we would love to hear from you.
Mick Snookes

Fast Forward DVD review
by Yasmina

The DVD in review is, “Belly Dance for Teens”: level one, with Hannah Romanza.

The DVD has three options for you to start with: play, scenes and extras. I will start with the “scenes” section which is a menu were you selection different sections of the DVD. 

The ‘extras’ contains a promo video, an interview with Hannah Romanza on a TV show and two music videos.

The “play” section is the main body of the DVD and contains the program intro, the fundamentals of the moves, choreography, final revision, final dance and credits. 

The program intro comprised still photos of Hannah Romanza with a voice over introducing you to Hannah and her background.

The fundamentals section was Hannah demonstrating the moments that will later be in the choreography. In this section there were lots of close ups and the moves were repeated many times for you to practice the moments. 

The movements were broken into groups, arms, hip and torso. Each section had several moves such as hand undulations, arm undulation, slow shoulder shimmy and port de bra for the arms. The hip section contained basic hip alternation, external hip rotation, hip drop and hip bump with variations. The torso section included upper torso contraction and camel walks.

The next part of the DVD was putting all the moves together into the choreography with Hannah and her students demonstrating with a voice over. The first part of this section put the movements together in short combinations. The combos were repeated several times at regular speed and in slow motion. 

The second part of this section the entire choreography was demonstrated straight through with a voice over and ending this section was the entire dance with no voice over performed by Hannah and her students.

The choreography was simple and I enjoyed the dance very much. To me the moves were not explained in enough detail and the close ups during the fundamental section should have shown more of the body not just hips or just feet. It would have been nice to see the hips and legs at the same time so the viewer could see how important the legs are in executing the movement.

I loved that the music for the choreography was given before the final version of the dance was shown. So many DVDs on the market hide the music deep in the credits or don’t give credit to the artist or give the name and CD title so you know where to get the music from if you wanted to perform the dance you just learned. Hannah, awesome job for listing the music and artists that provided the music for you DVD in several areas; this was so refreshing.

Hannah Romanza is a beautiful dancer. She is graceful, her posture exquisite and a joy to watch. 

To order your DVD you can go direct to Hannah Romanza’s website, http://www.bellydanceforteens.com/home.htm. The DVD is $28.95 and includes shipping. The DVD is also available on Amazon.com.

Till next time,
Yasmina

Fast Forward DVD review
by Yasmina

The video in review is, “Dahlena’s Technique Basic & Intermediate”.

This two CD set is filled with dance technique, drills, moves, a short drum intro and several performance clips.

Disc one contains warm ups which include dance techniques, hip combinations followed by drill exercises. Dahlena has the camera set up so it films into a wall of mirrors. I love it when DVDs are set up this way it makes it so much easier to learn. You see both front and back of the instructor and you move with them instead of trying to figure out do I go right or left when DVDs are not filmed into a mirror. Thanks Dahlena for making it easier to work out and learn from you. 

Dahlena covers arm position and I love her dance posture so open and graceful. The combination hip drills starts with a series of hip drills and goes into a section which includes shimmy combinations. The only negative thing during the drill exercises is the music is a little to loud and Dahlena has to talk over it.

Disc two covers basic and intermediate hip movement, shimmies and undulations. The moves that are covered are basic hip walk, basic hip drops and lifts, undulations and hip circles.

The basic hip walk is a traveling step and one I had never seen before. The basic hip drops and lifts section included transitions into other movements along with changes on different counts instead of a straight change on 8; than you were able to practice these moves with music. The undulation section was the technique of undulations and finishing the section of instructional moves were 3 different hip circles.

Dahlena taught a short choreography to the intro of Hakim’s song El Wala Wala. The piece is really short and not all versions of this song include this short drum intro. Dahlena demonstrates the dance first by facing the camera and than she turns around so you can follow along. She breaks down the movements and finishes the section with going through the dance with music.

The end of the second Disc includes four performances of Dahlena and others. The first piece is a clip from a night club performance in L.A. The second clip is entitled Beladi and is a group performance of several dancers in full costume, nice routine. The third clip is of Dahlena performing to the song Tomra Henna and the last clip is of Gana Hawa with Dahlena leading a group of women.

Dahlena’s Technique Basic and Intermediate DVD is $30. Dahlena has several other DVDs on the market. They are listed on her website along with prices and ordering information. You can also contact Dahlena at 928/342-2934 or email dahlena@onebox.com.

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Fast Forward DVD review
by Yasmina  

The DVD in review this issue is, “Amira’s Bellydance 101”, by Amira.  

The DVD has three options for you to start with: chapters, extras and credits.  I will start with the “extra” selection which comprises of a performance by Amira in a restaurant, a promo of Alhambra and online resources which is information about Amira’s website, www.amirasbelly.com.  

The ‘credits’ section are the credits of people and places that made this DVD possible.  Thanks Amira for giving credit to what music you used, so many DVD’s and videos don’t do this!!  

The “chapters” section is the main body of the DVD and contains nine areas: introduction, position, warm-up, head & shoulder, chest, hips, shimmies, combinations and stretch.  

The introduction comprised of still photos with Amira providing a voice over talking about belly dancing, its history and the benefits of the dance.  

The position section was Amira demonstrating the correct and incorrect dance posture one should have.   She called them guidelines and what was really nice she kept reinforcing dance posture throughout the entire DVD; excellent job Amira!  

Another great section of the DVD was the warm-up.  It’s so important to warm the body before doing any activity and so many DVD’s and videos on the market skip this section.  

The next four sections contained the moves that were taught followed by “combinations” which was putting most of the moves shown on the DVD together and dancing along with Amira.  Each of the four sections took different areas of the body and concentrated on moves just for that area.  

“Head and shoulders” contained head slides with various hand and arm placement, shoulder shimmies and ended with snake arms and wings.  “Chest” section went over chest circles, rib lifts and the camelwalk.   

The “hips” section was the area that contained the most movements and started with a demo by Amira showing what you were going to learn.  Moves included hip swings, double hip kicks, hip slides, hip circles, hip lifts and drops, twist, horizontal and vertical figure 8’s and body wave.  Some of these moves are not beginning moves and Amira did state this.  

The “shimmies” section only contained two shimmies, Lebanese (which I know as piston shimmy) and the Egyptian shimmy.  

The last section of the DVD chapter’s area was stretching again kudos to Amira for including this.  I love finding new warm-up and stretching exercises to add to my own workout.  

I enjoyed Amira’s DVD it was very well done.  Her instruction was clear and she kept stressing dance posture throughout the DVD.  The camera work was good showing close ups when needed during instruction with mainly straight on view with some side views of the move.  Amira did a voice over throughout the DVD which is nice so you could hear her the entire time.   The music from “Immortal Egypt” by Hossam Ramzy & Phil Thorton was excellent and a nice variety for each section of the DVD.   

Even though this DVD is an introduction to belly dancing I always find something to pass on to my students.  A different way to explain how to execute a move and it still amazes me how many different names there are for a move.  

The only thing that I would have liked to see is Amira filmed from the back or the use of a mirror so you could see the move and combinations from all sides and seeing the back to follow along is helpful when learning.     

This is Amira’s first DVD and hopefully there will be more in the future.  

To order your video you can go direct to Amira’s website at http://www.amirasbelly.com/dvd.htm. The DVD is $24.95  

Till next time,
Yasmina

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Fast Forward video review
by Yasmina

The video in review this issue is, “New York Hafla (Arabic Wedding!)”, by Soraya

This video is an Arabic wedding and hafla and was filmed both inside and out.  The video starts with a short snippet of the wedding ceremony.  When the ceremony was over the bride, groom, wedding party and guests were lead by Soraya and a singer through the gardens to the hafla location.  During the procession the bride stopped and danced with Soraya.  The maid of honors and Soraya than circled the bride and danced around her.  Once everyone reached the hafla location Soraya performed for the bride and guests.

At the hafla Soraya performs several numbers.  This part of the video was filmed inside.  Soraya’s first number was a peppy song.  It was nice to hear her zill playing.  Her second song she gets the bride up to dance.  I recognized this song it was an instrumental version of Habibi ya Einee.  The third song was another peppy song that I like to refer to as “Egyptian Top 40”.  During this piece Soraya danced with a cane.  Soraya’s fourth number was more peppy music and went into a drum solo.  After the drum solo Soraya ended with a short finale where she thanked her audience and exited.

Soraya began the video in a beautiful red and silver costume.  At the hafla she wore a gorgeous black and silver costume.  Through out this video you can tell that Soraya loves to dance.  She’s a beautiful dancer and she just shines when she performs.

The footage filmed outside was very clear and you could see Soraya with no problem.  The footage inside was a little dark but you could see everything Soraya did.  She had the dance floor to herself and the camera was on her at all times.  For using only one camera and not being filmed in a studio, it was a good video.

Soraya has 12 videos on the market and this one is number 8.  Her videos range from $19.95 to $29.95 for VHS and $24.95 to $34.95 for the DVD version.  The price includes shipping and handling charges for the U.S.

You can order her tapes direct from her website, http://www.bellydancebysoraya.com/ or

Soraya’s Mid-East Dance and Music Productions
P.O. Box 3284
Margate , NJ 08402

Email: SorayaEnt@aol.com  
website: http://www.bellydancebysoraya.com/

Till next time,
Yasmina

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Fast Forward video review
by Yasmina

The DVD in review is, “Belly Dancing the Sacred Shapes”, with The Goddess Dancing.

The DVD has three sections: Instructional Overview, Begin Instruction and Special Features. The music used throughout the DVD was by Desert Wind.

The Instructional Overview contained the history of The Goddess Dancing group; how they came together, how they formed in 1989 and more. This section also contained the history of Goddess dancing, what it stands for and explains the five sacred shapes, (circle, crescent, figure 8, shimmy & undulation), along with the three planes of isolation, (horizontal, vertical & sagittal). The Overview section was done with a voice over and included some great video and pictures. I really enjoyed the explanation of the sacred shapes and planes that The Goddess Dancing bases their dance teachings on. 

The next section of the DVD, Begin Instruction, contained the basic stance the 5 sacred shapes and the Creation Dance. 

The Basic Stance is the posture of belly dancing and I liked that this was stressed throughout this section and the rest of the DVD. The stance was well explained and illustrated by the dancers. The next part was the Goddess Stretches which contained warming up the body. I liked how the warm-up exercises were explained. Each exercise described a different Goddess and the movements demonstrated their story.

The next section, the Five Sacred Shapes were explained by each dancer and demonstrated by the group. Each sacred shape was demonstrated on each plane. For example, the Circle started on the horizontal plane with the hips. Than moved to the horizontal and vertical plane of the heart, (rib circle). The sagittal heart circle is bringing with the rib cage lifted straight up and forward completing the circle going back and down before starting again. The circle shape is concluded with the horizontal head circle. 

The Crescent and Figure 8 shapes are explained on the horizontal and vertical planes again with the hips, heart and head. The shimmy contained the Earthquake shimmy, Twisting Shimmy, Heart Shimmy and Ecstasy Shimmy. I learned the Earthquake shimmy as the piston shimmy and the Heart shimmy as a shoulder shimmy. The Ecstasy shimmy is a whole body vibration. 

The last sacred shape was the Undulation. This contained the Wave and the Snake. The dancers were filmed facing the camera, no mirrors are used. The dancers do turn so you can see their back and sides when demonstrating the movements.

To complete the Basic Stance section is the Creation Dance. This dance contains the movements learned in the DVD. The dance was created by a poem written by Anita-Cristina Calcaterra. The poem is recited as the dancers perform the dance. Each line of the poem is a different shape that is displayed in text on the screen. The dance is then performed by the dancers without spoken word or text.

The last section of the DVD is: About The Goddess Dancing, Special Performance and Credits. The About The Goddess Dancing is the same as the Instructional Overview at the start of the DVD. The Special Performance is only on the DVD, it’s not included on the video. The performance contains all three dancers, Cathy Moore, Anita-Cristina Calcaterra and Karen Uminski performing solo dances and all coming together at the end of the song to end the dance. The performance contains two special dances, a sword solo and floor work. It’s so nice to see floor work; it seems to be a dieing art.

I really don’t know that much about the Goddess style of belly dancing. I enjoyed this DVD very much. The quality of the DVD was very good. You could see the dancers, the back ground screening added to the DVD and did not take away from the instruction and the voice-overs throughout the DVD were great. I really enjoy videos done with a voice-over instead of the instructor talking while demonstrating the moves. I even picked up some tips on how to break down & explain movements to my students and a couple of new moves. This DVD/video is geared for the beginning level of dancer. NOTE: if you order the DVD make sure your player can play DVD-R. My player is not new enough to read the DVD-R so I needed to view the DVD on my PC. 

To purchase the DVD or video you can go to The Goddess Dancing website www.thegoddessdancing.com. 

The price is $29.95 for both the DVD and the Video. 

Till next time,
Yasmina

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Fast Forward video review
by Yasmina

The video in review this issue is, "Learn to Belly Dance with Alexandra: volume one basic moves and combinations", by Alexandra.

The video starts out with short performance clips of Alexandra in various locations in Seattle Washington. These clips include various costumes and music from Light Rain.

From here the video goes into an introduction by Alexandra. She discusses belly dancing and what you will find on this video, volume one, and in her volume two video. There is also a discussion about protecting your feet while dancing and the importance about wearing shoes.

The next section of the tape is stretching the body. Alexandra uses stretching exercises and not belly dance moves, which is a nice change from most belly dance videos. She does a voice over during this section as she does throughout the video. This is a nice little workout that can be done everyday.

Alexandra goes into talking about posture. This is one thing I really enjoyed through out her video. The stress on your posture, this is so important in belly dancing. 

Now we go into the moves. This first section of moves is her isolation series. The moves included in the section were: hip circles, hip slides, rib circles, shoulder shimmy, snakey arms and hands. The moves are filmed with her back to the camera looking into a mirror. I really like this in dance instructional videos. You can see both sides of the body. 

The next section of the video goes into the base moves and layers. The base move consists of feet and hips and the layer is the arm. This section consisted of: hip lifts, hip drops, Egyptian walk, basic hip, rock step and basic hip threes. 

From here Alexandra does a series of combinations from the moves taught through out the video. She did two sets of combo moves. This is a nice way of putting it all together.

Alexandra then takes you through a cool down. Stretching the body once again after the workout of learning the moves. This was nice since most of the belly dance videos on the market today skip this section and end the video with a performance by the instructor. 

I really enjoyed the lay out of this video. It was well thought out, flowed nicely and was easy to follow. Alexandra used a voice over during the stretching sections and instructional part of the video. The use of the mirror during the teaching segment was a plus. I liked how the video included inset windows of close-ups of Alexandra demonstrating the part of the body she was working on. It was nice to see the full body and close up of the body being worked at the same time. I really liked the stress of body posture throughout the tape. The screen shot of "posture check" was excellent. To see this written out on the screen with a shot of Alexandra in correct posture is priceless. 

The selection of music for the video was great. I love Light Rain's music and the pieces selected worked well with the moves and combinations being taught. It was also very nice to see the music in the credits. So many tapes on the market today don't list the music that is used, which makes it very difficult to purchase. 

One thing I would have liked to see was a full performance by Alexandra. The beginning clips were nice but I could tell the clips were not done to the music that was being played on the video. I would have liked to seen the real performance.

Alexandra currently has one video on the market and another on the way. You can purchase her videos direct.

Learn to Belly Dance with Alexandra: vol. one - in this video, we begin by stretching every muscle. Than we practice isolations - moving specific parts of the body without moving the rest. Next, we move on to basic moves, including hip lifts, him drops, Egyptian walk, basic hip rock step, and "the three's". Finally, we put them together to form combinations and we're belly dancing! Approx. run time 50 min. - VHS $24.25 includes shipping & handling. Discounts are offered for multiple orders.

Learn to Belly Dance with Alexandra: vol. two - Volume 2 will take the basic moves into a routine that one can perform for their family and friends. Learning a routine is a fun way to create muscle memory of the dance moves and transitions. - VHS $24.25 includes shipping & handling. Discounts are offered for multiple orders. Volume 2 should be ready by end of year 2003.

To order your video direct:
Alexandra Glover
6317 157th Place NE
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 869-5055

Email: rileydog@gte.net
Website: http://www.iteachbellydance.com

Till next time,
Yasmina

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Fast Forward video review
by Yasmina

The video in review this issue is, "Behind the Veil", by Amira Mor.

The video starts out with Amira Mor doing a voice over while watching several clips of her dancing in slow motion. She is talking about belly dancing and what it means to her.

From here the video goes into a very peppy number of her dancing with various backgrounds and costumes. During this song Amira Mor uses two veils that are attached to her arms and have dowels or rods within the veils. This made for a really nice effect. 

The second song opens with Amira Mor in a beautiful purple costume starting the routine on the floor. As in the first number, and throughout the rest of the video, the background and her costumes keep changing. This piece is slow and she uses a single veil during the song off in on depending on the scene change.

The third piece is to "Habibi", a very popular song. Amira Mor is performing in front of a live band as she does throughout the video. This song goes into a drum solo where Amira Mor rocks the house.

The fourth song is peppy and she uses a cape veil with dowels or rods within the cape. I have seen other dancers use this type of cape veil and it's really cool. I enjoyed how Amira Mor used this prop in her dance.

The next section of the video Amira Mor does another voice over as she did in the beginning of the video. Then the song picks up.

The next performance is with a sword. The piece starts out slow and she incorporates a little floor work in the number. It is so nice to see floor work in a dance routine. The music picks up and she finishes with the sword before going into another drum solo.

The video is an entire belly dance routine and portions were filmed at the Aladdin Supper Club in New Jersey. Amira Mor's dancing is very energetic and she takes you through many mood changes. 

I didn't mind the constant changing of the background throughout the video. You went from restaurant scenes, to studio backgrounds and other various performances. The special effects were good, but I got really tired of all the slow motion cuts. The camera was in close throughout the video, which allowed you to see her moves and great costumes. The video was 30 minutes in length and the quality was excellent.

Amira Mor currently has several videos and DVDs on the market and you can purchase her videos direct from her website, http://www.amiramor.com/mall/videos.htm.

To order your video direct:
Amira Mor International Entertainment Company
PO Box 101
Closte, NJ 07624

Email: amiramor@aol.com
Website: http://www.amiramor.com/

Till next time,
Yasmina

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Fast Forward video review
by Yasmina 

The video in review this issue is, “Hahbi ‘Ru Basics: Level One”, by Rita Alderucci and John Compton co-directors of Hahbi ‘Ru.  I purchased this video along with Level Two Dance and Level Three, The Cymbal Dance.  This review will concentrate on the first video, Basics.

This video will break down and demonstrate the basic moves of Hahbi ‘Ru and put them into a short dance which they call a “dance exercise”.  Both John and Rita break the video into several sections with the first part being a short introduction.

Next comes a warm up section lead by Rita accompanied by some of the Hahbi ‘Ru students.   This is so important, to warm up and stretch the body before starting any exercise.  Rita takes you through an entire body warm up and stretch with many of the exercises being the basis for moves later in the video.

After the warm up section comes the part of the video that breaks down the basic moves.  This is also broken out into sections.   These sections are: 

• Egyptian Steps: basic Egyptian, basic Egyptian with pivot and nails
• Circle step and step turn with pivot
• Chooch Steps: chooch and forward, forward, back, back
• Shimmies: 1,2,3 and, 1 & 6, ¾ shimmy, ¾ shimmy with variation, 5 shimmy and 5 shimmy with turn
• Arabic Steps: Arabic 1, Arabic 2 and Arabic 3
• Raqia Steps: Raqia 1 and Raqia 2
• Back walk figure 8

The section following the movements is called the Dance Exercise.  This is broken into five sections.  Each section contains moves with variations learned in this video.  Here you learn to go from one move into another.  Putting a short dance together.  Rita and John take turns explaining the moves and breaking each one of them down and how to go from one into the other.  Below are the dance sections: 

• Section one: basic Egyptian – circle move – ¾ turn – chooch
• Section two: shimmies, 1,2,3 and – ¾ shimmy w/1,2,3,4 turn – 1,2,3 and – ¾ shimmy
• Section three: Arabic 1 – Arabic 2 – step turn w/pivots
• Section four: chooch – Raqia 1 – backwalk figure 8 – Raqia 2 – backwalk figure 8
• Section five: nails – basic Egyptian w/pivot – 5 shimmy

The end of the video Rita and John talk you through the entire dance exercise nonstop.

The video was filmed with John and Rita facing the camera.  When this is done you need to go opposite of what you are viewing.  Each move was covered quickly, but the nice thing about video is you can rewind and go over the move(s) as often as you need.  The audio and film quality was excellent.  The camera did move in closely on hips and footwork throughout the video, but the camera mainly kept full body of both John and Rita.  Arms were not broken down in the video, but you could follow what Rita and John did throughout the tape.  Running time of this video is 1 hour and 8 minutes. 

I learned several new moves from this video, namely “nails” and “Raqia 1 & 2”.  I enjoyed this video and the others I have purchased from Hahbi ‘Ru, both their instructional and performance tapes.  I enjoy this style of dance.

Hahbi ‘Ru “Level Two Dance” is an Egyptian Oriental Style routine taught by Rita.  This video introduces you to more dance steps and transitions of Hahbi ‘Ru and you learn a choreographed routine.  It’s a nice routine in which I have taught my own students.  I changed the order of the sections of the dance that were on this tape, but left allow it makes a great dance.  Video run time is 50 minutes.

Hahbi ‘Ru Level Three “The Cymbal Dance” is taught by John with the help of Rita.  The video covers a series of basic finger cymbal patterns and adds them to the basic Hahbi ‘Ru moves.  This number is great as a group routine.  Video run time is 1 hour and 10 minutes.

The first video I ever purchased from Hahbi ‘Ru was “Desert Wanderers” from 1995.  Great performance video of the group highlighting 10 of their favorite dances in the folkloric styles of the Near and Middle East.  The video was filmed in a studio with Helm performing the music for the group.

Below information was taken from the “Middle Eastern Dance Video Sourcebook”, 2001 edition.  You can purchase direct from Hahbi ‘Ru or any of the many belly dance vendors.  I have listed their videos below with prices.  

Desert Wanders (performance)                $25.00
Hahbi ‘Ru Live (performance)                  $25.00
Hahbi ‘Ru Basics Level One                    $35.00   
Hahbi ‘Ru Level Two                              $35.00
Hahbi ‘Ru Level Three                            $35.00

To order your video(s) direct:

                Hahbi ‘Ru Inc.
                220 Esmeralda Ave.
                San Francisco, CA 94110
                (415)641-4510              

                Email: hahbiru@earthlink.net
                Website: http://www.hahbiru.com

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Fast Forward video review
by Yasmina

The video in review this issue is, "Suzanna Del Vecchio presents Lock, Roll & Flutter: a practice video for drum solo dancing".

I purchased this video at the 1999 Rakkasah Festival direct from Suzanna. This video is volume III in her instructional practice series. "Lock, Roll & Flutter" is geared for a strong intermediate to an advance student. Suzanna builds on moves from volume I & II and introduces several new combinations in this video. What I liked about this video, is that is contains a choreographed drum solo. I need all the help I can get in this aspect of the dance. And what an awesome choreography it is.

The video starts with Suzanna Del Vecchio in performance on stage. Her performance is done in slow motion with a voice over of Suzanna explaining what you are about to see in the next 60 minutes. The video focuses on strong percussive hips, chest, and pelvic body locks, stomach rolls, flutters and vibration shimmies. Suzanna states that speed & clarity in your dance movements are required in a drum solo. She also states that you need to be patient especially with body posture and pelvic location. Be aware of what you are doing and your placement and you will develop good habits. Keep the chest long, lifted and arms in a basic position thorough the tape.

The next section is excellent. Suzanne is a stickler for correct body posture. She reviews what your dance posture should be. Weight is evenly distributed, feet are located under the pelvic bone and your knees are bent. She really goes into detail on this topic.

The following section is a review of the isolation moves from her previous two videos that are contained in the choreography. I have both of Suzanna’s other instructional videos and I really like her combinations. This video doesn’t let you down. Some of the new moves include pelvic square lock, pyramid set and down lock. The tush push is back with a pelvic rolling lock combined with it. Even the slow motion walk has a shimmy added on top of it. When she stated a strong intermediate to advance student she meant it. This choreography is challenging. I love it!

The first part of the video was done with Suzanna doing a voice over while she demonstrated each movement and posture point. The remaining section of the video Suzanna verbalizes while putting the entire choreography together. The breakdown of moves was done slow and in detail. This section you go from one move right into another move. This is what is so nice about video, the rewind button. Suzanne performs the drum solo at the end of the video so you see what it looks like. Then an added bonus, she performs another drum solo using many of the moves from the video. This shows the viewer how you can incorporate moves you already know into other pieces of music.

I was in awe while watching this video. This is one awesome drum solo. The combination moves included in this video will really add to your dance. Even if you just learn a few of them. These moves will work in any part of your dance, not just a drum solo. Another hit in my eyes for Suzanna.

Suzanna has four other videos on the market. You can purchase direct from her or any of the many belly dance vendors. I have listed her videos below with prices. The prices I took from the "Middle Eastern Dance Video Sourcebook", 1999 edition.

Dances from the Heart I $35.00
Dances from the Heart II $35.00
Precision Motion Workout $45.00
Dynamic combinations $40.00

Note: Instructional videos recommended for intermediate thru professional levels. Deduct $5 for each additional video purchased. Shipping is $5 for 1 video and $6 for 2 or more videos. Videos are available in PAL & SECAM; you will need to write for prices on these formats.

To order your video direct:
Suzanna Del Vecchio
P.O. Box 61383
Denver, CO 80206-8383
(303) 399-2622

Email: dancersuz@aol.com

Till next time,
Yasmina

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Fast Forward video review
by Yasmina

The video in review this issue is, "Hips! With Amaya".

I purchased this video at the 1999 Rakkasah Festival direct from Amaya. She was so excited that they had finished the video in time. I love to watch drum solos, but have a hard time creating a drum solo for myself to dance to. This video is an instructional tape on the basics of hip mechanics, isolations, shimmies, a performance by Amaya and the best part for me, a drum solo shimmy choreography.

The video starts with a performance by Amaya dancing to a drum solo on stage. During this short performance, Amaya is doing a voice over about the drum solo part of the dance. Immediately following the introduction Amaya goes into the mechanics of a good shimmy. She demonstrates and explains a shimmy and how very important your posture is during this movement. The video is filmed, I am guessing, in her home. She does a great job instructing with out the use of mirrors. Amaya will demonstrate the movement forward, looking into the camera, then turning around and doing the movement several times with her back to the camera. This is so when you the viewer goes to the right, Amaya goes to the right also. The camera shots are very good. Lots of close up work on feet, hip and arm movements. The video is very easy to learn from.

The section following the mechanics part is the "Basic Steps for Shimmies". The moves that were taught in this section were: hip lift, hip drop, hip twist, piston hips, marking shimmy, choo choo, flamenco shimmy and the ¾ shimmy. Great review and I even picked up a new move, flamenco shimmy. Following the shimmy instructions was a demo by Amaya called "Variations". This was nice. She demonstrated the moves she just taught, plus layered the shimmies on basic movements during the demo. Some of the movements she layered onto were hip circles, figure eights, grapevine, mayas and several others.

The final section of the video was what I had been waiting for, "The Choreography". The music the dance is performed to is the Cat’s Meow, from SuSu and the Cairo Cats. The drum solo actually starts part way into the song, the Cat’s Meow, and is not the entire song. Amaya instructs the drum solo choreography to another piece of music, so the rhythm is constant through the entire instruction. I liked the fact that during the instruction the viewer can concentrate on learning the moves, not the moves done to the music all at the same time. This was a nice touch in the video. A total of 16 movements create the drum solo. The moves consist of basic to advance movements. Several of the moves are from previous instructional videos that Amaya has on the market. One move that I really liked is what she calls, crescent hip circles. This move is done in a triangle shape and has awesome arms to go with it. Another move, half accents and Aziz step combination is also great. She moves through each step pretty quickly, but with video, you can rewind the tape over and over again, until you get the step right. After going through each move, Amaya demonstrates the choreography and embellishments that she has added in her dance.

The video ends with a performance by Amaya. This performance fades into Amaya already dancing to a slow piece of music. She is dancing with a veil, which she does so well. The music changes and Amaya performs the drum solo choreography. This time when she ends the drum solo she ends it with a Turkish drop. In the instruction part of the video she ended the routine in a pose. In the live performance you see move embellishments throughout the dance. This really gives the viewer a lot of ideas on how to take the basic choreography and add your style and creativity and make it your own dance.

I really enjoyed this video. Run time is about 55 minutes. The filming was excellent and the sound was very good. I could hear everything that Amaya was saying during the instruction and the various voice-overs. Information on purchasing the music that she uses in this video is available at the end. I like this since I am always looking for new music. A listing of the movements from the choreography is also given at the end of the video. This was a big plus when I was writing them down during the instruction part. I had something to check my list against.

Amaya has several videos on the market that you can purchase direct from her or any belly dance vendor. I have listed them below with prices that I took from her Web site.

Amaya's Gypsy Fire - $35 + $3 ship.
Once More With Feeling! - $35 + $3 ship.
Amayaguena - $25 + $3 ship.
Amaya - A Dance Portfolio - $25 + $3 ship.
Veil Dancing by Amaya - $35 + $3 ship.
La Alma de Amaya - $35 + $3 ship.
Mystical Movements of Belly Dance - $35 + $3 ship.
Belly Dancing during Pregnancy - $49.95 (new) 

To order your video direct:
Amaya’s Productions
P.O. Box 9157
Albuquerque, NM 87119
Phone or fax: (505)260-1186
Email: maria@amaya.com
Web site: http://www.flash.net/~amaya/index.htm

Till next time,
Yasmina

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Fast Forward video review
by Yasmina

The video in review this issue is, "Reach for the Stars with Jasmin Jahal: volume 1 basic belly dance movement and warm-up routine," by Jasmin Jahal.

A short introduction by Jasmin Jahal starts the video. She explains that this tape is a warm-up and review of basic movements of Oriental Dance. In this video you will learn body alignment, stretching and strengthening exercises and isolation techniques. Practicing the basics is essential for all dancers at all levels, as Jasmin Jahal advertises, and how right she is.

The Warm-up routine is broken into 2 sections; first is upper body, then lower body. I liked Jasmin Jahal’s approach to her video. She spoke throughout the whole warm-up routine; speaking clearly and slowly, not becoming excited like those aerobic videos with the hyper instructors. She explained everything about each movement and stretch. Pointing out leg and foot positioning and always reminding you to keep the ribs lifted. The upper body section of the tape not only included the neck, shoulders, ribs and the stretching of the sides, but a nice section on arms and hands. I found this part of the video nice and relaxing and enjoyed the stretching. On the other hand, the second part, lower body, had a thigh killer of a routine. The stretches after that segment, felt very welcomed. After she has made your thighs scream, she ends the lower body section with hip isolations and shimmy work. Before Jasmine Jahal starts the warm-ups, she makes a comment about how good a workout you will be getting. She was not kidding. Of course, it being a 111 degree outside when I was working with her tape, probably did not help any. Kidding aside, it is an excellent workout. If I did this tape on a daily basis, I would definitely be in shape.

The video is approximately 60 minutes, and at the end is a nice performance. It features not only Jasmin Jahal, but her percussionist, Hanna Mirhige, who provides the rhythms during the warm-up routine. The choreography was great, excellent display of Egyptian style dance. The performance was far too short; it left you wanting more. Which I guess is what we all what to do; leave your audience wanting more.

I have other videos in my collection, that state you will get a good workout, but never come close to what they promise. This video delivers.

To order your video:
Jasmin Jahal
7321 W. Montrose Ave.
Norridge, IL 60634
(773)769-5001 -- (773)769-5007 FAX
www.JasminJahal.com

VHS tapes are $40.00, plus $3.50 shipping & handling; European PAL format $49.95, plus $10.00 shipping and handling. Illinois residents, add your 8.25% sales tax. Checks, money order, Visa/MC accepted.

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