Thread: What's the best drum solo choreo instructional dvd?

I want to learn a drum solo and my class doesn't teach something like that. Budget allows for only one dvd right now. What's a good instructional dvd for beginner/intermediate beginner?

Someone suggested Jillina's Drum Solo Choreography on another thread of mine. Has anyone tried this one (the one with the fireworks in the background) I like how her instructional dvd's are organized. But if anyone has something else that they totally love, please share,r:;

I HIGHLY recommend Jenna's "Heartbeat of Bellydance". She teaches 3 drum solos, a beginner, an intermediate, and an advanced. They are very good drum solos, and you won't outgrow the video right away because you can challenge yourself with the intermediate and advanced.

She also has a section where a drummer shows some different rhythms and Jenna teaches some different moves that work with each rhythm.

I think it's one of the best videos I ever bought.

I second Jenna (and not just 'cause I take regular classes with her). Three cute, simple drum solos, and the rhythm section is invaluable...all for like $15.

I've got that one on my wishlist at Amazon. I only hesitate becausse a couple years ago I bought Jenna's basics and beyond dvd I found it good but almost too much info, meaning she covered so much. Is this one a bit more specific?

try sadie's drum solo from iamed. I've seen some excellent reviews on amazon.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD4Z_FAThEM"]YouTube - Belly Dance Drum Solo with Sadie[/ame]

Hadia also sells two drum solo dvds. Red Hot is to Sahra Saidi (song Ansuya uses on the 1st BDSS) and the second did is to Hossam Ramsey's Khawta Serena. It is a samba bellydance fusion because the music contains elements of both music styles. I only have the second one and I love it so much i'll probably buy the Red hot dvd soon. If you want to see previews, Hadia has them on her website. HADIA'S DVD'S, Instructional & Training for Belly Dancers

Originally Posted by HOOKEDNOVICE

I've got that one on my wishlist at Amazon. I only hesitate becausse a couple years ago I bought Jenna's basics and beyond dvd I found it good but almost too much info, meaning she covered so much. Is this one a bit more specific?

Hmmm...I don't have the basics DVD so I can't compare the two. There is alot of material on the video, but I don't think it's too much.

There's the 3 drum solos, each one has each move broken down. For each, you can choose to watch each breakdown one at a time, OR the whole drum solo at once in the studio with cues (useful to see if you've got it down pat), OR the whole drum solo performed by Jenna in a real venue in costume.

The rhythm section has the drummer explaining each rhythm and how to count it. The section with Jenna showing moves to use with each rhythm is a bit shorter.

I think they did an excellent job with this video.

LOL! I just went to her website to see if there was a video clip of this video and ended up buying her "next level" DVD...l;,

Originally Posted by damariz

try sadie's drum solo from iamed. I've seen some excellent reviews on amazon.
YouTube - Belly Dance Drum Solo with Sadie

Hadia also sells two drum solo dvds. Red Hot is to Sahra Saidi (song Ansuya uses on the 1st BDSS) and the second did is to Hossam Ramsey's Khawta Serena. It is a samba bellydance fusion because the music contains elements of both music styles. I only have the second one and I love it so much i'll probably buy the Red hot dvd soon. If you want to see previews, Hadia has them on her website. HADIA'S DVD'S, Instructional & Training for Belly Dancers

The reviews on Amazon say it is definitely NOT for beginners though. What do you think?

I've got Hadia's Khatwet Serena and haven't ever gotten round to learning it. It's not an easy drum solo. IIRC Hadia suggests you can expect to spend two years on getting one particular move (an arabesque with hip accent and shimmy up the leg) really nice. I wouldn't recommend it to a new dancer.

doh! didn't notice that you wanted beginner-int. level. In that case, Jenna's dvd would be great. The movements she choose are not that hard for someone who's been taking classes for more than 6 months. I guess the layering may be challenging but she has a 10 minute shimmy drill to help with that. Here's a preview:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW6Yw1tdnWw]YouTube - "The Heartbeat of Bellydance" DVD belly dance Amazon.com[/ame]

And it looks like neon is going to be releasing another drum dvd? Might be since she will work with Raquy. I wonder if it will be beginner level?
Bellydance Rhythms Workout : Creative Fitness : Dance Fitness : World Dance New York

I have both Jenna's drum solo dvd and her basics and beyond. The drum solo dvd is very different from the basics one. She teaches a few basic techniques and three choreographies as the others have said. It's not nearly as "intense" as her basics DVD (which I LOVE btw). It has some really fabulous shimmy drills as well. I think it's a great DVD for a beginner.

Jenna's Heartbeat DVD is the best choice I think. I have it and I performed the beginner drum solo as my first public performance. I'm currently learning the intermediate solo for next month's Renfaire.

Nasila, you are SOO lucky to get to take classes with her! I spoke to her on the phone a few times when a CD I ordered from her got lost in the mail. What a sweet person! Hope to visit LA one day and attend a few classes.

Edna

Jenna's Heartbeat gives you the biggest bang for your buck, with beginning, intermediate and advanced drum solos. I would definitely go with that one and I have quite a few excellent DVDs but this is my first choice.

Jenna's is the first instructional dvd I bought--and I still refer to it, even as an advanced dancer!!! Love it...I've performed all 3 choreos, and they always go overwell, even the simplest one!

i learned Jillinas drum solo years ago....(I was an advanced beginner) I also have Jenna's and really like it. The first two are really easy...havn't done the third one yet,..but it is more challenging, but i dont think it is hard..(can't remember). Sadie's IMO is advanced..or least advanced intermediate....

Originally Posted by zumarrad

I've got Hadia's Khatwet Serena and haven't ever gotten round to learning it. It's not an easy drum solo. IIRC Hadia suggests you can expect to spend two years on getting one particular move (an arabesque with hip accent and shimmy up the leg) really nice. I wouldn't recommend it to a new dancer.

Agree - I have been dancing for 6 years and this is a challenging video for me with choreography's complexity and speed, and in particular that movement you mentioned. I muddle through that part.

I muddle through that part.

I'd take the shimmy off in the first instance. I've seen it done not so well and that bit in particular really doesn't look good if the shimmy isn't pretty damn controlled. It still fits!

I've got the following DVDs. I'd call myself an intermediate level dancer.

Sadie's Drum Solo: NOT for beginners but her advice about how to hit the Dums and Teks is valuable. Putting together my own solo, I gleaned bits and pieces from this one. She also goes over flutters and rolls which aren't covered in my other ones.

Sonia's Art of the Drum Solo: This one wasn't too hard to pick up and follow for the most part but doesn't look like a "beginner" routine. To me, the choo-choo shimmies were the most difficult elements. I enjoyed Issam breaking down and naming the rhythms. I also watched and re-watched the mini-documentary of Sonia & Issam's trip to Egypt. This also includes a CD by Issam.

Jenna's Heartbeat of Rythm: I really loved Jenna's instruction on the 3/4 shimmmy. It really made a difference for me, personally. She also has a shimmy layering drill. As others have mentioned, she teaches three different solos and during the performance section she also improvises while Raquy and Carmine play. (loved that part!) The DVD menu is broken down very well, unlike Sonia's. Raquy does a great job of breaking down and explaining various rythms. Out of these three, I feel that Jenna is the best at actually explaining how to execute the moves.

Hope this helps!

OOh thanks everyone. I ordered Jillina's and Jenna's today. So excited!

I'm currently working on Sonia's Art of the Drum Solo. When I'm eating, driving, or just plain relaxing, I turn on the included CD by Issam to help me internalize the rhythms.