Thread: Need some sword inspiration

I've agreed to perform at an upcoming Hafla. It's a good place to try out new things, and since I've never done a sword solo before, I've decided this would be a good place to start. I've got my music picked out, but would also like some additional inspiration to help me get started. Can anyone point me to some really great sword vids?

Thanks in advance!

I would recommend Youtube, put in a keyword of sword belly dance, and you'll see a lot of videos.
Some performances you may not like at all, but you can still pick up some nice ideas from them that you can incorporate into your routine.

Hi there! Here is a nice video from a fellow bhuzzer!

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdMm3Sr-j08]YouTube - Shems Sword Dance in Asheville, NC[/ame]

I would also highly recommend a private with Lilah Perry here in town, she is a master of the sword ..g.:

Princess Farhana has a good one on the art of balance props. There is a neat little beginner choreo example with some floorworks as well. She talks alot about and demonstates the sword, and also talks about Shamadan.

Hi Jewels, thanks for the video!

I think that's really what I'm really looking for, some good youtube videos. I don't think it was clear from my original post. I know how to dance with a sword, have had classes and done a group sword choreography, I've just never done it as a solo. I've already spent some time on youtube, but there's so much to sift through. Maybe if you could post some of your favorite youtube videos, that would be helpful. I'm just looking inspiration, not so much instruction.

Thanks,

Nice work by Shems!

Check out Youtube videos of Romka. They are a fusion duo, but you can still pick up great ideas about the spacial relationship between the dancer and the sword, pairings moves to music, etc. Belladonna also has a sword DVD out.

hey shems, great roll overs !
you did a lot more than most i have seen!
try going to the floor with it in your chin w/ backbend...always a cool move!

YAY, for Shems!!! Fantastic!!!

gee thanks guys!

I second the Romka recommendation. Also look up Shahravar. Actually...I'm building a sword playlist- you are welcome to look at here, though it is just starting and is still pretty small:

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

Also, Samira does a pretty good sword, you can skip ahead to 14:33 in this video to see her sword:

[ame=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6292191342571213488&hl=en]Dance Performance by Samira[/ame]

Thanks so much, Shems!!

This is really helpful.

I really like Suhaila's group sword choreo. They do some awesome stuff in it. If I can find it later, at home, I'll post it. I have a sword choreo in the video section here, but please keep in mind it was my first ever solo, so it's sort of "so so"

I also love Suhaila's group sword combo, Sonja. I've never seen 10 people doing sword together. They're very precise, too, which makes it more awesome. For some reason, "drill team" comes to mind!

I love Izzy's sword work:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cUBOCTUUiI]YouTube - Isidora Bushkovski - Sword Dance[/ame]

Here's my own humble attempt:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV2N0xvUbmk]YouTube - Sword Dance[/ame]

I really love this one:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRduj6j3ZUg]YouTube - Ruric-Amari - Belly Dance - Sword Dance[/ame]

Ruric-Amari is my instructor here in Louisville. She does BRILLIANT work, both as a soloist and Troupe Samovar's founder.

I love sword dancing. I'm actually working on an instructional DVD. Here's a couple of my video clips, mostly double sword, but I hope there is something there you might use.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj4P73O7ggw]YouTube - Sword dance at Tribalfest8, Sabine[/ame]

[ame=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5100139160343072590&ei=rMv0SJXyKYb-qAOcy8D8Dw&q=sabine+sword+montage]Sabine Sword dance video montage[/ame]

Originally Posted by nimah

I really love this one:

YouTube - Ruric-Amari - Belly Dance - Sword Dance

Isn't she fabulous! I am also a student of Ruric Amari You can check out more videos from her and Samovar at Ruric-Amari.com Belly Dance in Louisville Kentucky and Indiana

I really like this sort of baladi sword dance by Carlla Sillveira--I would never have thought to put sword to that music myself but I think her dance really works.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpcbZNc6GQY]YouTube - Carlla Sillveira's sword dance[/ame]

I want to learn how to do sword. What is the best sword? My teacher has a big one she is going to order, an iberia? I looked up different ones and not sure which is easier for beginner. thanks for tips on utube, i will look there for techniques also. thanks!

Sabine - I LOOOOVVE what you're doing with the swords. Amazing - both single and double.
I have the same type of sword, so it was especially interesting to me.

I can't see the Youtube videos here, but Sabine, your double sword montage is really neat. I like the twirling thing you do with the double swords.

Thanks, that twirling move can be done w/one sword and looks very cool, just be sure the sword isn't too long for your arms or you'll gut yourself! .w.:

Re: what sword, I would not recommend an Iberia for those just learning--it's a beautiful sword, but it's very heavy, very long, and the balance is far to one side so have huge blade one one side to contend with. Also if you are of small stature, this long of a sword will limit some of your movements. your blade needs to fit you.

What's up with Ruric's video not available -- due to a "Copyright claim by a third party?" That's a little weird. Didn't she post those herself?

Originally Posted by aziyade

What's up with Ruric's video not available -- due to a "Copyright claim by a third party?" That's a little weird. Didn't she post those herself?

That's the first time I've actually seen that happen. Usually her business partner posts them because she's the one who takes them. I'll have to ask tonight at rehearsal and find out. Thanks for the heads-up!

Okay, I talked to Anna. She said that YouTube pulled the video due to a copyright claim on the SONG by Niyaz.

Geez, if every video was pulled for a copyright reason - YouTube would be history! You'd think singers and songwriters would WANT their music in videos being seen by the world!

That is absolutely ridiculous. Half the music I buy I do so because I heard it on Youtube or at a workshop show.

That's a great clip too, so it's too bad. Remind me never to buy anything by Niyaz.

Amazing videos! I'm feeling inspired!