Thread: My new video...

I'd love some constructive feedback. The second song has a section of choreography that Zahra taught in class...I didn't have much time to practice these songs and it was mostly improv, but some of Zahra's stuff just came out. She's that good!! ..l;,


[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_r5kebFw7g]YouTube - Ana Fintizarak, Shake Me[/ame]


Got some new footage? Feel free to post here...

Wow Nasila, that was great to watch! Lots of energy and cool music.

That was really lovely and graceful! Great timing.

Hi Nasila,

That was lovely. Thought not sure why you tucked yourself off to the side of the stage for a good portion of it when you better belong in that spotlight?

Where is that version of Ana Fintizarak from?

Originally Posted by NandaDncer

Where is that version of Ana Fintizarak from?

From Asena's cd, track 6.

I loved your performance, nasila!

Thanks Queenie :-)

Ahhh~ thought it sounded familure.

Ouch! Your hips just cut me-they're sooooo sharp!!

Really, really loved 1:03 and 4:03

I wish you had died more at 2:16-gone a bit deeper into the surrender of that moment.

Love your dancing. Love it.

THROW that veil away, girl! heheh! you have a playful and flirty-but-not-overly-so persona that is very egyptian-like and fun to watch.

off to do more little chest and stomach pops next time i improv...

Thanks everybody! Jasani, you got your answer. :) Eshe, that's a great visual term...I'll have to practice dying during taqsimy parts.

Anything else?? I have a show coming up that I'm really excited/nervous about and I want to fine-tune everything... It won't be the same music but I wonder what still stands out/needs work?

Hey sweety!
I loved watching it, thank you for sharing and seeking feedback. :0)
You have a juicy figure that looks terrific in that gorgeous costume, and wonderful energy that the crowd loves! You smile radiantly and that keeps me wanting to see more. Your body exudes appropriate "power." I'd love to see more of this "power" in your arms. Your arm placement is very poised; however, I think you can draw even more power with your arms.
This feedback is directed for your body type and shape; it would not work with someone with super long long thin limbs. So here goes...
I feel your energy stops at your wrists. Let it extend beyond the tips of your fingers. It might involve the teensiest more "lift" and straightening of the elbow, but it's really a feeling more than a physical act.
This is the way I like to describe it to whomever I'm teaching this kind of "power/energy" dancing: do you ever watch Bruce Lee films? When he gives his enemy one final punch that knocks him out, the energy remains coming out of his fist, even though the guy is already on the floor, dead. Bruce does not stop the energy at the fist but it continues to come out of him even after he's delivered his punch. In many sports it's called "follow through." Like in tennis, you continue the swing, even though you've already hit the ball with the racket.
You can take this energy and extend it as subtley or as large as you want. You already have it in your torso and your smile, I'd love to see more of it come through your arms. It might be thought of also as an "elongation." It'll make you seem like you're 6 feet tall.
Does this make sense? :0)

It does, and this is helpful! I feel that my lower arms are weak and that my wrists "cock" in a funny position...although I have an old wrist injury I see it more in the uninjured wrist and I'm not sure if I'm overcompensating or what.

Is the energy you're talking about a strength issue that needs to come from up higher (from shoulder all the way down), or is it mental, as in *placing* hands and letting the arms follow along? I've had privates with many different teachers and still can't seem to identify exactly what I need to do to improve them! Excercises or videos to recommend?

I couldn't tell you had a wrist injury, way to camouflage it! :0)

I think it would be both. Strength not only in the shoulder but originating from the upper back/shoulder blade area. And placing the shoulder/elbow first and then letting the hands absorb and extend the energy.

I would say place yourself in front of a mirror and play around with the different feelings (physically) of where the strength comes from and the intention (not extending as opposed to feeling extended). Do extreme opposites so you can observe the difference and how it feels in the body. I think taking the time to watch yourself (to see the different ways you can play with the strength/energy) and developing an awareness within (so you can rely on this when you're performing) will help you more than a specific exercise or video.

Do this stationary and then do it slowly moving around or simple traveling movements; I do this a lot when I'm coaching and we even do something as simple as walking. I hope this doesn't sound hokey but it's really a mind-body connection. You already have "it." This will just take "it" to the HNL ('hole nutha level). ;0)

Azhia, I've been playing with tension and throwing energy around, and I think I may have found something that works. It'll take a bit more practice to get it to come out on stage while improvising, but....thank you!!!..g.:

*weeeeeeeee!!* I'm happy to hear it. You can doo eet!!!

WOW you are really good! I love it.
If I was nic picking this is all I could point out:

I loved the veil trow away that was awsome. I do feel that when you had the veil acroos your arms and neck it made you look smaller and shorter. I think at 34-40 the veil was distracting to the great hip movements you were doing.

I love love your arem, thats one of my big isssues with my self and you have great grace in your arms. I do think that your hands could be stronger, maybe hold your wrist up more.

I would of like it more it you did the slow juciy part at 2:20 in the front, just because it was slow little movements that need to be seen clearly.

I agree with Toria, anything I could say would basically be nitpicking.

I was trying to figure out how to put into words that part at 2:16, but I agree with Eshe. I'd have liked to see you "die" right there

Other than that, you go girl! Beautiful!!!

Originally Posted by ejaghana

I agree with Toria, anything I could say would basically be nitpicking.

I was trying to figure out how to put into words that part at 2:16, but I agree with Eshe. I'd have liked to see you "die" right there

Other than that, you go girl! Beautiful!!!

Ditto!

I really, REALLY enjoyed this performance. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!