Thread: 1-2-3 Drum Solo with Bahaia (Review)

This is one of the best beginner drum solo DVDs I have watched. Bahaia's instruction is more light-hearted and this video is a breeze to watch. Having a nice drum solo choreography that demonstrates stage dynamics and rhythmical connection is a great way for a beginner to begin to understand what makes a good drum solo.

It does an excellent job of describing and drilling the movements, and then the simple choreography is demonstrated in 6 sections, each with 3 opportunities to practice. This drum solo choreography includes three different types of shimmies, and creative use of directional changes to spice up the hip and chest articulations. Best of all, the choreography is very adaptable. I learned the initial choreography and have already come up with some more advanced variations and ornamentation, so I could use some of these combos in my own drum solos. My particular favorite combo was the hip-drop combination set to the Masmoudi Khabir.

The DVD begins with technique practice. Bahaia explains the muscle dynamics and body positioning needed to execute the movements, and then the student has ample opportunities to practice it to movements, with variations. This section contained 9 different techniques, including the Saidi hip drop, the choo-choo shimmy, and the 3/4 shimmy. Next, the choreography put these movements together, with Bahaia facing towards a mirror, so you could see both the front and the back of the movements. The DVD ends with a live performance in costume. Because of the way the choreography was taught, I have it completely memorized only having done the video once. I loved the fact that the full choreography itself was repeated three times. Often, a dancer completes an entire choreography video and only has the chance to do the whole thing once - or even not at all on some videos.

Cheeky Girls Productions is known for their excellent videography and this video is no different. The camera angle choices and panning made it very easy to follow. As dancers themselves, the producers understand that the audience can't get enough practice, and that we love to see costumed performances by the instructor we're already inspired by. This DVD also contains a number of extras, from a delightful performance by Bahaia to an Oriental composition, to descriptions and demonstrations of the drum rhythms used in this drum solo. There is also the opportunity for extended practice and drilling of the technique without the instruction.

I would not shy away from recommending this video to beginner students. For advanced students, the vast majority of the instruction would be review, although the choreography is cute - and the DVD footage of Bahaia is a nice to have. Intermediate and Advanced Students may also enjoy Michelle Joyce's Pop, Lock, and Shimmy, which shares a similar format, but has more advanced combinations and movements.

Here's the trailer:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuqW2pMg80M]YouTube - 1-2-3 Drum Solo with Bahaia (DVD trailer)[/ame]

Thanks, Nepenthe. This DVD and drum solo were created for beginners with the intention that the moves could be "juiced up" for more advanced dancers. I'm happy to hear that you enjoy it and have taken the moves and modified them for your own level.

Would love to see a "video reply" on youtube if you ever perform the choreography in any incarnation.

xo,
Bahaia

I will endeavor to record one!

I tried to use the music last night at my show but the stereo system decided to drop a channel and I lost most of the drum solo to silence punctuated by the occasionally tinny drum sound. Apparently it's been happening quite a lot lately so most people knew it was the stereo system - not that I had picked a really crazy drum solo and didn't know my music. Glad I didn't record that one!

I've used that drum solo music myself quite a bit lately - it's super fun! I get so much use out of my Ya Bahia CD!

she also breaks down the rhythms in the drum solo at the end of the video with time signatures and everything

I just bought this DVD hoping it will help me with drum solos. I try so hard but I'm missing something and hopefully this will help.

It is a long time I was looking to dance on that music... and now, I've just ordered the DVD to get hints to start it up!!! Yay!

and while I was on filmbaby... also grabbed combinography and combination nation... had to get a shipping fee worth it... ;)

Bahaia's DVD instructionals are among the best! Thanx for the thorough review Nepenthe!

IMHO Bahaia has the best bod for our dance! I'm a curvy girl so I really appreciate seeing beautiful confident women who have a great shimmy.

I agree that her DVDs are fantastic--very well made and informative.