Thread: Instructors that are the best on DVD!

Just bought a few more DVDs so will probably have more to say on the subject as time passes, but for now, I think my favourite personalities are:

Ansuya - like her quirkiness and fun attitude

Princess Farhana - love the whole persona

Jillina - well presented, good clear instruction

Raquia Hassan - some old VHS tapes I have - just having fun trying to do what she can do!

Tejal - lovely style, my kinda style

Artemis Mourat - obviously really loves what she does

And I love a couple of my old Beata Cifuentes VHSs and am trying to convert them to DVD at the moment. Love that accent and love the way she moves.

Amen to DVDs, YouTube, old VHSs etc - where would I be without them?

Gosh, there's a lot to love out there and thankfully we have SO many great DVD's to choose from. One person who I don't think has been mentioned is Shamira for the beginning dancer. She makes the most simple moves look polished and beautiful and she has a "big sister" feel her DVDs. Granted her DVDs are generally low budget, but I've really enjoyed them. I'm a big fan of Aziza and Michelle Joyce as well.

Aziza, Tamalyn Dallal, and Sadie!!!

Aziza and Sadie are the best at breaking down hard movements for me and the way that I learn. I would buy anything they put out.

And then also Aradia, Jamileah, Ranya Renee (she is so wonderful!!!), Jenna, Leyla Jovani (her layers dvd is excellent), and also Michelle Joyce.

Finally, I do not have any of Suhaila's videos, but I am doing her on-line classes and they are wonderful! I truly understand why so many love her! I also had Rachel George's dvd for a short minute,,,couldn't get past the weird chaptering and gave it away. However, from what I was able to view of it I really liked a lot. I hope she reproduces the dvd without all the fancy chaptering. ..g.:

Oh, and I'm really looking forward to Nanna's dvd's!!! I love her upcoming dvd clips, as well as her dance style. And look at how Michelle Joyce and Sandra have turned out (they are her students)!

OOOOH could you tell some on Leyla's layers dvd? what she covers, what you liked best :)

Originally Posted by vron

Aziza, Tamalyn Dallal, and Sadie!!!

Aziza and Sadie are the best at breaking down hard movements for me and the way that I learn. I would buy anything they put out.

And then also Aradia, Jamileah, Ranya Renee (she is so wonderful!!!), Jenna, Leyla Jovani (her layers dvd is excellent), and also Michelle Joyce.

. ..g.:

Aww, thanks Vron, just saw this thread!! I enjoy Yasmina Ramsey and Hadia.

I am currently on the prowl for video's of dancers who teach very well, but who also have at least 20 years of Oriental Dance under their belt. I think experience is a great asset to a dancer.

I believe you can learn something from everyone, but I've been disappointed with a lot of the new generation video dancers. I've been doing the deal for 32 years, so I'm looking for something maybe different than the beginner/ intermediate dancer. Also, I'm not big on all the new fads of pops and locks and fusion, etc etc,... good, solid hardcore Arabic!!!
Any suggestions of serious old timers with video's?? I also don't care if they are well known or not, totally irrelevant

Hi aradia!

I like your dvd a lot Aradia :) great content - I was sceptical when getting it, thinking how can one person pack the essence of Egyptian, Turkish, Lebanese on ONE dvd?? It worked! :..l;,

When I heard you would be doing 3 dvds on Mala's blog, I got so excited. I cannot wait for your beginner one!! Not that I would need any more .w.: but from you I would definitely get it!
Is there a release date already?

I can feel ya on the Pops locks etc.
I saw the trailer of Sadie and Kaya Pops Locks Shimmies 2 yesterday.
While I think their exercises might be terrific for gaining flexibility and control of having several body parts do different things - I am somewhat unsure on whether this robotic style will come through in improvisation and I would not like that!
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhUoSsDETKs]YouTube - Belly Dance Pops, Locks & Shimmies 2[/ame]

Everyone seems to recommend Shareen el Safy, do you know hers?
Someone suggested a fantastic sounding video where Soheir Zaki's technique is taught! I need to look up that email.. it sounded TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!

Shareen el Safy Instructional Videos

Yes it is Shareen who made "opening in the style of Nagwa Foad" and "Soheir Zaki"!! doesn't it sound terrific!

Let us be fair ladies!

Surely it depends on the personality of the dancer as to who she considers a 'good' teacher. I personally am not a fan of Jillina, but a dancer friend of mine loves her style. That does not make her a 'bad' teacher, just not compatible with my personality or style. I love and recommend Amira, Autumn Ward, Ansuya and Saida. And as I teach ATS style, I find Paulette of Gypsy Caravan an excellent teacher. But these are very PERSONAL choices, as I am sure there are many other excellent teachers out there!

Oh I think Jillina is a TERRIFIC teacher! I think most of our discussion was circling around whether we personally like the pretty American/jazzy feel of her choreographies.
But for those who want to dance her style I think there is nothing better than her videos!

I do not dance her style, so her DVDs do not appeal to me personally!

I agree that she is a very talented dancer.

I forgot to mention Amaya. I own several of her DVDs and love her warm personality and relaxed teaching style.

Originally Posted by Aradia

I am currently on the prowl for video's of dancers who teach very well, but who also have at least 20 years of Oriental Dance under their belt. I think experience is a great asset to a dancer.

Any suggestions of serious old timers with video's?? I also don't care if they are well known or not, totally irrelevant

How about Hadia's DVD set?

Originally Posted by mystery woman

How about Hadia's DVD set?

yup, Hadia is one of my favorites, I've studied with her one on one, and we co taught a workshop together in Canada, she definitely has great information, but I would like to find some video's of other old timers like myself..l;,

Shareen el Safy is also very good, especially for advanced dancers, I guess that's what I'm always looking for is more advanced DVD's.

Originally Posted by dinavienna

Hi aradia!

I like your dvd a lot Aradia :) great content - I was sceptical when getting it, thinking how can one person pack the essence of Egyptian, Turkish, Lebanese on ONE dvd?? It worked! :..l;,

When I heard you would be doing 3 dvds on Mala's blog, I got so excited. I cannot wait for your beginner one!! Not that I would need any more .w.: but from you I would definitely get it!
Is there a release date already?

I can feel ya on the Pops locks etc.
I saw the trailer of Sadie and Kaya Pops Locks Shimmies 2 yesterday.
While I think their exercises might be terrific for gaining flexibility and control of having several body parts do different things - I am somewhat unsure on whether this robotic style will come through in improvisation and I would not like that!
YouTube - Belly Dance Pops, Locks & Shimmies 2

Thank you!!! I do not have a release date for my DVD's, deciding between producing them myself, like I did my first one, or going through a producer. I haven't ever worked with Sadie and Kaya's DVD's, they have amazing technique and isolations, beautiful girls!!
I guess I'm more interested in true Arabic dance training, if that makes any sense. There is a lot of drills and isolation technique video's out there, but I enjoy video's that teach musicality, understanding and interpreting Tarab, working with a particular rhythm and combo's that enhance it etc, and of course we need some SERIOUS folklore instructional DVD's, Aunt Rockie, are you listening???..l;,..l;,

Three more dvd's with Aradia!!?? Awesome! Aradia - someone at the Black Orchid event last month (I think Sonya???) mentioned they may sponsor you in a one-day workshop in Tenn. I didn't see anything on your calendar. Do you know yet if this is going to happen?

Originally Posted by vron

Three more dvd's with Aradia!!?? Awesome! Aradia - someone at the Black Orchid event last month (I think Sonya???) mentioned they may sponsor you in a one-day workshop in Tenn. I didn't see anything on your calendar. Do you know yet if this is going to happen?

We don't have a date set, I was going to be in TN this summer, and we were going to do a master class, but they had other events already scheduled, so we will have to see what will work out. If she isn't able to, possibly somewhere else in the south, I'm scheduling my 2010 tour, so we will see if I make down your way!!

Originally Posted by Aradia

I guess I'm more interested in true Arabic dance training, if that makes any sense. There is a lot of drills and isolation technique video's out there, but I enjoy video's that teach musicality, understanding and interpreting Tarab, working with a particular rhythm and combo's that enhance it etc, and of course we need some SERIOUS folklore instructional DVD's, Aunt Rockie, are you listening???..l;,..l;,

Amen!

Sahra Saeeda-she only has one "Arms and Torso".

Originally Posted by stardancer711

Let us be fair ladies!

Surely it depends on the personality of the dancer as to who she considers a 'good' teacher. I personally am not a fan of Jillina, but a dancer friend of mine loves her style. That does not make her a 'bad' teacher, just not compatible with my personality or style. I love and recommend Amira, Autumn Ward, Ansuya and Saida. And as I teach ATS style, I find Paulette of Gypsy Caravan an excellent teacher. But these are very PERSONAL choices, as I am sure there are many other excellent teachers out there!

I have to say I think this is true- two ways. We will favour different delivery styles. I llike MichelleJoyce's on Secrets of the Stage. I felt I was "having an intimate chat!"..g.:
I wasn't keen on Autum Ward's because I found it rather precious and arty. Although I prefer her dancing to the Black Sheep style, I prefered Kajira's presentation and delivery over Carolena's. But I was disappointed by Kajira's workshops in the UK, I like the DVDs for their clarity of instructional.
On less well known instructor (well over here anyway) is Robin Denise Johnson. I really like the way she has put togther her DVDs "Cardio-Tribal Belly Dance." 1&2 She makes everything seems obtainble. She exudes confidence but has great warmth.
Domba presenter ,Heidi is excellent both in person and on DVD. I have to say I am totally biased as Domba were our first inspiration and I was taught "live" before they appeared on film and I have just been a workshop with Sam Riggs.
Another DVD we feel we really benefitted from was Sahira "Arabian Spices" and "Ali". I would really like to be taught by her ( as long as she kind to old biddies) and that is the proof of a DVD that suits...you would like to be taught "in the flesh"
I have to say I am waiting still for a UK teacher who impresses me as much as sme of the US. So far Galit Mersand has the best delivery(and production) I have seen..some Brit efforts I have seen just look plain "sh$t-scared",r:;

I have recently purchased 'Arabian Spices' by Sahira and love it too. Her personality comes across as warm and relaxed, and her instructions clear. However it is definitely tribal style, so probably would not appeal to those dancers interested in only Egyptian or Turkish style. Again it is a personal choice.

I recently purchased Aziza's Ulitmate BD Companion based on the reviews. Aziza was warm but the format left me feeling a bit claustrophobic. There was great material and the performances were awesome but the practice section seemed too cluttered with people to make it really enjoyable. Oh, I specifically like the visuals she gives, i.e. the "eyes in your chest"- that helps me keep my chest lifted.

I love Michelle Joyce's Drills, drills, drills. I also love Karen Barbee. I use her DVDs more regularly when I cannot make it to a class. Karen Barbee's DVDs have a more class based feel, short but very adequate and has great music. Jehan Kamal, Sacred Belly Dance, is great also. It is marketed as a belly dance encyclopedia not a workout DVD. I use it when I want to refine/practice a specific move. Before I know it- I am going chapter to chapter refining all moves :) The DVDs are pricey- but well worth the money.

I am very eager to try Sadies thrillin drillin. If anyone one has a copy they want to sell, please let me know!!

Originally Posted by stardancer711

I have recently purchased 'Arabian Spices' by Sahira and love it too. Her personality comes across as warm and relaxed, and her instructions clear. However it is definitely tribal style, so probably would not appeal to those dancers interested in only Egyptian or Turkish style. Again it is a personal choice.

Sorry I had been talking of well-known tribal teachers and should have made it clear I was following on. I did assume the thread was not exclusive to Raqs Sharki. Hand smacked..g.:

Now I think of it Arabian Spices is perhaps not a good title for a tribal fusion DVD. And thinking of that there was a book,CD and DVD set for sale in our remainder book shops in the UK called th "The Art of Bellydance" I know beginners who bought it and were most surprised/cofused to find it Carolena Nerricho.

Oh that's very misleading titles... not fine!