Thread: Randa Kamel's Workshops Dallas 2007

I've just seen Randa Kamel's two workshop dvds in Dallas 2007 on Little Egypt. One of them is Oriental technique and the second one is Choreography and technique. Has anyone got these and can you please comment on the quality of the dvds ? Is the picture clear and can the music be heard ? ?

On another site I also found Randa Kamel's Workshops in Dallas 2008. Anyone got these ones and can comment on their picture and sound quality please ? ? I can't seem to find any reviews of them.

No one has these ? ? I thought there were a lot of Randa Kamel fans out here ! !

I love Randa, but I haven't buy these because I don't know how good is the sound and picture quality.
I'm hoping for some answers too!!

Come on people :)

For some reason I don't have Randa's -- ??? -- but I think I have everybody else's. The earliest Little Egypt videos had a lot of trouble with sound, and the camera was way too far away from the teacher to capture detail. But the more recent ones, from 2006 on, are better. They are simply taped workshops, so you can't expect perfect quality, but the sound on Lubna's and Aida's is good enough to hear what they're saying. I don't know if this helps, though.

I have all of the 2007 and 2008 DVDs. I can't speak for the 2007 as far as the content goes. 2008 however has a cute choreography to "El Toba" which is also on Natasha's Dvds "Masters of Egyptian Dance" and the quality of hers is leauges better. The technique dvd is pretty good and has a bunch of Randa style combos.
As for the quality, there are no "chapters" so its difficult to progress through the video. The picture isn't that great and typical of the other Little Egypt videos.
Randa is a great teacher and in both the videos you can see and hear her clearly.
Hopefully that helps!
xoxo,
-NJ

thanks :))

Originally Posted by mmouse1534

I have all of the 2007 and 2008 DVDs. I can't speak for the 2007 as far as the content goes. 2008 however has a cute choreography to "El Toba" which is also on Natasha's Dvds "Masters of Egyptian Dance" and the quality of hers is leauges better. The technique dvd is pretty good and has a bunch of Randa style combos.
As for the quality, there are no "chapters" so its difficult to progress through the video. The picture isn't that great and typical of the other Little Egypt videos.
Randa is a great teacher and in both the videos you can see and hear her clearly.
Hopefully that helps!
xoxo,
-NJ

Thanks Nadirah ! ..g.:
I already have Randa's Masters of Egyptian Dance dvd so I don't need her 2008 Choreography workshop then. But I must get her technique workshop ! What level would you say it is for ? Do you remember if she goes through the basic moves and does she break them down for beginners ?

Hi Antigone,

If you get it, be sure to report back how it is. I've been wondering about the Little Egypt DVDs for a long time too.

OK, Zamira, if I get Randa's Technique workshop I will do so. But at $60 per dvd Little Egypt should change their name to Dear Egypt ! !

I know. I always wondered why they were so high if it's just a video camera set up on a tripod to catch an ongoing workshop, and not even any chaptering inserted. It seems like it must not cost them much extra to produce the DVDs. I know that bringing the dancer over must be expensive, but if they were cheaper, I think they would sell a lot more.

I really wish more DVDs would come out like The Masters of Egyptian Choreography series.

Originally Posted by Zamira

I know. I always wondered why they were so high if it's just a video camera set up on a tripod to catch an ongoing workshop, and not even any chaptering inserted. It seems like it must not cost them much extra to produce the DVDs. I know that bringing the dancer over must be expensive, but if they were cheaper, I think they would sell a lot more.

I really wish more DVDs would come out like The Masters of Egyptian Choreography series.

You are so right. I haven't get any because I didn't know if the quality it's worth the money. I agree that if they were cheaper, they would sell a lot more.

Originally Posted by Zamira

I know. I always wondered why they were so high if it's just a video camera set up on a tripod to catch an ongoing workshop, and not even any chaptering inserted. It seems like it must not cost them much extra to produce the DVDs. I know that bringing the dancer over must be expensive, but if they were cheaper, I think they would sell a lot more.

I really wish more DVDs would come out like The Masters of Egyptian Choreography series.

I agree to everything you said.

Their pricing cannot be efficient - I know of practically no one amongst us 200 bellydance dvd library freaks who owns the Little Egypt ones..
It would be the easiest calculation to make how much more you sell when you take the price down by say 15 to 20%. I think the premium priced IAMEDs are about the highest benchmark bellydance dvd producers can look at. By a tiny trailer on youtube well titled like "The authentic art of Bellydance" , "learn from the masters of bellydance" etc they could dramatically increase their market share. Not much investment, huge payoff. But most non-seasoned professionals will not pay 60$ for a product when there's 5 hour top quality dvds available on amazon for little more than 1/3, let's face it!
It's a pity because this means most beginning to intermediate dancers are exposed to Western teachers only, and buy mostly US American dvds only. Little transfer of knowledge or inspiration by the grand Egyptians other than the lovely "legendary" dancer performance dvds.

Originally Posted by dinavienna

I agree to everything you said.

Their pricing cannot be efficient - I know of practically no one amongst us 200 bellydance dvd library freaks who owns the Little Egypt ones..
It would be the easiest calculation to make how much more you sell when you take the price down by say 15 to 20%. I think the premium priced IAMEDs are about the highest benchmark bellydance dvd producers can look at. By a tiny trailer on youtube well titled like "The authentic art of Bellydance" , "learn from the masters of bellydance" etc they could dramatically increase their market share. Not much investment, huge payoff. But most non-seasoned professionals will not pay 60$ for a product when there's 5 hour top quality dvds available on amazon for little more than 1/3, let's face it!
It's a pity because this means most beginning to intermediate dancers are exposed to Western teachers only, and buy mostly US American dvds only. Little transfer of knowledge or inspiration by the grand Egyptians other than the lovely "legendary" dancer performance dvds.

Yes Dina, I totally agree that Little Egypt would sell a lot more and would be more accessible to a wider share of the market if they became more competitive. But I also agree that it must cost a lot for Little Egypt to bring all these dancers from Cairo and to book the space for the workshops etc. Little Egypt does not target the whole market but targets a smaller niche of mainly advanced and serious bellydancers. So even though they have a smaller market share they must make a significant profit from their high prices and should be able to invest in better production of their dvds. As a customer I do expect top notch quality and proper dvd chaptering for these prices.

What level would you say it is for ?

I would say that the level is intermediate to advanced. She does not really break down basic individual moves unless she felt people were struggling with it. Its about 4-5 different combos & variations which she breaks down the counts so they are easy to follow. SHe also drills them for a while so thats sort of ncie when you are working with a dvd
Some were very challenging! I think you would like it!
xoxo,
-NJ

Originally Posted by Antigone

Yes Dina, I totally agree that Little Egypt would sell a lot more and would be more accessible to a wider share of the market if they became more competitive. But I also agree that it must cost a lot for Little Egypt to bring all these dancers from Cairo and to book the space for the workshops etc. Little Egypt does not target the whole market but targets a smaller niche of mainly advanced and serious bellydancers. So even though they have a smaller market share they must make a significant profit from their high prices and should be able to invest in better production of their dvds. As a customer I do expect top notch quality and proper dvd chaptering for these prices.

For sure they are targeting a niche market, but I believe even that niche market being intermediate to advanced dancers I am pretty sure the potential market is bigger than their customers to date!
I guess anybody buying the IAMED intermediate to advanced ones could be their target..
and I just wished more of the intermediate to advanced dancers were to learn from Arabic dancers..
it would enhance their dancing SO much. I am always a bit saddened seeing students the world over take up the distinct American style rather than the authentic one from Arabia.. I just wished someone opened that "other" world to the dancers I am sure would be interested in (not only the hardcore professionals :) )..

And yes you have to take into account most likely they should break even wtiht he workshop fees regarding the guest dancer salary.
People pay quite a bit for those workshops..

Sure their pricing is their own business, I just wished there were someone promoting the Arab way of the dance (contemporary one) to a larger crowd. I mean there's plenty of people doing so for the American style, which is great because if there weren't we'd have practically no videos!!
I hope someone feels an "educational" responsibility for the Arab one sometime in the future and markets more broadly, as broadly as the American one. And that would be hard at prices that are not in the same league as the American (premium) products.

Originally Posted by dinavienna

I just wished there were someone promoting the Arab way of the dance (contemporary one) to a larger crowd. I mean there's plenty of people doing so for the American style, which is great because if there weren't we'd have practically no videos!!
I hope someone feels an "educational" responsibility for the Arab one sometime in the future and markets more broadly, as broadly as the American one. And that would be hard at prices that are not in the same league as the American (premium) products.

I too wish there was more affordable dvd material on the Arab style. I would love to get my hands on some authentic Egyptian, Turkish, Armenian and Lebanese bellydance. But maybe Arab states are not that keen on sharing their secrets with the rest of us western bellydancers ?

Originally Posted by mmouse1534

I would say that the level is intermediate to advanced. She does not really break down basic individual moves unless she felt people were struggling with it. Its about 4-5 different combos & variations which she breaks down the counts so they are easy to follow. SHe also drills them for a while so thats sort of ncie when you are working with a dvd
Some were very challenging! I think you would like it!
xoxo,
-NJ

Thanks Nadirah,
I finally caved in and ordered Randa's technique workshop. I can't wait to receive it now ! !

Originally Posted by Antigone

I too wish there was more affordable dvd material on the Arab style. I would love to get my hands on some authentic Egyptian, Turkish, Armenian and Lebanese bellydance. But maybe Arab states are not that keen on sharing their secrets with the rest of us western bellydancers ?

who knows!!

but I also think people are a bit lazy - and maybe not that organized to really go for it.
Or maybe they don't yet realize how big a market good instructionals are?! I mean most Arab entertainment producers I think (especially in Lebanon and Turkey) perceive bellydance today as this sexy TV show thing, very young, gorgeous thing dancing around in almost nothing - and "it's not that hard, this dance". I don't think entertainment producers realize a need for learning (!), and then probably they see it as this performance art only and do not see how legions of Western girls would want to learn it..
So laziness and lack of understanding of a great need with consumers I guess it is!

Originally Posted by dinavienna

who knows!!

but I also think people are a bit lazy - and maybe not that organized to really go for it.
Or maybe they don't yet realize how big a market good instructionals are?! I mean most Arab entertainment producers I think (especially in Lebanon and Turkey) perceive bellydance today as this sexy TV show thing, very young, gorgeous thing dancing around in almost nothing - and "it's not that hard, this dance". I don't think entertainment producers realize a need for learning (!), and then probably they see it as this performance art only and do not see how legions of Western girls would want to learn it..
So laziness and lack of understanding of a great need with consumers I guess it is!

I guess there is not such a big demand for pure egyptian instructional dvds and we are in the minority Dina !! Otherwise I'm sure Arab producers would have been motivated by the green dollar signs ? ? Also I think it is due to the different perception of bellydance between western and eastern states. In the west we see bellydance more as an exotic art whereas in Egypt it is seen just as a part of their culture ? ? For example, there may be some people interested in Kalamatianos, Pentozali and Zeibekiko, which are Greek dances but I don't know of any producers here in Greece interested in making instructional dvds of our dances.

Ya I guess you are right with that. :)
That surely holds for things like Uzbek or Persian folk dance, which i would LOVE to learn by dvd, but probably few people would buy it.

With bellydance the problem to me is - many Western dancers use the label of "Egyptian", so students are kind of tricked into believing this is Egyptian.
Like take Jillina's Egyptian choreography. The music is Egyptian, but no Egyptian dancer would dance to shaabi like she does. It is VERY Las Vegas American..
so I guess the problem also might be mis-labelling. Many US dancers say they do raks sharki or Egyptian - so people think they know that already from this and that dvd and think why get horribly expensive dvds by actually Egyptian dancers?

And you are right with the minority position :)
Most young girls or women who get into bellydance via the general media, or Shakira etc - they see the BDSS on youtube and think they're dancing is exceptional, this is how they want to dance and the best. Yet, after 1 or 2 years of doing bellydance, I see many of them fall for the big Egyptian stars who they thought "strange" or "boring" at the beginning. I think once you hear the music for years, get more and more into it - most people open up to the Egyptian way too.
That is natural because of course to Western socialized people (me included) the MTV/pop/glamour side of the dance appeal at first very much,b ecause it is close to the youth culture we were brought up with. does that make any sense?

SO I think "kissing people awake" with more attention granted to the Egyptian style, also in mainstream channels like WDNY has THANKFULLY done with Ranya's WONDERFUL WONDERFUL series , would awaken interest that might not yet be present..
what do you think?
haha you make me curious for those Greek dances!!! I need to see if i can find them on youtube :)

There's also Natasha Senkovich's Masters of Egyptian Choreography series--these are exactly the kind of DVD I would like to see much much more of! I hope these three releases have done well enough that she will be encouraged to film more...

NS Enterprises

Originally Posted by dinavienna

Ya I guess you are right with that. :)
That surely holds for things like Uzbek or Persian folk dance, which i would LOVE to learn by dvd, but probably few people would buy it.

With bellydance the problem to me is - many Western dancers use the label of "Egyptian", so students are kind of tricked into believing this is Egyptian.
Like take Jillina's Egyptian choreography. The music is Egyptian, but no Egyptian dancer would dance to shaabi like she does. It is VERY Las Vegas American..
so I guess the problem also might be mis-labelling. Many US dancers say they do raks sharki or Egyptian - so people think they know that already from this and that dvd and think why get horribly expensive dvds by actually Egyptian dancers?

And you are right with the minority position :)
Most young girls or women who get into bellydance via the general media, or Shakira etc - they see the BDSS on youtube and think they're dancing is exceptional, this is how they want to dance and the best. Yet, after 1 or 2 years of doing bellydance, I see many of them fall for the big Egyptian stars who they thought "strange" or "boring" at the beginning. I think once you hear the music for years, get more and more into it - most people open up to the Egyptian way too.
That is natural because of course to Western socialized people (me included) the MTV/pop/glamour side of the dance appeal at first very much,b ecause it is close to the youth culture we were brought up with. does that make any sense?

SO I think "kissing people awake" with more attention granted to the Egyptian style, also in mainstream channels like WDNY has THANKFULLY done with Ranya's WONDERFUL WONDERFUL series , would awaken interest that might not yet be present..
what do you think?
haha you make me curious for those Greek dances!!! I need to see if i can find them on youtube :)

Wow, I love Shakira as a singer and a dancer. I believe it is great that so many girls and young women get into bellydance through Shakira.
Shakira's style is a fusion of bellydance/latin and hip hop but she has done a great job in making bellydance more popular. I see the Shakira style as an introduction for girls into the art of bellydance. Then after attending bellydance classes they tend to focus on a specific style.

Yes, I love Ranya Renne too, her style is very sensual, she has great technique and is very knowlegeable on the subject as she has studied with many Egyptian dancers. I also love Jillina too but her style is more American Cabaret than Egyptian.

I just wish Randa Kamel, Leila of Cairo and other Egyptian born dancers would make make instructional dvds. Maybe if everyone here on Bhuz were to send Randa and Leyla an e-mail requesting more dvds they will hear us ? ? ..g.:

"Shakira's style is a fusion of bellydance/latin and hip hop but she has done a great job in making bellydance more popular. I see the Shakira style as an introduction for girls into the art of bellydance."

Fully agree!

I see many American or European professional bellydancers get very angry at her for pretending to be a bellydancer - but she's never pretended that ;) she just gets inspired by moves, and I think she s a fabulous, very gifted, very natural dancer!