Thread: anyone used Z-Helene's Zill video?

I've heard that Z-Helene is a fabulous zill player, but I don't want to shell out for the video without knowing a little more than that. Have you tried out this instructional program? Did you like it?

Thanks much.

I haven't used it myself, but I think some of the folks in the Belly Dance Videos Yahoo group have. Here's a link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bellydancevideos/

Yes, I've done it and it's definitely advanced. After she shows you how to warm up and stretch your wrists she starts out with different zill drills leading with both the right and left hands. She also does the drills with the four different ways to hit the zills. Then she does a zill improvisation exploring different moods. Then she does a mini-choreo to her zills only and then she dances with her husband on drum.

The instruction, sound and picture are clear, no crazy monkey cam and the background is pleasing to the eye. The only thing I wish is that she danced to "fuller" music besides zills and drum, she has some complicated patterns that I have no idea how they'd go with music or what music would require such complicated patterns. She doesn't go into rhythms other than beledy, but I still prefer it over Mesmera's. I think it's worth every penny.

Originally Posted by Athallia

Yes, I've done it and it's definitely advanced. After she shows you how to warm up and stretch your wrists she starts out with different zill drills leading with both the right and left hands. She also does the drills with the four different ways to hit the zills. Then she does a zill improvisation exploring different moods. Then she does a mini-choreo to her zills only and then she dances with her husband on drum.

The instruction, sound and picture are clear, no crazy monkey cam and the background is pleasing to the eye. The only thing I wish is that she danced to "fuller" music besides zills and drum, she has some complicated patterns that I have no idea how they'd go with music or what music would require such complicated patterns. She doesn't go into rhythms other than beledy, but I still prefer it over Mesmera's. I think it's worth every penny.

Well, shucks.
This is a WONDERFUL review... but it also makes it clear that this is not the video I'm looking for. I need a video that's in between "this is a finger cymbal" and "now do it with the opposite hand and explore the music". That's more advanced than I can handle.

I need a zill video that explains shows progressively tougher things to play against beladi and also other common rhythms. Guess I'll keep looking! Thank you.

I hear Aziza's got a zill instructional DVD coming out in the Autumn. If she's lurking she may enlighten us....

Originally Posted by tigerb

Well, shucks.
This is a WONDERFUL review... but it also makes it clear that this is not the video I'm looking for. I need a video that's in between "this is a finger cymbal" and "now do it with the opposite hand and explore the music". That's more advanced than I can handle.

I need a zill video that explains shows progressively tougher things to play against beladi and also other common rhythms. Guess I'll keep looking! Thank you.

Then you'll probably like Mesmera's video, it doesn't get that much tougher, but she does go over the rhythms. I haven't use it in a while so I can't be too detailed about it, check out the review on Shira's website.

Although it's not a video, I highly recommend Jamila's finger cymbal CD.

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

Although it's not a video, I highly recommend Jamila's finger cymbal CD.

I second that-the manual is very helpful too (purchased separately) if you are a visual learner, like me.

Heather

Hey! That's my lovely wife!

If you're interested you can preview the dvd at our website at:

http://www.zhelene.com/DVDsandMusic.html

This is an intermediate to advanced dvd and assumes that you already know the basic rhythms. It has lots of drills and now since we put it on dvd it's easy to play the drill chapters over and over which really is how you get better at zills.

Take care, Rick

Originally Posted by sunshine

I hear Aziza's got a zill instructional DVD coming out in the Autumn. If she's lurking she may enlighten us....

What!? Aziza is coming out with a new DVD! .w.:

Originally Posted by tigerb

Well, shucks.
This is a WONDERFUL review... but it also makes it clear that this is not the video I'm looking for. I need a video that's in between "this is a finger cymbal" and "now do it with the opposite hand and explore the music". That's more advanced than I can handle.

I need a zill video that explains shows progressively tougher things to play against beladi and also other common rhythms. Guess I'll keep looking! Thank you.

Have you tried experimenting with the two articles on my web site that have audio files containing suggested rhythms for 4/4 and 9/8? The 4/4 ones all work well with baladi/maqsoum. http://www.shira.net/advice.htm#Zills

I bought Z-Helene's zill video several years ago and I can honestly say it's the best instructional video I've ever bought. The drills go from simple to complicated, and they help you gain the speed and dexterity necessary to be able to play zills well. I like it because it doesn't really teach set patterns (except Beledi and lots of amazing beledi variations) so you can take what you've learned and just improvise with music. I can't recommend it enough.
I also have Mesmera's, and Shamira's zill videos. Unfortunately, those didn't work for me.

Regards
Priscilla

Ansuya also has a couple of zill dvds but I don't know if they'd be what you are looking for either. She concentrates more on getting you moving with a few patterns.

I can't say enough good things about Z-Helene's zill video. It has everything. Yes, it's not easy but it gives you room to grow. I'm sick of spending money on a video/DVD that I outgrow in no time. Z-Helen's will give you lots of stuff to work on for a long time.

Originally Posted by tigerb

Well, shucks.
This is a WONDERFUL review... but it also makes it clear that this is not the video I'm looking for. I need a video that's in between "this is a finger cymbal" and "now do it with the opposite hand and explore the music". That's more advanced than I can handle.

I need a zill video that explains shows progressively tougher things to play against beladi and also other common rhythms. Guess I'll keep looking! Thank you.

Fat chance bellydance has a wonderful zill video that explains all the basic rhythms and how to play. It will take you from beginner to intermediate. Good clear instructions, how to move with zills and demos in performances. From tassels to sequins, all can benefit from it.