Thread: Cory Zamora's iPhone app, "Bellydancing for Beginners" review

This app had intrigued me for a while and I finally decided to give in to the curiosity. What a good suprise!

[To give you a bit of background, I've been studying Egyptian for three years, and recently started learning Tribal. I'm not an absolute beginner (although I still feel very beginner at times! *BG**) but I'm not a pro, or advanced either. Video instruction for me usually comes from WDNY or Cheeky Girls and only infrequently from other sources.]

Format: This iPhone app is like a big video, in the sense that it will not connect to the Internet every time you play it. The sections are not clearly indicated, but I think this is a function of the way NexStudio format all their apps. You have to fumble around a bit to find the instruction, but not a big deal. There is an intro, then the main instructional, another instructional and a performance.

Production quality: From what I understand, the app is extracted from a VHS video, which was made in 2002. The transitions from one scene to the next feel a bit clunky but that's compared to "all bells and whistles" formats that I've been used to from WDNY. It is a bit reminiscent of the first FCBD video in that sense. Apart from some slight sprinkler noises in the background, and only for a short period time, there's nothing in the production quality that detracts from the instruction, which really is the main goal. Conclusion: not it's not fancy, yes it looks a bit dated, but it doesn't matter that much as the instructor is clearly seen and heard. The backdrop is a simple white sheet.

Instruction: The video opens with a room full of students following Cory into an arm sequence., which is done seated Then, Cory breaks down the sequence for you, then she teaches it again with zils (still seated). Those elements together are the first instructional. Then Cory teaches the same arm sequence standing up, which is the second (shorter) instructional.

cont...

First off, the arm sequence is FUN. It's done to a slowish song from the Brothers of the Baladi. There's is no warm up because this is done slow enough to constitute a warm up in itself. What I really enjoyed about this is that it forces you to slow DOWN (which is esp. important for someone like me who tends to do everything at warp speed), but without feeling boring. You're always moving, smoothly, slowly. I actually had several light bulb moments in that section. One is when Cory says : "transitions are part of the dance". Another is: "the whole hand dances". Although this video is billed as a beginner level, I'd say it's good for anyone who wants to add polish, poise, grace and control and learn some cool transitions in arm patterns. The part that is done to zils is good too, as it is the same routine. The zilling pattern is triplets throughout, but Cory explains how to do the last flourish bit of the song too, which I've never seen anywhere else.

The second instructional takes what you've already learned and layers it onto foot patterns. I was delighted to see that Cory explains the foot positioning, which I hadn't seen anywhere else before. As well, the transitions are slow but graceful. You won't learn a single hip drop here, but if you have a hard time with transitions, this is gold.

Performance: There is a one song performance by Cory, which is a delight to watch. I only wish that the lighting had been a bit brighter to allow better view of the costume.

Instructor: Cory's voice and demeanor is calm and pleasant throughout, using descriptive imagery to explain movement. I especially liked the "sitting in a pool of molasses" one, as it made something click for me. She is dressed in tights and a leotard, which allows the viewer to see what she's doing very clearly. As you watch, you get this sense of "this is the real deal" kind of thing. It is hard to put into words, but watching Cory teach, you'll get it. The arm patterns that she teaches I haven't seen anywhere else, and Cory does them with almost an organic quality to them. The movements are simple, but graceful and controlled. There is no superfluous movement here and Cory has the poise of a queen. And although this is a no frills kind of video, the real gold here is that Cory makes it possible for you to learn those slow, graceful transitions.

Verdict: If, like me, you have a hard time figuring out how to transition from one arm pattern to the next and you have a hard time just slowing the eff down when dancing, GET THIS. I give it 5/5 right there, just for that. If you are a more advanced dancer or if you have studied with an old school teacher, you may not need it as much, but I'd say that for the price, it is still a great tool for practice. Don't let the format put you off. This video is worth it.

om (f ) g !..ok, first off i had no idea this was out there untill i was sent a $5.00 royalty. then i did some digging. i asked why my new start up guide was not used, i was told who ever does these apps, chooses...gee, i would have used something else. but then i reviewd it...it's been awhile. i held my breath.
then this. THANK YOU SO MUCH..you "get me". you are so kind. and if i might say so myself, you write a good review

I have Cory's "Learn Belly Dancing - A Complete Start-Up Guide" DVD; your description of app sounds like this DVD? At any rate, I share your views and recommend it as well. I have been dancing a long time, and found some great approaches to movement in this; love the demonstration of transitions - so often overlooked! And thank goodness there is some great zill instruction!! I love playing zills and try to teach it to my students from the get-go, make it a part of your dance! Cory builds them in so naturally.
I love the relaxed, yes "organic" pace. Dance from the inside out!
(And, yes, I come from old school as well, but enjoy many styles, and am an old dog who still enjoys learning new tricks!)

liesab, the start up guide is the new one i had hoped was the app. this app is the first one i ever did, it is all arms and taxim.

Originally Posted by zamora

liesab, the start up guide is the new one i had hoped was the app. this app is the first one i ever did, it is all arms and taxim.

Oh! I haven't seen it then.