Thread: New Online Bellydance Classes with Ansuya, GypsyNet is here

I think I'll stick with joy, thanks.

Originally Posted by leylalanty

I am in total agreement. I too am disgusted. I did not find anything funny or otherwise attractive about it. So much violence is extremely disturbing to me and makes me wonder what you will be teaching your students to do, blow things up? Slap people? shoot at me (that's what one "shot" pun not intended does) like the 2 women shooting at the camera? AND to bring up yet another can of worms, the violent interactions on your promo film are associated with a website called "Gypsynet" - What do you think any Rom (a real "Gypsy") would think of this?

I'd like to respond to this and its not just because I am an actual member of Gypsy Sugar. I would like to respond because I am from Gypsy Blood as well. In fact, my mom's family used to go to Gypsy Camps in the summer. In fact, I used to go to Gypsy Camps as well in the summer. Not only does my family (myself) included, love the idea, love the name, love the humor, and love the creativity - we celebrate the project and find that indeed, the term "Gypsy" is being used appropriately and respectfully.

Originally Posted by tamrah

I'd like to respond to this and its not just because I am an actual member of Gypsy Sugar. I would like to respond because I am from Gypsy Blood as well. In fact, my mom's family used to go to Gypsy Camps in the summer. In fact, I used to go to Gypsy Camps as well in the summer. Not only does my family (myself) included, love the idea, love the name, love the humor, and love the creativity - we celebrate the project and find that indeed, the term "Gypsy" is being used appropriately and respectfully.

This arguement could be made for other ethnic slurs as well. I know plenty of black people who throw the N word around but it doesn't make it sting any less to those people who are offended by it. You may embrace the word, and your family may find it wonderful but you are just one person and not a representative of an entire group of people.

It isn't just ethnic slurs but any slur. Some people are fine with being addressed as "b*tch" or "slut" or "whore", others not so much.

Hey Bhuzzers!

Announcing February specials! Today (2/2/2011) from 6pm-8pm EST get GypsyNet for only $35/month (you get the month to month package for the 6 month bundle price!).Click here to subscribe.
That's 10 hours of instruction, blogs, forums, newly added certification features (for those concerned with lack of personal feedback) and a live once monthly class with Ansuya. Check out a teaser of my latest in depth interview with Rachel Brice:


Hope to see you on www.TheGypsyNet.com !

I signed up!

Originally Posted by Kareena

I think the real parody here is people with no sense of humor or artistic expression judging someone rather harshly on an artistic expression.

YESSS - thank you!!

I support you, Ansuya. Big fan here, and big fan of your costumes. Congrats on the launch!

Okay, for Valentine's Day she was offering a special $35 price, so I subscribed for a month to check it out. I'll report back shortly, but this REALLY made me question that decision when I saw it in my inbox, in an ad for the service:

That $15 a week you're spending to take just 1 class on someone else's schedule...save it. Take classes with a world renowned instructor unlimited times, on your own schedule, for much less. Plus all the other perks of being a GypsyNet member.

Now unless there is some kind of live feedback in these classes (which I will soon find out if there is) this comment really sticks in my craw. (ETA -- Apparently there will be webcam classes, so if you really DO get feedback from Anusya, that's a pretty good deal. It's a little vague in the wording though, so I'm still not sure if it's just a live streaming class, or if it's somehow a 2-way communication, via skype or something.)

Dancing along with somebody's videotaped class, whether it is live streaming or on dvd, is NOT THE SAME as taking that class yourself. If there is no actual feedback from the instructor on your posture or how you execute the movements, then it's not a "class" that is comparable to those $15 live classes. I stand firm on my opinion on that one.


Disclaimer: I've had workshops with Ansuya and really enjoy her as a teacher. I think I have all of her dvds and I enjoyed the online classes she sold before switching to Gypsynet. I did think the weird commercial was weird, but it didn't really have any bearing on me signing up (or not signing up) for classes. The above statement in her email really annoys me, but I'm going into the classes with an open mind. (I think, anyway.)


What I hope to get out of the Gypsynet classes:

1. New and cute "Ansuya style" cabaret combinations to use in my own dancing.
2. Advice on technique for finger cymbals or floorwork or props or something outside the realm of general Egyptian dance.
3. Suggestions or advice on fusion and how to do it well.
4. Some Tribal-inspired moves or combos for use in cabaret dancing.
5. Choreographies, maybe?
6. Footage of and maybe classes with Jenaeni.
7. Community -- discussion and maybe performance vids. The interviews sound interesting. Fun stuff in general.

I'll give it a month and report back on whether or not my specific expectations were met, and what I found most valuable about the experience.

:)

At a glance:

Things I like include

• There is a separate warm up and cool down you use view at any time.
• There appear to be notes available (for some classes) as downloadable pdfs.
• The music used in the classes is clearly defined and available as iTunes links.
• The filming seems very high-quality with good lighting and good sound.
• The sound appears to be done at a high-enough level that you can actually play cymbals along with the class and still hear what is being said.
• Apparently she asks for student content requests, and will base a class on subscriber requests.
• There is an attached forum where you can discuss and ask questions about the classes. (I wish wish WISH Suhaila would do this!!)
• There seems to be a nice variety between shorter technique or focus classes and general combos classes and choreographies.

Aziyade, you seem to have more experience than most with online classes! Sure wish you would write a compare-and-contrast user's review for the Gilded Serpent, or somewhere similar. We'd love to read it!!

lol - I think the only two I've done are Suhaila's and now Ansuya's, but if we could make a list of them, I'd be happy to give you my impressions!

Originally Posted by aziyade

lol - I think the only two I've done are Suhaila's and now Ansuya's, but if we could make a list of them, I'd be happy to give you my impressions!

Oooh! (runs away to start a thread)

Let's see who will give us reviews of the various online classes out there!

I signed up for the classes and I enjoy them, they're fun. I only have one issue and it's a biggie. I can take intermediate classes locally but if I study with a dancer as reputable as Ansuya, I'm expecting some really tough new material, not basic arm positions. I would think most dancers making the investment are probably advanced level dancers ready for the challenge of studying with her. Or maybe after her certification unlock the advanced classes? I don't know, I guess it just isn't everything I ever wanted dipped in chocolate. But it's still good.

I also love that she offers her certifications at no additional charge. You put in the work and perform at the level expected, then you can get certified. It's a breath of fresh air to be allowed to certify based on performance rather than the money issue holding you back.

"certification"

edited for what might be considered snark, which wasn't intended that way.

It's nice for continuing students to know what they can advance towards, since we don't have a hip belt system, lol, and I like that she and J give the student individual feedback in an evaluation.

There are a dozen people out there who will "certify" dancers in XYZ style or whatever. Most of those programs are teaching training programs for that particular school (Veda's, Piper Method). Some just do it to have something for your students to work towards, or to show progression in a particular area of study (kind of like Sahra's JtE, although I don't think she considers that specifically a "certification" course.)

Others offer certification with the use of a trademarked brand name, like Keti Sharif's A-Z method or her Pulse8 Fitness, or Oreet's "SharQui" system (or for for fitness, the Dancing Through Pregnancy program.) Your certification gives you the right to use that "brand name" in your marketing.

In theory, the Certifier will create and maintain a Brand that has value to our community or to the general public -- that is recognized and respected. So far the only person who has TRULY been able to do this is Suhaila, but she has invested decades of time and oodles of money into building her Brand. The internal useful value of that brand is still pretty hotly debated, but the "Cash Value" of having Suhaila-anything associated with your name is pretty good. I assume JWAD has a similar Brand Value in the UK.

Originally Posted by SamiraBellydancer

I signed up for the classes and I enjoy them, they're fun. I only have one issue and it's a biggie. I can take intermediate classes locally but if I study with a dancer as reputable as Ansuya, I'm expecting some really tough new material, not basic arm positions. I would think most dancers making the investment are probably advanced level dancers ready for the challenge of studying with her. Or maybe after her certification unlock the advanced classes? I don't know, I guess it just isn't everything I ever wanted dipped in chocolate. But it's still good.

Just curious -- which classes have you tried? I haven't seen that many that I would consider to be basic/beginner level except for the Open House combo and one regular class from January. If you're talking about the arm frames focus class, I thought that was pretty interesting, actually -- talking about how the stretch of one muscle can cause the texture of the movement to change.

I'm kind of generally curious about what people consider "advanced" material. Most of the teachers I've worked with communicate that the advanced level of any dance is really emotional perspective and musical interpretation: Really pulling apart your music, finding what resonates with you emotionally, and doing the best to tell the emotional "story" of the music. To me, "advanced" concepts are breath, focus, and energy work; use of body line, gravity in weight shifts, and the "foot-to-floor connection."

Actually I thought Ansuya did a pretty good job of trying to capture some of the advanced elements when she instructs on the "flow" of movement -- so it doesn't LOOK LIKE we're standing there doing 8 counts of this and now 16 counts of this and now 8 counts in the other direction. She uses a lot of stylistic variations like driving a circular movement with one hip instead of two, and I'm pleased to see she describes and demonstrates that technique, which is what I thought set her and Delilah formerly-Flynn apart from other Cab dancers.

Everyone's mileage will vary, of course, but if you want to check it out, she has lowered the pricing on both single-month and packaging memberships, at least through the end of this week. More in the other thread in just a sec!

No she doesn't do basic beginner, I said intermediate. I'm not sure how I would define advanced level. I'm just ready to see something and go "WOW! HOW DID SHE DO THAT?!" Mainly because that's how I feel when I watch her perform. I want to get something new and challenging out of it. Something that takes a few tries to make happen that makes me want to drill it over and over for a while just to be absolutely sure. I think mostly I just want to quit hitting the fast forward button.

I'm pumped about her coming to Indy in a few weeks though. It sounds like a great workshop.

Ah, well, ymmv of course :)

I posted what I expected of the classes, and they met my expectations. I think people should really look closely at what they want out of the online class experience because what you're looking for will dictate which ones you sign up for.

There's new one now too:

http://bellydancevillage.com/

Originally Posted by aziyade

Ah, well, ymmv of course :)

I posted what I expected of the classes, and they met my expectations. I think people should really look closely at what they want out of the online class experience because what you're looking for will dictate which ones you sign up for.

There's new one now too:

http://bellydancevillage.com/

I believe that's Leyla Najma's site. Remember this thread?
http://www.bhuz.com/showthread.php/5...ht=leyla+najma

Yes, for $27 a month she is offering downloads of her current dvd content and new monthly videos. I don't think this is quite the same as an online "class" -- but since it's a membership site, with new content each month, I guess I would consider it in (sort of) the same arena.

Samira -- the producers of Gypsynet seem really involved and really interested in what the subscribers want, so you might want to send them a note letting them know your thoughts on it, and what you'd like to see done differently. I think they genuinely WANT our feedback, so if what you're getting isn't "dipped in chocolate," I think they would want to know so they can fix it. :)

So here's an update to the GypsyNet debacle for those of you who aren't aware: Ansuya has divorced herself from the project and has decided she will no longer film classes for the site, offer the live video class, or do the certification video review through GypsyNet.

The site is still offering some new content, from classes that were previously filmed, but they haven't said when this new content will be used up. (update: refunds are available. Ya just have to ask.) Anusya sent us all emails mentioning her new project, that I guess is being self-produced?


Personally I'm done with the subscription-based classes. There is sooooo much good content out there available as one-time downloads. I'm impressed by Bhuz TV and the great quality instruction there, from teachers like Hannan Sultan. I know we've discussed the "rental" versus "purchase" option on this thread and in others, and sadly I have to say that this fiasco has completely undermined my confidence in the "rental" model for online classes, or for subscription-based classes in general.

Originally Posted by aziyade

So here's an update to the GypsyNet debacle for those of you who aren't aware: Ansuya has divorced herself from the project and has decided she will no longer film classes for the site, offer the live video class, or do the certification video review through GypsyNet.

...And to top it off, Anusya sends us all emails asking us to support her NEW project, subscribing to her NEW online class service. For just $30 a month. Thank you, no.

OMG WTF BBQ?

Mind boggling!!

Let me state that the videographer and web programmer Brian Hernandez did an AMAZING job with this project. I'm actually sort of hoping he'll produce a series of dvds of the classes, but I have no idea who actually owns the copyright to the footage, so I don't know what's do-able.

I just stumbled upon this article...I'm having trouble reading it because of the white typeface on a black background. The text is "vibrating" on the page for me.

GypsyNet - Editorials - "Sacred" Space*Wars

Originally Posted by lylagus

I just stumbled upon this article...I'm having trouble reading it because of the white typeface on a black background. The text is "vibrating" on the page for me.

GypsyNet - Editorials - "Sacred" Space*Wars

I think I read a shorter version of this once...because the "had to call the police" part is ringing a bell..." but that is WAY unprofessional in so many ways.

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by Gypsynet

So it's a teensy bit extreme to think we're marketing online bellydance classes with violence, guns, and helpful lessons on how to slap people. Satire is meant to ridicule something that is taken seriously, which you find flawed.

But, if you have to explain this people then it does mean the creators are missing the point and something is not quite working.

Bhuz members are people at the end of the day and if dancers can perceive it this way then what can that mean for the general public? see what I am saying..