Thread: Project Belly Dance - Top Bellydancer 1st Episode Review

I have not seen the reality tv emission "Project Belly Dance" by Lotus Niraja and Michelle Joyce/Cheeky Girls Produktions reviewed here on bhuz.
Since I could finally view the first episode last night, I thought I'd post a review of what the show is like to me.

Firstly: I am not a fan of reality formats. I have a love/hate relationship with America's Next Top Model, but apart from this show I have not liked nor loathed any reality format so far. I was looking forward to Project Belly Dance, though. Why? It is independently produced, so I pictured the oftentimes intolerable qualities of mainstream (talent) tv reality shows will not be there. The show is what I expected - if contestants are filmed crying, to me it seems tongue-in-cheek and like a light-hearted parody of "real" reality formats (with all their unreal zooming in and aggravation of personal issues of the contestants). At least this is how I took the portrayal of one contestant's tears (for her love for dance, of all things, isn't that sweet :) ) - it is possible I got it wrong and this is an attempt to mimick reality tv and not so much a cheeky-mocking citation of those shows, though.

All in all, the jury tries to sit straight faced, but they never come close to review panel's cruelty on any other reality show. So those who fear dancers will be humiliated need not shy away from the show. Critique of dancers is always candid - I would in fact have preferred a somewhat more critical analysis of the dances viewed by the panel. This for sure is difficult in a community as small as the bd community in the US, but for interested viewers such a "real evaluation" of what US pros in the dance appreciate/do not appreciate could be interesting. Maybe a "bad cop" judge can be flown in next time from Russia, Europe or Japan?

I was delighted to see bhuzzers dance. Samira Shuruk, Khuzama, Toria, Shems are some of the names I recognized.
I will not give away anything on the first eliminations for those of you who will watch the show now. I just have to say I like seeing a bellydance emission. I like seeing it done by loving professionals of the dance. I am a huge admirer of Lotus Niraja, Michelle and Zahra Zuhair from dance dvds, so it was great for me to see them interact and talk from far away as I am.

The concept and execution to me, as I said, seem candid. Not only for a reality show, but standing alone, too. The jury oftentimes smiles (which I guess in reality tv they rather should not! ), is sweet with the dancers, very, very polite and restrained with critique even when the dancers are out the door.
I was surprised how similar some dancers' style is to performances you'd see on Cheeky Girls' By dancers for dancers series. The dancer who was judged as "lovely dancer, but she was noticeably nervous" reminded me a lot of Sandra's style, for example. Either this style is the standard American style right now - or some of the dancers either trained in the Bay Area, or tried to give the panel what they thought the judges wanted.
I would love to see more variety in a future season. Distinctive European, East Asian, Latin American, Russian contestants. I think it would be amazing to have other national styles taught by Cheeky Girls dvds on worldwide distribution. Russian style is not my taste at all, but for the sake of diversity I'd love to see such different approaches in the future on the bellydance dvd instructional market (I know Russian dvds exist, but for the most part they are in Russian language, which I understand poorly only, and are often not widely available). I'd love to see Arab contestants of course, but how likely is that :)

As for the dancers: Contrary to my expectations I loved the sword dance. A LOT. The dancer (Karolina) was even better in a cabaret group performance she gave later. I also love her personality. Sherena is another personality favorite of mine. Dance-wise, I was very drawn in by Shems. The judges noted her hair hanging into her face too much - I find her style quite "wild" with her passionate hair tosses, and actually liked the look with the face in her hair. Have i mentioned it was so much fun seeing a bhuzzer dance?? This alone makes the show worth watching for me. Andalee is my other dance favorite. Such a lovely dancer.
When a dancer called Yeli, I think, was shown I thought to myself I would love to follow her dance ("follow the bouncing butt" instruction people call this I think :) ). Something about the transitions in her movements was really great. I would love to buy a choreography dvd from her in order to be able to follow her from the distance. I also liked a dancer called Lara, also personality (what you see on tv, that is) and dance-wise.

The 45 min or so of the episode flew by - you had solo dances, the regular tvformat mini-interviews with contestants, and then people were randomly assigned to groups and had to prepare group choreographies in a very contrained time frame. I loved the group choreo where dancers creatively "hip-bumped" each other (with Karolina in it - this group to me had the nicest choreography), and the cabaret/tribal mixed group. the latter merged two worlds in a lovely manner, and that in such a short time.
Some of the reality drama was introduced when in one group, a self-proclaimed (seemingly) group leader conceptualized a choreo of her liking and to her ability, and made her team members look like background dancers. Someone said the drama that may have been going on off-camera immediately stopped when rehearsals were being filmed. Interesting! Good self-marketing I guess. FOr sure another difference to regular reality tv.

The show overall was so much fun to me, I cannot wait to see the next episode next week, I think.
Nice concept, nice execution, and I hope more bhuzzers will join in for a future season!
the episodes can be viewed here:
http://topbellydancer.com/episodes.html

Thanks for your review, Dina!
I also saw it on Internet. The juries faces are kinda scary!!!
I loved watching our dear Bhuzzers as well!!! I honestly think they deserved more.
Let's way for next episode...

Oh, and I also loved watching our dear Tanya LV hosting the program!

Originally Posted by dinavienna

The concept and execution to me, as I said, seem candid. Not only for a reality show, but standing alone, too. The jury oftentimes smiles (which I guess in reality tv they rather should not! ), is sweet with the dancers, very, very polite and restrained with critique even when the dancers are out the door.
I was surprised how similar some dancers' style is to performances you'd see on Cheeky Girls' By dancers for dancers series. The dancer who was judged as "lovely dancer, but she was noticeably nervous" reminded me a lot of Sandra's style, for example. Either this style is the standard American style right now - or some of the dancers either trained in the Bay Area, or tried to give the panel what they thought the judges wanted.
I would love to see more variety in a future season. Distinctive European, East Asian, Latin American, Russian contestants. I think it would be amazing to have other national styles taught by Cheeky Girls dvds on worldwide distribution. Russian style is not my taste at all, but for the sake of diversity I'd love to see such different approaches in the future on the bellydance dvd instructional market (I know Russian dvds exist, but for the most part they are in Russian language, which I understand poorly only, and are often not widely available). I'd love to see Arab contestants of course, but how likely is that :)

amen....so with you!

Originally Posted by ANA_bellydancer

Oh, and I also loved watching our dear Tanya LV hosting the program!

Thanks so much!!!! I had so much fun! WAIT till you see the rest! Keep watching!

great review... there's a thread MJ started under "the rest" about it, where people are making comments and giving opinions/thoughts.. but not a full review like this yet. thanks for sharing! :)

Originally Posted by ANA_bellydancer

Thanks for your review, Dina!
I also saw it on Internet. The juries faces are kinda scary!!!
I loved watching our dear Bhuzzers as well!!! I honestly think they deserved more.
Let's way for next episode...

ssshh.. don't give anything away
I think Shems will go far, though. The judges seem to love her, "star quality" etc :)

Originally Posted by ShirazRaqs

great review... there's a thread MJ started under "the rest" about it, where people are making comments and giving opinions/thoughts.. but not a full review like this yet. thanks for sharing! :)

You're welcome :) I have to check out that thread, then. Bhuz search did not give me any entries on PBD, at first.

I really appreciate the in depth review, Dina. It's interesting to learn about what the audience thinks/feels while watching the episode. Being a part of the project, I know how *I* felt about it, but it's so worthwhile to have feedback from other dancers.

I hope my face wasn't *too* scary. I tried to maintain straight "judge face", but I hope I at least had some kindness in my eyes. I was amazed by all the contestants.

Originally Posted by MakedaMaysa

I really appreciate the in depth review, Dina. It's interesting to learn about what the audience thinks/feels while watching the episode. Being a part of the project, I know how *I* felt about it, but it's so worthwhile to have feedback from other dancers.

I hope my face wasn't *too* scary. I tried to maintain straight "judge face", but I hope I at least had some kindness in my eyes. I was amazed by all the contestants.

You were totally "smeyesing" (spelling?!)

Originally Posted by dinavienna

You were totally "smeyesing" (spelling?!)

Ha! Good!

I still can't get IE to play it on my computer, so bummed.

Have you considered installing mozilla firefox additionally? I have both browsers (or, I had, on mac i now use safari, the default browser, and installed firefox additionally). it takes away nothing from the speed and workability of the computer, and firefox is so good and drama-free in comparison with IE.

Yes ~ Karolina ROCKED that sword ~ her pants were pretty snazzy in person too! And Andalee is a dear beautiful soul. :)

As a contestant, I would have loved to hear more of the judges feedback ~ I would have loved to see episode one split into two episodes actually ~ one focusing on the solos/judges critique/dancer interviews and the other more of the group dynamics and choreo time and performing the group pieces and the judges feedback. Easily could have been two ~ and I say easily meaning enough material ~ Wink (Because, Michelle, I doubt it was easy editing it) :)

I think for a first go round ~ it is an amazing production, well it is an amazing production, period. But I am sure Michelle and Lotus have thought of things they would like to change in the future.

I know there are things I would do differently given the opportunity as a contestant AND if I were the producer.

Haha ~ and, I am sorry, but the interviewer guy DID try to get "dirt" out of me at one point...which was my "no, no, no, no, no" response in the trailer. :)

No dirt on group 5 (smiles) ~ blessed to have known them and crammed choreo out in such a short time.

Originally Posted by dinavienna

Have you considered installing mozilla firefox additionally? I have both browsers (or, I had, on mac i now use safari, the default browser, and installed firefox additionally). it takes away nothing from the speed and workability of the computer, and firefox is so good and drama-free in comparison with IE.

I've been using Firefox (and I have high-speed internet and a good PC--generally no trouble viewing video), but for some reason, it's still not working well for me. The streaming is choppy, and it keeps getting stuck...but then because there's no control to go forward or back, if you stop it you have to start all over--can't jump ahead at all past what you've already seen. After three attempts, I had to give up and get on with things--never got beyond about 15 min into the first episode. :( Maybe I'll look into it later and see if I can figure something out.

Oh that is too bad :( I hope you guys that are having problems get to see it soon. Could you team up with a dance friend and watch it?
For me, once it's all loaded, which takes around 6 minutes, then I can jump back and forth as I like in the show.

Oh, and by the way,
I'm the 'lovely but nervous' one you were talking about... I do really love Sandra's style.. but I'm from Delaware!!! I've never studied in the Bay area... I wish they'd included where we were from when they first showed our names during the interviews, there was a good mix... and honestly I was hoping to represent little teensy Delaware!! ;)

gosh shiraz i am so bad with names i did not even recognize your name here in the thread. so sorry!!
i would have SWORN you were her student!! crazy! :)

Originally Posted by Lindsey

Haha ~ and, I am sorry, but the interviewer guy DID try to get "dirt" out of me at one point...which was my "no, no, no, no, no" response in the trailer. :)

That's not true.

Edited because instead of describing the interviewer's questions I just posted the whole interview below.

Just since I'm so sensitive to any implication that we mistreated or exploited dancers in the process of making this show, I'm posting Lindsey's entire uncut interview... you can decide how much dirt the interviewer was trying to get.

no worries! :)

Sandra is an insanely amazing dancer- love her style. and I always WISHED I could go to the Bay Area to study there.. maybe one day... saving for Egypt right now.

I'm looking forward to your review of episode two!!!!

and I'm going NUTS to see episode three---- the final 6 are just phenomenal.

Originally Posted by michellejoyce

Just since I'm so sensitive to any implication that we mistreated or exploited dancers in the process of making this show, I'm posting Lindsey's entire uncut interview... you can decide how much dirt the interviewer was trying to get.

Hi Michelle,

I was alerted to this response ~ I think it might be best to clear this up with communication.

If you still have my phone number, please call, or shoot me an email.

It seems you might be highly offended by my post.

I would have loved to hear from you directly if this is how you felt.

Originally Posted by Lindsey

Hi Michelle,

I was alerted to this response ~ I think it might be best to clear this up with communication.

If you still have my phone number, please call, or shoot me an email.

It seems you might be highly offended by my post.

I would have loved to hear from you directly if this is how you felt.

No worries, Lindsey. I love you lots. I'll call you too, but I just needed to stomp out any implication that we were trying to create a negative environment or that we were trying to get dirt or insight bad feelings between dancers. I'm not offended or mad or anything. I just didn't want it to grow into a rumor that the mean producers were trying to make a traditional reality show but that the dancers managed to resist us. My "hot button" is when anyone says that dancers who work with me are in any way treated unfairly.

Originally Posted by Lindsey

Yes ~ Karolina ROCKED that sword ~ her pants were pretty snazzy in person too! And Andalee is a dear beautiful soul. :)

As a contestant, I would have loved to hear more of the judges feedback ~ I would have loved to see episode one split into two episodes actually ~ one focusing on the solos/judges critique/dancer interviews and the other more of the group dynamics and choreo time and performing the group pieces and the judges feedback. Easily could have been two ~ and I say easily meaning enough material ~ Wink (Because, Michelle, I doubt it was easy editing it) :)

I think for a first go round ~ it is an amazing production, well it is an amazing production, period. But I am sure Michelle and Lotus have thought of things they would like to change in the future.

I know there are things I would do differently given the opportunity as a contestant AND if I were the producer.

Haha ~ and, I am sorry, but the interviewer guy DID try to get "dirt" out of me at one point...which was my "no, no, no, no, no" response in the trailer. :)

No dirt on group 5 (smiles) ~ blessed to have known them and crammed choreo out in such a short time.

Thanks Lindsey!!! I can't even imagine having a different group than ours. My experience wouldn't have been the same if I hadn't been able to work with you :)

Also, I, too, would have loved to see more judges feedback on the dancers. I hope there is more to come!

I loved this show. I normally hate reality shows but this one is a gem. Not only are all of the dancers so unbelievably fantastic, but the judges have really impressed me by the way they are trying to be so fair, yet not be mean or catty. They are totally professional, like they know how it is to be in that "hot seat."

This is a competition so there is going to be likes and dislikes (to use a generic term) by the judges and also what they are looking for for their particular production of the DVD. But I am really impressed at how they are, to term it, saying "thanks, we'll call you" or "thanks, but no thanks" I would have to say they could also be implying, "even though we didn't pick you we really respect you for your contribution to the dance."

I think this judge panel could be the poster girl for all reality shows. I can say this because I will never compete so I am completely objective.

Originally Posted by dinavienna

When a dancer called Yeli, I think, was shown I thought to myself I would love to follow her dance ("follow the bouncing butt" instruction people call this I think :) ). Something about the transitions in her movements was really great. I would love to buy a choreography dvd from her in order to be able to follow her from the distance. Nice concept, nice execution, and I hope more bhuzzers will join in for a future season!
the episodes can be viewed here:
http://topbellydancer.com/episodes.html

Thanks for the shout out!!!
I wish I could have the opportunity to do a DVD :) That performance though was all improv :)

Originally Posted by EternalStudent

I loved this show. I normally hate reality shows but this one is a gem. Not only are all of the dancers so unbelievably fantastic, but the judges have really impressed me by the way they are trying to be so fair, yet not be mean or catty. They are totally professional, like they know how it is to be in that "hot seat."

This is a competition so there is going to be likes and dislikes (to use a generic term) by the judges and also what they are looking for for their particular production of the DVD. But I am really impressed at how they are, to term it, saying "thanks, we'll call you" or "thanks, but no thanks" I would have to say they could also be implying, "even though we didn't pick you we really respect you for your contribution to the dance."

I think this judge panel could be the poster girl for all reality shows. I can say this because I will never compete so I am completely objective.

Thanks! It was really hard for all the judges because we knew how much pressure it must be!

Originally Posted by Andalee

...
Also, I, too, would have loved to see more judges feedback on the dancers. I hope there is more to come!

me too. i really appreciate how they are all keeping it classy and relevant. it's like top model only they have 5 Tyra's and no mean-angry-lady (what's her name?) ^_^