Thread: Nadira Jamal's Improv Toolkit - with FREE video critique!

I purchased the first volume in Nadira Jamal's Improv Toolkit series because even though I was an intermediate-level dancer, I had absolutely zero exposure or training in improvisation.

I was so pleased upon watching this video. Nadira lays out a series of exercises in a very logical fashion, each building in small increments your ability to dance to the music in a structured way, yet without choreography. She has a very good understanding of not only how to dance, but how to TEACH. (As a former teacher of children, I appreciate good teaching skills.)

Best of all, when I purchased the video directly from her website in a "deluxe" (read: very slightly more expensive) package, I received a certificate for a free professional critique of a 5 minute video. Of course, I was waaaaaay too nervous to do this at first. But after about 6 months of practice, and a steady diet of Middle Eastern music replacing all Western music, I was ready to give it a shot.

I made a 5 minute video in my house and posted it privately on YouTube, then sent the link to Nadira as instructed. It was the first time I ever posted to YouTube. About a week later, I received my critique. WOW! It was 9 pages long! Not only did it include extremely perceptive feedback, but also ways to fix problem areas and improve areas in which I had the greatest potential. It was obvious that she really took the critique seriously.

I ordered the second volume of Improv Toolkit, again with the deluxe package, including another critique. I'm planning to use the first critique as a roadmap to improvement, then submit a second video when I feel that I'm ready.

This series is highly recommended to anyone who is nervous about improv. And you simply must order it from her website, because the video critique is both invaluable and an incredible bargain.

I have the first DVD, which I quite like. But I didn't know such an opportunity was available. Maybe I should start considering buying the next one

Originally Posted by Safran

I have the first DVD, which I quite like. But I didn't know such an opportunity was available. Maybe I should start considering buying the next one

Me too!
I have the first one, it helps me as a teacher too & I encourage my students to get it. I have been performing and teaching for many years, and I like her material and always welcome feedback! I like that the video critique review from Jungleflowers.

Aw, thank you! I'm really glad you liked it. (And thanks Safran and Liesa)

Jungleflower: you mentioned that your critique was 4 pages long. Was that a typeo? The copy I saved in my records is 9 pages long, so if that wasn't a typeo, you may be missing some! Let me know if that's the case, and I'll resend it.

Originally Posted by jmdruadh

Aw, thank you! I'm really glad you liked it. (And thanks Safran and Liesa)

Jungleflower: you mentioned that your critique was 4 pages long. Was that a typeo? The copy I saved in my records is 9 pages long, so if that wasn't a typeo, you may be missing some! Let me know if that's the case, and I'll resend it.

Whoops! You are correct; it is a typo. I will fix that. :)

I just found this thread, and it's great timing, because I just purchased Volume 1 as well. I've only just started it, but have already learned some new ideas. Looking forward to watching the rest!