Thread: Recommendations for Turkish DVD: which is more comprehensive?

I find myself with a bit to spend on *one* DVD for now. I'm trying to decide between Artemis Mourat's and Ruby's, and need a little steering to the one most appropriate right now.

I'm an early-intermediate dancer with a pretty solid foundation in movements now; I can handle a challenge and know how to pace myself appropriately and structure a practice (IOW, I'd rather reach a little bit than do something too basic, and have realistic expectations of what I can and can't do). Right now I'm looking for something that teaches fundamental Turkish technique, and assumes the dancer knows the basics, but is not too daunting, IYKWIM. These two seem to fit the bill, from what I have read.

Which would be more appropriate to start with, or is more comprehensive? I'd probably be getting the other one later :)

Any other recommendations? Thank you!

I've worked with both. They offer very different things.

Artemis takes you through typical Turkish style dance steps, explains the rhythm, shares cultural information and performs a couple of improv dances. I really like her style and I highly respect her work. She is cute, sweet, playful and grounded. You know you are learning "authentic" Turkish style dances steps related to the folklore and traditions of Turkey. I would call it "Classic" Turkish style Oriental. The instructional level is appropriate for beginners through advanced dancers.

Ruby's DVD is for advanced dancers. She has a tutorial section on Turkish style moves and a long performance section at the end. Her instruction is specific to the choreography she teaches (that I learned and performed with serious study). The dance she teaches involves some fast footwork and lots of spinning. Like her dance style, it is fierce, sassy and full of bold feminine energy with a slight nonchalant air to it. Being a Turkish style expert and all I would call it more modern than Artemis with a American Cabaret feel to it. The music for the choreo is full of dynamic changes. Be aware that the choreo music is a cut version from the original on the CD (which I bought from the artist). After unanswered emails to Ruby for it, Michelle gracefully came to my aid within 24 hours of my panicked email to her.

I think both are complimentary. I would suggest working with Artemis' DVD first as a clean intro the the style and the music (that's what I did) and then working with Ruby's once you have a good feel for the music and feet (my biggest challenge).

Don't forget there is also Rehan Tuzsuz's excellent Raw Roman instructional DVD. I studied with Rehan in Istanbul this year and she is so sweet, kind, cheerful, generous, gracious and such an expert dancer. Elizabeth Strong also produced a Roman Dance DVD that I ordered and is on it's way. Remember that the Roman "folkloric" style is the foundation for the Oriental style Ruby does. Artemis manages to address both in her style.

So, Artemis, Rehan, Ruby and then Elizabeth is my suggested order. Remember, I am no expert, just interested in Turkish styling. I've been a dedicated Egyptian style dancer throughout my 13 years of Oriental dance. Keeping that in mind, that's my 2 cents! Enjoy! :-)

Thank you so much, Hala!!! Especially for the suggestion on how to progress chronologically with the DVDs

Based on what I was reading about them, I had a feeling Artemis's DVD might be more appropriate for what I'm looking for right now.

I'd also been looking at the Raw Roman DVD for a little later -- it really looks like something I'd want to learn -- so putting that in the queue of "stuff to get" now. Thanks for the recommendation!

I totally agree with Hala Jamal's assessment, I've had all three of the available DVDs she mentioned, and would say her synopsis is spot on. I would also add this link:

http://www.bhuz.com/bellydance-swap-...ouple-cds.html

where Nadra is selling Artemises DVD for a very reasonable price.

Originally Posted by JoLynn

I totally agree with Hala Jamal's assessment, I've had all three of the available DVDs she mentioned, and would say her synopsis is spot on. I would also add this link:

http://www.bhuz.com/bellydance-swap-...ouple-cds.html

where Nadra is selling Artemises DVD for a very reasonable price.

Awwww, looks like I blinked and missed it by being offline this evening :( but thank you for linking it.