Thread: FCBD DVDs - #4 or #7?

I'd like to add some ATS vocabulary to my mostly American Cabaret dance vocabulary... and I'm trying to decide between FCBD #4 (Advanced workshop) and #7 (Creative Combos). I already have #1 (well, I have that silly set with the fake zills.. I hear that's all of #1 and one move from #4).

I borrowed #4 from the local library when I'd been dancing for about 2 years, and I mostly remember that my arms got tired ;) But, that was about 6 years ago (I haven't been dancing that entire time.. I took a 4 year break in there..).

So.. anyone got anything to say about the two DVDs? I think I found the production quality on 4 a little distracting, but it was also a video from the library, and may have been a little degraded. But will I be 1000% lost on #7?

Thanks!

I would say go with #4 first...it builds on what you learn from #1-#3, and then the #7 is combinations made up from movements from #1 and #4.

I also recommend the tribal cues one as well, it is very important to ATS improv.

I haven't seen #7, but there's a review of #4 on my web site at Belly Dancing: Shira's Reviews of Instructional Videos, Alphabetical List

Given that the OP is not interested in ATS, but rather in lifting moves, getting #7 may be the better choice. (Note: When it comes to learning ATS, I *completely* agree with Ambriehl!!!) Given that the OP most likely will modify the combinations anyways, I think it is not overly crucial to have #4.

Now, I should add: One has to consider all the FCBD DVDs as a whole and in context. #7 taken out of context, and for the stated purpose, will most likely not appear as exciting and useful as it is for somebody who works with the entire FCBD format. It would be like reading the Harry Potter Deathly Hallows without having read the other books - it's a great book all by itself, but to get the complete brilliance of the book, one has to have read the other six volumes.