Quote:
Originally Posted by ssipes
I haven't seen any of the videos being discussed, but I believe there is a fundamental conflict between the objectives of beginner level dance training, and fitness, at least if "fitness" means aerobic activity and strength training.
Beginners need things broken down to simpler steps, and they need to repeat things very slowly, with correction and feedback. Often, lengthy verbal explanations from the instructor are needed. Yes, beginners are gaining strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination, but the process at the beginning level is generally mutually exclusive of the constant movement needed to get an aerobic work out. If you speed up the movements to get the "fitness" aspect, then probably what is happening is that beginners will just repeat incorrect/suboptimal movements so many times that it becomes entrenched in muscle memory, making it that much harder for them to progress to correct movements.
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Sedonia, I see your point, but I think you have to consider the target markets for belly dance fitness videos:
- People who really aren't looking for dance instruction, they just want a new and fun way to move.
- People who already know how to belly dance, and want to use what they know in a workout.
- People who are currently taking classes at a beginner level and want something that offers a structure for home practice between classes.
Most of the so-called "cardio" workouts I've seen based on belly dance were pretty mild. Ie, they'd help a couch potato start getting into shape, but someone who does high-energy cardio on a regular basis wouldn't break a sweat.
Also, some of the workouts based on belly dance moves assume you're already at an intermediate level of belly dance skill - for example, Temple of Jehan Ultimate Belly Dance Workout. Since they assume you already know what you're doing, they don't get into explanations and technique, they just exercise.
IAMED did something interesting with the Art of Belly Dance series of three videos. They had 60 minutes of slow-moving, detailed instruction in elementary moves, including some simple (VERY simple) drills to help transition from one to another. And then the same DVD also included a workout based on the moves that were taught in the instructional section. I really like the concept. Separating instruction from the exercise routine is good.