Just saw this in the summer newsletter from
www.raqs-sharqi.com:
"Must have" DVD recommendations
Nadia Gamal Dance Workshop by Hollywood Music Center - This is the only record of Nadia Gamal teaching on video. The workshop featured was originally six-hours long; the footage has been edited to 90 minutes. Considering the footage was shot over 25 years, ago, I was delighted with the clarity of picture, sound and camera work. The DVD menu is divided into four basic sections; Oriental "Raks Sharki" Dance; Bedouin "Folkloric" dance; Nadia's biography and Bobby Farrah's statement.
The DVD contains all the highlights of the second day's choreography plus a 15-minute overview of the first day's session. The powerful, dynamic raqs sharqi choreography contains various dance styles including oriental , folklore, basic beledi, and drum solo. The second choreography is a Bedouin folkloric dance. The liner notes don't contain any details of the music used by Nadia, but my investigations have revealed that the Oriental choreography is to a piece called "Amina" that was from an album: SONO CAIRO #17-75119. It was composed and written by Fathi Hijjazi. My gratitude and thanks go to Angelika Nemteth for sharing this information. Unfortunately the details of the Bedouin choreograghy are unavailable.
Although orientated towards advanced/professional students, dancers of an intermediate level will also find this DVD useful. This is not just a straight choreography video. It is a technique class by a true master of Lebanese style. Nadia demonstrates (in English) various techniques of creating movement; including both stationary and moving shimmies. Listen carefully to what Nadia has to say, and you will learn some fantastic tips on musical interpretation. The movements are not broken down step by step, but as Nadia is wearing a cat suit type leotard it is easy enough to see how she creates the movements with her legs and feet. Throughout the workshop, Nadia dances and teaches in high heels in front of the studio mirrors so we see her clearly from two angles. The only slight problem is that the floor of the studio is very dark and Nadia's black leotard is a little hard to see against this, but if you watch with just a little care you will be able to see what she's doing, and how she created those famous movements and that passionate, intense style.
There is an absolutely fantastic question and answer with Nadia, which gives even more insight into Nadia's technique and style, and advice on creating movements and controlling your body - Nadia could not only DANCE but was a excellent teacher who was generous and sharing with her information and obviously cared passionately about presenting the dance in the best light possible. Nadia teaches the oriental choreography in sections, building up on each section as she goes along.
At the start of the Bedouin choreography session, Nadia explains and breaks down the basic movements and style used in the dance, which helps the viewer to learn the short choreography very easily.
There is the ONLY recording on Nadia's teaching - it's not only highly recommended for just this reason, but also for the superb production quality, content and information which you'll learn a lot from. Aladdins Cave sell this DVD at a bargain price of £18 GBP plus postage, which is excellent value for money - the DVD contains a full 90 minutes of first class teaching from one of the biggest legends in oriental dance - compare this against the price of other Middle Eastern "big name" performers and teachers DVD's and videos that have terrible production quality at a hugely inflated price!