Anyone care to comment on these?

[joanneraks]

I know we've had a lot of talk about basic level instructionals lately, but I don't think any of the following videos have been brought up.

Feel free to comment on one, some, or all of these! Can't wait to hear what you all have to say! Thank you!

(I'm looking for a good egyptian style foundational video, or two or three. I've already got a pretty good collection, so if you don't see it listed here, it might be because I already own it and am looking for something new.)

1. Intro to Bellydance by the Bellydance Superstars

2. Dr. Mo Geddawi - Egyptian Choreography 2005, produced by Little Egypt

3. Basic Technique with Horacio Cifuentes

4. Bellydance Movement Foundation with Yasmina Ramzy

5. Picture Yourself Bellydancing with Tamallyn Dallal

[jewelbellydance]

1. Intro to Bellydance by the Bellydance Superstars

(95 mins)

This is a very basic DVD that will suit absolute beginners who want to go over at home what they've learnt in class. It's very nicely shot - as you would expect from a BDSS product. The four featured bellydancers (Amar Gamal, Bozenka, Sonia and Saida) each take turns to illustrate technique of several moves. They demonstrate, while their voices are heard on voice-over explaining the technique. At the end, these moves are strung together in a dance-like practice session which should be easy enough for beginners to follow.

Positives:
- Clear filming and instruction
- Nothing inappropriately complex is presented, so good for absolute beginners
- Nicely attired and presented stars
- Some bonus doco footage of the stars arriving in Monte Carlo and filming the video (though it's not that great)

Negatives:
- I find the voice-over style of presentation rather detached and, combined with a slow pace, it makes this video a little dull. I've preferred other instructionals where the teacher's personality comes through and engages the audience.
- No bonus dancing footage! This is pretty much par for the course with instructional DVDs these days, so I felt jibbed!

[joanneraks]

Thanks Jewelbellydance! Thanks for taking the time to give such a thorough review. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like what I'm looking for...

I'm wondering if the word "review" is intimidating people from responding.... maybe I should change the title. Really I'd love any commentary at all on these.

[azahara]

little Egypt videos , first i will say the family is great love them, the DVDs need editing and are over priced . all are the same shot with 1 camera set up at the back of the room while class is conducted , then slapped on tape or DVD and sold. the teachers are great but we all know the videos would be better with some good editing and chapters added so you can stop or fast forward to what you want to work on.

[jasani]

I have "serious belly dancing" by Tamalyn and really like her Instruction, although it's for beginners it really is a good drills dvd. I like Hadia's dvd's - but I am biased because I really like her Instruction, unfortunately her dvd's are dubed over in English.

[Tammyraks]

Dr. Mo Geddawi's 2005 workshop DVDs quality is much better then other videos produced by Little Egypt. Farida Fahmy & Dr. Mo Geddawi's 2005 DVDs are worth adding to your collection. For workshop DVDs, they were produced really well. I do wish Little Egypt DVDs were all nice like that. But, I still buy videos from them, a great family and great workshops. Just wish I could attend all the workshops.

[Adishakti]

I haven't seen the others, but I do have all of Yasmina Ramzy's series and love every second of every one!

Yasmina really breaks things down in a way that's easy to understand.

[Souzan]

I really, really like the Dr. Mo dvds. The quality of the 2005 dvds is better than the 2006, but the content is priceless. The 2005 choreography dvd is two disks, maybe 4 hours in length. Dr. Mo talks about technique, stylization, performance skills. He breaks things down, drills combos before moving on to the next part of the choreography. Lots of meat in these dvds!

Souzan

[bintbeled]

Dr. Mo is a great source of all kinds of info, and fun besides.

[badriya_al_ahmar]

Originally Posted by jasani

I like Hadia's dvd's - but I am biased because I really like her Instruction, unfortunately her dvd's are dubed over in English.

That might depend on the DVD--I have the 4 DVD technique set, and she's definitely speaking English on camera. (I haven't looked at it in French, so I don't know if that is dubbed or not)

[jasani]

Yes, her 4 dvd set is in English, the older ones were converted from VHS and dubbed.

[raqsana]

Intro to Bellydance by the Bellydance Superstars

I love Saida's section on this dvd. She spends a lot of time going over different variations of hip circles.

[joanneraks]

Thanks for all the thoughts, guys! About Dr. Mo's video - the write up on Dahlal sort of hinted at what you said, Tammyraks and Souzan, but I wanted to hear it from some unbiased sources. So I'm glad to hear it's a little better than average.

Tamallyn Dallal - Egyptian style or no? I'm doubting that it is, though she definitely is capable of it.

Hadia - same question, Egyptian? I just don't know her style that well.

I'll probably go ahead and get Yasmina's - I've been curious about her since I saw her in 2001!! It's about time! And if it makes me dance like Adishakti, I'll be totally satisfied!!! :)

[Tammyraks]

I would definately consider Hadia, Egyptian style. Her volume 5 DVD, is a must have. Balady and Oriental style instructional on it.

If you don't have Keti Sharif's 5 DVD set, it is very informative on Egyptian dance, music, etc....