(Last Updated 9/8/03)

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I am a sucker for belly dance videos, as I find it's a great tool to expand upon what you already know and to learn different styles that are beyond the scope of your current belly dance classes.

Each video listed here are videos I own and have watched.   You will note that there are several I still have to comment on.  This is "coming soon".

Instructional Videos:

Mesmera's Garden Exotic Bellydance Technique(I highly recommend) This is one of my favorites in the way of combinations. It's packed with creative mini-combinations and ideas you could incorporate into your own choreographies. You must already have a handle on your basics, as she doesn't always break down moves. What she does do, which I found beneficial, is she demonstrates a move or combination at half time, then she goes into full time.  Additional review by visitors of this site: by Sharon: Hello Lita,  I just wanted to tell you that I got my Mesmera's garden video today, talk about "Magic" Like wow I *love* this tape, I do not own anything like this!!!! Talk about all Woman!!!! Even better than the Serpant and Zils. Thank you Lita for reviewing this and prompting me to buy, you will be thought of every time I play this tape :- ) Hope this sees you well  Best and kind regards  Sharon x Egyptian Pop Choreography with Jillina (I highly recommend) This is my all time favorite instructional video.  I love everything about it and fell in love with the dance combinations she created. In the beginning she offers a glimpse of the dance and what to expect throughout the video.  She then briefly runs through some basic movements and stresses correct posture for certain movements.  She is thorough in anticipating any common movement mistakes and emphasizes or clarifies potentially unclear moves. Dance combinations that are embedded in the choreography are then introduced.  The choreography is taught in a progressive fashion.  Again, she is sure to break down the movements for each segment.  She repeats the combinations and the choreography enough to get a grasp on it, however, I still found myself rewinding several dozen times to make sure I got it right. She again demonstrates the full choreography in a performance. Lastly, she alters the choreography to work for a group of dancers.  Lovely! Instructional Videos by Suhaila  (Recommended) (Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Choreography) There were several interesting moves that meshed really well with the music. It's likely you'll pick up the choreography rather quickly due to the format of the video, as it is progressive.  She gradually adds moves to a segment, then runs through the segment with the added moves.  This reinforces what is learned from the prior segment and lends enough repetition to really absorb the choreography. There were a couple of things I wasn't fond of.  I could have done without some of the jazzy movements, (even though it suits her).  Also, since everything was demonstrated facing the camera, it became confusing when she would say move left and her left was your right and vice versa.  Having her face a mirror at an angle to the camera would've been more suitable so not only could the viewer follow in the same direction as she, but it would also enable the viewer to see what the moves look like from more angles. Lock, Roll & Flutter by Suzanna Del Vechio (Recommend) Aside from the amazing sound of the drummer, what made the video interesting for me were her amazing stomach flutters and stomach rolls. She emphasized correct posture and offered a break down of some movements and techniques.  There were some techniques she did not break down and referenced that those techniques were taught in her earlier instructional videos. Some things about the choreography just didn't feel natural or suit my style.  Plus, I could have also used more repetition of the choreography. Dahlena: Dance Stylings of an Opening Number - Vol. I (2 Stars) (Not recommend) This is a video for those entering belly dance who could benefit from basic concepts, movements and techniques, including the arms. What I liked about this video was her beautiful choreography that is performed in full at the very beginning of the video. Although she did go through some of the combinations presented in the choreography, she was unclear as to how it all came together.  Also, she did not offer enough repetition to really learn the choreography.  Lastly, I would've preferred to see the full choreography again at the end. Drum Solo with Jillina Coming soon.... Meleah's "Afro Belly" Workshop Coming soon.... An Advanced Oriental Dance Class with Zahra Zuhair Coming soon.... Deliliahs' Belly Dance Workshop (Volume I, II, & III) Coming soon.... An Introduction to Belly Dance with Kathryn Ferguson Coming soon.... Bellydance Magical Motion with Althea and Friends Coming soon.... Traditional Oriental Dance Intermediate II and III by Cheri Berens Coming soon.... The Goddess Workout with Dolphina Coming soon....

© Belly Dance by Lita 2002-2003