DVD and Video Reviews
Instructional |Performance |Documentary |
Instructional
The Belly Dance Workshop; Aziza (Maria Masselos) (A)
What a gem of a video. Different to most of the instructional videos as you watch Aziza teach workshops, with all the usual deviations that occur when student throw curly yet interesting questions. For all teachers this video is a great resource for demonstrating teaching 'in action' and is absolutely full of rich information on moves and cultural variance. The content of instruction also has great depth as veil, shimmy, camel, travelling, and musical interpretation are covered. Moves are verbally and physically broken down to aid understanding, then wrapped in context. Delicious.
Cassandra: Intro to Belly Dance (A)
Cassandra is an Oriental dancer and the tape reflects this, however the crux of this video is basic movement technique and as such it is suitable for those interested in other styles such as Beledi, Saidi etc. There is no veilwork, canes or other props involved - very introductory as the title suggests. Running time is 12 minutes performance and 48 minutes instruction. Cassandra still gets me. When I see her dance, even on video I am enthralled. Beginning with a gorgeous performance which makes you feel like you are in the hands of a master the video progresses logically. Cassandra promotes the concept of not dressing up during classes and to save your make up and good stuff for stage - sweat in your exercise gear. However a crop top or leotard rather than the T-shirt, may have been beneficial for the beginner student to see her body a little better. Creaky floorboards in the studio certainly add reality to the lessons. The teaching is authoritative and clear and very sound principles are introduced. Good solid earthy stuff - will get the beginner student moving with confidence.
Fat Chance Fundamentals (A)
Jamila Salimpour sowed the seed of 'Tribal dance' with her troupe Bal Anat. Carolena Nerricio, director of Fat Chance Bellydance has brought this seed into fruition.
This video provides the basic philosophy, posture and fundamental steps of what has become known as American Tribal Style (ATS) dance. This is not a demonstration of a folkloric dance but a modern fusion of dance from Spain, Middle East and India that was created in America.
Following an excellent short meditation to focus, there is warm-up and gentle stretch. The basic moves are demonstrated, clearly explained, then repeated to allow the novice to practice with the tape. The steps are simple but highly disciplined. Once all steps are reviewed, FatChance perform. The dance by FatChance combines the basic moves with the synergy of the dancers working together, improvising, watching visual cues for changes and sharing leadership in true 'ATS' tribal style.
A good video to watch if you ever wondered what all the hype was about tribal. A good introduction to Tribal. It is fundamental, just as the title suggests.
Fat Chance : Improvisational cues and transitions (A)
Review by Moonjelly
This video introduces the FatChance bellydance method for developing successful stage presentation. Once more we prepare through opening meditation, posture review, warm-up and stretch. Combinations for group work with varied sizes of participants is included. How to keep leadership within the chorus group as well as the principal dancers is demonstrated, as are fade out and lead in. Some great class room drills using moves from the previous 5 volumes of Fat Chance Bellydance Video. This video is great but some prior knowledge of basic tribal steps is a must. However the concepts provided can be applied to all types of group work - it is not limited to Tribal dance.
Hadia: Oriental Dance (B)
Review by Moonjelly
Hadia is an absolutely awesome dancer based in Canada. She has been an Oriental dance artist, instructor and choreographer since 1972 as well as completing a degree in Theater and the Performing Arts, she has also obtained her qualification in massage and manual Therapy. She has an in depth understanding of the internal, anatomical nature of my external movement patterns so dance safety is assured in the instructions received in this video. I have watched this video a number of times. It is split into two distinctive parts. A lovely taxim to a Chifte Telli rhythm, followed by a very upbeat cane dance to Saiidi. The two sections contrast well and maintain high interest. The dubbed voice over can be ignored quickly once you begin to watch the technical precision and emotional execution of movement. There is depth to Hadias's dance. I feel quite inspired to go on one of dance tours to Turkey.
Learn to Belly Dance with Elenie (A)
Review by Kashmir
This amazingly long video has twenty-two sections - including three warm-ups and a cool down. My main complaint with this video is that I would need a warm-up to do the warm-up! And the warm-up is definitely not for the raw beginner.
Everything you could think of for Oriental is covered. From basics such as posture and how to hold the hand to a travelling step with hip and rib figure eights and arms! From shimmies to flutters, from stationary isolations to camels. It is all there. There is also a introduction to zills and a short performance with zills. The veil is covered by a voice over to a short performance piece.
The technical production on this video is excellent. No mis-cued music or blank patches. Elenie clearly demonstrates her moves, in a variety of costumes (including the fringed bike-shorts) in front of a large mirror so you can see both sides. Some people found the setting a little busy with rugs and gold & brass - but I prefer to think of it as "rich". Those of you who know Elenie may be forgiven in wondering who that cool controlled woman narrating the video is. There is a glimpse of the real Elenie when she is performing in front of a live audience at the end.
Raquia Hassan Technique Vol. 5 (B)
Review by Moonjelly
Raqia outshines all the glamorous costumes of her students in her pink lycra tights - you can really see the legs shake the shimmy. Seriously her technique is gobsmackingly fabulous. Raqia demonstrates movements and adds variation, plus provides some combinations to work with. One of her 9 students then demonstrates the choreography. The students come all corners of the Earth, UK, Norway, Russia, Japan and Australia (Amira). I really enjoyed watching the difference of interpretation of the same move. A lengthy video, but great for those wanting to learn from a Master dancer of Oriental Dance. Learning choreography is a great way to figure out transitions and style...but the interpretation, as this video shows, is from your own heart and spirit.
Tunisian Rhythms & Raqs Shabi. Aisha Ali (A)
I expect nothing but quality from Aisha Ali and again she lives up to my expectation. This video will appeal to both drummers and dancers alike. First the drum rhythm is stated as voiceover- taped from an actual Tunisian drum teacher teaching his class. As the rhythm plays Aisha demonstrates the corresponding dance step in a clear and concise manner. The Tunisian rhythms are often syncopated and unusual to the ear but Aisha breaks the step down very simply. The video has a CD partner, not available through MEDANZ but widely available on the internet. The booklet included in the video explains the steps that go with the rhythms that could not be included due to time constraint. Demonstration of the steps is provided by Aisha as a full performance piece, with appropriate changes in costume. A veritable feast for the fan of folkloric dance.
Face It: Make-up for the dancer, Meleah (A)
This video is in American NTSC format - however most modern videos recognise this format and switch automatically. Something I recently discovered after paying exorbitant prices to convert to PAL unnecessary on other vids.
This is a top notch video using a variety of 'models' of varying complexion, face and eye type to demonstrate effective stage make-up for Bellydance. Meleah dares to bare her own face and demonstrate how she prepares for performance. This lady is not only gorgeous but a lovely dancer as well, winner of dance awards in the USA. Informative and fun, and great to watch with others so you can all practice stage make-up application.
Comment from Meleah;
"I would be happy to help anyone who has questions. I would love to meet you all. Tell them to send photos so I can see who I am working with." meleahandco@cox.net
Performance
Caravan Trails : Gypsy Caravan (A)
Follow the Gypsy caravan to the street, to the Green room and stage in a 'fly on the wall' reality TV type video, linked with various performance pieces. Paulette Rees began with Fat Chance then struck out on her own. There are many similarities in costume and movement, however the moves appear softer, much less attitude and freer in movement. I just loved the Guerda trance blessing dance. A long video but plenty of variety to keep the interest.
FatChanceBellyDance Live! (B)
Fat Chance live - at shows, renaissance faires, restaurants and anywhere else a tribal dancer can dance. Some good ideas for putting various moves together and a few moves not shown on instructional tapes. This one is purely for the absolute Fat Chance fans. Fat Chance, Fat Chance and more Fat Chance and nothing but Fat Chance - for ages.
Fifi Abdo & Nani (B)
Fifi and Nani both perform in front of a live audience (34 min & 44 min). Each does both an oriental number and a beledi. Fifi's beledi has her wandering around the audience for the first 6 minutes smoking a water pipe and blowing smoke out each nostril before displaying some very beledi dance. Nani wears melaya luff & bur'a The last half hour of the tape is a mix. Some ball room. Some very short dances and two gems: a short performance of tanoura (the Egyptian version of Sufi whirling) and some tahtib (men's stick dance)
Folklorics of Egypt (B)
This is Reda style. If you want folkloric watch the Aisha Ali video. The first 28 minutes consists of troupe dances in (some times) folk like costumes with an occasional folk move buried in it. However, the use of space is interesting. But after that are three solo performances worth watching. Seven minutes of a young Souhair Zaki (the video looks 1970s) in a simple beledi dress, small base, and wonderful isolations, pulls you into her dance. The next soloist splices a simple shirt dress and a dancer's dress in blue screen graphics. Ignore the background (dancing in mid-air can be unnerving) and watch the dance. It's worth it. (7 min) The final soloist performs big stage Oriental - right down to servants scattering rose petals beneath her feet. A must see. (7 min)
Shareen el Safy Oriental Drum Solo (A)
Review by Moonjelly
More for the intermediate + dancer than the beginner.
This is a video that deserves attention so try and stay awake when watching it. Despite Shareen's wooden personality in front of the video, and amateurish filming there are many gems buried within it.
Each movement is linked to the dancer held responsible for its development and within this rich context, movements are broken down into clear steps. Further, the energetic motion of each movement is also described and demonstrated very well. The instructions are based around a very traditional Egyptian style Raks Sharki choreography to the ever popular 'Chik Chak Chok'.
Oriental Dance Festival Cairo 2000 (B)
This video is in several parts. The first has the guests arriving to spirited dancing and live music. You can play spot the well known dancer here (and throughout the video). After a welcome there is some get up and boogie as only dancers can do it. (22 min) The next is a documentary looking at some of Egypt's best known dancers with film clips from the 1940s onward. Trends and dancers are identified with an English voice over. (38 min) The next two hours is a live show. A singer, then a group of soloists who improvise within the group. Each one is a good dancer but the format does not work for 50 minutes - no matter how often they change costumes or music styles. A well known dancer in the audience eventually is carried away and stands up and dance with passion and an internal intensity which is lacking on stage. They are followed by Lucy. Lucy is exquisite; lovely hands, controlled hip work, and a tasteful under-stated costume. (15 min) Then there is Dina. Marvel how she can stay in that bra & dance (Brigid and I decided she must be glued in). But once you get over the costume, second or third viewing, you can see why she is one of the most popular dancers in Egypt today. As well as her Oriental, Dina performs several beledi numbers. (37 min) The final part sees the guests departing. (12 min)
Stars of Egypt Vol. 4 The Great Unknown (A)
This is one of a series of Hossam Ramzy & Aischia's clips from black and white Egyptian movies (1940-1960ish). Volume four includes clips from movies of many of the more unknown dancers of Egypt who made it onto the 'Big Screen.' Egypt had a flourishing film industry which, made thousands of movies - many with dance segments. Sometimes dancers were worked in as folks at home dancing to the music, sometimes they are big time stage productions, some are scenes in a wedding, or a bar, or the street and some are fantasies (bored office worker transforms into glamorous dancer, a picture comes to life. As Hossam Ramzy suggested - these dancers were your grandmother's, they are your whakapapa of the dance.
Tamra Henna - Egyptian 'Bollywood' with Naima Akif (B)
A classic film from the era of the 'Egyptian Bollywood.' There are no subtitles and you can only guess what is being said. However this is made very easy by the zealous over acting. There is always the scenes of the beautiful dancer, admirer, leery men, shy women and of course everyone suffering - happily. We had a great time making up the words for the actors, something akin to a game in the show 'Whose line is it." Joking aside Naima Akif is absolutely gorgeous and her subtlety and musical interpretation to what has become a popular bellydance 'anthem' is highly inspiring and well worth a watch.
Turkish Delights (B)
Review by Moonjelly
A tape of a show directed by Liz Irvine, storyline by Debbie Hand. Rhiannon is distraught that she has to marry a man thrice her age -what about love, what about romance, what about adventure and fun. When Rhiannon is stolen from the wedding by a band of barbarian marauders the adventures begin. A good ol' fairytale full of bellydancers with slick choreography and personalities shining strongly. I like the way the story holds the dance segments together and remains fluid. The high points are spirit dancers, interesting cane, Saiidi verses Ghawazee dancers and the Snake song from Jungle Book (no dance just love the song). For those of you who have attended the veil workshop held by Liz, the veil choreography to the enchanting and popular tune 'Marco Polo' by Loreena McKennitt is included in the show. Very enjoyable.
Turkish Mix Vol. 7 (B)
This video has performances by six dancers. In contrast to the Egyptian and Lebanese performance videos I am used to, these are staged performances without audiences. This means the video quality is very good.
The contrast to Egyptian is noticeable. No, it's not really the music - about half of the performances are to Turkish music, the rest to Arabic. The first thing that hits you is the costumes - much more skin. This means the dancers tend to be younger and leaner, but also there is more emphasis on the legs than torso. Hip work is looser and more upward emphasis. The dancers tend to be less inward focused than Egyptian with some displaying sexual confidence and ease. The last dancer was my favourite. Her performance was both beautiful and innovative with a mix of oriental and contemporary - even a few Turkish folk moves and Spanish influences thrown in.
The Silk Road to Afghanistan (C)
Review by Moonjelly
"The culture, the jewels, the heart and the soul of bellydance and Gypsy dance in Victoria." By the Seventh Veil. This one is a must for drummers, ignore the dancing and watch and listen to Anne Harkin and Anita Harkin as they perform together, drums, Riq duo, Riq and Djembe, and general Tabla work. Awesome. As for the dancers there is one great lesson to be learnt from this video. A great example of how costume, music and dance must all be congruent. I am afraid African dance (to excellent Riq and Djembe by Ann Harkin) with all its wide legged stance, pelvic and torso big thrusts simply should not be done in wearing Bedlah. Shiny tassles on bra and belt and chiffon skirt are just wrong, wrong , wrong and hugely distracted from some excellent dancing. However the dancer immediately following used a Latin inspired music, wore red, hair pulled back in re d band and as the music grew in intensity as did the passion and hair was released to swirl in time with great skirt work. This was congruent. The afternoon was held in a small space yet a large group decided to perform. You do not see much as the video is blocked out for much of this one. Large groups in small spaces...hmmm another performance lesson. A short video, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, I am sure you will enjoy it as well - or at least learn at least one valuable lesson about performance. Oh and by the way, if a video is on and it is looking out form the back of the 'stage to the audience', consider it a part of the audience and occasionally face it or at the very least dance in its direction if able.
Shamira; Traditional bellydancer: Performance video (A)
Shamira has divides her video into three sections, performance, light-hearted and weddings, thus is highly digestible to watch. I once heard a restaurant owner say about a dancer 'she dances like a butterfly'. My interpretation of this comment and knowing the dancer it was in reference to suggested she was beautiful, graceful, light on her feet and a joy to watch. Shamira is all of that.The performance section covers mostly stage work, both indoor and outdoor, from theatrical lighting to sun and wind.
She is a delight to watch with a flirtatious humour that bubbles to the surface in the light-hearted section. This section also serves to remind us how life as a bellydancer certainly encourages many fun yet bizarre experiences. The wedding section provides a lovely example tradition. If a bride and groom are brought into the reception led by music and dance they are assured to dance through life together full of music, joy and lets not forget fertility. The dancing in this section is pure class. Shamira's video is a good example of how to alter the personality of your dance dependant on circumstance.
Rihehileh Raqs Journey into Kuwait(C)
Review by Moonjelly
From the opening of this video I was amused and bemused and I am still having trouble figuring out whether this is a documentary or performance video, regardless it is one of the most amusing videos I have seen for a long time. Nuria takes her hand held home video around Kuwait - interspersed with performance pieces, mostly shot in the lounge, and at a party in the lounge (I can tell as the TV and the couch are still in the view of the camera). Nuria takes effort to describe building - often looking at the building rather than the camera, so I cannot even read her lips! The home performances are hilarious - she is actually quite good with some very interesting flourishes that can only come about when you understand both the culture and language well from living in the area. Her comedy routine was slightly lost on me as I could not understand why she was in an army jacket, hat and moustached while wearing her bellydance costume underneath, maybe if I understood the words...this is possibly (in reverse) what it is like for an audience when a dancer is trying to interpret words that she does not understand yet the audience does. Nuria does need to relax her hands and develop grace, but a great example of how it is better just to keep going when you stand on your outfit when standing or trip over cords... Great Fun.
The MEDANZ Videos
Review by Moonjelly
This series of videos are a great example of the evolution of MEDANZ . In 1994 MEDANZ was based in Auckland, a reflection of the membership. The shows were held in a small space, as that was all we needed. Now the show is on stage in front of up to 300 people with dancers from the length of New Zealand attending. I thoroughly enjoy watching the local talent. We have a very creative and dynamic country and have some exquisite dancers. Most of the shows have a guest dancer - usually from Australia. Well worth a look - try and watch 1994 back to back with 2003 for a real contrast.
- MEDANZ end of year show 1994 (C)
- MEDANZ end of year show 1995 (C)
- MEDANZ end of year show 1996 (C)
- Bellydance Downunder, 1998 (C) Guest dancer: Shamira
- RAQS! MEDANZ end of year show 2001 (B)
- ShimmyShake MEDANZ 2002 (B) Guest dancer: Azziza
- Gypsies, Tribes & Troupes: MEDANZ end of year show 2003 (B)
Shaken Not Stirred (A)
A tape of the show presented by the Art of Movement, Director Tanya Bamford-King. The show is well put together with dance sequences linked by the thoughts and fantasies of people at a restaurant. If you ever thought dancing in a restaurant was glamorous then the opening scene of the show will explode that myth -ouch so close to reality, and so funny. A Turkish trio had excellent stage dynamic, sword dance led to sword fights, Tahtib dance led to fight - see what happens when a bunch of men that looked suspiciously like Orlando Bloom join a show. Despite great dance sequences I have to admit the dancing Camel stole the show...until the Mummy came along with choreography pulled straight off an Egyptian tomb frieze. Bit sad as the video did not copy well at this point, I was on tenterhooks about what was happening with the Mummy when it cut out and jumped to another dance sequence. Must ask Tanya for another donation. Full of good ideas, great stage work, tight choreography and humour. Very entertaining.
Documentary
Dance, Cairo, Dance - Suraya Hilal speaks with Soheir and Nagwa Faoud (C)
Suraya heads off to Egypt to take Raks Sharki out off the Cabaret floor and into the Cultural theatre stage - where she thinks it should belong to protect it as an Art form. Interesting debate amongst the officials about Suraya's desire to put the dance on stage which prevents the audience participation that is commonly associated. Almost seems evolutionary. Badia took it out of the street and onto the Cabaret floor and film, Suraya is taking it out of cabaret and onto the stage. Further away from people- hence the debate. Her interviews with Soheir and Nagwa Faoud are relaxed, and fun - I note they seem very happy to call Raks Sharki 'bellydance.' A good insight into the life and times of the professional Egyptian dancer, yet it remained so different to Suraya's intent and philosophy. I was very disappointed when the documentary finished abruptly about half way through. I believe this may be a problem with video taping or damage ie. someone has stopped taping, or played over the tape that was there. We never see the end of this saga or experience the outcome of what would be a fabulous performance by Suraya. Considering the debate prior, I would have loved to have known what the body of thought was post performance. Interesting video with a disappointing end - still worth a look though. Wait for a while after the end and just like real movies the video cuts to another scene - some of NZ well known dancers performing on a very windy day in the Auckland Domain.
Return of the Desert Dancers (C)
Review by Moonjelly
This is a documentary was filmed in the early 1990's. Suraya Hilal is followed by camera's as she and her troupe teach and perform around the UK. The documentary centers on the rising interest of Raks Sharki in England, Suraya's personal dance philosophy and opinion on dance trends both in the Western world and Egypt. Suraya is strong in her opinion, and its substance was not challenged. I would have liked to see more exploration of current state of dance to test her opinion. However there are snippets of Suraya dancing and she is a lovely dancer.
Dances of Egypt. Aisha Ali (A)
by Kashmir
This is a wonderful collection of clips of real (folk) dancers and entertainers in Egypt from 1971 to 1988. Not big name cabaret performers but traditional awalim, fellahin, saiidi (including some great tahtib and a dancing horse), and several clips of the Banat Maazin (ghawazee of Luxor). There is also zar, tanoura (whirling), tray dance, and two performances by Aisha Ali herself. The quality is excellent!
Dances of North Africa. Aisha Ali (A)
Review by Moonjelly
A fellow student watched this tape with me and I asked her to sum it up in a short sentence. The response was 'How can I there is so much!' this is another quality production released by Aisha Ali. Some of the footage is very old but Aisha warns the viewer of this at the beginning. Much of what is seen was not originally intended for public viewing but part of Aisha's research projects that she has now chosen to share.
National Geographic "Cairo Unveiled": Lucy (C)
Review by Moonjelly
This is an old TV documentary and the quality is not too great - however it is just lovely. Lucy lives for the music and is a source of inspiration for many young girls wanting to be dancers. Women love her, men adore her, young girls want to be her, yet she always remembers where she came from. A good documentary.