Sha'vei
Sha'vei
Helpful Tutorials
There are so many bellydance DVDs out there -- but which one should you get? There are so many to choose from! Here is a short list of ones that I have personally used in the past which I found inspirational, entertaining and easy to follow in achieving personal dance goals. Whether it's to companion a class, for general fitness, or to perk your curiosity, I hope you find these recommendations beneficial. Success to you!
Beginner-Intermediate
Every Shimmy In The Book With Bozenka
This fun instructional focuses on posture and initiation of moves. Bozenka illustrates several basic shimmies every budding bellydancer or advanced dancer should know. (51mins)
Introduction to Middle Eastern Rhythms for Percussionists and Bellydancers with Issam Houshan
This DVD takes out the mystery of arabic music. Designed for both dancers and drummers, basic technique and common rhythms are explored. Guest dancer is former Bellydance Superstar Sonia. (86 mins) There is also a brief documentary Houshan shows you where he learned the art of drumming.
The Art Of Playing Finger Cymbals with Momo Kadous
This Egyptian Master breaks down meter, major rhythms, proper posture/striking technique, and arm path. (105mins)
Bellydance for Beginners with Suhaila
This DVD is both for fitness and for dance. It combines both pilates and dance technique beautifully for a more confident dancer. (40mins)
Yoga For Inflexible People
Led by Judi Rice, this clever DVD gives you several options to customize your workout and flexibilty goals. 6 different workouts and easy to use. (Time varies from 20-60 mins)
Shimmy - The Television Series
This television series comes from Canada and is a wonderful drill and choregraphy lesson. Designed by Kim Pechet, it's just fun to watch AND learn from! (30mins an episode)
RaqFit
Designed by Samira Shuruk, this is a workout series using bellydance & bollywood. Great fun and easy to follow.
Core Training for Bellydancers
Every dancer needs to know how to work those tummies -- this is a great video by Gersun Kuhr, The Fitness Pharaoh, a local fitness trainer in the DC area. It has both beginner and advanced levels.
Sisterhood Of Steel with Wendy Broadway
Perfect for the beginner sword dancer! Experience sword dancing without having to compromise the magic of the improvisational format as created by Carolena Nericcio and FCBD (r). This Level I instructional DVD includes the fundamentals of balancing, Wendy's Sword Meditation exercise, increasse confidence, and sword dancing movements that compliment the exisiting ATS format as well as bonus movements!
Intermediate-Advanced
Nourhan Sharif presents, Rakset Assaya
This is an introduction to Saidi technique using a cane/dance stick. from awaed winning and former Bellydance Superstar, Nourhan Sharif. Learn this wonderful traditional & earthy folk dance -- you'll become addicted! (55 mins)
Bellydance Egyptian Style: The Baladi with Rayna Renee
This double DVD really explains the social dance Baladi for both men and women. This talented dancer from NYC takes you through structure, key authentic movements, and improvisional skills. (Disc 1 - 135 mins. Disc 2 - 170mins)
Serpentine Bellydance with Rachel Brice
This double DVD set is both yoga and dance technique. There are several drills -- isolations, strengthening, shimmy and 2 choreographies you can learn and make your own. (240mins)
Captivating Bellydance Choreography with Amar Gamal
Double crown winner of Ms. America and Ms. World of Bellydance, learn from one of the original Bellydance Superstars as she illustrates over 10 combinations that build into a complete choreography. (75mins)
Belly Dance By Michelle: Drills! Drills! Drills!
Project Bellydance Michelle Joyce takes you through some fundamentals, including zills.
Killer Drillz with Zoe Jakes
This is a great practice partner when there isn't time for a proper class. No need to rewind -- it repeats and the explanation sections are great review.
Kller Ziller
This examines 16 different rhythms in drills, dance combinations. To many times dancers fall into a comfort zone with zills. This DVD shows you how to keep from becoming trapped in the same cymbals pattern. (85mins)
A to Zoe - 4 disc set
Zoe Jakes in this series demonstrates travelling movements, punctuations, creative weight changes, and layering. All the discs have a bonus 'something' such as behind the scenes, bonus lessons, and performance.
Fantastic Fan Veils
This is one of my favorite props -- and it's not just about fluttering about. Creative and informative, this DVD shows you technique to care.
Totally Turkish with Ruby
Turkish bellydance is very outward and full of sass! The rhythm is 9/8 or sometimes called Karsilama, and truly energetic! Romani (or gypsy) tutorial is a bonus section with examples of posturing, steps, and gestures. The choreography is taught to a traditional Turkish piece of music, Benefese.
Nourhan Sharif presents Yousry Sharif's Choreography Vol 1 & 2
These are must have for your collection and viewing pleasure -- international stars Nourhan Sharif and Yousry Sharif display optimum brilliance in both of these choreographies.
Volume One: Hazar Fazar -- one of the best choreographies of all time, and broken down into easy to follow sections. (60mins)
Volume Two: Layali Yasmina -- this is a very dynamic piece and an example of perfect Raks Sharqi technique. (55mins)
Note: They are not sold usually in a set.
Sword Stylization with Belladonna
A belly dancer’s guide to powerful and purposeful sword technique: This DVD includes sword technique for both held and balanced moves, and is a complete primer for adding sword work to your dance repertoire. Additional topics include sword selection and care, sword choreography, and warm up and cool down exercises. Soundtrack features music by Collide and American Sinner.
Documentaries
Sahra Saeeda Cairo Performance
This classic dancer not only shares her stunning performances in Cairo but also gives a glimpse of Cairo, The Citadel and shows how the Tarbush is made. (105mins)
The Legends Of Bellydance (1947-1976)
No collection of bellydance is complete without this one! Sixteen of the most famous bellydancers -- Nagwa Fouad, Fifi Abdou, Tahia and other classic bellydancers are included. (65mins)
American Bellydance Legends --A Journey into Bellydance in America
Did you ever wonder where it all started here? Did you know that Washington, DC has been a hotbed for bellydance? Did you know that American Tribal Style started in California? Find out the who's-who and the genesis of this artful dance and it's heroes here in the United States. (appx. 80mins)
Other
There are a million websites with information -- Please make sure you courtesy and/or hyperlink as many of them are copyrighted.
http://zaghareet.freeservers.com/magazine.html
www.arabic-tvonline.com (this is not always translated)
www.glarab.com (this is not translated)