Bellydance Basics and Beyond: Technique for a Solid Foundation [Import]

How do you argue with almost two and a half hours of content on one little disk--at hardly any cost? In my collection, I have DVDs that offer one tenth the amount of content at an average of $40. This video has an incredible amount of instruction. More than I've seen on any other single video, in fact. It's an entire belly dance syllabus. The teaching is authoritative--as it should be, coming from someone who really knows. It's detailed and thorough. Despite being such a long DVD, the pace is perfect and consistent throughout. There isn't any section where get disoriented with a sudden variation in style or pace. The relaxed and flowing feel of the whole DVD actually adds to the learning experience.

There are now dozens and dozens of beginner bellydance instruction videos. I've always wondered just how the market supports quite that many. Among them, this one now ranks among the top few because you find everyone in on e place, explained and demonstrated well. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to the next person who asks what they should have in their starter kit.

Unlike many of the other dvds, you'll find a section on traveling steps and layering. So it really does live up to its promise of basics and beyond. It has a sizeable practice section which is quite useful.

The only thing that could have added to it, in my opinion, is the choreography notes (perhaps even on screen) for the performance to Layla.

What can beginners get out of this? Everything in one easy solid package.

What can intermediate dancers get out of it? A good reference, and a workout plus drill.

It's unbelievable value for money.

If you are unable to go for a "live" class, this DVD helps you get the basics down and introduces you to bellydance with beautiful step-by-step tutorials. A major plus point of the DVD is that it contains a full 2.5 hours of material. Yes, two and a half HOURS.

It is set in a studio - with a wall-to-wall mirrors on the front, at an angle .. so essentially you the viewer can see the moves from the front and the back. You will miss nothing of the footwork or body and arm movements, and this is very important especially with bellydancing.

This setting is a major plus as it does make it feel like you are "in" the studio. The instructor, Jenna, also helps contribute to this, with her nice pleasing speech and manner .. so that it feels like a 1-on-1 class (but in your living room!). She is also not very intimidating - unlike most fitness videos or even bellydancing videos.

It starts off with the absolute basics - with each body part done individually - the shoulders, the legs, the hips etc. All the movements are done or should I say, introduced separately before combining them together as you move further along with the DVD.

I highly recommend this, especially since it seems like such a steal for the amount of content you get in the DVD.

I love this dvd! Jenna is so clear and concise in her instruction. She stands in front of a huge mirror so you can see her at all times, including her feet. I have been taking lessons for 5 months but this is a must own dvd. As the title says she starts with the basics, such as posture and arm and hand positions. She takes it all the way through to hip drops,foot patterns and everything in between. She then has practice combinations with or without voice instructions. There are also sub catergories to choose from for even more practice and instructions. Jenna is pretty, very likable and has a pleasant voice and teaches real dance moves, NOT counting 1,2,3--1,2,3--which I dislike in other dvds. I have a couple other good beginner dvds, but this is the one I reach for everyday! If you want a REAL beginner teaching dvd that breaks down every move from A-Z then Jenna is the one!