The Golden Apple: Bellydance Stars of New York (belly dance performances) [Import]

Last year, unable to come up with a good gift, I gave a belly dance DVD. The response I got was so positive that I gave another one - and now they're about all I give to anyone. I'm giving instruction or exercise DVDs to dancers, and performance videos for my non-dancer family and friends my way to promote belly dance, heh-heh! "The Golden Apple" is a performance DVD that is my top choice, and here is why. It blends modern and traditional belly dance and music. The dancing is stunning and the design even the box is beautiful to hold. The Golden Apple flows like a movie. There's tons of eye candy for people who don't care about choreography and transitions. And the song lyrics are in English...with subtitles just in case you can't hear the words! (There is only one song in Arabic). I love Egyptian pop but my family can't relate to that, so this really works for them. The production is top notch and real art, and that's how I want my circle to see my beloved belly dance world, as a respected sophisticated artform. Jenna, Neon and Blanca are amazing, I love all performances on thie DVD! The whole experience is very glamourous and unlike so many belly dance shows the dance numbers on this DVD have the sophistication of real theater. Neon and Blanca are 'modern' while Jenna is more 'classical' and Middle Eastern in her dance. Strongly recommended.

The dancers on this DVD are top notch examples of the many styles within the art of belly dancing, from the more traditional, graceful performances of Jenna, to the modern sophistication of the dazzling Neon, this is a collection that will delight all fans of this genre.

It's a DVD that I appreciate more with each viewing, and it is also wonderful to listen to. The songs are an exotic mix by Jehan, who writes a world music fusion with lyrics that are full of erotic mysticism, and celebrate the goddess in every woman, and by the Taksim Trio (Souren Baronian, Haig Manpukian, Mal Stein), a group that does marvelous interpretations of near-eastern melodies.

The costumes sparkle with color and are beautifully designed, and they flatter and flow with the dancer's movements, and though the performances are not brightly lit, the details of the garments are lovely.

Jenna, whose choice of music tends to be more traditional, does three numbers, one of them a drum solo that is very effective, and it is followed by sword dance duet with Blanca that is incredible. I cannot imagine how such a feat is done, but it is a marvel to watch. Jenna has consummate grace, with arms that move with such a natural flow they are like a flower unfolding.

Blanca is exquisite. There is a youthful charm about her personality, and a nubile sensuality that is seductive with a touch of innocence. Her two solo numbers are passionate and expressive, and she is part of the sword dance duo mentioned above.

Neon is superb. Her sculpted figure is astonishing, and her electric movements are so expertly done that she makes it all look easy. Neon does 3 numbers, and the final one, in a fantastic red costume, is riveting, and brings the art of belly dancing to a new high.

Jehan gives one performance, and it's a gem. Full figured and gorgeous, she is a 21st century goddess, with charisma and total assurance of her womanly charms. Jehan is of course, the composer of many of the songs on this DVD, making her a multi talented artist.

The final performance is by the Taksim Trio, playing their terrific "Jammed Tight".

Total running time for this fabulous DVD, enjoyable on many levels, is 55 minutes.

As a former dancer, I'm enthralled by the technique, the excellence, and the sheer beauty of these performers, and it's a DVD that will entertain and fascinate for years to come.

In the "About This DVD" section, Neon explains that her goal was to create a performance DVD that expresses what we feel everyday in our lives while leaving behind the parameters of bellydance origin, technique and history. She accomplishes just that and does a superb job. It may be a good idea to include this statement on the cover if it's ever re-designed.

The performances are mostly done to non-traditional music by Jehan. The music is mystical and sensuous and really hooked me. I was disappointed to find that all of Jehan's CD's are completely sold out when I visited her site. Neon, Blanca and Jenna express the messages of the songs, truly interpreting them through their dance. These dancers also demonstrate the sense of empowerment that the dance has given to so many of us. My instructor would describe them as "real" as they are not "performing." They dance with a clear sense of freedom, emotion and joy rather than stiff, rehearsed routines. Each dancer is obviously enjoying herself and this is so important in this dance - they're definitely letting their inner goddess out to play, and She's having a blast. The performances are very sensuous without being overtly sexual or inappropriate and the sets and costumes are absolutely magical. There are candles, veils and an amazing sword duet.

The most outstanding part of this DVD, I think, is Jehan's performance. This is the first and only performance DVD that I've seen that features a goddess-sized dancer in all her beauty and magnificence. They deserve kudos for that.

If you're not stuck in the mindset that traditional middle eastern dance should not be deviated from, have a true appreciation of art and recognize bellydance as an art form, you'll appreciate this DVD. The dancers truly demonstrate the creative and expressive spirit of the dance and are true artists. If you practice this style of dance as we do in our troupe, you'll be inspired by these excellent performances. Whether you are a dancer or just a fan of the dance, opening your mind and heart to this break from tradition will show you the incredible art that is possible in bellydance.