Bellydance Instructional DVDs - Worth the Money?
While a bellydance instructional DVD will never replace a real, live teacher in front of you in a class or private lesson, these DVDs do have their place. Your teacher may not specialize in certain props and/or techniques or you may want something to supplement and complement what you are already learning. But where do you start? If you search for "bellydance" in the DVD section on Amazon.com, you get hundreds of results. Here are a few tips and suggestions to help you sort through the myriad of options out there.
1. Read the reviews. Of course Amazon itself has lots of reviews, but be aware that the glowing reviews may very well be from the author(s) of the DVD and the negative reviews may come from individuals who have NO idea what they're talking about (!) Search on Bhuz.com in the forum for the DVD title and you will often get a more dancer-focused perspective on the DVD.
2. Do some research. Check out the dance instructor's website. Does s/he teach regularly? Is s/he recognized for that particular style? (If so, s/he probably regularly teaches workshops around the country or even the globe. You should be able to easily find information on the internet other than her/his own site about a reputable instructor.)
3. Be honest about your current skill level. If you are a beginner, stick to those DVDs that are geared towards beginners and intermediates. If you attempt something more advanced, you will likely be overwhelmed, disappointed, and may even injure yourself. Likewise, if you are already at an intermediate or advanced level, don't pick out a beginner DVD and then give it a negative review!
My recommendations for bellydance fitness instructionals:
SharQui - The bellydance workout Level 1
SharQui - The bellydance workout Level 2
Bellydance With... Jillina: Shape Up n' Hip Out!
Aziza's Ultimate Bellydance Practice Companion
My recommendations for bellydance choreography instructionals:
Belly Dance Basics: A Complete Lesson with Choreography for Beginners
1-2-3 Drum Solo with Bahaia (belly dance)
Bellydance with Jillina Choreography, Vol. 1-3
Bellydance - The Art of the Drum Solo
My recommendations for bellydance movement and combinations instructionals:
Combination Nation Vol 2: Belly Dance Instruction with America's Hottest Performers
Combin-ography - Bridging the gap between choreography and improvisation - belly dance
Veil with Aziza Belly Dance Instruction DVD
Learn 21 Shimmies and 1001 Variations Belly Dance Instruction
Discover Bellydance
Learn Hot Combinations with Ansuya - Belly Dance Lesson DVD
And there are many more! Those I have listed can be found through Amazon.com. As you become more interested in and experienced with bellydance, ask for recommendations from your teacher and friends. There are many DVDs that are more difficult to track down, but are certainly worth the money! (Hadia's DVDs come to mind.) For DVDs made from workshops taught by the bellydance stars from the Middle East, check specialty sites such as Scheherezade Imports, Dahlal, Maqam, and Bellydance.com.
