Learning to Belly Dance from Videos: Learning from videos

» Hurley - Learning from videos

Heya! I just wanted to throw in a quick opinion on some beginner videos. I would only recommend the Neena and Veena basic moves video to someone who is a fairly raw beginner. I know that Shira's article is based on finding videos for beginners, but sometimes more advanced dancers might think of looking for technique videos (just for practice). I've watched this video and it gets kind of boring. Since it's supposed to be a fitness video using belly dance moves, I was expecting there to be repeated sequences. However, all they had was: 'do this move a bunch of times, now do this one.' I feel torn about even calling it a fitness video.

That Janine Rabbit (sp?) video is horrible. I wouldn't recommend it either. It's been a few years since I've seen it, but most of the intermediate dancers I know have better posture and style than that demonstrated in the video.

One of my favourite videos for beginners is one by Kathryn Ferguson. The technique is very clear and she separates learning sections with clips of her dancing. It's very nice. The only problem I can recall is that if you don't have a nice long body with long arms (like she does), you may feel like you look awkward. Gee, how can you tell I'm 5'2"!! It's also a nice long video, so it gives you a lot to learn.

The video by Atea that Shira reviewed is one that I haven't seen. I did borrow her 'Fast Moves' video. I was a little disappointed. I think it would have been better called 'Medium Tempo Moves.' I guess the moves were fast in relation to her 'Slow Moves' video!! (... which I also have not seen.)

Well, this didn't end up being a very quick message now, did it!

Hope this is helpful.

-- posted by Hurley