Reviews

If you start the dvd from the beginning, it starts with circles, and can be too fast paced. I tried it once and put it away for nearly a year. Then I took it out again, and realized you have to deliberately start with the tutorial, and I highly recommend it. It takes you step by step through the movements, and the video can be too hard to follow without it.

I have just started learning how to belly dance but have been looking and watching numerous videos for years before I got up the nerve to now try to do it(a 100 lbs lighter!). I have seen lots and I have to say, I just absolutely LOVE this video!! I was at first kinda turned off by the title of the video but I decided, what the heck? Give it a chance. From the first move, I was hooked! I love how Neon would do the move and then all three ladies would do the moves together to music; they danced together so effortlessly, it was beautiful to watch. The other thing was, I loved how she patiently and thoroughly explained how to do the move precisely and how not to do it so you hurt yourself. Neon really makes a struggling beginner, like me, feel like you really could do it with her kind instruction and gentle accented voice. The music, the costumes, the backdrop of the video, was exquisite and sensual! It is also great that its not one of those so-called 30 minute teaching videos that you pay an arm and a leg for and you wonder what for? and be disappointed at the amount of time they spend on technique and how they gloss over a lot to fit it into 30 minutes. If you buy this DVD, you will NOT be disappointed! The moves are authentic, the music is good and you will be learning while having a great time and getting in shape! I will definitely be buying the rest of their series!

i love how in one menue option they break down the moves then you play the "workout" and you just dance! it is so much fun! its not drilling like the other dvds its just dancing! and it is so much fun!

I'm a beginner/intermediate student. I loved this video. It's as stated 100% belly dance moves. I liked the structure of the video and the combinations within each section. All instructors are great. It's a great companion for any serious bellydancer. It's a solid practice video.

I had been looking for a real Belly Dance workout, that was both good practice, AND a real workout. So many DVDs are called Belly Dance workouts, and I have found them disappointing. Usually they are not a very good workout, and aren't really belly dance oriented. There ARE a lot of good instructional Belly Dance DVDs out there. But I was really looking for something that would be about a 40+ minute workout, covering most of the techniques a beginner/intermediate needs to work on. A DVD that would not require that I have the remote in hand, hunting and pecking for this or that move in some ginormous table of contents, or fast forwarding past the repeated 20 minute discussion of "tuck your hips, chest out, shoulders back". Finding this DVD was like finding a jewel. This DVD is called a belly dance work out for beginners, but I will agree with another reviewer who said that it was not for rank beginners. I would say it's more for "advanced beginners". That said, most beginners will be able to follow most of the moves, even the first time they see it. There is a tutorial section that is broken down pretty well, and should help those who may find themselves overwhelmed, or unfamiliar with the name of a specific move (for instance, what Neon calls "infinity loops", my teacher calls "figure eights".) If you have been taking lessons, even if it's just a couple of months, you won't have too many surprises in terms of the basic techniques. However, you MAY find some familiar techniques put together in suprisingly different, but still lovely combinations. While I am not winded nor sweating by the end of this workout, I do feel like I am working all the joints and muscles commonly used in belly dance (class.)

Reviews

I was so happy to recieve my belly dancing DVD, couldn't wait to pop it in the DVD Player, Boy was I disappointed.. Before I buy anything I look at reviews of others.. Their review talked about this DVD like it had no flaws.. When it arrived usualy u have to sign for items that are shipped to u, not this time, I so just happened to look down and I saw an envelope..I opened the package and saw the DVD.. I was so exicted to recieve the package.. popped it in to the DVD player.. It started off wit a nice introduction to the culture, cool. Then they started showing u how to do the moves, waiting when they will give a good workout, get some cardio up in there, do a dance, something, I wiated went to different chapters, DISAPPOINTED.. I'm looking for a dvd that gives me a good workout.. Trying to lose some weight and tone up my body.. I thought belly dancing will be the best since it has the major areas where I want to lose weight, hips thighs, stomach... this dvd is good when u want to learn the moves.. not for a workout.. I beleive this is the truest review u will ever recieve on this DVD!!!

An excellent beginner's video, Bellydance 101 goes through drills for all the important body areas: shoulders, neck, hips, chest, head, arms. Each section drills an area and Amira spends ample time drilling the basics, but also gives a taste of the more intermediate variations to be formed from each move. She is charming, with the continual reminders for good form that are to be expected from any good teacher. I like the fact that she changes outfits for every section so you don't get bored with the visuals. There is no troupe of people behind her, which helps the lesson seem intimate and focused. Right now I am not very fit or coordinated, but even after six times practicing this video I can feel my form and my fitness improving. For the uninitiated, bellydancing is very focused and difficult. The isolation of certain muscles, while others are to remain still, is tough but rewarding. I'm glad to have Amira as a first teacher.

Very well done instructional DVD; easy to follow with each step broken down into its parts. Fun and you feel like you're getting a good workout. The warm up and cool down are very relaxing and de-stressing. I can't wait to feel like I have earned a hip scarf!!!

This belly dancing instruction is easy to follow. It is, however, an introduction (which is what I needed). When I get better at the moves, I'll be looking for one that has more music and choreography in it.

I really love this DVD. I have tried other beginning videos and they didnt really explain the basics. Amira goes through each concept and points out the minor details that make a huge difference. Definitely a good buy for someone just trying to learn.

Reviews

Blanca does it again in another video from World Dance New York with her instructional DVD Sensual Bellydance. This is ideal for those who want to enjoy their body in a whole new way while getting in shape and learning both new and old belly dancing moves. Unlike some intermediate level belly dance videos, Sensual Bellydance is accessible for beginners with absolutely no experience in the art. Blanca is definitely a likable instructor, and has a sincere warmth about her. She opens the beginning of the video reminding people that sensuality comes from within, and to enjoy the basics of life such as nature. Her instructional style is easy to follow, and though she has a soft Spanish accent it does not interfere with one's ability to clearly understand her directions. Blanca is also encouraging, and moves through the material at a pace good for beginners to belly dancing. [...]

wonderful dvd she is so calming and beautiful i was a little skeptic at first but i totally feel in love with her!! she is a fantastic teacher!

I just have a question. Is there nudity after the seventh veil is dropped, as in the Opera? does anybody know?

Good dvd to practice to. I like the way she keeps it smooth in this video. Isolations have their place, but getting the whole body into the dance is more enjoyable to watch, I believe. Very useful.

Muy bueno el DVD, enseña los pasos hasta lograr una coreografia. El ingles es lento asi que facil de entender para las latinas.

Reviews

I don't know what else I can add. If you haven't figured it out by now, this is probably one of the worst ones out there. However, I wish it were on DVD. We've watched it so many times that we've worn our copy out. It's definately good for a laugh but only buy it if you're looking for a pick me up or it's comedy night at your local studio.

I bought this tape when I first became interested in belly dance. Since then I've watched several other belly dance tapes and I cannot understand the bad reviews this one received. Janine Rabbitt does a really good job introducing viewers to the history of belly dance and the basic moves. I learned to do snake arms quite well from this tape and I also learned how to manipulate a veil. I thought the introduction with her husband, singer Eddie Rabbitt, was sweet. I have not had time to practice with this tape regularly but it will remain in my collection. Janine Rabbitt leads you through the tape in a very pleasant manner. She appears to be middle aged when this tape was made and it's inspiring to see how belly dance, when done well, can make a middle aged woman appear more feminine and alluring than many younger women. At the end of the tape Janine Rabbitt gives a wonderful and elegant performance in a lovely costume. Her instruction in the beginning part of the tape is clear and easy to follow. I definitely recommend this tape for beginners interested in learning the basic moves (including introduction to dancing with a veil and finger cymbals) of belly dance.

Yes, there are better videos out there for learning proper technique, choreography, etc. when it comes to belly dancing. Yes, the quality of the video taping is bad, the beginning is rather sappy and she's not the best dancer out there. That said, this video is the one that started me off in my love of belly dance when I was unable to afford more expensive videos or classes. If I had gotten any of the other videos that were available at the time, with Atea or any other super flexible, aerobically fit pencil-thin belly dancer, I would have never aspired to dance again as I am not (and never will be) the standard American belly dancer shape. I've since rented pretty much all of the other belly dance videos within reach, and none of them, in my opinion, show dancers having more fun that Janine. Most of them have fake smiles or no smiles at all while dancing - even in their 'performances' at the end of the tapes. Janine Rabbitt's love of dancing inspired me to become the amature dancer and belly dance teacher that I am today. I figured if someone of her background (I was an awkward child too) could learn such a lovely dance, then I could also. I would recommend to any and all people who are thinking of belly dancing to rent or buy this video for a beginning (come on - it's not that expensive!). Skip the cheesy beginning speech by her husband and don't expect to learn history or even how to move very well. But catch the enthusiasm and find a teacher in your area!! Jane

I don't claim to be an expert on bellydancing, but even to me this woman looked amateurish and silly. I was cracking up while trying to follow her, because everything seems so haphazard. For example, in the "warm-up" you do about 6 wrist circles, 3 or 4 arm circles, a couple shoulder rolls, 3 "stomach" exercises (lay on your back with your knees bent and arms at your sides, and raise and lower your back), and then some stretches. And while she's stretching, she's bouncing, which everyone says you aren't supposed to do. Then she tries to teach a dance, but I couldn't follow any of it, because she doesn't tell you how to do the moves so much as just saying "have fun with it, it doesn't matter whether it's authentic or not". The video starts with her husband gazing adoringly at a poster-sized framed picture of her, and then he gives a cheesy little talk about how proud he is of his wife for doing belly dance. It's kind of cute, but more than a little creepy, if you ask me. Having said all that, I did have fun with this tape. It might not be as authentic or as professional as Neena and Veena's videos, or some of the other bellydance for fitness videos out there, but it gives you a decent workout if you get into it. Overall, I ended up feeling like a little girl dancing around the living room to her mom's Scheherezade tape, but that's not such a bad feeling, is it?

I'm a second year belly dance student and I rented this video and was amazed that it was ever mass-produced. Ms. Rabbitt seems like a sweet woman, but was not ready to put out an instructional video. Her movements are stiff and lack grace. Please research before you buy-$10 worth of trash is still trash.

Reviews

this was bad. i expected a much more professional product from someone who has a set of 3 videos. for every instructional video i buy, i expect a professional product, precise movement, detailed instruction, and clean performances. i rate this a D. the sound isn't to great,the setting is in a basement, and everyone looks pretty shabby. you can tell her backup dancers are some of her students; thats not a bad thing, but they look like they are wearing whatever they threw on to go to class that day, and Hilary looks grungy the whole time and her hair is a mess. it is also very short for the price- 30 minutes. besides the production values, this is prety bad in terms of instructional help the viewer is given. there is no breakdown of moves, and things are done only once or twice at a slower speed. she gives you help sometimes with weight changes, but thats not much help when you only did that move 3 times with one hip and then moved on. it would take a very determened student to get each move picked out, watch it over and over, and then practice it on their own enough to master it. Her posture is bad- she looks short and squatty the whole time- you can keep your knees soft without looking like a toddler with a full diaper. Also, i think she has a very wide stance that looked a little iffy to me- although that might be part of her style, i don't know. my sister and i finally figured out that she looks weird as she dances because she has flat and weirdly stiff flipper-feet, so maybe her wide stance would be fine on someone else. she also has limp, but stiff, arms. maybe this is another stylistic thing, but they just sort of flopped around. her hands are held in, to me, an unnatural way- they are turned forward in that classic "jazz hands" position. just watch. after you notice them, you won't be able to keep your eyes off of the horror of her little stiff hands permently waving at you. her little hand-flippers swim aroud here and there, but they are pretty frozen. its mesmerizing after a while. anyway... in the begining of each section hilary is by herself in front of a mirror (where you can se a 3/4 shot of her back if you look hard). then we move to a hilary in front of a class doing the moves. there are 5 sections in this video- the first section is labeled "Hits". she does a couple of this, a couple of that, and she just kind of dances along and the voice over talks about it. this lasts for about 5 minutes, then we move to the classroom to do the same set of moves again with her students. (sometimes she actually breaks things down more in this second portion than she did in front of the mirror, so i'm not sure which is supposed to demonstration and which is practice.) it is easy to get distraced in this and all of the class settings because the students behind her are either off time with her, or each other, or both. this classroom portion lasts about 3 minutes. Then its "Hip Drops". the mirror section of demonstration is about 3 min, then class time of about 2 minutes. by this time you notice that no move is done more than a few times, and almost nothing is done on both sides. there are a lot of people out there with tired rewind fingers. The next section is entitled "The Egyptian Walk" and lasts a little over 3 minutes for both sections combined. there is almost no explanation of this set of moves, and the students are just as lost as you are. it's hard to watch. Next is "Adding Steps", with about 4 minutes of mirror time and just under 2 minutes of class time. this is mostly how to turn the moves in a circle or doing step-together-step with a particular move, rather than more moves or layering as you might have thought. Now we get to the last section - "The Stick". there is about 3 minutes of instruction in this section where she covers alot- none if it explained. how to hold the cane, moving the cane around while doing camels, walking camels, shoulder hits and circles, etc. (she is in full costume for this section and there is a nice set. you wonder why the rest of it was filmed in her basement rec room.) then a 3 minute cane dance performance -disguised as a instructional part of this video with a voice over. she likes doing this and does a good job at it- or maybe its just so much better than what you've seen so far that you think it's better than it is. i think this is the only section where she has stage presence and is engaged with her home audience, and this is the only section where she is a dancer. so, reccomendations- if you have been taking dance since you were a small child and can just "watch and learn" you might be fine with this and be able to pick out moves you like, but to anyone else who needs moves explaned to you- pass this one up. this should also be a "Pass" for people who like lots of repetition for learing muscle memory. you will have to do that on your own with this video. this should also be a "pass" for those who like a very flamboyant style of bellydance. i'm not sure what THIS style is, but there are no sweeping arms and swishy skirts and dramatic pauses for you.

This is an excellent instructional video for anyone with at least a basic knowledge of bellydance moves. Hilary Thacker does not spend too much time on teaching the moves, but the time she spends on the moves is sufficient. The video is broken down into teaching percussive hip movements, traveling steps, and cane. I especially enjoyed the cane section, and Hilary made the steps with the cane look simple and easy to do. Whether a dancer is considered "intermediate", "advanced", or whatever, is just subjective perception and opinion. Of course she dances like an intermediate bellydancer -she is teaching only "intermediate" moves. I would not recommend this video to a total novice who must condition herself first to get used to bellydancing, since the video is a somewhat strenuous workout. Overall, this is a great bellydance video to add to a collection.

This video caught my eyes because it was meant for the intermediate dancer and I thought, let's give it a try why not, but I have to say, the dancer has very nice moves, excellent if you love the Egyptian style, but this video is in a twilight zone. I mean, is it intended to teach or to entertain? Is this a preview of what a teaching video should look like? I watched it and I just couldn't believe how fast this lady goes, not that she should go super slow, after all it is for intermediate dancers, but either way you want to know what you are doing and how to do it properly. As she describes the movements it is very hard to concentrate into her narration, it is too low, it just looks like a video you would do at home. It is not wise to expect too much from things because then you will always be disappointed, but I guess I was disappointed somehow. It is a very short video and it leaves you longing for more and certainly expecting a little quality. Things that are not done with love do not come out very well, but my saying is good or bad you could always learn something even from the things you don't like!!!

If I'd reviewed this after one viewing, I'd have rated it lower. But -the proof is in the use.The more I do it, the more I like it. It is a bit overpriced considering its length, but that's just the way things are with bellydance videos now.Hillary has an authentic Egyptian style, and if you like that style(and are truly at least an intermediate dancer- she doesn't slow down to teach moves!) you will like this video. I'd recommend waiting for a used copy at a lower price, and you should be very happy.The cane section is very nice. I just wish the whole video was longer and more detailed.

There isnt any real explanations about the moves but if you are use to just following along it would work out ok. I personally would rate her as an intermediate dancer who has a teaching video out. Her costuming in the cane section is lovely and I did enjoy her use of cane, it is her one strong point. This tape is pricey but it is the only example of this style of Raqs Sharqi teaching in the USA. The style was developed in the UK by a dancer named Suraya Hilal but Hilary is teaching it so poorly I hesitate to mention any connection between the two.

Reviews

After reviewing many of the DVD's available, I find Alexandra King to be the most capable instructor. Although the video is meant for the beginner it contains much of the more advanced technique not covered in a "modern", more conventional instruction. For example - I have found it hard to encounter more comprehensive approach on belly role as well as the camel. Her traveling steps can be rudimentary, but they are easily approachable. The arm movements are challenging and not covered in any other DVD's I own (and I own at least four other). The warm up is far more adequate than most, (although regrettably short) concentrating your musculature on all the necessary and nothing extra. I have own the VHS for more than seven years now, but getting back to this video is exceptionally gratifying. I have heard much criticism on the use of the cymbals and the lack of explanation; I recommend, just listen to the music and the use of cymbals will become inherent to the nature of the rhythm. Most of all please enjoy yourself, approach this with "no judgment" attitude, and the process of your learning, as well as all learning will be greatly enhanced.

This tape is ok I suppose, it does leave a bit to be desired. The instructor only shows you how to do the moves, she doesn't spend any time at all doing them. You have to stop the video if you want to spend any time at all practicing the moves and stretches. But, if you don't mind having to stop the video after each demonstration, it is a good workout. The moves are very easy, basic and good for beginners. I don't think this tape is worth twenty dollars, but then again, the only other options are, in my opinion, outrageously priced.

on the first tape she dose studder a bit but the tape seems to get better as she goes however she dose some stuff in the tape she dose not teach in the first and second tape its unknown if she has a third (would be nice if she did)also i kind of wish she had sujested a typ or artest to get music from however that is not there so your on your own as far as music.lots of fun though and a good workout!

I bought this for my granddaughter. The format of the tape is good. The instructor does a good job of explaining step by step what she is doing. The only complaint I have is that the sound is garbled, like the tape is old. I would like an updated version.

I am new to belly dance and decided to purchase a few videos. I got the sensual art of belly dance with Neena and Veena, and the two Ancient Art of Oriental Belly dancing.I found it difficult to follow along. Being new to belly dance I have a hard enough time learning the moves and what was harder was that she had finger cymbals, so I got thrown off beat and a bit confused. I hurt my muscles in one of the knee bend exercises, and there hadn't been a warning or anything, so be advised the warm ups aren't all easy... let alone safe.I believe it would probably be better had I known some belly dancing before this video. It seemed like something for intermediate, not beginner like me... or perhaps it just wasn't explained properly. Take into account the bellydancing looks great, but it is difficult to folow with the movie, so you may have to rewind several times before you get the moves... at least I did.

Reviews

Buen precio por el producto. Los colores brillantes y preciosos. Muy bueno para las principiantes y las mas pequeñas.

excellent price for a well made dance accessory. Item arrived early and exactly as described.

iordered a pink and black one from this seller.i was so excited when i recieved them.the seller sent them earlier then they said they were i got them one day before the first predicted arrival date.they are thin but my dance teacher was trying to sell me one that was just as thin with a chettah print for 20 dollars!...the coins were gold wich was a bit of a dissapointment because i expected silver but hey!they were like 5 dollars??they do make a great sound...well these are my first hip scarves so i dont really know the difference....the pink was also a little lighter then expected but it is pink i couldnt find any imperfections except on the pink one the lining from the edges of the pink one was falling off but the cloth hasnt de thread it.i havent taken any classes with it yet but when i do i will make sure to repost for you guys.i posted some pics if you want more just let me know and ill take some for you.

One reason people give for not exercising is that it can be repetitive and not fun. I've expanded my exercise routine to include bellydancing and Zumba (aerobic fitness/dancing to Latin music) and these scarves really add to the fun factor. They are so affordable you can get several different colors to go with any outfit you wear.

Some of the beads and coins have fallen off - and I've only had them for a few weeks. I would recommend getting one that has coins all the way around, as you can see the movement better. They are beautiful. The teal color is actually the color pictured - but is not actually teal and is aqua.

Reviews

I bought this scarf in purple and green and as i opened the packages i literally jumped with delight! next chance i get i will be buying this in every color! i bought another scarf from opentip, a pink one with gold coins, even my teacher wanted to steal it! if you are reading the reviews wondering whether you should buy this scarf then allow me to direct you to the "add to cart" button. you'll be here in a couple weeks writing a rave review too!!! :)

I love this scarf; the quality seems good and it is pretty with lots of noisy coins, but it is too small for me. It doesn't wrap all the way to tie, and it is very short on my behind. I wear a size 14 right now, and it just is too small for my proportion.

I needed a hip scarf for my belly dance classes, but either the hip scarfs were cute and VERY expensive, or cheap and very poorly made. This one is affordable without compromising quality or beauty. It is so unique that people keep asking me where I bought it. I practice 2-3 times a week and the scarf looks just like it did when I first bought it a month ago. Mine is purple, and the color is much better in person than in the pictures. Highly recommended item.

I bought this for my daughter who just started taking a belly dance class. She loves the way it looks, feels, and sounds. I love it because this scarf was inexpensive comparatively speaking, so if she decides belly dancing is not for her, I have not invested a large amount of money, yet she can still have appropriate attire for the class.

I just received these today, one in orange and one in purple and they are absolutely beautiful!!!! I can't wait to wear one the next time I teach. Highly recommended. Very shiny and bright.

Reviews

Okay. This is a sturdy, well-constructed coin belt. I was a little nervous since it's half the price of most others, but it is great. The length is 63" and I'm am between 2 and 3x on the bottom. It ties fine, and I would say it will fit a 3x fine, but no bigger. The coined portion will only cover from the side of one hip to the side of another in that case. On the plus side, the more you dance and lose weight, the closer the coined ends will migrate to meet at the front. I bought the violet one. As far as the violet spectrum goes, it is a little closer to pink than royal purple. It's a light violet, but still violet. *** In regards to the company - Shipping was good. Didn't take too long and was in plastic before it was placed in the packing envelope/bag thing.

this is VERY pretty i ordered the green one, im a bigger girl, and it still fit me very nicely i was worried about that when i ordered it, but the only thing i wasnt aware of was how heavy it is!! but there is ALOT of beads and coins and it sounds so wonderful the fabic is so much sturdier than i thought it was gonna be and it is just absolutly beautiful. im so happy with my purchase i am gonna order the blue one!!

for a relatively in-expensive belly dance skirt with some flair and shimmer, this is a good choice. Well constructed, fun to jingle around in and perfectly suitable for any type belly dance class!

Reviews

The content is very good, but the screen is so small it is hard at times to tell what she is doing.