Ali: A Tribal Fusion Choreography by Sahira☺
If you liked Sahira’s Arabian Spices (I did), you’ll want to buy her second DVD, “Ali”. This tribal fusion choreography combines influences from Bhangra, West African, and Spanish dancing with ATS. The choreography is taught as 14 separate combinations, clearly explained so that it’s easy to put them all together for the final routine.
I like the special section on using a skirt flamenco-style.
There’s a special performance of the routine by Urban Gypsy at the end.
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Bellydance for Body Shaping: Buns and Thighs ? *****
Oh dear, another gratuitously sexy cover on a DVD aimed at belly dancers – what is Neon thinking?
This is a well-produced, well-constructed workout for belly dancers who want to improve strength and control in their glute muscles. There’s very little explanation so it’s not suitable for someone who doesn’t already belly dance – which is the kind of person I’d expect to be attracted by that cover!
The DVD consists of only three short (15 minute) workouts, but they are well-targeted and do make you work.
I’ve heard comments that while the moves are suited to intermediate dancers, it’s not a tough enough workout for that standard – I’m not sure I agree. I’ve been dancing for several years but my fitness level isn’t as it should be – and when you’re not fit, it’s quite easy to get lazy about using your glutes properly. These drills will certainly wake them up!
Like her Belly Dance for Abs DVD, I’d give this a question mark, rather than a smiley face, because of the questionable cover and the fact that although what there is, is good, the content is short compared to some other DVD’s. However Shira gives it five stars, so I’ll defer to her superior knowledge!
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Bella Donna Ya Helwa☺
Bella Donna is a belly dance troupe based in Houston, Texas.
This is a nice four-minute choreography using veil and zills (see clip below). It’s made up of 12 combinations and the four members of Bella Donna take it in turns to teach. Suitable for intermediate to advanced dancers. It’s taught as a solo but tips are given for adapting it to a troupe.
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