Instructional Videos

Bellydance:Art of the Drum Solo. "This is a really good DVD to work with to learn & practice good drum moves. It starts with a good warm-up and ends with a choreography utilizing all the moves learned in the practice. This is ALSO a great intro to the drum and the different rhythms used - a 2-for-1 DVD. I am glad I purchased this DVD & recommend it for anyone interested in bellydancing to the drums!"

Bellydance: East Coast Tribal "The "East Coast Tribal Bellydance" instructional and muscle-conditioning program is designed by Sera, an acclaimed performer of Tribal fusion bellydance, and sought-after instructor with a superb systematic teaching method. Sera's primary form of creative expression is through Tribal styles of belly dance. Her movements are rooted in Tribal Fusion Bellydance, drawing from ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, and American Tribal Style."

Bellydance for the Beautiful Freaks "If you are a dancer interested in Raks Gothique, or Gothic Bellydance, welcome home. Captured by a camera lens, may this be a glimpse of the realm where - across age groups and national borders - we share our vision of Gothic Bellydance as both social and performance dance - the beautiful, soul-capturing, inspiring art. Enjoy performances by Tempest, hear her thoughts on projecting our individuality through dance, and reflect on the long path the Beautiful Freaks of the world have traversed to create the dance culture we call our own. Set to amazing Gothic, Industrial, Dark Cabaret, and Dark Ambient music by Collide, Skinny Puppy, Jill Tracy, and Nox Arcana, this dance exploration pays no tribute to the rules and rhythms of the mundane world. The Beautiful Freak within will feel the heartbeat that resonates in time with yours. "

Bellydance for Romance "Playful glances. Seductive arm moves. Sexy sway of the hips. Discover the intoxicating and mysterious allure of bellydance with simple but effective routines that will mesmerize your audience. Sensual and captivating, bellydance provides the perfect setting for romance. With Jayna as your guide, feel more self-confident and assured as you swing your arms and sway the hips to the seductive rhythms. Be flirtatious and feminine with this fun and entertaining program."

Bellydance for Wimps [VHS | DVD] - "Professional bellydancer Natasha Senkovich introduces viewers to the fine art of bellydancing in this easy-to-follow instructional guide that highlights the ancient dance form's considerable health benefits. As Natasha demonstrates the 10 basic moves of bellydance--from hip circles to figure eights to shoulder shimmies--she also leads a gentle, effective workout perfect for beginners of all ages, fitness levels, and dance abilities."

Canadian funds: DVD | VHS

Bellydancing : The Sensuous Workout with Shamira by Shamira. "I was impressed with the 'ramp-up' attitude of the aerobic content of the video.. it didn't immediately force you to do things you weren't ready for. This video is great for the beginner, the advanced beginner, and also the advanced bellydancer. I think that anyone involved with bellydancing, if even curious or expert, should check out this video."

Belly Dancing for Fun & Fitness by Janine Rabbitt. "This was the first belly dance instructional video I ever bought. When I popped it into the VCR, I was excited. I soon became disillusioned. If this is the only exposure anyone ever gets of the dance, s/he will be disillusioned. Between Eddie's sickening ain't-she-purty speech and Janine's horrible "dancing" (flailing/hopping) there is little of educational value which can be gleaned from this horrid tape. Nevertheless, the video is entertaining in a B-movie kinda way. Janine hopping and twirling the hankies made me burst into laughter despite myself. The only thing this tape can teach is how NOT to dance."

Canadian funds: Belly Dancing for Fun & Fitness

Bellyqueen: Bellydance Jam [2-DVD Set] - "Bellyqueen is a dance troupe led by Kaeshi Chai and Amar Gamal who have fused the traditions of belly dancing with the flash and style of hip-hop moves, and the results have earned them a host of admirers, both as performers and as exercise instructors. Bellyqueen: Bellydance Jam is an instructional video in which Chai and Gamal demonstrate the fine points of their style and show how you can do it yourself, either to add spice to your footwork when you go to the club."

Canadian funds: Bellyqueen: Bellydance Jam

The Heartbeat of Bellydance: Rhythms & Belly Dance combinations for Drum Solos by Raquy and Jenna. "Jenna and Raquy have put together a great instructional DVD for all but the highest level of dancer. I am at an intermediate level, and I have plenty to work on with this DVD. Jenna's technique is very technically clean, and her emotive style is natural and pleasant. She is natural with the viewer, and also with her dance. You have seen the other videos with other great dancers that can't speak or their dance comes across herky-jerky on screen. Jenna is encouraging without talking down to the viewer or being repetative. I loved the shimmy layering drills and will get a lot of practice to clean up my technique, the REALLY simplified way that Raquy teaches how to identify different rhythms (an A-HA moment here!), the different levels of drum solo work, with the additional improvisational drum solo (or duet as they like to say) That is very inspirational. The warmup is a good basic one that gets the job done without being tedious. I have paid a LOT more for different bellydance instructional DVD's and this one is the cheapest, as well as one of the best. If Jenna came out with more, I'd be all over it in a HEARTBEAT!"

Dynamic Combinations: Travelling in Style by Ava Fleming. "It was once said of a great belly dancer that she could dance in the space of a single tile. But with today's big stages and exciting music, sometimes you just have to get off the tile and move! In this video, Ava Fleming teaches you how to Travel in Style! Starting with grand entrances to immediately grab your audience, she shows you how to move from Point A to Point B using exciting and fun traveling combinations. Ava breaks down and demonstrates each movement, completely explaining the technique and transitions, including weight changes and correct posture with an emphasis on safe movement. She also includes variations and tips on styling."

Sacred Bellydance by Jehan. "In this beautiful, clear and comprehensive instructional DVD set, international bellydance guru Jehan, teaches the complete basic vocabulary of bellydance including an introduction to the veil and finger cymbals. Welcome to an encyclopedia of the core movements… those that must be mastered for every style of bellydance – traditional oriental, Egyptian, tribal, gypsy and modern fusion."

Tribal Fusion - Yoga Isolations and Drills by Rachel Brice. "An expert in the arts of yoga and bellydancing, Rachel Brice has studied both disciplines thoroughly. Falling under the tutelage of Erich Schiffman, Brice has gained a welter of experience to impart to her students. This release is designed as a basic approach to the art of bellydancing. Brice incorporates yoga techniques into her teaching, believing that they help sculpt the body into shape, and provides the flexibility needed to perform. Taking a methodical approach, YOGA ISOLATIONS & DRILLS FOR BELLYDANCE is split into four easy-to-follow sections, namely: "Warm Up," "Core Strengthening and Spine Flexibility," "Basic Bellydance Isolations and Drills," and "Yoga For Flexibility." For potential dancers looking for a place to start, this is a great way to begin learning the ancient art of bellydancing."

Canadian funds: Tribal Fusion - Yoga Isolations and Drills

Wyoma - African Healing Dance by Wyoma. "African Healing Dance is suited for beginning to advanced dancers, students of dance, instructors, and choreographers studying and/or performing African dance. The instructional video and included manual provide an effective guide for a dance or exercise program at home or in a workshop setting."

Canadian funds: Wyoma - African Healing Dance

Ultimate Combinations: "Features some of the world's best dancers sharing their favorite combinations with you! ALL NEW COMBINATIONS - EXCLUSIVELY FOR THIS SERIES! Aziza Amaya Fahtiem Elizabeth Artemis Mourat Celeste Anaheed Amara Ava Fleming Sadie No matter what your style or level of dancing, whether you choreograph or improvise, you can use these combinations to expand your dance vocabulary in fun and exciting ways! Lots of variety and lots of technique for standing, traveling, veil, shimmy, floor and Turkish combinations are included. Each instructor clearly explains and completely breaks down her favorite combinations with follow-along repetitions so you can make the combination your own. More than 90 minutes of combinations on each DVD, plus performances by Ava Fleming and Aziza, and Sadie with Amir Sofi on Tabla!"

Zhor's Magical Tour of the Ancient Art of Bellydance by Zhor. "I'm a sweetheart, so I guess I'll start by saying that my copy of this video won't soon see the trashcan. It's just too much fun. As we all dearly know, bellydancing can be the sexiest of stuff. Not so, however, in the hands of Zhor. For one thing, he might lay off the baba ganoush this Christmas. But like most white, male belly dancers from Chattanooga, Zhor means well and we sure do love him for it. That said, be forewarned: learning a single dance move from this 30 minute flurry of inanity would require the most exotic agility with the remote control. And don't forget your breathing exercises for holding back the yuks. Not recommended."