Customer Reviews

Bellydance for the Beautiful Freaks

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

After watching Ansuya's Hot Combinations DVD, my exact words were, "Hot, Hot, Hot!". Unlike her and just like her is Tempest. She's simply cool. So cool.

A friend of mine and I share our collections of DVDs as we have the same taste but this one I got as a freebie from her, at a bottom of a plastic bag. "Sell it for me or just take it, whatever" she rolled her eyes when I took it in my hands. I had a feeling about it though and I wanted to give it a shot chance, so I did. It was great.

The title does leave some space for speculation. At first, incorrectly, I thought it referred to the type I call Snowhite's-stepmother (no one's prettier than me...). In fact it teaches some interesting moves to goths at heart who need some dancefloor suggestions.

When you pop the DVD in the ROM, you see first a young woman, rather homely than beautiful, dressed in black. You may be ready to get unimpressed but Tempest's appearance is very misleading. First off, she's a brilliant dancer and a very good instructor, and there we go, she's got a sense of humor to kill.

This DVD targets those who have some dancefloor experience but don't have a lot of, if any, bellydance skills. Tempest takes 4 combinations, 2 slow and 2 fast, completely breaks them down, providing detailed instruction of all basic moves such as chest slides and hip bumps. I believe that for the purpose of this video, Tempest does a great job, often dropping hints at the right time, all a total beginner would need to show off at the dancefloor. But how about us, advanced bellydancers? Those of us who can shimmy for hours and do complex Raks Sharqi choreographies? When do we do when we go to a party, or a nightclub? This is how the DVD can help us, suggest a couple of good moves we already know that we can use safely, getting the *right* kind of glances.

I thoroughly enjoyed this video for several reasons. I really appreciate the way Tempest took time to explain about the "attitude" of gothic bellydance, in other words, educate us how it is different from other styles and what makes it unique. She is totally correct, it is that attitude, or lack of it thereof, that can make freaks look beautiful, or ridiculous. I adore Tempest she is SO FUNNY! I don't think I've ever laughed so hard watching a bellydance lesson! For example when she demonstrates hip circles, she leans in and says, with a very straight face to that, "don't put too much dip in it because there will be too much chest showing... maybe we do, but let's pretend we don't!" IMHO it's a true art-form to crack up smart jokes all the time and amuse people - I don't think I'd be able to say any of that without bursting out in giggles. But isn't that what the gothic subculture is about?

Maybe I should have started with this but this DVD may be the worst, or the best, depending on what you consider 'cool'. If you are a goth fan and if you mean to dance in a club with other fans, you would definitely enjoy it. It is so full of insider jokes. Whether of not Tempest's video is good or not is as debatable as to who is a true goth and who's a goth-wannabe. I say, it would appeal to the true goths. To the wannabes it won't.

*What I liked about this DVD:
1. Tempest's personality and sense of humor
2. Paisley undulations (first time I see anyone explaining it)
3. Explaining how some moves work in crowded areas and what to be avoided
4. The warmup section - very important not to skip it
5. Clear and sound instruction

*What I disliked about the DVD:
1. I would have prefered to see another combination or two suggested even if that meant shortening the 'attitude' part
2. Both performances were OK but I think they were an understatement of Tempest's skills.

*You may want to have this DVD if:
1. You hang out at goth clubs and want to learn a few bellydance combinations good for the dancefloor there. Tempest actually takes into consideration the limited space in clubs and the kind of shoes and clothing you may wear.
2. You like new wave/ new age/ gothic, etc contemporary music.
3. You have experience with bellydance but don't know how to apply your knowledge in dance clubs
4. You appreciate a good joke being told with a straight face

*You should better skip this DVD if:
1. You don't plan to apply your bellydance knowledge in nightclubs
2. Gothic bellydance is just not you
3. You want/need a DVD teaching you a wide variety of moves
4. You hate drama and anyone who has anything to do with that

Depending on your taste in music and dance, you may like, or hate this video. My friend didn't care for it, I love it. Whether you will or not totally depends on your definition of a "beautiful freak".

Inspired by Tempest's hypnotically beautiful performances in the Gothic Bellydance DVD, I ordered this one. Not only is Tempest a fabulous dancer with great style but she's also an excellent teacher, demonstrating and describing four combinations of goth/bellydance fusion moves with a unique blend of clarity and humor. There's also a series of yoga-inspired warmup exercises, insights into the nature of raks gothique and two enchanting performance pieces at the end. Love it!

When I got Beautiful Freaks, I really didn't know what to expect. But about an hour later I'd pulled out my high-heeled boots, worn one of my more rebellious skirts, put on my best Kill Bill look, and was dancing to Collide's Halo (acquired at top speed online). Blame it on Tempest.

I don't know whether this is what belly dancing is supposed to be or whether this is true to the gothic culture or not. But it's so much fun dancing this way, I don't really care.
No point re-describing this video since anyone who's interested will find enough information on it at the World Dance New York website. Also photographs that give you a very good idea of the mood of this dancing. I'll focus instead on what I think of it. It's funky, dramatic, sophisticated, and sensual. Very sensual. I particularly love the slow combinations and the song they're set to (though you could do these to any other music you think fits). I also love the way you can do these anywhere. These are made up of temple arms, chest circles, hip circles, figure 8s and undulations. Tempest doesn't go into as much detail as you'd find on a full fledged belly dance dvd, but if you're aiming to just have a bit of fun and turn heads on the dance floor, that's just fine. She does give safety and technique tips as she goes along. For these combinations,s she wears a black dress I'd kill to get.

I see this being quite easy to do on a crowded dance floor - except you might put a halt to everyone else's dancing as they turn to look. Which is fine with me. The fast combinations are more funky and freaky with some hip work. On the video the fast and slow combos are done in different costumes, but that doesn't mean you can't combine them while dancing to a piece of music that has both slow and fast bits.

If you've never danced before, follow Tempest through a warm up (unless you're very keen on dance injuries), then go on to the combinations. Also listen to what Tempest has to say about gothic belly dance because... well, because she's very, very cool and funny.
As a passionate dance hobbyist (latin, jazz, belly dance) and owner of 46 belly dance videos, I'd have to warn you that you won't find as much detail on belly dance as you'd find on a full-fledged belly dance isolations and basics instructional dvd. I don't think that's what this video is intended for.

I'm tempted to shave off a point because I find the combinations too few. But to someone who hasn't belly danced before, anything more would probably be intimidating. So would a lot of information about timing, transitions and muscles. A small annoyance is that the Step by Step section and the About the Combinations lead to the same parts.

Anything that ventures into uncharted territory has the thumbs up from me, and this one is definitely a unique video. For a new dancer it'll give a quick bit of funk and style with moves that can be done on the dance floor any time--doesn't matter if it's not dead serious isolation-based movement. For the seasoned dancer it sets a nice mood and gives ideas on doing more with the combinations you already know in this style. For both, it's fun, and so well-made. For me--it gives me that it's-go-good-to-be-bad feeling that I love.

I like Tempest and I want to meet her someday. I like how this video is presented, she first shows you how to incorporate bellydance moves onto your standatd goth club dance floor, but you can also use this part to make your bellydance more goth. She explains things in a clear and easy to understand manner, and her outfits are amazing!

I did have one bit about the Expression Workshop, she is a little too "candid" in a couple places, and tends to overexplain. ("porn face"). But I suppose the target audience for this video is of the more open-minded set (not many prissy grandmas and soccer moms) so it's not a huge deal. It's a good thing to include though, and Tempest makes a good point that Goth BD is NOT the same as Cabaret or Tribal; IMO, it's as different from each of those as they are from each other.

And of course, her performances at the end are great to watch!

What you will learn most from this marvelous DVD is not so much about bellydance technique, but style. Tempest has a sumptuous, dramatic and elegant style, that also has a whimsical, mischievous side to it...she is both sophisticated and witty in her dancing, and has a sensual grace and beauty in her movements few get to equal. Tempest's arms and hands are exquisite, and she makes a point of emphasizing how important "pretty hands" are and to be aware of the position they are in while dancing.

One of the most valuable sections in this DVD, of benefit not only for bellydancers, but for any type of performer, is "Gothic Bellydance Expression Workshop," where Tempest talks about facial expressiveness, how to convey a "deep sense of drama," the type of smile one should use, and much more. One can see she has had a variety of different dance disciplines that have influenced her, especially Spanish flamenco, which she mentions in this section.

Contents: #1: A "Welcome," where Tempest among other things discusses footwear (the warm-up is done barefoot, the combinations in both platform heels and a pair of killer boots). #2: A nice warm-up that starts with a breathing exercise and has stretches and isolations. #3: 2 slow combinations (lovely and ideal for a beginning student), and 2 fast combinations, that are more in the "punk/industrial" mode. All 4 are demonstrated and then broken down step-by-step. #4: The "Gothic Bellydance Expression Workshop" mentioned above. #5: 2 fabulous performances, that one can watch again and again and never tire of. The first is one where Tempest looks like a honkey tonk saloon girl with a modern day twist, and the second one has the classic appearance of a woman on a Wedgewood vase. Well produced, the teaching sections of this DVD are presented without a horizon line, so that Tempest floats on a blue background, and the music is always interesting and appropriate. Tempest teaches and performs the "...darker, more dramatic side of bellydance," but also says "The most important thing is to have fun." This DVD will make a unique and wonderful addition to your dance instruction DVD library.

I like Raks Gothique (Gothic Bellydance) and enjoy Tempest's website of the same name so I was looking forward to getting this video and studying her technique. I was, however, extremely disappointed with the DVD. As a Middle Eastern dancer and teacher for the past 25 years, I was appalled to see how badly the movements were broken down. In several cases, I'm not sure that Tempest herself really knew what movement she was trying to teach. For example, is the "Paisley" supposed to be a ribcage Figure 8 with one loop larger than the other or is it supposed to be an undulation to the side combined with a quarter turn to the front (a move favored by many tribal dancers)?
Tempest doesn't appear to have mastered these moves yet either. Her execution of the steps is often sloppy or awkward. A shoulder shimmy with locks or pauses, for example, should be sharp, not jerky and the arms should remain high, not drop to the waist. Likewise, hip circles should not be made so large that they rocket out of control and the hands should be energized even when they are in a down position.
Beginning Middle Eastern dancers looking to study Gothic bellydance will either be frustrated or pick up bad habits. Intermediate and advanced dancers will be disappointed. Apart from being badly done, the steps show are not particularly challenging and there is not enough demonstration of the "Gothic style", in my opinion, for anyone looking to take style tips away from this DVD.
Overall, Tempest strikes me as an intermediate dancer who began teaching before she was really ready to do so. Bottom line: save your money and don't buy this DVD.

First,dance is art and expression which evolves with time, so keep an open mind if you are a traditional dancer or new to gothic style bellydance and purchasing this program. Tempest's instruction is clear without overdressed jargon and she breaks down the moves simply. I would suggest knowing the basics in bellydance first, because they are dramatized in a fashionable way to gothic style. This may cause a beginner some confusion but at the same time spark an interest at the very cool approach to bellydance or simply club dancing. Tempest saves the best for last when she slips out of her stomp boots and puts on 2 spectacular performances and as a bonus, contributes great tips and advice for the dancer/performer. I find myself referring back to this dvd; blending this very cool style into my personal style of bellydance. I rate it 4 STARS!!!

I ordered this dvd just hours after meeting Tempest in person! Don't let her Goth exterior fool you - she is very nice and down-to-earth. She is also a wonderful teacher! I enjoyed this dvd very much and would recommend it to anyone looking to explore other dimensions of belly dance.

I picked up this because I saw it advertised in Gothic Beauty Magazine and thought it might be fun. I was looking for a how-to sort of video and this dvd was really what I was looking for. What makes it unique is the amazing presence of Tempest. She is a patient teacher and the pacing of the lessons are really great for this type of instructional video. The music was great, and overall I am very pleased with my purchase. I gave it 5 out of 5 stars because it exceeded my expectations and it has me considering purchasing other similar works. I highly recommend this video. It has been very useful both as a daily workout as well as for new ideas for dancing at the club.

If you are planning on going Goth clubbing and need some moves, get this DVD. If you are looking for bellydance instruction, I'd recommend starting with the move breakdown in Luscious. Tempest covers some ideas in her expression session that are valuable, but short. I was a little disappointed in the performance section because I felt the performance was more Burlesque bellydance than Gothic bellydance. I thought she would perform more of what she taught (Skinny Puppy or something?)