Customer Reviews

Dance Today! Bellydance - Active Lifestyle Makeover

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Two challenging, exciting, beautiful belly dance numbers!
The first program is set to chiftitelli rhythm. It is designed in 11 segments or combos that are directed at learning specific dance moves. For example, combination number one of the first fluid dance targets the hips, such as hip drops and hip pushes, combo 2 teaches pivot turns. Each combination is a lesson on its own.
The second dance is a fun drum solo, very challenging, designed to keep you on your toes, and expand your vocabulary in dance. The same principles apply, the segments target learning, quick footwork, elaborate layering of hip work, traveling steps, undulations and arm work..
These programs have become essential tools for learning in my studio setting. They may be laid down as a foundation for embellishing or learned as they are presented, all with beautiful results.
The beautiful, graceful, Neon presents both dances in her usual calm, manner, always connecting with her audience. The presentation is clear and detailed without a distracting background. Expand your dance vocabulary! There is much offered in this program, some a bit advanced but good as a challenge for the enthusiastic beginner and refreshing and valuable to the seasoned dancer. The options for learning are instruction only, or instruction with music and practice. Neon makes every combination appear effortless and fluid, my fellow dancers and myself were left mesmerized and had no choice but to learn the programs quickly, while acquiring knowledge and the benefits of both fluid dancing and sharp accented moves. The end results of both beautiful choreographies were our rewards. As a bonus Neon presents a tray/candle dance as we sit captivated wishing we could dance as she. I cannot stress enough how valuable and enjoyable both programs were.

The 2 dances on this DVD are of intermediate level, the first being much easier, and the second building in speed and complexity, both with wonderful fluid choreography by the one and only Neon; each dance has 11 combinations, which are broken down step by step, not only teaching you the movements, but with an explanation of the technique, so one can learn from Neon's expertise, and with practice, execute all the isolations, as well as add the grace and style these 2 pieces merit. There is an initial demonstration of each dance up to tempo and with music (marvelous pieces by Amir Naoum Chehade and Elias Sarkar, which can be downloaded from the site given on the DVD box), and they are good to watch, as performances, and as goals to aim for after you have learned the choreography. Finally there is a bonus bravura performance by Neon, in one of her exciting numbers where she dances with a tray full of lit candles on her head, which never fails to amaze me!

This well produced DVD has Neon "floating" on a white background, so there is nothing to distract you from the movements being demonstrated. Neon is a stunning Russian beauty in her pink and green dance outfit, with a lithe and toned body that is sculpted perfection, which reminds us that bellydancing, as well as being an aesthetic pleasure in its traditional movements with a modern twist as choreographed by Neon, is also great exercise, and a lot more fun than chugging along like a hamster on a treadmill. Neon's soft accented voice is also a plus factor, because it is pleasant on the ear, and clearly enunciated, so you understand every word as you are being taught. This is an excellent DVD to add to your dance instruction collection, to broaden your repertoire and learn from the best of the best.

As usual Neon has given me exactly what I'm looking for in a belly dance DVD. Great instruction, and wonderful choreography.

I congratulate Neon for de-mystifying bellydance and bringing organization of teaching method to the field. There are too many instructors these days who are trying to make it more ocmplicated and Neon is a breath of fresh air. These combinations are quickly learned, so whether you are a beginner, an old-timer just getting back into it, or advanced and fresh out of ideas for something you have to put together quickly, this video works great.

nothing special, but I like the instructor. There is a lot more to belly dancing than I thought. You really need to see the moves from a different angle and need an explanation of which muscles are being used for each move. The dance in this DVD is fun to do. I didn't think I was moving that much but before I knew it I was sweating. So it's a good alternative workout to have in my collection. I think I'll have to sign up for real classes if I want to know how to really belly dance though.