Customer Reviews

A Night at the Casablanca [VHS]

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

 

 

I first saw this video playing on a TV screen inside the Casablanca Restaraunt in Alexandria, VA. From my car, I giggled as a well-dressed DC businessman walking by with his buddy, tripped and almost fell to the sidewalk gawking at Artemis, a nationaly famous Turkish style belly dancer, undulating on the screen. This video boasts some of our very best local Washington DC belly dancers as well as some surprise bonuses- such as the nationally known Habiba and Eva Cernik. Also, some truly authentic Flamenco and Indian Temple Dance performances are included in this video. The styles range from contemporary Egyptian, to Turkish Oriental and include superb examples of specialties such as the Gherda (a North African Trance Dance), Cane, Sword, Ghawazee and Candelabra. Also included is a live performance with the Casablanca band by Yasmin, who performed in Cairo for two years and embodies all the rhythm, grace and subtle eroticism that makes Egyptian Classical Belly Dance such a fine art. The video quality is clear and professionally produced. I have seen some of these performers live frequently, and the producer managed to capture all of the excitement of a hot, live club on film. A great addition to Students, Teachers, Professionals or any Connoiseur of Dance Arts, Libraries.

I want to comment first on previous reviews that have said that the quality of this video is not good. I've been collecting oriental dance videos for about 3 years now, and this is a VERY GOOD quality recording. I was fearful to buy this tape because of those reviews, but for absolutely no reason.

Second, this video captures some amazing oriental dancers, in Egyptian , Lebanese style. Also featured are: guedra (North Africa ritual for growth of plants - I understand), Shamadan (candelabra dance), Turkish dance, Flamenco, Bharatanayam (Indian Temple Dance), and many many more.

I've watched the video three times already, and I can never get tired of watching Yasmin floating around gracefully and serenely, or Habiba expressing the music with such clarity.

The music is lovely, too.

I don't regret buying this video at all.

The dancing was beautiful...although it wasn't all bellydancing like I expected it to be. The thing that really gets me upset is that the recording was terrible and really upsetting that I spent 30 something dollars on this!! As the ladies are dancing on the floor and doing their lovely routines, waiters and customers are walking in front of them and the camera!! So you're watching the dancer and all of a sudden Smith-party-of-twelve walks right in front and across the dance floor!! I cannot believe I wasted my money! DO NOT BUY THIS VIDEO...I AM WARNING YOU!!!!

This is an entertainment video and includes a large number styles from various countries and skill levels. This was filmed in a restaurant as people are being served and the waiters and customers passing in front of the camera and on the dance floor is annoying but can be ignored. This is a good revue of styles, countries and costumes.The camera is a bit far away for my tastes. I do not think it was worth the price however.

This video is a compilation of perfomances by extremely talented dancers. Both Egyptian and Turkish dance styles are represented, as are several other styles. Beautiful.

this was a total waste of money....the entire 80 minutes of this vide was a home recording from some restaurant. It was horrible. Do not buy this tape. If there was a lower rating I would have given it a negative 15. the quality of the picture was horrid, it was not proffessional looking at all.

This video highlights a variety of belly dancing styles you might not otherwise have an opportunity to see. However, this is NOT an instructional video, nor is it marketed as such. A previous reviewer was correct in recommending other tapes to learn the basic moves of belly dance, and there are several to choose from - this is strictly entertainment. And if you love dance, are interested in the variations on dance & culture, or are an aspiring belly dancer looking for inspiration - it's a beautiful video to have.

Yes, there are distractions (waiters, customers, etc.) - but the cameraman does a good job of capturing the mood of the evening and highlighting the individual talents of each dancer.

For me, this is the one video I don't seem to hear any complaints from when I want to watch - even on football nights. While my husband may not appreciate the intricacies of the art form, it at least keeps him quiet while I watch!

This is a great video for any belly dance student who wants to see many different ways of putting it all together, especially if you do not have the opportunity to go to shows. I have learned so much from watching how each woman dances--which moves they use and where they put them. As a belly dance student myself, the most challenging thing I find is how to make up my own routine. I know a lot of steps but have a hard time knowing how to sequence them. This tape does a good job of showing a variety of performers with different styles. Yasmin is my favorite. The restaurant atmosphere is a little annoying at times and the price is a bit more than other tapes, but it is well worth it if you are looking for a performance tape. I think it helps a lot to see how it is "supposed'" to look, rather than in an instructional video.

There are some really wonderful dancers on this video; and a terrific variety of styles -- including some you probably wouldn't see at the average Middle Eastern eatery. However, sometimes the camera-work leaves a lot to be desired (it's filmed at the Casablanca restaurant, complete with customers and waiters getting in the way).

If you live in a place that doesn't have Middle Eastern restaurants, and dancers to entertain in them, then this is a great way to see dancers performing. Cook up some meza, pop this in the VCR, pile the cushions on the floor, and enjoy an hour-plus of lovely and talented dancers.

Hello, I just want to say that this is my first video about bellydancing. You know, in Czech Republic there isn't a big choice of some videos, music records, costumes and accessories for bellydancing and so I'm really happy that I've find this record. It helps me a lot !!! Now, I can see some new sorts of dance and I like it so much. Especially Eva, she is great... I hope that in the future, I'll be a real bellydancer and this video gives me a motivation and shows me how to do it...