Customer Reviews

Rania's Advanced Choreography: Modern Egyptian [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I like this video. It teaches a drum solo in the most straightforward way possible with clear instructions.

Rania breaks the choreography up into 7 parts that she teaches sequentially. For each part, she runs throught the part slowly, then does it twice at full time with music before moving on to the next sequence. I like how this choreography demonstrates ways the movements can illustrate the music. At the end, she does the choreography in full costume. The obligatory live performance at the end is also included (I've noticed that many people complain when an instructional belly dance video is missing it).

With most bellydance videos, the problem with choosing one has less to do with the quality of the video and instruction, than with selecting a video appropriate for the bellydancing student's level of skill. A video too difficult will be frustrating while a video too easy is boring and not helpful at all. The perfect video is one that is just slightly above a person's level of skill, so that the student may learn to reach that level without too much frustration.

This choreography is appropriate for the intermediate student who knows the basic moves and isolations but who needs to increase their skill in learning new choreography, increasing their coordination and choreography learning speed,and learning how to put together drum solos. These are the reasons I bought this video and I'm satisfied that I got exactly what I wanted. It's perfect for me. I've learned all the isolations fairly thoroughly and I'm just learning layering. I'm not all that quick at picking up new footwork, so I'm trying to expose myself to new footwork all the time to become better and more coordinated. It's working.

She does include some moves that I'm still practicing and haven't yet mastered, like layering and body rolls, so this video is still a bit over my head, which makes it the perfect video for me. If it was too easy for me, it would be useless. While learning the choreography, I just do the best I can and make sure I learn the footwork.

I think beginning students will think this is advanced, while advanced students may think this is too basic. I think it's a step between the two.

This is such a welcome departure from all the New Age-aerobic-wannabe belly dance videos on the market. This is what the title says it is- it is advanced choreography, it's not for beginners, and it is challenging enough even for dancers who have had years of practice. Rania breaks down the combinations and walks through them after explaining them once without music then with the music. Halfway through the video, Rania runs through the first half of the choreography without and with the music, and then again at the end she does the same thing: this really reinforces your 'dance memory'. Another neat thing about this video is that it gives two alternative combinations at the end of the choreography for the more challenging combinations taught (especially one certain combination that is turns upon turns- for those who get dizzy, like myself, the alternative combos were a welcome gift and can be easily incorporated into your own personal choreography). Although there are no props involved- no zills, nothing, don't let that dissuade you from thinking that this really is an advanced dance routine. There are layers upon layers of movement- if you can't shimmy and do a figure 8, this video isn't for you (yet). However, if you're stuck at an intermediate dance level and want to take the next step, or an experienced dancer looking for some new combos- this video is perfect!

I am so happy with video. The choreography is beautiful, creative, authentic and challenging. I learned so much, both technique and what types of moves go with the music. I have all Rania's workout DVDs, and after seeing this video, I see what an amazing teacher she is. There is a huge difference between learning bellydance moves for the purpose of working out than for the purpose of learning an advanced choreography. The workout videos enforced the basics and made my body strong and limber, but the Advaned Choreography is a whole different level. It taught me subltety and layering that would be impossible to teach in a workout video. And the music was really great, too. Highly recommended for the serious student of bellydance.

Thank you to Rania for giving us some real 'meat and potatoes'! This is just the thing I needed to really put it all together and take my dancing to the next level. This videos is really advanced, not 'pseudo-advanced'. When you come to St. Louis, I will be in the front row!

This was my first try on Egyptian style dance. I am experienced in Restaurant and Tribal, but this sparked my interest all over again. This video consists of 10 different pieces of combined choreography to create a beautiful and masterful dance to please the soul. Her instruction was clear with reviews; and still I'm thankful for the rewind button. Rania is a pleasant instructor, with very good environment and sound quality to back her up. If you're a professional or experienced Raqs Sharqi dancer: don't bother acquiring this to learn new moves; but you may find it could be an inspiration for choreography combination ideas.

I found Rania's hip moves excellent, but she has stupid arms that just flop around. Not very professional at all.