Customer Reviews

Secrets of the Stage Volume One: A Performance Course for Belly Dancers by Michelle Joyce

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

 

 

So you're an intermediate or advanced level dancer who doesn't have a lot of performance experience. You've got "the moves" -- but you're thinking, "now what?"

Michelle Joyce's new dvd series "Secrets of the Stage" is made for you, the dancer who is having trouble putting all you've learned together into one nice performance package. There's something here for everyone: if you're a choreographed dancer, there's a section of improvisation drills. If you're a technically proficient dancer but aren't sure about your choreographic skills, there is ample discussion on making your dance interesting. If your on-stage energy isn't what it should be, you'll find expert advice from dancers who once suffered from the same problems. Practically paralyzed by stage fright? That's covered here too, along with many other common performance problems.

I think I can say with confidence that this dvd is the first to actually offer analysis of entire dances - by the dancers themselves! Watching this dvd is like being backstage or in the green room of a major dance event. You'll hear advice, suggestions, tips, tricks, and horror stories from professional dancers, all the while seeing performance concepts illustrated right there on the screen.

This dvd, volume 1 in the set, is arranged in three major sections for analysis: Calmness and Simplicity, You and Your Music, and Focus and Energy Projection. In between and after these sections are Practice Exercises to help get you started incorporating these concepts into your own dancing.

"Calmness" begins with an unusual approach - by showing you dance performances that didn't go quite as planned. The dancers highlighted in this section discuss salvaging their performances from wardrobe and prop malfunctions, and give advice on how to keep calm and still enjoy yourself when things don't go the way they did in practice.

After this section is a chapter on "Fight or Flight" which includes exercises and ideas to help you relax backstage and to help manage nervousness. The breathing techniques and short exercises demonstrated here are what the pros use to prevent backstage "freakout" before competitions and shows.

"Simplicity" is the next chapter and the discussion and performance analysis here centers around avoiding "overdancing" and that common phenomenon of throwing everything you know into the first 30 seconds of the song. There is so much good advice in this chapter I had to watch it several times to absorb it all.

"You and Your Music" is a chapter discussing choreography and improvisation. Many of us suffer from not fully embracing our music, and not really making it OURS. The helpful hints and advice here will allow you to look at your music in a new way, and pull more from your music than just the melody and the beat.

"Focus and Energy Projection" tackles subjects such as how to avoid the plastered-on smile, making a connection with your audience, and taking your audience on a musical journey with you. This section is followed by a series of calming exercises that involve breathing, visualization, and progressive relaxation. These exercises would be very nice to do before a performance, to center and ground yourself, or even after a stressful day at the office.

After you've relaxed, you can move to the next section of exercises. First is a chair dance exercise to help you learn and practice emotional expression in the upper body. We tend to get locked in to thinking this dance is all about the hips, and the upper body is often neglected, so this exercise brings your attention back up the upper body and torso.

Next is a long section of 7 different improvisation exercises. These exercises are harder than they look! You're given a short clip of music, which is repeated 4 times, and you're told to find 4 different ways to dance to it. After the exercise you can see what the professional dancers did to that same music. This exercise really makes you think!

The last exercise is the really brilliant "Focus" exercise, which helps you to evaluate and practice where your attention is focused when you dance. This exercise helps to make the dance more of internal process, and aids in helping you truly connect with your audience on an emotional level.

Camerawork, lighting, and sound are excellent and are comparable to Michelle's other dvds. Distractions are eliminated by having the screen go black for the improv and relaxation exercises. When Michelle is narrating, her voice is calming yet still full of energy, and soft piano music accompanies the relaxation exercises.

This dvd runs about 80 minutes, but you can't just expect to watch it once and completely absorb the material in 80 minutes. There is a lot of information and inspiration packed in those minutes and it will take more than a few viewings to unlock all of what's here.

My impression of the dvd is that it seems like a conversation between professionals, discussing various facets of belly dance, but the discussion is very intellectual and thoughtful. I love the fact that the dancers comment on their own performances. I love the fact that so many dancers are involved (I forgot to count - I think it's at least 6 or 7). The analysis and commentary are presented very professionally and eloquently, and completely without giggly inside jokes or a lot of "uhs" and hemming and hawing.

I think one of the unrealized benefits of having this dvd in your collection will be how motivating it is, and how inspiring it is. Have you had a bad practice? Play the dvd and learn to grow from it. Not feeling in the mood to practice? Pop in the dvd. I guarantee you'll be dancing along with it before too long. Feeling like you're ready just to give up and quit altogether, burning your bedlah and crying into your ouzo? Why not instead give the dvd a watch. It's the best dance pick-me-up I've seen in ages - for a seasoned pro OR the dancer preparing for her first hafla.

Priced extremely reasonably for the content it contains, this dvd is a winner all around. (I already can't wait for volume 2!)

Length:: 2:27 Mins

trailer

Just a quick one.

I got this DVD as an early Christmas present (okay, I opened it early!) and watched it over the weekend. This is a super valuable DVD. It's unlike anything else on the market and I know of very few teachers who cover this material.

There are three sections, whose names I can't exactly remember. The topics covered include Conquering Stage Fright, Slowing Down and Accepting Simplicity, Knowing Your Music, Focus and Energy, Choreography or Improvisation. Each section has a short lecture by Michelle Joyce, who is an engaging speaker. Then, there are 2-3 clips of dancers. Each clip shows the dancer performing, but has a voiceover by the dancer talking about the topic. This is a really great way to keep your interest on the screen! I really enjoyed hearing some of my favorite dancers talk about how they put together a choreography or improvisational dance, how they listen to music, how they fight stage fright, and handle issues on stage. There were certain issues that came up that really really resonated with me, like Nanna and Sandra both talking about how new dancers often feel they have to really impress the audience and be doing something complex and amazing all the time, but i'ts really okay to do a simple move and execute it really really well. I don't want to give away the "secrets" since the reason you watch the DVD is to hear this advice. But suffice to say that there was a lot in there that a beginning performer needs & wants to hear.

Some of the sections also had exercises. The relaxation techniques could be really useful for me. I'm going to try them this Sunday at my next gig. I tried the improvisational exercise. It was really good music for such an exercise. However, you were supposed to try different moves to the same music 4 different times and there wasn't enough distinguishment between one time and the next. (it just restarts - there's no announcement that time #2 is about to happen.) So I wasn't sure when to start over and reinterpret. Without knowing the music really well, anyway. I'm a pretty confident improviser and I probably won't use this exercise anyway. But it's a really good exercise to teach improvisation as it's how we learned in other classes. It was a good idea to make the screen black so that you couldn't look at the screen to follow along.

Anyway, I just loved it. I'm seeing it as something I will stick in and watch to psyche myself up before I go do a show. Sometimes I watch performance dvds before a show but those sometimes just make me feel less confident, because I start comparing myself to the dancers. But this DVD has a lot of tips that will remind me to stay calm and project energy.

Great production quality. And I really like Michelle's personality. I will probably pick up some of her other DVDs now

I agree with the other reviewers who have described this dvd so well! As described, this dvd uses belly dance performance clips and interviews with the dancers to demonstrate different stage presentation techniques. It also includes a number of exercises for the viewer to use to explore the ideas and techniques. Like other reviewers have mentioned, it takes a little time to fully absorb the content and I am still working on it.

This dvd is not for everyone. It may not interest dancers who:
*Are new to bellydance / Oriental Dance and want to learn the techniques.
*Want a dance workout--this dvd does not include a workout or any dance technique
*Who want to learn choreographies or combinations as it does not teach any.

This will interest dancers who:
*Are interested in performing (even just for friends and family)! Any bellydancer interested in performing may find something of interest starting at an advanced-beginners level.
*Performers who suffer get nervous when they perform! This dvd has great tips for staying calm and giving a great performance even when things don't go as planned. It also contains short exercises that can be done back stage to use a little nervous energy and a guided relaxation exercise.
*Dancers looking to improve their performance improvisation ability. The dvd contains tips on improv. and also a great exercise that uses 7 different musical clips taken from performances on this dvd.
*Performers who are always looking for ideas to improve their performances!

The performance clips are well-filmed. The lighting and sets are clear and attractive so you can see the dancer. The dancers are all beautifully costumed and the narration feels very conversational. I believe all the clips come from volumes one and two of the "By Dancers For Dancers" performance dvd. I have not seen these dvds, but will certainly look forward to purchasing them in the future to see the complete performances!

Overall, I am most impressed with the way this dvd combines "airy", abstract ideas like energy projection with visual examples and exploratory exercises to make the concepts more concrete. I have found this dvd to be inspiring and beautifully done!

There is nothing like this on the market. It isn't a traditional follow-along DVD lesson, it is an in-depth discussion and demonstration of different elements of being a good performer. You could just sit on your couch and watch it - but there are also the exercises at the end that you can do along with Michelle. Hearing the dancers say what they are thinking as they dance is really really cool and the whole thing is a total inspiration. A big help for people who want more than just to know how to do a hip circle or whatever. It helps address the issues that make you a complete and polished dancer. This is the best and most informative belly dance DVD I have ever bought! I will watch this DVD many, many, many times because there is so much food for though. For example, just thinking about how to guide the audiences' gaze by shifting my focus. Or how to turn my dance into a story with emotion and meaning. Or how to keep myself in the moment. All good stuff!!

What can I say about this dvd that hasn't already been said? IT IS FANTASTIC! Even though I only perform at student haflas (once in a Blue, Blue Moon) this dvd will be an invaluable tool in helping me to be more in touch with my music, emotions and, especially, the audience.

I've watched "Secrets of the Stage" in its entirety several times and, now, I'm going back to thoroughly study the sections individually. Each is a mini-workshop with some of the most talented bellydancers in the world.

I won't go over the details of material contained on this dvd (the first review did a marveous job of that!) I'll just say that this is an absolute must have for any bellydancer contemplating taking to the stage either professionally or just for fun.

Many thanks, Michelle! Your dvds are wonderful!

What they have to say in this DVD is nothing a dancer doesn't already know. Facial expressions. There is a hugh amount of time where it's just music, you're supposed to dance on your own and be creative. I could do that on my own without having to pay for this DVD. To me this was a hugh waste of money and my time. I'm going to try to return it.

This DVD is a pretty DVD. The dancers are pretty, their routines are pretty. If that is what you want, you may be pleased with this. Be warned that you are paying for a lot of black screen, as the screen is black for the duration of the relaxation exercise and the improvisation exercise. There is much talk of what to do, yet I find myself asking, "Okay, are you going to tell the student HOW to do what you just told her to do?" The DVD also did not play in the standard manner on my computer. I had to try 3 different ways of playing it to get it to finally play(that could be solely my fault, as I am not used to all the computer stuff). Other than that, it is well put-together.

Someone once asked me "If you could only have one DVD in your collection, what would it be?"

I think I'm going to have to go with this one.

"Secrets of the Stage" is quite possibly the best works I've seen. From the amount of material presented, to the clear and concise descriptions, to the exercises and performances, to the price, this DVD is a must-have for any dancer interested in performing. It's pretty rare for me to define anything as a "must have," but I can definitely say that this video can benefit *any* belly dancer, regardless of style, who wants to step out onto the stage. The tips offered by the dancers throughout this video are inspiring and encouraging, making you want to put into practice what they're advising.

The DVD is divided into three sections: Calmness and Simplicity, You and Your Music, and Focus and Energy Protection. Designed to help you perfect your performance skills, several of these main categories are further divided into additional parts that complement each main topic. After these "discussion topics," comes a section of exercises that help dancers not only learn from what is covered on the DVD but instantly put it into practice. My favorite feature, as others have mentioned, is that each concept is demonstrated by a clip of a professional dancer in a live, staged setting narrated by the dancer herself. This was absolutely invaluable! How often are you able to get inside the mind of another performer while she or he is dancing? This is such a wonderful addition to this and will definitely help viewers to find new ways to approach their own personal attitude towards performances.

Calmness: Michelle first offers a brief explanation of the topic. Then she provides a valuable discussion of why this topic is important for performers. In the Calmness Section, Michelle gives detailed reasons as to why it would benefit you to be calm on stage. She offers numerous tips such as the fact that an audience can pick up on nervousness and that calmness will help you manage any crises that arise. These elaborations were great and went beyond the simple idea of "be cool and collected" that we all probably know. Michelle's clear descriptions and honest candidness are refreshing and I found myself really paying attention to what she was saying. The material is presented in such a friendly, open way. I confess that I watched this several times to review it - a few times first to take a ton of notes as I got because I wasn't able to write the review until I jotted down all the juicy bits first for myself!.

My favorite part of this section involved the inclusion of clips of herself and another dancer during live staged performances. Through each clip, the performer discusses what was happening (and, yes, these are actual clips of "could be disastrous" performances) and what her mindset was while dancing. During each of these sections, the narrators give so many great tips. They move beyond simply explaining what was happening and really give the watcher some excellent pearls of wisdom.

Fight or Flight: I'm notorious for having gripping stage fright before performing. I've never been sure where it comes from, but after watching this video I definitely know the basic mechanics of it! Michelle starts with a description of why the body is reacting the way it does when the nerves kick in. It's great that she included this, because *knowing* why your body is behaving in this manner can really help when trying to correct it. Along with additional exercises elsewhere in the DVD, Michelle next offers some excellent exercises to relive tension before performing.

Simplicity: Here Michelle talks about the idea of "over dancing." I was so glad to see this included, because this is something that seems to be creeping into our dances more and more with the luxury of so many wonderful ideas via the intent and so many great dance DVDs. If you're a dancer that feels preoccupied with the idea of doing as much as you can at one time this section will help you to slow down and appreciate the idea of simplicity in dance. Over thinking your performances? This part will certainly help. The two dance performances included are beautiful and clearly illustrate this idea and once again the accompanying narration traces the dancers' thoughts on the subjects. It is helpful to get their impressions, too, in addition to Michelle's thoughts. Here the idea that "less is more" is beautifully illustrated.

You and Your Music: This is a section that, once again, offers a number of valuable tips for those perfecting their performances and pros alike. "Your job as a dancer is to interpret the music for the audience," begins Michelle and from there she offers a different sort of approach to using the music. She explains the way she personally approaches musical interpretation and the different things that a dancer can listen for in each song. Everything from more basic ideas of the beat vs. the melody to more advanced concepts such as specifically selecting certain sections of the music to highlight is included here for the aspiring performer. Michelle also talks here about choreography versus improvisation, and offers tips on how to begin improvising for those who are not quite sure how to dance fluidly without a plan. Three clips are offered here - one performance where the dancer discusses how she improves and two wherein the dancers discuss how they choreography and get ready to utilize movements.

Focus and Energy Protection: Have you ever seen a dancer that has "it?" That sparkle onstage that compels you to watch, regardless of how complicated her movements or how pretty her costume? If you're wondering how it is those dancers *do* that, this is the section for you. Here Michelle talks about different ways to project emotion and intent onstage. She talks about how to make a connection with not just the audience as a whole but each individual, describing ways to focus and captivate your audience. Here the two dances selected to illustrate the topic are quite different, giving two dramatically distinct examples of focus and emotion.

Exercises: Michelle includes resources to improve relaxing, improvisational skills, and one's focus. The relaxation exercises move beyond what was briefly covered in the Calmness section. Drawing from sports psychology, Michelle has created a very useful 11 minute long exercise for those dancers with pre-performance jitters. The next study focuses on improvisation. First comes a "chair dance" where dancers are encouraged to sit down, focus on the upper body, and get creative! Michelle demonstrates how the exercise should go and then reminds dancers to do it on their own in order to get the most benefit from it. This was a wonderful way to see how another dancer would approach this challenge, while providing dancers with a wonderful improvisational exercise. The second improv exercise is truly designed to help dancers improve their ability to dance to music on the fly. Michelle encourages dancers to be uninhibited and enjoy whatever comes out in order to grow as a performer. During the exercise, the viewer has an opportunity to listen and then perform to the clip. For each of the clips the dancer can do this 4 times and must do something differently each time. Afterwards, there is an example of how the different featured dancers on the DVD interpret the same music. There are a total of 7 different clips that vary in style, giving a wide range of music to practice improvisation. The focus exercise is shot but sweet and once again perfectly illustrates the previously discussed concepts.

After watching this through once, I put it in again. And again. And again. This is definitely a DVD that will have you up and dancing and will inspire you to grow as a performer. Highly recommended!


What Worked for Me:
* Many of Michelle's points are concepts that are not often taught in dance classes; ideas that one often only learns through years of performance practice. These are absolutely invaluable and it is wonderful to have them all conveniently collected in one place.
* Michelle is a great instructor. Once again, it is clear that she really knows what she is talking about and can put it into practice.
* The inclusion of performances to illustrate each section definitely helped me to visualize the concepts Michelle explains. The fact that she included different dancers in addition to herself was also great - different styles are covered from several talented performers.
* The price for the DVD in terms of what you are getting is absolutely affordable. Michelle delivers a wonderful piece for an incredibly reasonable price.

What Might Not Work for You:
* Honestly, there isn't much at all. This is one of the few DVDs I've seen that is a "MUST" have for anyone considering performing. The only reason this might not work for you is if you didn't want to perform!

Though this DVD was well put together, audio, video, and performances were enjoyable and each unique, the basic subject content did unfortunately not tell me more than I already knew about how to be a better performer. I did learn, though, that how I was already doing a few things concerning choreography and letting the music tell you what to do were right, so it was NICE to be validated in that way by fellow advanced & professional dancers. I would recommend this DVD, however, only for dancers who are just starting to perform publicly, have bad stage fright or someone who cannot naturally improv.