Customer Reviews

Soukara Bellydance By Viktoriya Belly Dancing Dvd

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

 

 

This is strictly a performance DVD, no drills, no instruction, no teaching choreographies. Each dance has an information frame that comes up listing the song title and type of dance (Egyptian Classical, for example), which was helpful for trying to recognize the different nuances between the types performed. For each song, Soukara has a different costume, which was a nice effect and reinforced the different styles being performed.

The set is great, actually, one of the better ones for a belly dance video. It is the typical "harem" theme, but seems to be more spacious than others (such as the studio used by Sadie). It is appropriate for all songs performed, except someone decided that having a light show in the middle of a "harem" theme was an excellent idea. The styles here range from gypsy (not American Tribal, think more of Hossam Ramzy), saidi-esque, classical, Egyptian cabaret, etc. Soukara has great energy and really enjoys performing, and her technique works well for her chosen dance style. That being said, she is most definitely an Egyptian cabaret style performer, and her choreography is acceptable for that genre, though it did seem somewhat repetitive at some points. Her footwork is what caught my eyes, as it seemed rather sloppy at points, mostly during fast traveling steps, perhaps her steps were too big?

Mostly, this DVD gets 3 stars from me due to Viktoriya's propensity to contort her face and mouth the words, which is absolutely bothersome during any dance performance. Usually, there is a smile on her face, but she does the "O" mouth far too often, will begin mouthing the lyrics, then go back to smiling. It is very distracting, and a bad habit, hopefully newcomers won't get the wrong habit and begin fostering the idea it is okay. The DVD is good for choreography ideas, and has some good costumes, though.