Product Details

• Actors: Bryan Scott Gordon
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Number of tapes: 1
• VHS Release Date: August 7, 2001
• Run Time: 39 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0970328710
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #46,431 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

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  Video > Special Interests > Dance > Belly

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover
Welcome back to the world of belly dancing. This is the second volume in our series.

In this video, Mara continues her exploration of the art of belly dancing, presenting another twelve moves in this beautiful dance style.

Following the format established in Belly Dancing I: Beginning Instruction, this video also presents 12 moves in 3 groups of 4 moves each. Each section is followed by a dance segment where Mara puts the movements you just learned to music.

As a special bonus, at the end of the video, Mara performs a dance that incorporates movements taught on Vol. I, Beginning Instruction, with the ones taught on this video.

The music featured is performed by Desert Knights, winners of the 1998 International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance Award for Best Music. The selections are from the first album, "Desert Nights."

Not all exercises are suitable for everyone, and this or any other exercise program may result in injury. Any user of this exercise program assumes the risk of injury resulting from performing the exercises. To reduce the risk of injury, consult your physician before beginning this or any exercise program. The instructions and advice presented are in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. The creators, producers, participants and distributors of this program disclaim any liabilities or loss in connection with the exercises and advice herein.

(c) 2001 Scottish Winters Productions, Inc.

Credits: Executive Producers Bryan Scott Gordon and Susan Winters

Producer Susan Winters

Director Bryan Scott Gordon

Starring Mara

Music By Desert Knights From the Album Entitled "Desert Nights"

Camera David Roberts

Set Dresser/Production Assistant Colette Keller

Set Construction Jack Gordon

Costume Design Joyce Daniels and Lisa Lamonica of Ali Baba Studios, Phoenix Arizona

Post Production Bay 6 Productions, Inc.

Editor Rick Servatius

Opening Titles Shane LaPan

Morrocan Antiques on Set Generously Provided by Explorations Tucson, Arizona

Set Mascot Groucho

Product Description
Second video in this instructional series designed to introduce the art of belly dancing.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beginners - begin with Mara, October 4, 2001

By A Customer

I purchased this tape along with its predecessor, and they are both great introductions to the art of belly dance. I would recommend beginning with these tapes and adding on with other video productions. I have several belly dancing tapes, and I wished that I had begun with these. They will save you a lot of time and anxiety, and they will have you dancing to the music of your choice in no time. Mara's strength is how she teaches you to put the moves to the music and how to dance improvisationally. I have had more fun practicing with these 2 tapes than any other.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, May 22, 2002

By A Customer

I found the video a disappointment. If you've had any formal bellydance instruction you will find this video too introductory, and Mara's style may confuse you when compared to what you've been taught in class. If you are looking for high quality production with crisp, professional audio and clean staging, you'll be disappointed. On the plus side, the camera is usually showing you what you want to see.

Mara does a good job of explaining her interpretation of the execution of some basic bellydance moves. Her interpretation -- which seems to use glutes as the foundation for most movements usually executed out of the abs and hips -- differs from the standard canon of Egyptian Cabaret as it has been taught to me. (Not counting workshops and seminars, I've only studied at length with 4 different teachers: 2 Egptian, 1 Syrian, and 1 American. Mara may be teaching in a movement style with which I am unfamiliar.)

Mara is clear in the explanation of her style. However, her own dance is not the best example for learners. Modeling yourself on her arm/hand movements and upper body carriage won't introduce you to the fluid, graceful, and exotic arms and hands usually associated with bellydance. Mara's transitions between movements often look -- well -- silly. (Watch as she switches from left side forward to right side forward.)

Mara gives a short performance in costume after the teaching segment. I did not enjoy watching. There are many, many dancers with better technique and artistic flair.

Better investments for high quality instruction are: any of the teaching videos from Suzanna Del Vecchio or Kathryn Ferguson.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mara's second video in her series, August 17, 2001

By A Customer

"Belly Dancing II [Intermediate Instruction with Mara]" is a television-quality video with state-of-the-art audio clarity, the second in this new series. Mara is a well-spoken, beautiful and experienced dancer, and the course she presents in this video is well planned and executed. In step-by-step fashion, she demonstrates twelve intermediate moves with precision and an easy-to-follow approach, and she coordinates each move to music. She is careful to show individual moves done from both sides, as well as from the rear where necessary. Her complete dance to an oud/doumbek chiftitelli as the finale of the video incorporates the moves into a beautiful conclusion. The addition of this brand-new video promises the completion of an excellent instructional series for those wishing to learn the art of Belly Dance.