Bellydance Basics and Beyond: Technique for a Solid Foundation

Product Details

Jenna's methodical presentation of bellydance basics begins with POSTURE, the foundation on which dance movement is built. The BASIC ARMS section teaches you how to maintain and enhance a beautiful elongated body line through graceful positioning of the arms and hands.

WARMUP includes select dance moves and dynamic stretches and is designed as a light total-body workout.

The FOOTWORK section lays the foundation for traveling steps, focusing on a number of patterns, such as basic walk, 2-step and triple step traveling and ways to change directions.

ISOLATIONS of shoulders, ribcage and hips are building blocks of bellydance movement. Jenna breaks down slides, lifts, drops, arcs and sharp accents. Some of these elements are dance moves in their own right, and others help to form compound moves.

COMPOUND MOVES are the essential vocabulary of bellydance - circles, undulations and figure 8s. Jenna's technique of building them from the smallest and most basic elements up, ensures that they are performed with effortless grace. Next, Jenna shows how to layer simple and compound moves on top of TRAVELING steps.

PRACTICE COMBINATIONS offer five 5-minute practice sessions made from many exciting bellydance combinations. As you follow Jenna, you can listen to the music together with her verbal cues or you can select the music-only option. This section offers a series of excellent technique drills and can be combined with the WARMUP for a fantastic 30-minute moderate workout. The last session contains stretches and can serve as a cooldown.

Product Reviews

(4 stars) - Excellent tutorial
This is an excellent reference DVD for beginners. The instructions are simple and clear. Jenna then practices each move slowly a couple of times and then quickly a couple of times. This is not a good dvd for drilling the moves. Once you get the gist of the moves you will need to stop the dvd and practice to your own music. But if instruction is all you need then this is a good dvd.

(5 stars) - Perfect for those who are new to bellydancing
I wanted to try bellydancing was too nervous to go to a class. After doing some research, I discovered there are A LOT of instructional DVDs out there. I took my chance with this one and am glad I did.

I like the style in which this woman teaches. It's slow enough to pick on relatively quickly and, at the same time, it feels really authentic. I have done this DVD several times and have not gotten bored. Bravo to Jenna for putting together such a wonderful DVD.

(5 stars) - Very Comprehansive
The title says it all. It really is technique for a solid foundation. Everything is clearly broken down and is easy to follow. Bravo.

(5 stars) - an encylopedia of belly dance
This is a great instructional video. I have learned so much and have refined my technique. I would highly recommend it.

(5 stars) - The Best DVD for beginners
It is truly the best DVD for beginners. It doesn't require any belly dance experience. The technique is very easy to understand. Jenna shows it slowly enough and explains every move.
However it does not teach you a routine. So I wouldn't recommend this DVD if you are interested in belly dancing just to learn something new and will be satisfied performing a dance or two.
If you do want to learn belly dancing more professionally this DVD is a very good foundation and I totally recommend it!

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