Product: Bellydance: Magical Motion [VHS] (1985)
Rating: 3.0
Good example of Egyptian style dance
The good points:There is an intro to hip, torso, and arm movements. It discusses taqsim (or however you choose to spell this). Some pelvic movements, walking movements and shimmies. There is a very basic intro to zils (finger cymbals) and a breif veil section. They show you some costumes rather than tell you much about costuming.Lacking:They dont explain differences in styles of bellydance, for instance the tape covers what could be considered egyptian caberet but you are not told this and they dont mention alternatives like tribal style.The music is very new age throughout and thats fine but they never play any traditional music at all.They use words like ethnic costuming when they could tell you she is wearing a thobe. At the same time these are all very cabaret costumes which is fine but they should touch lightly at least on some other style options.Finally these gals look very 80's in their choice of hair styles and makeup which gives you the feel that this tape is old and maybe it is but the set is very lovely.My advice is if you can find an instructor, do so! Bellydance is great fun when you have a group of ladies together. In classes you can ask questions and get good exposure to other trends in middle eastern dance. If you cannot find an instructor read up and decide what style of dance you want to start learning first. If egyptian is it than this is definatly worth it, despite the hair =)!