Product: Bellydance: Magical Motion [VHS] (1985)
Rating: 5.0
Captures The True Spirit of Bellydance
A friend recommended this to me as the best instructional video to really learn bellydance and she was right. Atea's Magical Motion is unique compared to other bellydance videos I own and have tried. The video starts with a brief, informative history of bellydance, which reveals a few facts that I know I wasn't aware of, including its health benefits.This video appeals to the type of learner that I am. Even my instructor has commented that I take my time to learn something before moving on. Atea teaches in small segments, showing us 3 or 4 related movements at a time. Her analogies work very well for me; for instance, imagining that I'm tracing a figure eight on the floor or a clock on the wall. She takes time with each movement and encourages us not to focus too hard or get frustrated, pointing out that bellydance should be relaxed and fun, and that perfection will come in its own time.Some other reviewers felt that Atea is a bit "stiff." I think that this is because she spends a lot of time explaining the movements verbally and sometimes the visual has to wait catch up. If you watch the beginning segment closely, you'll see that Atea and the other two dancers are trying not to burst out laughing because they're standing in stance for such a long time waiting for the narrative to finish.While Atea reminds us of the health and fitness benefits of bellydance, she is also teaching real, genuine bellydance with all of its joy and freedom. While it will work you out because bellydance is great exercise, this is not a "workout" video. Personally, I'm experiencing positive changes in the shape of my body while having tons of fun and without really trying, a great bonus.After each segment, Atea basically says, "Okay, now let's dance," showing us how to put the moves together with other dancers, who rotate with each section. In addition to learning and practicing the basic moves, watching other dancers is another important part of learning. Atea shows us a variety of dancers with many different styles to inspire us.Following segments on staccato hip movements, taxim, arms and a little taste of veil work and zills, we are treated to an incredible costume fashion show with dancers of all shapes, ages, sizes and ethnicity. Both the veil segment and the costume piece will give you lots of ideas for putting your own moves and look together.The end of the video is my favorite part. Atea points out that the heart of bellydance is really about friends getting together to share fun, joy and creativity and we are given a glimpse of a hafla. All of the dancers in the video show us their stuff. This is how my instructor teaches, encouraging freestyle dancing during breaks, after class and at weekly hafla. We learn from and encourage each other.I was drawn to my own instructor due to her passion and and love for bellydance, a passion that Atea seems to share. The first time I saw my teacher dance, she was smiling like she was having the time of her life. I've met other instructors over the years and none got me motivated enough to actually show up at their studios. I called her at The Hippie Shack in Tulsa, OK less than two weeks later to enroll. Bellydance has literally saved my life after the loss of my husband six months ago, bringing enough joy and passion back into my life to keep me from drowning in depression.If you attend classes as a beginner, Magical Motion will help you supplement what's being taught. If you're not interested in classes or can't attend, this video is one of the best for learning bellydance in the absence of professional instruction.