Product: Bellydance: Magical Motion [VHS] (1985)
Rating: 4.0
Worth It Just For the Finalé
Atéa's approach is friendly, encouraging, and thorough. The costumes are great -- very inspiring. Unfortunately, there is no choreography, and the music isn't very Middle Eastern. However, it's still a very good intro to belly dance, with an encouraging attitude. It's great for the beginner with no access to classes. Atéa's approach is to let the music guide the movement, so no choreographed movements are taught. If you like a bit more structure in your instruction, this is not the video for you.The box maintains that it is a "complete home course" with beginner through advanced moves. In it, you will learn basic movements, as well as veil and zill work. The various movements are demonstrated regularly throughout the video by Atéa and other dancers.The finalé features dancers in yet another costume change (there are 50 costumes shown in this video), dancing solos in a joyful atmosphere of friendship. You get the sense that every one of those women is having the time of her life, and that she loves this dance.I would recommend this as a first foray into Middle Eastern dance, especially if you have no way of taking a class with a "live" instructor. The movements she teaches are basic, true, but provide a good foundation, and the encouragement to experiment. I enjoyed her approach, even after having taken a class.