Comments on: Quick guide to beginners’ belly dance videos

By: Annie

Annie — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 09:06:49 +0000

Recently I’ve been using Elena Brower’s Element Yoga DVDs (Beginners and AM/PM) a lot. Great instructor with a very soothing voice, gorgeous scenery, lovely music. The only reservation I have recommending these DVDs (especially the “beginner” one) is that they require some flexibility (especially hips) and some of the poses are held for a long time (which can put pressure on the knees if you don’t do the poses properly).
Check out Esther (Yogatic) on YouTube. She’s fabulous at explaining poses and also puts together some lovely routines (like her moon salutation).
Yogatoday also has lots of good routines on YouTube.
I also recommend Jason from Yoga Journal, a very clear instructor. The Yoga Journal website and iTunes have lots of free routines.

By: Mala

Mala — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 04:46:28 +0000

Tell us about a few good yoga DVDs, Annie. Which ones would you say are recommended?

By: Annie

Annie — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 22:23:52 +0000

You’re right Mala – I’ve learned not to be tempted by words like “yoga isolations”.
I love yoga and I do have enough DVDS to keep me busy!

By: Mala

Mala — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:37:00 +0000

Hi Annie! Why would you need to buy belly dance DVDs for their yoga content? There’s a ton of yoga DVDs out there, different flavors, different programs. Do you have any of them?

By: Annie

Annie — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 22:29:50 +0000

I have mainly WDNY DVDs. I love Luscious, Love Potion and Hard Candy. Luscious is my favourite, probably because of Blanca’s lovely moves, and I really feel her absence in the newest DVD. I use Blanca’s gorgeous DVD a lot!
As a yoga girl, I first started buying bellydance DVDs for their yoga content, but I was disappointed with how yoga was presented in these DVDs. I didn’t need sun salutes and lunges – I was hoping for more specific stretches for dancers, and that’s why I love Sera’s DVDs so much.

By: Mala

Mala — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:40:28 +0000

Hello Annie! Welcome here!
So, what bellydance DVDs do you have? I like both Sera’s East Coast Tribals but am more familiar with the first, since I’ve now used it for a long time. The warm up remains one of my favorites. it has a lot of things going for it: warms up everything, is gentle enough to not leave you vulnerable to injury, and is just the right length. The second one is more active and a quicker way to get on with it, but in my opinion novices will be safer with the first one. Sometimes I wish I could join parts of both. Anyway, there are more videos coming up from Sera, very soon. Can hardly wait!

By: Annie

Annie — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:18:19 +0000

Hi Mala, hugs and well wishes from Australia! Like Marjorie, I’m an experienced exerciser (mainly yoga) but a bellydance novice. Your reviews are wonderful and so helpful.
Majorie, if you’re looking for a “beginner” bellydance DVD but also want a good conditioning workout, try Sera Solstice. My most used bellydance DVD is Sera’s East Coast Tribal (awesome warmup), but I think her new DVD is even better. She has you moving and dancing and working so many different muscle groups.

By: Mala

Mala — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:20:15 +0000

Aw, thank you! Now that you’ve got me started off, i’ll be adding to this section until I have a nice big fat guide ready.

By: fancypants

fancypants — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:01:49 +0000

thank you mala for your great reviews! Hugs and Kisses from Germany,

Silvia

By: Mala

Mala — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:20:50 +0000

There are actually several more halves to come! I must get to this. Perhaps I’ll plug in a few more before doing any more reviews this time. Thanks for reminding me.