Bellydance Basics and Beyond: Technique for a Solid Foundation (DVD, 2006)

If you are unable to go for a "live" class, this DVD helps you get the basics down and introduces you to bellydance with beautiful step-by-step tutorials. A major plus point of the DVD is that it contains a full 2.5 hours of material. Yes, two and a half HOURS.

It is set in a studio - with a wall of mirror on the front, at an angle .. so essentially you the viewer can see the moves from the front and the back. You will miss nothing of the footwork or body and arm movements, and this is very important especially with bellydancing.

This setting is a major plus as it does make it feel like you are "in" the studio. The instructor, Jenna, also helps contribute to this, with her nice pleasing speech and manner .. so that it feels like a 1-on-1 class (but in your living room!). She is also not very intimidating - unlike most fitness videos or even bellydancing videos.

It starts off with the absolute basics - with each body part done individually - the shoulders, the legs, the hips etc. All the movements are done or should I say, introduced separately, before eventually combining them together as you move further along with the programme.

I highly recommend this, especially since it seems like such a steal for the price for the amount of content you get in the DVD.

This is one of the most comprehensive isolation DVDs I’ve seen. Easy to follow instructions for beginners, excellent pointers for the more advanced. The instructor, Jenna, is very conscientious of posture, so the dancer does not hurt herself. I highly recommend this video. If you can’t learn belly dance from this video, you can’t learn belly dance.

Jenna has taken so much time and effort to put this together. Each lesson is not only reviewed verbally as she demonstrates, but she repeats each move right afterwards. This gives you the opportunity to try it immediately again, which helps in the learning process. It is very long, but you get your money's worth. It is a great help to polish your moves whether you are a beginner or somewhat advanced. She is very clear in her approach and I love that she makes each move look effortless and not strained. It makes it easier for the student to emulate and make their moves sensual and not sexual in nature. Truly an art and she is a great artist!

This is fantastic. Jenna breaks down every move you will use to belly dance with step by step instructions on how to acheive each movement. Belly dancing takes lots of practice but with this dvd you can definitely learn it. I would recommend this to anyone interested in learning to belly dance. The best I've seen. It's better than live one on one instructors I have had. Jenna explains and demostrates every little move so you know what to do and how to do it properly including posture. absolutely fantastic!!!!!!!!!!

Love this DVD. Exactly what i've been looking for but hadn't been able to find! Just started bellydancing with a teacher and this has been a great dvd to couple with my lessons. My teacher was impressed to see progress in certain moves that I have been unable to do. Thank You again

This is a wonderful DVD for learning to belly dance. It has all the basics explained in detail and makes it fun and easy to learn. The price was right also. I recommend this for anyone wanting to learn this art.

This DVD is well worth the great price. It is very imformative and easy to follow. I have purchased many instructional DVDs on this subject, and this one is by far the best. The formating is great, very understandable for the novice. She instructs in front of a mirror so you can see both angles, you are also able to see the movements unhindered by elaborate costuming. Beautiful costuming is pretty, but it can be difficult to see the knee, and leg movements when covered. This instructor wears a simple scarf and leotard. I really picked up a lot on this one and really recommend it. I purchased it after reading a review on it. I might add, that anyone wishing to learn this art---DVDs are great. You can practice whenever you want, just balance up a few full length mirrors and turn on the player,you have the luxury of pausing and going over the parts you don't get. I tried beginners lessons from a live teacher, and was very disappointed due to the fact that I had to travel about an hour to get there, did not get any indivudual instruction--people learn at different paces and I can't afford private lessons. Now that I have mastered the basics, I plan on joining a group and using DVDs as practice sessions.

Bellydance Basics and Beyond covers many more moves than other beginner bellydancing DVD's I've purchased. The instructor demonstrates upper and lower body movements, as well as many different styles of footwork, which is great because you can review them as many times as you need. There's also a section that combines movements with instruction or just music. I recommend Bellydance Basics and Beyond for any beginning bellydancer.

The DVD is a must have for anyone who wants to learn belly dance or to review your basics once you have taken in class lessons. Jenna breaks everything down so perfectly, its virtually impossible to get lost.

As an advanced Dancer, I like this DVD because it helps me keep my basic isolations and challenge moves fresh in my mind.

This was a pretty good dvd. It was filmed well and everything was explained in plain language. The only critique I would have is that she only spent about 30 seconds if that on the belly undulation which is what I am having the biggest problem with. Other than that, it is laid out pretty well.

This DVD explains correct positioning for the beginner to prevent injury. This DVD gives explicit explanation of steps. I have bought several bellydance DVD's and I have to say this is the BEST so far. I give this DVD and EXCELLENT review! I can't wait till I get to the next level. Thank you Jenna!

This is a very informative and well choreagraphed tape in the art of bellydancing. The techniques are taught slowly and in a manner that anyone can learn easily. Can't wait to be able to put a sequence together for the viewing pleasure of my significant other!

I have a couple belly dance lesson videos, and this is my favorite of the bunch. Each to understand and follow. You will not be disappointed.

Jenna is a wonderful teacher! The is video breaks down much of the basic vocabulary of bellydance, with a careful eye towards correct placement and alignment, as well as preparation for the next levels of dance. If I had to recommend 101 videos to an aspiring bellydancer, this would certainly be high on my list. This DVD along with Amira, Shimmy's first season, and Luscious with Neon are my absolute desert island staples! Superb in every way.

This video is very good for beginners and people who have never danced before. If you have danced or are looking for a workout this video is not for you. She goes over each movement very slowly and has you repeat it several times, good if you are learning for the first time, extremely boring if you have an idea of what you are doing.

I liked this DVD because has good combinations moves, even the quality of the DVD is not the best. In some parts the imagen when bad,but I already spent money for shipping and return it would cost more money.