Search - Bellydance - The Next Level: Transitions, Turns & Layers on DVD

Are you ready for a challenge?

Seir | USA | 04/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Belly Dance the next level with Jenna
Are you ready for new challenges? This enriching instructional program; one hour and 45 minutes, is perfect for those who want to go beyond basics after acquiring a firm foundation and basic knowledge in belly dance, ready to move to ahead to meet new challenges. This is a great step up to follow Jenna's Basics and Beyond instructional program. See how the basics of belly dance are taken into more complex moves to beautifully layer and enhance moves, transitions, turns, hip work.
Three practice sessions specific for shoulders, hips and turns
The warm-up session: thorough and enjoyable, set to pleasant music and involves every muscle; nothing is left out. Jenna carefully guides a thorough warm up, using undulations, hip arcs, circles, upper and lower body movements the various figure 8s. .Jenna is reflected from a mirror in a studio setting therefore you can see all angles.
Hip work layering- in this section, Jenna leaves no stone unturned. Learn to co-ordinate hip and arm movement, using mayas with level change, adding twists to the hips while undulating, pelvic circles done in angles and center, scissor steps on toe layered with a circle, beautiful hip lifts layered with accents in and out, alternate with hips down, then add accents, slide the hips, then get ready for hip drops, shimmies, so much more. If you were ever at a loss at hip work, this will open your vocabulary.
Upper body layering: full torso rotations, variations of shoulder shimmies while layering on chest circles and more shoulder shimmies, layered with traveling steps.
Turns: a necessary section for all dancers. Almost swan-like and graceful, these turns are all beautifully illustrated to music as Jenna describes and guides you through each step and arm placement. Here Jenna takes you into her concept of turns; how a simple 3 step turn can become a barrel turn; try a two step turn with accent or embellishment, a compass turn or a hip circle with reverse turn, a beautiful compass turn on a spin, a lovely character turn, embellished with oriental arms, a slick cross-over turn, a hip twist turn. Also included is a great practice session for all the turns in the section.
Cool-down-Gentle yoga like asanas with soothing music in the background as Jenna instructs each move carefully while demonstrating proper body alignment and placement.
Jenna puts all her moves together for two great performances in full costume to 2 intermediate and advanced choreographies with step by step demonstration.
This program is packed with instruction. I have learned much from Jenna's programs; her instruction is thorough, detailed and precise in technique, guiding from the basic fundamentals of belly dance in a friendly approach. Jenna appears to be a wholesome teacher and if you cannot be present in her class, this dvd is the next best choice. I am grateful for such!
"

Great bang for your buck for intermediates

pippy longstocking | 03/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just got this DVD the other day and must say that if you like Jenna's other DVD's this one is styled in much the same way. My experience is beginner/intermediate. I own Amira's beginning, Sensuous Blanca, Jenna's other two DVD's, the shimmies DVD, bellydance for fitness and well you get the drift. So anyhow heres my breakdown on the 1-5 scale. One is blah and 5 awesome.

DVD Length-5
thoroughness of instruction at intermediate level-5
Visuals, nothing distracting, good view of legs-5
Menu options-5
Costumes-2 (this is so subjective, but wasn't thrilled especially with the red dress that covers a good deal of her belly

Instructor likablility-5
Bang for buck-5 worth every penny and then some; nothing comparable in the intermediate range

Recommend-5 this is my top pick for intermediates"

Good Intermediate video

Shara of Desert Dance | KS | 02/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I believe this is a very good intermediate video. The instructor is clear in her explaination and her movements are not obstructed by wardrobe. I like that she then performs in costume to inspire you. Good education/entertainment mix. This is also a good video for anyone who just likes to watch competent dancers perform."

Well done!

Serena | Calgary, Alberta Canada | 04/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well produced, easy to follow...there's a wealth of information here that can keep a dancer occupied for awhile! I love the break down of the turns. I FINALLY figured out the barrel turn after watching the DVD! It was like a lightbulb went off:) I also find it very helpful to have the camera behind Jenna while she faces the mirror, especially during the break down of the choreos. Makes it a lot easier to learn them.
This DVD is also a useful tool for teachers looking for new ideas to bring to their intermediate/advanced classes. Jenna uses clear explanations and great tips for all the movements taught, so a teacher is able to utilize some of these ideas to incorporate in their classes."