Listmania!
Do NOT waste your money on these Bellydance DVDs!
By an Amazon.com customer
Discover Bellydance: Basic DanceDiscover Bellydance: Basic Dance
Buy new: $14.98 / Used from: $3.45
A really overrated product. I firmly believe its popularity is only due to the fact that it was one of the first bellydance tapes that appeared on the market. The quality of production is good but only about 25 min are spent on teaching. None of it mentions proper posture or injuries. Spend the same money for 2 hours of Jenna's Bellydance and Beyond instead!
Discover Bellydance: Beyond Basic DanceDiscover Bellydance: Beyond Basic Dance
Buy new: $14.98 / Used from: $3.50
I thought the title "Beyond Basic Dance" would have some more material to work on - for late beginner/intermediate level. But once again, how much can you show and teach in 25 mins of instruction?! For the same cost, Jenna's Heartbeat of Bellydance is a much better choice.
Discover BellydanceDiscover Bellydance
Buy new: $39.98 / Used from: $14.17
This whole 3-pack set does not have bad quality but the overall value is very poor. It's disappointing to spend $40 for 1.5 hours of instruction. It doesn't even feature a complete choreography! Posture is not addressed. Possible injuries are not addressed. Great for "monkey see, monkey do" learners who have unlimited budget but I'd certainly recommend Jehan's 3-hour Sacred Bellydance instead.
An Introduction to Bellydance TechniqueAn Introduction to Bellydance Technique
Buy new: $40.00 / Used from: $19.99
I was never able to make up my mind if the DVD is meant for dancers with or without bellydance experience. It is well-suited for neither. Very expensive for a low-quality tape taken from VHS and slapped on a DVD. Buy Amira's Bellydance 101 or both of Jenna's DVDs and avoid this one.
Wimps Series: Bellydance for WimpsWimps Series: Bellydance for Wimps
Buy new: $9.98 / Used from: $3.00
A very boring DVD and a really disenchanting instructor. If you want to get inspired by bellydance, I suggest you look elsewhere. Stiff dancing, poor instruction and overall poor value of the DVD takes it to bottom of my bellydance chart.
Bellydance! Slow MovesBellydance! Slow Moves
Buy new: $19.95 / Used from: $12.82
Unattractive instruction by unattractive dancers in attractive costumes. Only worth if you are literally making a collection of every single bellydance DVD that ever appeared on the market. Slow moves can be extremely challenging even to seasoned dancers - with the right choice of music. Princess Farhana's Raks and Rolls is a great example of what this DVD might have been, but it isn't.
Kathy Smith - Flex Appeal - A Belly Dance WorkoutKathy Smith - Flex Appeal - A Belly Dance Workout
Buy used from: $2.45
Why can't they ban aerobics instructors turning bellydancers overnight? This DVD earned its rank in this list not because the workout is not-so-great but because of the teacher. Instead of Kathy Smith, they should have chosen Ansuya (her teacher) to lead the workout. If you get irritated by floppy technique and perky squeaks, do yourself a favor and pass on this video.
Bellydance Fitness for Weight Loss featuring Rania (Cardio Shimmy/Bellydance Boogie/Hip Drop Hip Hop/Pure Sweat)Bellydance Fitness for Weight Loss featuring Rania (Cardio Shimmy/Bellydance Boogie/Hip Drop Hip Hop/Pure Sweat)
Buy new: $25.49 / Used from: $16.99
One more DVD which gets my negative vote for the qualities (or lack of such thereof) of the instructor. I have to tell you Ms Rania is very stiff! The workout she shows are quite mediocre, especially considering the price. If you are a serious bellydancer, you may want to look at newer products on the market such as the Ultimate Workout, Sera's Tribal, or even Celeste's shimmy drills.