Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12123 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-11-15
• Format: NTSC

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ABOUT THE SERIES

"...information that every performer and instructor should have."

What makes a captivating dancer? A captivating dancer knows how to draw in the audience and takes them on an emotional journey with every movement and expression. A captivating dancer shows us a different way of listening to the music without overpowering it and teaches us that there is beauty in even the simplest movements. A captivating dancer knows how to build drama and set up those "wow" moments.

Unfortunately, most dancers simply focus on the mechanics of their movements and don't train themselves in the art of performing. Many dancers mistakenly think that performance skills cannot be learned and feel frustrated that it does not come naturally.

Having sharp isolations and cute combinations are a result of training your muscles, but incorporating stage presence, emotion and musical awareness into your dance require training of a totally different kind. The exercises in this DVD are uniquely designed to help you become a better performer and to push your dance presentation to the next level.

The format is different than any other belly dance instructional DVD. Each concept is demonstrated by video clips of professional dance performances, while the dancers themselves narrate. This unique concept gives you a glimpse into what is going on in the dancers' mind in real time as she performs. Several drills and exercises that combine dance, drama, and emotional exploration are included at the end of DVD.

ABOUT THE TEACHER

Michelle Joyce is a professional belly dancer who has performed for audiences around the globe. She has won several awards including 2004 People's Choice Belly Dancer and 2006 East Coast Classic Belly Dance Competition Champion.

Michelle also has a Master's in Counseling, and draws on that knowledge to incorporate techniques such as progressive relaxation, visualization, meditation, and stress response reduction.

ABOUT THIS DVD

topics covered: - relaxation and calmness - you and your music (includes an improvisation exercise) - focus and energy projection

dancers interviewed: -Adriana -Michelle -Nanna Candelaria -Sandra -Shoshanna -Zari -Zaheea

This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

Customer Reviews

Solid advice for coping with stage fright & giving your best performance
This video has solid advice for those who are beginning a career in performing belly dancing. The narrator has a friendly, down-to-earth style, and a clear speaking voice. I particularly enjoyed the segments where performers told us in their own words about their struggles with stage props, stage fright, and their solutions for various performance issues---these segments were voiced-over their actual performances. The segment with the performer dancing on goblets was particularly enlightening for me. The segment of relaxation exercises at the end would be useful to those who have issues with stage fright. This DVD has good photography and played fine on my DVD player, but I was not able to get it to play on my computer. I don't know whether this was because of the DVD or because of something quirky with my computer.

Very Helpful
This is a fun dvd to watch. I learned a lot from the various performers that were interviewed and showcased. All of the dancers were beautiful performers and very generous with their tips. Michelle also has a very nurturing, upbeat energy which I appreciated very much.

Another helpful tool form Michelle Joyce
I love this DVD! In addition to exposing me to some very talented dancers with whom I was previously unfamiliar, I glean those performers' perspectives on choreographing, listening to music, trouble-shooting while performing, approaches to creating stage presence. . .all while watching their performances! When I have a performance coming up, I'll often play this DVD while ironing, grooming, getting ready for bed during the week prior to the gig. Even if I can't watch it, I find listening to the dancers to be very supportive and encouraging. As each performance begins, the dancer's name and the name of the musical piece and the main artist appears. Identifying the music and musicians is important to me, and this way I'm also introduced to some great music!