Ok. I wanted to write a more detailed review. But, geez, I just don't want to stop the DVD! (that should tell you something!)WDNY just released Rachel Brice's latest piece, Serpentine. It's a 2-DVD set, divided into a drill/yoga section and a dance/choreography section. I received an advance copy as I review DVDs for several different places and cannot emphasize enough just how good this one is. I'd say it's hands down her best DVD yet as it finally has what I know I've wanted to see for so long - a comprehensive overview of her own unique signature style. The other DVDs were great (one is a historic gem that has the baseline material and moves that are the building blocks for tribal fusion; the other is a bible for tribal style arms), but both seemed to lack that unique quality of Rachely goodness - her fluid technique, nifty combos, and dance mechanics.
Well, if you want to learn her signature style, it's all here - from the yoga she uses to prepare her body to the drills for strengthening to the actual movements arranged in not one but two sample choreographies. You can read the info on exactly *what* it has (the descriptions on amazon, the back of the DVD case, etc will give you the lowdown), but I can tell you from viewing it that the quality is excellent and really well done. WDNY brings in their specialty of creating an easy to follow format, presented in several variations that will allow you to choose how you want to practice, which is a very nice touch. My favorite part? Drills of course. Overall, I'd say that the drills alone on here are excellent and fairly unique in terms of building up strength for traveling (I really enjoyed that section) and footwork as well as tribal fusion style shimmy drill. Every Rachel workshop I've attended (and I've had the pleasure of going to about 5 or so) have featured yoga and drills with a delicious focus on technique and you'll find that in this DVD.I like to think of it as a Rachel Brice workshop in a box - an excellent DVD that follows her in-class teaching format exactly.
So the first DVD is drills and yoga. But, beyond that, there's an entire second DVD that includes two choreographies, each of which is broken down and explained, along with Rachel performing each individual choreography in full costume (don't worry there are two *additional* performances too so you can get your Rachel fix). The breakdowns assume you have knowledge of tribal fusion and basic bellydance movements - this portion of the DVD is definitely not for beginners. The combos are presented clearly, but quickly, so you will need to make sure that you know the movements as not all of the individual moves are broken down. Again, this will not be an issue if you have a good working knowledge of the dance. At times, it is pretty challenging (something along the lines of "now you're on relevee...and traveling back with this foot pattern/arabic. and let's layer the arabic on. and then when you're comfortable with that, here are the arms and the 3/4 shimmy on the up to go with it...whew!). But often the layers are presented in pieces, so you can work with what you *can* do before adding on the extra pieces. The nice thing is that the setup facilitates you learning Rachel's more complex combinations - the combos are broken down, and there's a "practice loop" section for you to jam out to. One choreography offering is fast and cheeky, and one is slow and slinky, so you're really getting the best of both worlds. And, in the tradition of WDNY DVDs packing in as much material as possible, there are two smaller classes on the second DVD, a yoga for backbends (FINALLY!) and a lecture class.
Overall, a great DVD (but you probably expected that). If you're into tribal fusion style in general, this is definitely one to pick up. I know, I know - lately there have been lots of other DVDs on the market now that will give you wonderful material as far as combos and movements, but I promise you that this is THE one to own if you're looking for Rachel/the Indigo technique and dance form. And a good yoga practice for bellydancers. And some excellent drills. You get the idea ;)
You will like this DVD if:
* You would like to improve your bellydance practice by adding in yoga and drills (these will benefit dancers of any style)
* You are interested in refining and perfecting tribal fusion technique
* You are interested in improving dance footwork, leg strength, isolation, and shimmies
* You would like to learn some new tribal fusion choreographies and/or combinations
* You're a huge Rachel Brice/the Indigo fan :)
Again, DVD 1 recommended for dancers of all levels, DVD 2 for those who are intermediate or higher level
Click Here to see more reviews about: Serpentine - Belly Dance with Rachel Brice :: Bellydance Technique & Yoga for Strong, Relaxed & Sinuous Movement
Product Description:
Serpentine - Belly Dance with Rachel Brice: Belly Dance Technique & Yoga for Strong, Relaxed & Sinuous Movement is a unique blend of yoga conditioning, belly dance technique drills, choreography and mini-classes designed by Rachel Brice, star performer and instructor of contemporary belly dance, whose technique, artistic style, and warm personality contributed to the rise of Tribal Fusion belly dance.
Rachel's instructional method offers you tools to achieve precision of isolations, deep full-range movement, as well as flexibility and strength that will give you the sinuous serpentine grace characteristic of Rachel's own dance style. Her drills, combinations and yoga sessions are designed to help you establish your own regular dance practice, customized to fit your creative goals and lifestyle.
The two main sections of Serpentine are 1. Technique and 2. Choreography & Classes.
The Technique section opens with Yoga for Belly Dance carefully crafted to enhance your strength and flexibility, qualities crucial for relaxed, effortless dance. A veteran yoga instructor with many years of practice, training, and yoga teaching experience, Rachel Brice leads you in a beautiful flow of classic yoga postures and stretches. She teaches yoga in the Viniyoga tradition as transmitted by Gary Kraftsow and the faculty of the American Viniyoga Institute, LLC.
The Yoga is followed by three drills sessions: Leg Strengthening Drills, including a variety of travel and level-change exercises, and mini-combinations;
Isolation Drills (shoulders, torso, and pelvis) where you practice belly dance isolations and then layer each one on 4 footwork patterns;and the Shimmy Drill, a delightful high-energy non-stop shimmy practice with Rachel's signature shimmy layering.The Technique section ends with a Finishing Yoga Practice.
Rachel's Choreography & Classes section features two choreographies; A fast and playful dance set to music of progressively increasing tempo, and a flowing slow dance including backbends and fluid serpentine movement punctuated with elegant accents. Each choreography is performed in costume and then demonstrated from the back with Rachel facing the mirror.Rachel teaches you the combinations for each choreography step-by-step with practice first at a slower pace, and then the faster. A special DVD feature offers practice loops for each combination.
To promote correct and safe backbending technique, Rachel Brice teaches a mini-class on the biomechanics of backward bending, and leads you in the Yoga for Backward Bending practice designed to increase the flexibility and the range of motion in your back and develop a strong habit for proper muscle support when executing backbends.
Additional classes and materials include: Yoga Breathing; arm and footwork patterns to be used during the drills; basics of the 10-point dance posture; and two performances by Rachel Brice.
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