Suhaila Productions, LLC Presents
Jamila Salimpour's Archive Series
As Reviewed by Zaina Hart
If
you have wanted to learn the Jamila Salimpour Belly Dance (JSBD) format, or if
you have ever wondered how much of the movement language and steps you
currently do are based from Ms. Salimpour’s format, then you will want to grab
this four DVD set right away. I have the
four DVD set – in separate DVD’s but it is now available in one DVD. Jamila’s format was created over 50 years ago
and now with Suhaila’s certification program and workshops all over the world
and Isabella coming into her own, this format is clearly strong in its
creation.
Suhaila’s web
site says: Why learn Jamila's format?
The answer on the site: Because it's
belly dance history. Out of this format came Bal Anat and tribal belly dance.
Suhaila's format evolved from these roots.
The format is effective and challenging.
At first
glance I thought this DVD set might have some snipets of Jamila teaching, but
it does not. Suhaila filmed these sets
back in the 80’s (her stripe leotard and heal cut out tights are a clear
picture of the 80’s). And the gym or
studio where the filming was done provides a bit of outside “car noise” and at
times an echo that had me turning down the sound on volume 4 (Folkloric steps
and my favorite in the package) just so I could concentrate.
Each
Volume ends with a review and then a performance (the DVD is worth the price
alone for the performance segments of Suhaila).
Volume 1: Basic Steps – This Section is just what it says: the Basics, from the Basic Egyptian to the Arabic
1-4 - - can’t do without base movement.
Note Suhaila’s costume in the performance segmen – elegant, open leg
circle skirt pinned at the knees with a simple bra and delicate chain belly
drape - - lovely and perfect to reflect the movement of this segment.
Volume 2: Hipwork – From Pelvic isolations to an Algerian shimmy and
¾ up and down, this section is packed full of the signature movement of he
Salimpour family. Suhaila breaks down
movement – clearly and concisely, leaving little to question – but a lot to
execute. The performance segment
includes an opening with black and white photos of Jamila and Suhaila as a
Segway to the performance which is done in gold beledi dress and hip belt.
Volume 3: Taqsim – This segment includes some of my
favorite slow moves; figure eights, Mayas body waves and combinations of
all.
Volume 4: Folkloric Steps – My favorite section! Suhaila teaches this segment in black tights
and a beautiful Asuit top and headdress which gives more of a folkloric feel
right from the start (glad the striped leotard was not used here J). The Stomp steps have been favorites of mine
for years, and seeing them included here was a bonus. The performance done on a dark stage, center
spot on Suhaila while playing zills was a great addition to highlight these
folkloric steps.
This is a
DVD set that should be on any instructor’s shelf as well as any dancer looking
to drive basics home. And I agree with
the web site statement: It is
challenging and truly effective!
Purchase
Here
