AZIZA RAKS!
THE PASSION OF BELLY DANCE – COLLECTORS EDITION
As Reviewed by Nabeela el Shalimar
Even as I sit down to write this evaluation of Aziza Raks I am still enjoying how entertaining this DVD is. For those, unfortunate enough to not have heard of Aziza I can only say “how sad for you”. For those who have not yet studied with her “put her on the Must-Do list”. It appears as though she just burst on the belly dance scene in the last few years. Untrue. Aziza has a long history of dance and it shows in how well she is able to articulate these dances. Starting with ballet, she had studied African, jazz, and Tahitian before finding her way to Middle Eastern Dance. As with many of us she fell in love with the possibilities and is now a devotee. She both teaches and performs internationally and is in demand at many sell-out functions. For a more complete overview of her dance history see the previous issue of THE Belly Dancer MAGAZINE , publication: (April 2004, QTR2) or zap her up via the PC at: azizashimmy.com.
I was asked to review Aziza Raks on DVD and found this format a wonderful way to view the contents. The entire work is done in a staged-for-cabaret-setting. There are ten (10) different performances based around Egyptian music. You can view Aziza in performance with classical music as well as Saidi, Baladi, or Egyptian pop. Of course there is the expected drum solo. That one is Yeow ! All are danced in a variety of exquisite cabaret costumes.
Let’s take a random stroll through the contents so you get an overview. The opening has a lot of double exposure using a very fancy background. There is the backdrop, carpet, hands of Oudist playing and curtains. A bit of overkill here, I felt. Is it a tent, temple or a club? The backdrop, done by David Ludwig, gets lost on the set. You can read a scripted biography of Aziza and a quick history of Belly Dance. This is good for the novice and any non-dancing viewer. This generic dance history lessons gives not only some knowledge but puts the dance in perspective. Credits are given and then the DVD moves smoothly into the performing portion.
Sallam Alay is listed as an Egyptian Saidi. It moves from an oud taxim to cheftetelli and from there to Beledi with a fellah accent. You are captivated immediately by the performance. Subtitles are not needed to define the wonderful melding of dancer and music. There are many belly dance standards like ‘Tamar Henna, Sahra Saidi, Btwanes Beek and Zaina. I am the worst with titles, so much of the time I listen to the music and then recognize it. (Of course my version may have a different title depending on who published it. That is a different article.) In dancing to Tamar Henna, Aziza seemed to pick and choose from the body of music with excellent use of accents. As with Sahra Saidi, the only drum solo, there are a variety of moods in the piece as well as speeds and it is all danced with a relaxed ease that any will admire. This is such fun to watch. At all times Aziza danced up to this music but she made it look so effortless. Luxor Balama is a Saidi number I have seen many times danced with a cane. That is not done here. It was still done in a flirty- bouncy style but it was wonderful to see a different interpretation. Aziza used zills in only one number but was right-on with them, Ana Fl Intizarak. Watching this you enjoy fabulous level changes with deep emotional investment. The same would be true of Batwanes Beek. Aziza seems to really enjoy dancing to both of these. One is played in the classic style and the other is Egyptian pop. In both you can see dramatic sweeps, emotional variation, subtle nuance and surprising level changes. In both, the music seems to work through her. In giving herself over to the music the performance becomes powerful and dramatic. Salamat Ya Om Hassan, another standard is unrelenting in it’s energy. This one requires constant movement. Aziza indeed moves, with many overlays to add dimension to the music. This outstanding piece shows off both Aziza and the musicians. Alas the only drawback in performance viewing was with Alf Leyla Wa Leyla and Zeina both classical pieces. With Alf Leyla Wa Leyla the dance was nice but I felt she kept changing focus and is unsettled in her approach. With Zeina the performance was predictable and somewhat lackluster. Though both are enjoyable to watch the energy level expected was lacking. Throughout the performances you see a variety of moods. This is a class act, dance done with dignity, playfulness, smiles, and joy.
The special features for the DVD version give you an Interactive Menu, Chapter Selections and more. This is somewhat like a visual version of a CD. This way you can pick and choose what to watch when. Repeat portions without the hunt. To top it off, if you wish you can buy a CD soundtrack of the music. It is listed as Aziza Raks! , HMC 1302. If you are not DVD ready you can still purchase the viewing portion via Video Cassette. Of course you don’t get all the cool special features but you will still get a dynamite viewing experience.
As I said at the beginning I’m still enjoying. This is indeed a great viewing experience. I feel as though having it as part of my “ viewing for entertainment” has helped put a little more luster on the shelves. This is quality. Good music, done with three cameras, professional lighting, lovely costumes and astounding performances. I generally don’t gush but I can’t help it. Aziza Raks is a true find for anyone who wants the best. You will indeed watch this over and over. You can’t go wrong here.
Forever Dancing, Nabeela el Shalimar