As printed in the Fall 2006 Issue of The Belly Dancer Magazine

DVD - "Evolution, Tribal Fusion

Bellydance Performances"

Produced By Peko Records

As Reveiwed by Naj of The Belly Dance Shoppe

     Finally a DVD of Tribal Fusion performance! Evolution is a well-made DVD with exceptional staging, great photography and a vast array of performances. For Tribal enthusiasts, this is a must have. For oriental dancers, there is much to learn from the choreography patterns and stage use. The DVD also includes a short bio of each dancer and information about the evolution of Tribal Fusion Belly Dance.

     Each one of the presentations has many special features to watch. Kami Liddle has extreme backbends, sinewy moves and precise hip moves. Urban Tribal Dance Co is an extraordinary duo whose moves flow from one to the other, then mirror each other, and then to perform as one. Zoe Jakes performance is precision. Her accents run the gamut from tiny shoulder snaps to crisp hips to a sharp knee drop. Ava Fleming opens her sultry number from the floor with a gorgeous backbend lift and continues to a sword dance with deep knee bends, articulate hips, shimmies and fabulous floor-work.

     Next with a change of pace to a more energetic number, Domba's choreography is a tapestry weaving various grouping of their 7 members performing African, Bollywood and Bhangra inspired segments throughout their presentation.  Next, Karis proves there are more ways to twirl a hoop than you have ever imagined. Literally dancing in and out of a hoop, you will be amazed at her non-stop hoop work as she spins the hoop from her fingertips to her ankles to her toes and much more.

     The pace slows down for Elizabeth Strong's more traditional sword solo. She artfully includes splits, floor rolls, and crawls. The quartet Devidas treats us with sculptures in dance performing with Asian Fingers, Fans and more. Meleah brings us her innovative Afro Belly Dance. Her performance is exhilarating and oh so dramatic. Aubre includes floor- work and undulating moves. She becomes one with the percussion as fluid moves end in many small locks. Urban gypsy calls us with a flaming didgeridoo. They will mystify and excite you with flaming fingers, fire eating, poi and a flaming hoop dance.

     Add this DVD to your collection. It is great watching. It will inspire you in many ways.