Review of the DVD “Lifting the Veil of Time”

By Nizana

     If you are interested in an historical, demonstrative, educational opportunity representing Middle Eastern Dance, this is the DVD for you. If you are more interested in flashy performance, ultra-modern presentations or instructional technique, it may not be your cup of tea. The DVD “Serpentine Communications presents - Lifting the Veil of Time-Middle Eastern Dance Through the Ages” came in lovely packaging, with inserts. One of the inserts had descriptions of each of the dances, which was helpful and informative. It was spoken from the women’s perspective, and as Artemis shares on the DVD, discussed some of the challenges Middle Eastern women have faced over time, especially while trying to express themselves through dance. Artemis Mourat, along with performances by Yasmin, Habiba, Kawakib, Latifa, Amira Yasmine, and Adena, perform in this one hour DVD, which traces the evolution of Middle Eastern dancing. The dances represented include an interpretive Ancient piece, Persian Court Dance, Veil, Saudi Arabian Women‘s Dance, Turkish Spoons, Finger Cymbal Solo (with no musical accompaniment!), Egyptian Cane, Sword, Skirt/Karsilima, Turkish Rom/Gypsy, Cabaret, and a Drum Solo. The drum solo captured clips of the different dancers performing in cabaret to the same song at separate times. Each of the other numbers are performed by one of the soloists, all of who did their routines justice. 

     I ordered the DVD, desiring more information as an instructor, which I got. The photography and art work of the dances from years past were blended throughout. Some I recognized from reviewing other subject literature or media sources. The camera work allowed the viewer to see the entire dancer close up for each routine, which I appreciated, versus a lot of cutting in and out with fancy shots and angles. Artemis provided the narration for the DVD, which was adapted from an event presented by the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission called “Dance and Music of the Middle East.” The variety of music included some of my favorite classical songs.

     I found the documentary/film interesting, especially when they presented information that I had learned elsewhere to be somewhat different. For example, I had been taught by more than one instructor that the veil was a modern, or even “American” addition to the dance. Not so, according to the research done by Artemis. She demonstrates some veil movements evoked by ancient Greek dancers; Artemis is of Greek and Turkish descent. (Artemis has an extensive background in research and education of dance history.) Another interesting and different aspect was the video presentation. For some of the dances, the artwork or photos of the dance being performed took up part of the screen, with the dancer taking up the other part of the screen. Seeing the comparison of current and past "versions" of the dance was unique.  I enjoyed the DVD, but wish it were a little longer, as I would have liked to have seen perhaps a Oulid Nail, Saidi, Debke, or some additional folkloric styles of ME dance, perhaps done with a duet or group to break up all of the solos. An hour of dance is never enough for me anyway….. While I realize you can’t cover everything, it left me wanting a “Volume 2” to show the continued evolution, as this dance style has continued to grow, expand and flourish. 

     I received my DVD shortly after I ordered it, and included free shipping, so was very pleased with the online ordering process. This DVD can be ordered through www.serpentine.org/video/veil.html which takes you to www.FranceVision.com 

Artemis Mourat will be in a show and workshop in Spokane Oct 6-7 in "La Danse Oriental." For details, go to Info@BellydancersUnlimited.com