As Printed in the Quarter 4/2005 Issue of The Belly Dancer Magazine

Saroyan Presents:

How to Belly Dance with DONDI

Review by Oberon

     I applaud Harry Saroyan's choice of the creamy, dreamy,  Dondi Dahlin, as his orator and instructor on this polished DVD.  She is the perfect, patient teacher with a slow, steady voice and mannerism - completely approachable,  for future devotees of every age.

     Dondi begins the lecture in front of a soft evening, Ageanesque ocean, transitioning to a perfectly manicured studio space, dressed out in Corinthian columns, all wound with ivy and gold cloth against a sueded pink wall. Drummer Issam Houshan is perched on a small raised stage, appropriately covered with an oriental carpet. He  accompanies Dondi who is now joined by the dancers Miranda and Nadirah.

     Once it is clearly understood, that this DVD is an introduction for non-dancers attracted to our dance, the viewer can lean back and appreciate the slow clean instruction that will be useful for teaching even the youngest dancer. It has a charming coyness to the script with instruction for "modest accents" and where to push your "Tush".

     "Dahlin " Dondi, leads us through the world of hip bumps, amis, forward and backward figure 8's, big  hip circles, Upper Body Undulations, shoulder shimmies, hip lifts with walk, Grapevines, "u's" and spins.

     Honestly, experienced dancers and teachers will find some moves well articulated and take issue with the mechanics and appearance of others. We all have our preferences … but, if you're teaching beginners, and even if you're not, here are the reasons to add this to your dance library collection.

     Dondi Dahlin, committing disarming, live club performances in stunning professional costuming to energetic music by musicians, Raja, Harry Saroyan, Issam Housham and Jonny Elian. 

     The cleverly included out - takes of  Director, the handsome Harry Saroyan with cast and crew, ( a little bit of history) … and overall, a professional, soft and alluring invitation to our dance art  … but hey guys, next time can we call it Middle Eastern Dance?