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The Heartbeat of Bellydance with Jenna DVD Review

Last Updated on January 25, 2024

DVD review of the Heartbeat belly dance DVD

General impression of the DVD

This belly dance instructional DVD impressed me for the clarity with which belly dancer Jenna explains and breaks down every single move.

Also, Arabic rhythms are explained very well by Raqui and the overall quality of the video is excellent and highly professional.

The fact that The ‘Heartbeat of Bellydance’ includes a section on Arabic rhythms, makes it even more complete, helping you to better understand belly dance music.

Heartbeat Belly Dance Overview

Content

The DVD (or online version if you choose) is divided into four parts:

Warm-up routine.
Rhythm workshop.
Choreography workshop.
Shimmy drills

The choreography workshop is made up of three belly dance drum solo routines.

This section has its own submenu, with the option to choose among three routines for three different levels of belly dancing experience: beginners, intermediate and advanced.

Each level starts with a belly dance drum solo performance, which then is broken down very clearly and in detail.

The part where the belly dance routines are explained is set in a big and bright dance studio and Jenna is standing in front of a mirror. This makes it easier for the viewer to see every movement that belly dancer Jenna does, from front and back.

Jenna’s figure stands out very clearly from the background because of the colors of the garments she is wearing.

Jenna in the instructional part of the video is wearing a simple outfit (dark tights, a short top, and a plain hip scarf in a contrasting color) that helps the viewer see clearly every movement of her body.

Following the instructions in this belly dance DVD almost feels as though you were standing in the same room as Jenna, so clearly, the moves are explained.

The rhythm workshop focuses on some of the most common Arabic Rhythms, such as Saidi, Baladi, Masmoudi, and more.

The drummer, Raquy, breaks down each rhythm, and belly dancer Jenna gives a brief demonstration of improvisation to each of the explained rhythms.

The shimmy drills consist of two parts: ¾ shimmy drill and shimmy layering drill.

Again, Jenna starts slowly, by breaking down these movements that are so important for every belly dancer to master and then speeds up.

Advised Level

Tip: Jenna’s and Raquy’s Heartbeat of Belly Dance is an instructional DVD that I think is perfect for belly dancers at an intermediate level.

Although the movements are broken down very well, the viewer still needs a basic understanding of at least the main belly dance movements.

The routines can be used by the viewer during their belly dance performance as they are, or they can provide some ideas on new moves and transitions.

The advanced belly dancer may find this DVD too basic; however, even an advanced belly dancer could get some inspiration and ideas on movements and shimmies.

Dr Valeria Lo Iacono

Dr Valeria Lo Iacono is a belly dancer and a dance researcher with a PhD in dance and heritage. Valeria also teaches and performs as a belly dance but also enjoys learning ballet, jazz dance and other dance genres.