{"id":4448,"date":"2012-09-18T15:30:11","date_gmt":"2012-09-18T22:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/?p=4448"},"modified":"2012-09-18T15:31:27","modified_gmt":"2012-09-18T22:31:27","slug":"martha-dvd-review-layers-and-levels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/2012\/09\/18\/martha-dvd-review-layers-and-levels\/","title":{"rendered":"Layers and Levels:"},"content":{"rendered":"

“Layers with Leyla”,
\n “5-Layers from the Ground Up” with Nadira<\/h2>\n

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DVD reviews by Martha Duran<\/a>
\nposted September 18, 2012<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you are a dancer who loves dancing with the guidance of a choreography involving complex moves and intricate combinations (like me, for instance), then you are always on the lookout for the release of new DVDs about layering–in search of fresh new combinations that can enhance and advance your performances. Recently, I was given the opportunity to review two DVDs that offer completely different perspectives concerning layering:<\/p>\n

\"leyla\"A DVD with Leyla Jouvana “Layers with Leyla” <\/p>\n

This is another outstanding production from a leading Belly dance instructor, Leyla Jouvana<\/span>; it is a formidable DVD of dance drills that superimposes shimmies (and shivering also) while working various parts of your body.<\/p>\n

In this lesson, Leyla teaches several different layers that may be used in one’s formal choreography or worked into casual improvisation. Leyla demonstrates, teaches, and practices vertical figure eight hip work (called “Mayas” by some dancers) with nicely layered arm and hand movements, traveling Mayas, and other alternative choices. In these cases, the term “layering” denotes accomplishing complete and finished dance movements in separate parts of the dancer’s body at the same time rather than superimposing two types of movement to the same basic dance movement in one location. <\/p>\n

Leyla takes time to demonstrate her suggestions and explain how to do each move aided by her drummer, Roland<\/span>, who accompanies her with his clearly delineated drum rhythms, making it easier to relate and integrate one movement with another.<\/p>\n

This DVD starts from a simple beginning level and works up to a level suitable for seasoned dancers. “Layers with Leyla” is a two hour DVD and after the first 20 minutes run-time, dancers are in for a heavy workout; it is a non-stop dance-along style DVD. One can learn a lot from Leyla; so, be ready to work and learn! The DVD is as high quality as Leyla’s other productions; recorded in a calm, pleasant atmosphere. The menu of the DVD contents is segmented in an logical way, helping the viewer to located whatever is wanted without the necessity of going through the whole DVD to get to one particular section.<\/p>\n

Roland’s percussion fits the moves that Leyla teaches, letting viewers feel each beat, just as if he were drumming in your own studio or living room! The bonus performance alone included in this production was worth purchasing the DVD. <\/p>\n

I rate this DVD four zills for students and three zills for a teacher or professional dancer.<\/p>\n

Rating: 4 zills
\n \"Zil<\/h4>\n

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