Secrets of the Stage Volume One: A Performance Course for Belly Dancers by Michelle Joyce

What can I say about this dvd that hasn't already been said? IT IS FANTASTIC! Even though I only perform at student haflas (once in a Blue, Blue Moon) this dvd will be an invaluable tool in helping me to be more in touch with my music, emotions and, especially, the audience.I've watched "Secrets of the Stage" in its entirety several times and, now, I'm going back to thoroughly study the sections individually. Each is a mini-workshop with some of the most talented bellydancers in the world.I won't go over the details of material contained on this dvd (the first review did a marveous job of that!) I'll just say that this is an absolute must have for any bellydancer contemplating taking to the stage either professionally or just for fun.Many thanks, Michelle! Your dvds are wonderful!

This video has solid advice for those who are beginning a career in performing belly dancing. The narrator has a friendly, down-to-earth style, and a clear speaking voice. I particularly enjoyed the segments where performers told us in their own words about their struggles with stage props, stage fright, and their solutions for various performance issues---these segments were voiced-over their actual performances. The segment with the performer dancing on goblets was particularly enlightening for me. The segment of relaxation exercises at the end would be useful to those who have issues with stage fright. This DVD has good photography and played fine on my DVD player, but I was not able to get it to play on my computer. I don't know whether this was because of the DVD or because of something quirky with my computer.

The only way I can watch this DVD is to put it in my laptop and spend quite a bit of time clicking, clicking, and clicking again on the individual chapters. I'm assuming it's because this was recorded on a DVD-R disk. I have not been able to play it in my two-year-old DVD player, nor will it play automatically in any of my computers through media player. Once I've had an opportunity to watch the whole thing, I'll get back to this page and give it a review on the contents.

This DVD is a pretty DVD. The dancers are pretty, their routines are pretty. If that is what you want, you may be pleased with this. Be warned that you are paying for a lot of black screen, as the screen is black for the duration of the relaxation exercise and the improvisation exercise. There is much talk of what to do, yet I find myself asking, "Okay, are you going to tell the student HOW to do what you just told her to do?" The DVD also did not play in the standard manner on my computer. I had to try 3 different ways of playing it to get it to finally play(that could be solely my fault, as I am not used to all the computer stuff). Other than that, it is well put-together.

I love this DVD! In addition to exposing me to some very talented dancers with whom I was previously unfamiliar, I glean those performers' perspectives on choreographing, listening to music, trouble-shooting while performing, approaches to creating stage presence. . .all while watching their performances! When I have a performance coming up, I'll often play this DVD while ironing, grooming, getting ready for bed during the week prior to the gig. Even if I can't watch it, I find listening to the dancers to be very supportive and encouraging. As each performance begins, the dancer's name and the name of the musical piece and the main artist appears. Identifying the music and musicians is important to me, and this way I'm also introduced to some great music!

Hi ! I ordered this dvd because I have been performing for years and never quite satisfied with myself ! I was very moved while I watched these beautiful dancers who did great with what they had : themselves ! It reminded me that nobody is perfect and that's part of the emotion a performance may bring.Behind the stage there is a lot of work and a lot of humanity !Congratulations to these wonderful great grand grand daughters of Isadora Duncan, Loïe Fuller and so on. I wish long life to female expression of oneself through dance ! I shall not listen to bad spirits who said that american bellydancer didn't quite get it !

This is an amazing DVD for all bellydancers in any stage of their learning and dancing ability. Highly motivation, adds common sense to stressful situations that a dancer will come across at one time of another, and it makes a nice reassurance that the show will go on with a smile and a shimmy and not to sweat it.Thank you! And I look forward to Volume 2 :o)

Wow, finally all the secrets are out. This DVD tells you how to relate to the audience, how to project yourself as a dancer, how music is the key to performing, practical exercises to do when you get nervous - and lots more! Well presented format with bellydancing footage to watch while you think about the topic being demonstrated. Waiting for volume 2!