The Bellydancers of Cairo
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DVD details
Actor: Various ArtistsBrand: BELLYDANCERS OF CAIRO, THE (DVD MOVIE)
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: AC-3, Color, Compilation, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 73 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-09-12
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Ark 21
DVD Reviews of The Bellydancers of Cairo
DVD Review: Just barely begins to scratch the surface
Summary: 4 Stars
I had really high hopes for this documentary and it certainly covers topics which are of both importance and interest. The reason I gave this only 4 stars is not because the content or production was good but rather that it lacked the proper depth. I understand that producing something with a limited budget poses serious limitations but at the same time if you don't go in-depth enough it's still almost wasted money. For example, religion plays a huge part in the acceptance of bellydance as a social practice and as a performing art yet all we really hear is an anonymous look into religions role by an unidentified man. While I would respect the unidentified man's testimony regarding a general public view I cannot take his views on religion seriously without some credentials. I'm sure that while in Egypt they could have stoped by Al-Azhar and asked for someone to talk with about this. If you want to know what the religon says and how that's been interpreted you should go to a source who has proper credentials. It would also have been nice to hear from the dancers how they reconcile seemingly contraditory religious beliefs with their professions. In addition the majority of information we are given by someone about Islamic beliefs revolves around an incomplete section regarding hijab and modesty but is not backed up by the Qur'anic veres and supporting hadith. This documentary did do a very good job of exploring some of the socio-cultural dynamics of choosing this profession and how that affects both performers and their families but even this could have been explored on a deeper level. Although I sort of felt this throughout the entire production it's especially clear through the directors commentary (part of the special features) that this is presented with a western slant. It very much presents a western bias in taking in the information to the point where an Arab or Muslim viewer would probably feel a little jaded. It is not a very neutrally presented documentary with all it's biases and does tend to not only present things from a western view but also gives the interpretation of that being the proper ideology that one should have. All in all you can't expect a single, self-produced documentary to present the sort of in-depth knowledge that would take the discovery channel a couple million and an entire series to properly showcase. If your a bellydancer, dance ethnologist, or just interested in bellydance, Egypt, or performing arts in general I'd still recommend this documentary since what is covered is still good and at least gives a starting point for further research and exploration. Just keep in mind if you really want to understand the content you will need to do further research and it will probably be an extensive amount of research which you would need to do. As for people upset about not seeing full performances, keep in mind this is a documentary on the position of dancers in Egypt on the social and culturual scale and not simply biographies or performances of them. It does show short clips throughout the film but it does not include full performances in the documentary itself. It does however include quite a few full performances in the special features section of the DVD. The performances themself could be sold as a seperate video for nearly the same price so if you think about it this is almost a two-for-one deal.DVD Review: "Moving In An Oriental Way" ~ The Trials And Tribulations Accompanying That Feeling In The Pelvis
Summary: 5 Stars
Journey to Cairo, Egypt along with Natasha Senovich, an America bellydancer and explore the 'Mecca in the Art of the Bellydance' as it struggles to survive in an ever-growing environment of hostility as the culture of its birth evolves into a more conservative, Islamic mindset. Natasha's informative, educational, entertaining and sensual documentary 'The Bellydancers of Cairo' is an absolute treat from beginning to end comprised of interviews with contemporary performers, famous and obscure, video clips and still photos from famous dancers in the past. The viewer will move from 5 star clubs located in the best hotels in Cairo to small off-the-beaten-path cabarets in less accessible locations of the city.
Viewing the night life of this exotic city and it's most sensual bellydancers in their natural environment is would surely be enough to make this DVD a worthwhile watch. But there is so much more to this program than that. The production also does a marvelous job at investigating the contemporary cultural attitudes towards this art form in the light of tightening Islamic conservatism in Egypt and the difficult, sometimes dangerous situation the dancer is put in. The courage and determination it takes to become a practitioner of this glorious and sensual art will definitely surprise and amaze the novice viewer and most certainly inspire dancers outside the confines of the Middle East to covet and sustain the dance for future generations.
The DVD also contains a fascinating 'Director's Commentary' and 9 live, intimate performances from some of Cairo's best bellydancer's! If you own only one bellydancing DVD this should be it!
DVD Review: Love authentic performances
Summary: 4 Stars
I like to see the Egyptian bellydancers do authentic bellydance. Its great to compare the difference. Now American bellydancer though to me are so much more perfected in their movements. Also, the facial expression we use are more natural in my opinion, since we dont have to beg people to accept our dance. Interesting documentation.DVD Review: Insightful look into dance in Egypt
Summary: 4 Stars
This documentary gives the viewer a glimpse into the recent history of bellydance in Egypt, and a cultural context in which to understand it. It gives a very insightful and honest view of cultural and religious barriers as well as the passion that drives women to persevere as dancers in Egypt. Several professional dancers are interviewed and share their stories of hardship, discrimination, joy and success. Included in the bonus features are performances by these dancers, which gives a great overview of the different styles and types of performance within the bellydance genera. I have to mention that this film is not high budget, though the quality of the information and "insider's look" into such a complex world is makes up for it by far. A must-see for anyone who is serious about bellydance.DVD Review: I loved it!
Summary: 5 Stars
This DVD was fascinating. It does a great job of exploring Egyptian attitudes toward belly dance as well as the history. There aren't many belly dance documentaries out there... I hope they make more!
Description of The Bellydancers of Cairo
Join American bellydancer Natasha Senkovich as she journeys to Egypt and speaks to many Oriental dancers - from the struggling Cabaret performers to the very famous, sexy Dina and the legendary Nagwa Fuad. With unprecedented access, we see them perform and hear them share their personal stories of conflict and struggle they have experienced throughout their careers. This fascinating documentary provides a unique look into the lives of these most unusually strong women. Born into a world where a woman is expected to be covered and demure, they achieve independence and wealth by taking great risks and flaunting their sensuality. It also explores the controversial question of prostitution, which is how most dancers are regarded in the Middle Eastern societies...plus the history of Oriental Dance, and its decline as a result of growing conservatism in the Middle East.General DVDs
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